BUTLER TWP — Ron and Erin Bowser were raised in Butler County.

They never left — because it never stopped feeling like home.

“It’s a good town with good people,” Erin said of Butler. “There’s a real community feel within this county. Somebody’s down, needs help, fundraisers begin and people respond. That happens all the time around here.”

Erin is a 1997 Moniteau graduate. Now 47, she has been a Special Olympics coach in the county for 31 years. Her brother was a Special Olympian and she started coming to the organization’s events when she was 6.

She helps coach tennis, volleyball and floor ball today. Her husband, Ron, a Butler graduate, is the county Special Olympics tennis head coach and has been coaching in the organization for 12 years.

“I’ve had options to go to other places,” Ron said. “Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cochranton … There was just no reason to go. Everything we want is right here. We have so many friends in this community, lifelong friends.”

To the Bowsers, Butler County has staying power.

“I grew up here. I’ve watched others grow up here,” Erin said. “I’ve watched our athletes grow up. Val Stiffy, one of our tennis players, has been with us 15 years. Our (Special Olympics) county manager is from Slippery Rock. Our basketball coach is from Mars. Most of the others are from Butler.

“We’ve been to each other’s birthdays, weddings, everything. We’re here for each other. Good people, good jobs, just a good place to be — That’s what Butler County is.”

She said her mother was a teacher’s aide. Her father served in the Army. Her family has always been taught to give back.

“We’ve been doing that since we were little,” Erin said. “Cleaning the highways, anything to make the community better. People are so friendly and giving in this community. It felt natural to be that way. It still does.”

Besides the community feel, the Bowsers enjoy the options of activities in the county.

Ron spends a lot of time at Moraine State Park.

“It’s always a fun place to hang out,” he said. “I’ll go out there for a bike ride, to play disc golf, fish or kayak. There’s something for everybody there.”

One thing Erin is thankful for is the revitalization of downtown Butler.

“Some new restaurants and shops have popped up on Main Street over the past few years,” she pointed out. “The Penn Theater is redone and back in full operation. You’re seeing more and more people walking along the sidewalks downtown and special events are happening there.

“It’s become a bit of a hub again.”

The Bowsers know first hand the impact the Butler High School marching band has had on the community over the years — and still has today.

Ron played alto saxophone in the band. His daughter, Emily, followed in her father’s footsteps and plays the same instrument in the band.

“That band is there for every kid growing up in Butler, athletic or otherwise, to be part of something with great tradition,” he said. “The band taught me discipline, we went on trips, just so many memories there.

“Philadelphia was the farthest trip we took. Now they go to Disney World, march in parades all over the place, It’s a great experience.”

Butler County Special Olympics is now merged with other such groups and is part of the Three Rivers Association. But the athletes continue to use Butler County as prime motivation when it leaves the area for competitions.

“Butler County is their battle-cry,” Ron said. “When we huddle up before a game, they shout out ‘Butler!’ They are so proud of where they live.”

They’re not alone.

“We’ve lived here all our lives and there have been no major changes in the area or the people,” Erin said. “The only changes we’ve had have been good ones.”