Bob Edwards, an insurance agent and a volunteer at the FreeStore/FoodBank, was amazed when he was asked to chair a Rubber Duck Regatta 10 years ago.

His first response was: "You must be nuts."

Ten years later, after heading the drive and raising close to $2 million for the agency, the idea doesn't sound so nutty, Edwards said.

Edwards and other volunteers are gearing up for the 10th anniversary of the Regatta on Sept. 5.

"Plans are to drop 100,000 rubber ducks into the Ohio River off the Purple People Bridge at 3 p.m.," Edwards said. "All proceeds from the event go directly to the FreeStore/FoodBank. This Regatta is the largest in the world."

Bob Edwards and Cathy Boston are in charge of the Rubber Duck Regatta taking place Sept. 5. About 100,000 rubber ducks will be released into the Ohio River, with the proceeds of the duck sales going to the FreeStore/ FoodBank. It's the 10th year for the regatta. The Enquirer/SARAH CONARD

You can adopt a duck for $5 by calling 929-DUCK (3825), Edwards said. He said $100 pays for 24 ducks.

After the ducks are numbered and dropped into the river, they float about 200 yards to the Public Landing. The owner of the first duck to cross the finish line wins a 2004 Toyota Tacoma truck.

Anyone wishing to volunteer may call 482-7543.

"We need to raise $500,000 to feed the needy. Demands for help have gone up, but our revenue has not," said Cathy Boston, volunteer coordinator for the agency.

SCA Promotions Inc. selects one duck in every 3,333 in the race as a Provident Bank Million Dollar Duck. If the first-place-winning duck is one of those, the owner could win $1 million.

Awards for teachers

It's time for teachers to step up to the plate and be honored - those teachers who go that extra mile with students others don't give a chance, the ones with patience for slow learners, and those who are able to see something in a student no one else sees.

DisneyHand is looking for such teachers. Nominations are being accepted through Oct. 15 for teachers, grades K-12, for the 2005 DisneyHand Teacher Awards.

Nominations may be submitted by calling (877) 282-8322 or by logging on to www.disneyhand.com.

"The DisneyHand Teacher Awards recognize deserving teachers for the excellence they have displayed in the classroom, for their creativity, inspiration and dedication to their students' success," said Jody Dreyer, senior vice president of Disney Worldwide Outreach.

In 15 years, the program has honored more than 500 teachers and contributed more than $100 million to teachers and schools.

The awards carry cash prizes for teachers and their schools.

The 2004 winner was Jeffrey Thompson, a kindergarten teacher at Evergreen Elementary school on the Fort Lewis, Wash., military post. He took home $40,000 and $5,000 for his school. Each of the other 38 honorees won $10,000 each and $5,000 each for their schools.

New second lieutenant

Weather officer Stephen Moorhead has been commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala.

The St. Xavier High School and Ohio State University graduate is the son of Cynthia and David Moorhead of Colerain Township.

Medal awarded

Army Spc. Robert Woolwine, a gunner assigned to Buedingen, Germany, has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The medal is awarded to individuals who, while serving with the Army, have distinguished themselves by acts of achievement.

The Lakota High School graduate is the son of Carolee Woolwine of West Chester Township.

Basic training graduates

These airmen have graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas:

Scott Burkhart, La Salle High School graduate, son of Joan and Mike Burkhart of Monfort Heights; Robert Anderson Jr., Walnut Hills High School graduate, son of Bonnie Hambrick of Westwood; Aaron Walters, Wyoming High School graduate, son of Marilyn Cremisio of Finneytown and Daniel Walters of Wyoming; Michael Williams, Anderson High School graduate, son of Debbie and stepson of Dave Battin of Anderson Township; Lejoshua Whiting, Winton Woods High School graduate, son of Esther Whiting of Forest Park; Shawn DeNoma, Reading Junior/Senior High School graduate, son of Sandy Mitsch of Reading; Stephen Mathews, Oak Hills High School graduate, son of Misty Combs of Delhi Township; Heather Carter, Seton High School graduate, daughter of Hope Carter of Harrison and Bryan Carter of Delhi Township; Lauren Ewashko, daughter of Rita and Leon Ewashko of West Chester Township; Timika Ferguson, Woodward High School graduate; Lawrence Tucker, North College Hill High School graduate, son of Andrea and Lawrence Solomon of North College Hill; and Todd Bryant, Scarlet Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development graduate, son of Becky Bryant of Montgomery.

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