Charles G. Edwards of Delhi Township was awarded the Patriot Medal and certificate last week by the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution at its 114th annual conference in Springfield.

The award is the highest award given for service at the state or chapter level.

Edwards received the honor for his outstanding service to the state and local chapters.

"I feel great about receiving the honor," Edwards said. "I have devoted a lot of time to SAR in the last 20 years."

Edwards can trace four of his great-grandparents who served in the American Revolution: Samuel Craig, John Bowser, Peter Miller and Benjamin Boone, who was a cousin of Daniel Boone.

Edwards erected a historic marker at the internment camp near Cleves along the Great Miami River on Aug. 25, 2001.

"This is where 64 American soldiers were held prisoners by Indians from Aug. 25 to Sept. 15, 1781," Edwards said.

The medal is sterling silver and bears the portrait of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who selected the medal's design.

The medal was given posthumously to Gen. MacArthur at his tomb in Norfolk, Va., on October 19, 1964, where it is on permanent display.

The Sons of the American Revolution was organized in 1889. It has a national membership of 27,000. The Ohio society has 1,300 members.

About 300 people ignored the drenching weather May 10 to climb 200 steps to raise money for Climb for Crossroad, a fund-raiser for the Crossroad Health Center, 5 E. Liberty St., Over-the-Rhine.

Jo Ann Reilly, public information officer, said there weren't as many participants as expected, but the group still raised about $30,000.

"This is about what we raised last year," she said. "We had hoped to double what was done last year."

The annual event helps to offset the costs of uninsured health-care visits.

The walkers gathered at the center and then moved up the steps, zigzagging among Boal, Milton and Liberty streets and ended in Mount Auburn near God's Bible School and College.

"This was a great opportunity for everyone to get some exercise and help raise money for a wonderful cause," said Julie Schubert, climb chairwoman.

Crossroad Health Center medical director Dave Rahner said about 30 percent of the patients treated at the center are uninsured.

"Each year, we must raise money to offset these costs and the climb is a fun way to involve people," Rahner said.

Entertainment during the gathering at the center included the Santa's Goody Bag Band, the McNicholas High School Salsa Dancers, Debonair, Lazarus and the God Squad.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.