Cooperative Extension staff from throughout the state enjoyed a full day of workshops and activities May 16 at our annual conference at UNH's Memorial Union Building.

Highlights included the awarding of the sixth Maynard & Audrey Heckel Extension Educator Fellowship to Charlie French, an introduction of new staff and a great keynote address by Dr. Woodie Flowers, the Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachuetts Institute of Technology and a Distinguished Partner at Olin College, who talked about "Gracious Professionalism."

The 2007 "Friend of Extension" award was presented to Joe Stone, of Deerfield, a retired New Hampshire legislator who served on the Rockingham County Advisory Council, for his many years of support and commitment to Extension. He is shown in the photo to the left.

Also on hand was Steve Taylor, recognized for his support of Extension throughout his 25-year career as New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture.

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of several awards, including the Professional Courtesy Award to Janell George, Hillsborough County, and Nancy Oakley, Moiles House. Receiving the Diversity and Pluralism award were Thom Linehan and Sharon Cowen, Extension Educators, Family & Consumer Resources, and Awilda Muniz, Educational Program Coordinator, Nutrition Connections.

There were three recipients for the Program of Distinction award: Gail Kennedy, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Resources and Nancy Berry, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, David Leonard, Educational Program Coordinator, Food & Nutrition, and Amanda Stone, Community Conservation Assistance Coordinator. Four staff members received the Performance Beyond Expectations award: Alan Eaton, Extension Professor/Specialist, Entomology, Jim Grady, Associate Director, Steve Judd, Manager, Information Technology & Distance Education and Seth Wilner, Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources.

UNH Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Bruce Mallory offered remarks during the recognition program. Special thanks to the Conference Planning Committee for their excellent work in designing this educational and fun-filled event. Members are Charlene Baxter, Shane Bradt, Sue Cagle, David Foote, Becky Levesque, Sadie Puglisi, Gail Ramsey, Deb Russell, Sarah Smith, Barbara Wright and Holly Young.