Over 250 4-H teen and adult volunteers and Extension staff from the 12 Northeast states met October 23-26 in Manchester at the 2008 Northeast Regional Volunteer forum. The event, planned by a 25-member steering committee under the guidance of Michele King, Educational Program Coordinator for UNH Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development program, provided an environment for learning, sharing and making new friends.

Professional development was a major goal of the conference, and individuals participated in at least one new learning activity or project they could use when they returned to their state and local club. For a unique twist, the group carved over 300 pumpkins which were transported to the Keene Pumpkin Festival and about half the group traveled to Keene Saturday night to experience the event.

While attending the Thursday night opening session, I had the opportunity to watch the Parade of Flags representing the 12 states within the region and the official start of the conference. On behalf of National 4-H Council and Monsanto, I presented the Salute to Excellence Awards to Bob Bremilst of Massachusetts and Michelle Martin of New York. The group was then entertained by the talent of New Hampshire 4-H members.

Friday tours to view the great state of New Hampshire were sponsored by an Ag Enhancement Grant provided by the New England Farm Credit System. Groups visited the White Mountains, had a quilt hop, visited alternative agricultural sites and a variety of equine facilities, and toured Mt. Washington.

Liz Conrad, former Rockingham County and State Advisory Council member, hosted the agricultural tour, providing the group an education in goat meat production, and all aspects of the natural wool fiber industry. She is shown in the photo to the left, with the tour group.

Sunday the participants returned home, ready to reconvene in Delaware in 2010. Congratulations to our 4-H staff for a job well done.