Extension’s Recognition Committee has recognized many of our staff over the past few weeks, including two new awards developed by the committee, the Innovative Delivery Method and Rapid Response awards.

Receiving Professional Courtesy awards this year are Sharon Hughes and Michele King. Sharon was noted for “her commitment to professionalism and her dedication to providing the best possible experience for our workshop participants, critically important reasons for the success of the Water Resources Program.” In nominating Michele, it was noted she “consistently performs beyond expectations. She was the guiding force behind the very successful Northeast Regional Volunteer Leader Forum. This conference showcased Michele’s great organizational skills, creativity and dedication.”

The Diversity and Pluralism award this year went to the HEAL Web Development Team. As an organization, Cooperative Extension promotes a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and productivity and in nominating this team, it was noted it provides an outstanding example of this standard to which we aspire as an organization. Recipients include Deb Luppold, Karen Balnis, Charlene Baxter, Peg Boyles, Sue Cagle, Brenda Carey, Deb Cheever, Kim Dorval, Scott Estle, Andy Fast, Patricia Halpin, Colette Janson-Sand, Martha Judson, Robin Peters and Terri Schoppmeyer.

The Rapid Response award, recognizing those who develop a new educational tool, process or collaboration in response to a critical or emerging issue, went to the Cheshire County staff and Karen Bennett this year.

The Cheshire County staff received recognition for development of “Now What? Coping with the Ice Storm” of December, 2008, providing immediate information on how county residents could recover from the devastating storm. Cheshire County staff recognized included Carl Majewski, Nancy Bradford-Sisson, Christine Parshall, Steve Roberge, Andrea Sawyer, Diane Dugray, Diana Fiorey and Lauren Bressett.

Karen Bennett received her Rapid Response award for her leadership of the forestry educators in response to the July, 2008, tornado. She also provided leadership for the NH Division of Forests and Lands' response as well.

The Innovative Delivery Method award went to Michael Toepfer, for development of an online database system used to record, track and three-dimensionally observe marine debris.

The Performance Beyond Expectation this year went to Geoffrey Njue. Nominated by his colleagues in the Strafford County Extension office, they noted he had successfully worked through a complete office move, a County Conversation, a Civil Rights review, and an unexpected county budget crisis. “Throughout our current County budget crisis, Geoffrey displayed an outstanding mix of leadership, courage, effort, patience, and coordination skills, along with a much-needed and inspiring "Obama-like" coolness.”

Thom Linehan was this year’s recipient of the Program of Distinction award for his NH Grandparents and Relatives as Parents (NH RAPP) program. The first NH Grandparents and Relatives As Parents conference October 16, 2008 was the result of strong leadership and effective collaboration with partners. At the center of this educational focus was Extension Educator Thom Linehan, who continues to provide management and coordination of NH RAPP.

Seth Wilner, who received the award at the April 30 State Advisory Council, was this year’s recipient of the Maynard and Audrey Heckel award, recognizing Cooperative Extension educators for exemplary program accomplishments achieved through innovative and creative approaches.

You can learn more about Seth’s Whole Farm Planning Using the Holistic Management Process program from my earlier announcement of the award, and take a look at his State Advisory Council presentation. Seth is shown in the photo to the right with his wife, Ann Spencer, as I presented him with his award.