A power outage didn’t stop a full day of activities as Cooperative Extension staff from throughout the state came to UNH’s Memorial Union Building Monday to attend our annual professional development conference.

Highlights included the awarding of the sixth Maynard & Audrey Heckel Extension Educator Fellowship to Paula Gregory, an introduction of new staff and a great keynote address by Gary Hirshberg, chair, president and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm. He was introduced by UNH President Mark Huddleston, who also welcomed the Extension staff from throughout the state to the UNH campus.

Hirshberg, who told staff Extension was the "bridge between the planet and consumer," received a round of applause when he announced that Stonyfield Yogurt had awarded a $2,500 grant to Bear Hill 4-H Camp in Allenstown for solar water heater panels for the dining hall.

The 2008 "Friend of Extension" award was presented to Jack Sherburne 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. (In the photo to the left, Jack Sherburne is shown receiving the "Friend of Extension" award from me. Left to right are 2007 "Friend of Extension" recipient Joe Stone, Jack Sherburne, John Pike and USNH Trustee Merle Schotanus.)

Another highlight of the day was the presentation of several awards, including the Professional Courtesy Award to Deb Anderson, Support Staff, Forestry & Wildlife, Sharon Blake, Administrative Assistant, Dean’s Office, Ann Hamilton, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Resources, and Judie Harvey, Business Service Center.

Four innovative programs received our Program of Distinction award this year, including Karyn Blass, Project C.A.S.H., Malin Clyde, NH Coverts Project, Mary Tebo, Green Roof Project, and Seth Wilner, Holistic Farming Project.

Three staff members received the Performance Beyond Expectations award: Karen Bennett, Extension Specialist, Forestry, Peg Boyles, Staff Writer/Editor, and Becky Grube, Extension Specialist, Sustainable Horticulture Production.

The Diversity and Pluralism award went to three recipients this year: Rick Alleva, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Chris Conlon, Jody Jackson and Paula Gregory - 4-H Camps, and Sarah Smith, Extension Specialist, Forest Industry.

UNH Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Bruce Mallory also offered remarks. Special thanks to the Conference Planning Committee for their excellent work in designing this educational and fun-filled event. Members are Wendy Brock, co-chair, Sue Cagle, Darrel Covell, co-chair, Tim Fleury, Michele Gagne, Lynn Garland, Gail Ramsey, Thom Linehan, Deb Russell and Holly Young.

Here's the presentation in Flash or Powerpoint presented by Gary Hirshberg at our conference and a link to the movie he mentioned.

Here's Paula Gregory's Powerpoint for the Maynard and Audrey Heckel award.