The 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire presented the Friend of 4-H award to Cliff McGinnis of Pembroke and Echo Farm Puddings of Hinsdale at the 51st annual meeting of the 4-H Foundation of New Hampshire Oct. 20 at Alan's Restaurant in Boscawen.

A 4-H project "gone wild" is an explanation often given to describe Echo Farm Puddings. Beth and Courtney Hodge were seven and eight-year 4-H members respectively in the Hill and Valley 4-H Club and the Stars and Stripes 4-H clubs in Cheshire County. Beth is currently the leader of the Cows R Us 4-H club and Echo Farm leases animals to 4-H’ers to use in their dairy project. Courtney was formerly a Foundation board member. Their business is an example of what we hope happens as a result of the 4-H Youth Development program. We hope 4-H’ers will find their nitch and become productive citizens.

A goal of Echo Farm Puddings is its support of 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs throughout the state. They support the 4-H Foundation each year, providing pudding for the annual meeting. The “Pudding Break” is a signature piece of the Tom Fairchild Friend of 4-H golf tournament.

The second recipient, Cliff McGinnis, served as the state veterinarian for 19 years, from 1986-2005. Cliff is one of the founders of the Granite State Draft Horse and Pony Association in 1988 and has encouraged its annual gifts to the Foundation. Cliff served on the Merrimack County 4-H Foundation for six years, becoming the president in 1993.

He worked very closely with 4-H administration, leaders, and youth to ensure they were always well informed and aware of state regulations. He helped other local veterinarians understand the importance of the new health practices related to 4-H animals. His humor, "cut to the chase" attitude, and sense of being fair and practical, has endeared him to those that know him.

At the meeting Tuesday night, he presented the Foundation with a check for $2,000 from the Granite State Draft Horse and Pony Association to support activities in the 4-H horse program. He is shown receiving his award, above, from Vice Chair Jean Richardson.

The Foundation also elected new board members: Chair David Bishop-Bedford, Vice Chair Jean Richardson-North Sandwich, Secretary Laurie Conrad-Candia, members Jeff Brodeur-Goffstown, Rolf Carlson-Amherst, Phil Cournoyer-Jaffrey, John Porter-Boscawen, Carrie Putnam-Piermont, Shirley Sullivan-New Boston, Ed Deshain-Webster, Tiffany Briggs-Sullivan and youth members Mark Cook of Pepperell, MA, and Cacia King-Epping. Wendy Brock serves as the executive director. The board members are shown in the photo, above right.