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[Image: Fair Registration at the Fair]Adult Arts and Crafts Division Results for the Rapides Parish Fair Results from the Adult Division of the 2009 Rapides Parish Fair can be found here. [Image: Carnival Ride]Featured Events at the Rapides Parish Fair General Information on entertainment, contests, senior day and link to carnival ride prices at the Rapides Parish Fair. [Image: Image of 4-H enrollment form]4-H Enrollment Forms 4-H enrollment forms are available for download here for the 4th-6th, 7th-8th and 9th-12th grades. Feel free to photocopy the forms you need. For additional information, call the LSU AgCenter's Rapides Parish 4-H office at (318) 767-3968. [Image: Person washing hands]H1N1 (Swine Flu) Fact Sheet This article contains general information on how to protect yourself from the nationwide flu outbreak. [Image: Bagworms]Controlling Bagworms Bagworms create problems for many homeowners. Timing is critical in controlling bagworms. Open Beef Show Information The Open Beef Show will be held October 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m during the Rapides Parish Fair. [Image: Picture of hurricane]Links to Hurricane Information The LSU AgCenter provides consumers with helpful information on what to do before and after a storm. [Image: Fair Book Cover]The 2009 Rapides Parish Fair Premium Book The 2009 Rapides Parish Fair Premium Book provides parish exhibitors in the adult, senior citizens, nursing home, handicap, 4-H and Pre 4-H Divisions with information on entering exhibits in the fair. [Image: 4-H "U" delegation]2009 4-H U Winners from Rapides Parish This is a list of the Rapides Parish winners from the 2009 4-H University held in Baton Rouge in June. [Image: Jane Jones, new childcare provider trainer]Child Care Provider Classes Classes for child care providers and child care centers are posted quarterly. For Class A and in-home caregivers, the price is $7.50; for Class B providers, the price is $42.50. The orientation class is mandatory for in-home caregivers, and the price is $10 for that 4-hour class. [Image: "Brown Turkey" Fig]Ways With Figs This article contains useful information on preparation and storage of figs. It also contains a fig preserve recipe and the often requested Strawberry-flavored Fig Jam. [Image: backyard barbeque]Keep Food Safety in Mind When Cooking Out This Summer Tips on keeping food safety in mind to prevent foodborne illness during summer holidays where cooking out is popular. [Image: 2009 Master Gardener Graduating Class]2009 Master Gardener Class The fourth class of the Avoyelles/Rapides Master Gardener class held their graduation on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Mansura, Louisiana. [Image: Achievement Day 09]Achievement Day Image Gallery Images from the 2009 4-H Achievement Day. [Image: Camp picture]2009 4-H Summer Camp Information provided on the 2009 4-H Summer Camp to be held July 20-24, 2009 at Camp Grant Walker. [Image: Soybeans]Spring Production Meetings for 2009 Producers will have the opportunity to have their private pesticide cards recertified at the following meetings. [Image: District show image]Central District Livestock Show Results Champion and 1st Place winners who placed at the Central District Livestock show held February 6-7, 2009. [Image: 4-H Portfolio cover]Keeping Records "Your 4-H Portfolio" A 4-H document (for all ages enrolled in 4-H) to assist club members in project work/record-keeping of their 4-H experiences. [Image: Graduating Senior cap and diploma]Attention graduating seniors! There are some wonderful opportunities for college funding through the 4-H scholarship program! Check out the criteria for both Rapides Parish 4-H scholarships and for the 4-H scholarships offered on the state level. Applications can be completed by processing them on your personal computer, and then saving and printing them for submission. If you have questions, contact the parish 4-H Office at 767-3968. [Image: LASAS School]Louisiana School for Agricultural Sciences Provides Children’s Activities to State Emergency Shelter Students from the Louisiana School for Agricultural Sciences (LASAS) visited the state e\Emergency shelter located next to LSU-A on Dec. 10, 2008. 1 2 3 4 5 6 [Image: Outstanding 4-H Awards image]Outstanding Exhibitor Awards The Open Fair Board Meeting was held December 2, 2008. Outstanding exhibitor awards were also given to the “top 10 exhibitors” in the Non-Livestock and Livestock Divisions. The Outstanding exhibitor awards are presented to a junior and senior 4-H Club member in the livestock and non-livestock divisions. The Millie Hazmuka Award was presented in memory of a longtime homemaker in Rapides Parish, Millie Hazmuka. Livestock Results From The 2009 Rapides Parish Fair Results from the Livestock Divsion of the Rapides Parish Fair. Poster Contest For Character Counts 4-H Poster Contest for Character Counts is going on through the month of November. Click here for details. Quincy's Recipe Corner Quincy Cheek, the new LSU AgCenter extension agent in nutrition for Rapides Parish, will be featured on the "Jambalaya" television program on News Channel 5 in Alexandria, La., each month. She will be providing viewers with delicious recipes and the nutritional information for consumers to make healthy choices. Red River Rumble The Red River Rumble is an Open 4-H Youth Livestock Show to be held November 27-28, 2009, in Rapides Parish. Join the 4-H Pumpkin Party Fun Celebrate the awesome colors of fall at the annual 4-H Pumpkin Party to be held Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Clover Clippings - October 2009 The Rapides Parish 4-H Clover Clippings newsletters provide information to parish 4-H members and contain activities, events and deadlines occurring monthly. Rice Cook-Off Image Gallery The Fourth Annual Rice Cook-Off for the Rapides Senior Citizens Centers Inc. took place on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the Woodworth, La., Senior Citizens Center. Rapides Parish 4-H’ers attend summer camp Rapides Parish 4-H'ers attend the 2009 Summer Camp held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, LA. Rapides Parish Joint Advisory Council Provides list of members and links to meeting minutes for the Rapides Parish Joint Advisory Council. Open Goat Show Information The Open Goat Show will be held during the Rapides Parish Fair on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Images from the Central Region Health Expo & Blood Drive The September 11 Lunch and Learn was held in conjunction with the Central Region Health Expo and Blood Drive at the Dewitt Livestock Facility. Use Family Mealtime to Build More Healthful Lifestyle This article describes how family mealtime promotes healthy nutrition habits for children and adults, as well as giving tips on meal preparation and a recipe for a B.L.T. in a Bowl. AgCenter Agriculture Publications This article provides links to some of the more requested crop publications for farmers and landowners compiled by experts with the LSU AgCenter. Open Poultry Show - 2009 The Open Poultry Show will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, during the Rapides Parish Fair on the Rapides Parish Coliseum Fairgrounds. Introduction to 4-H Shooting Sports Shooting Sports enrollment is underway. Call the 4-H office for details. Disaster Food Stamps - Apply Today The LSU AgCenter is helping the efforts of the Department of Social Services to get the word out about applying early for Disaster Food Stamps. 4-H Clover Clippings Newsletters Provides links to monthly newsletters designed to keep 4H'ers up-to-date on what activites are going on in Rapides Parish. Special School Division for the Rapides Parish Fair Information is provided on rules, regulations, entries and premiums for the Special School Division of the Rapides Parish Fair. Rapides Parish Fair Queen Contest Information The Rapides Parish Fair's Queen Contest will be held October 3, 2009. If you are interested in competing, see this information for more details. 1 2 3 4 5 6 2009 4-H Summer Sewing Workshop The Rapides Parish 2009 4-H Sewing Workshop was held July 20-24 at the LSU AgCenter Extension Office. Rapides Parish Fair Entry Tags Information is given on completing Rapides Parish Fair entry tags. Entry tags can be obtained at the Rapides Parish Extension Office. Leader and Club Resources You can make your monthly meeting an inspiration to your members by incorporating exciting activities to help 4-H'ers gain a sense of belonging. This article provides information and resource links for club leaders on planning club meetings, making meetings exciting, planning A 4-H program, giving demonstrations And leader guides. Images from the 4-H "U" Images from the 4-H U competition held in Baton Rouge, La., in June 2009 can be found here. The Louisiana Calf to Carcass Project The Louisiana Calf to Carcass project is a program in which Louisiana beef cattle producers can participate by sending a minimum of three steers to the feedlot while retaining ownership of them throughout the feeding period. Camp Forms A list of forms needed for campers and chaperones attending overnight 4-H activities. Rapides Parish Fair Information The 49th Annual Rapides Parish Fair will be held in Alexandria, Louisiana, October 14-18, 2009, on the Coliseum and Fairground site on the Leesville Highway. Special Contests at the Parish Fair Information is provided on the Pretty Cow Contest, the Rooster Crowing Contest, the Best Dressed Chicken Contest, the Hay Stacking Contest and the Compact Tractor and Tractor Contest to take place during the Rapides Parish Fair. The Rapides Parish Fair will run at the Rapides Parish Coliseum October 14-18, 2009. Crape Myrtles - Add beauty to any landscape Nothing says summer in the South like the fresh, airy blooms of crape myrtles. Follow these recommendations to ensure proper growth and blooming. Child Care Providers Learn Ways to Encourage Literacy Two three-hour child care provider training clases were hel on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Christian Care Children's Center near Pickering. Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers are on the Move Periodically, grasshoppers have been of economic importance, but a few species sometimes occur in large enough numbers to damage citrus, vegetable crops and landscape ornamentals seriously. One of the species most commonly causing damage is the eastern lubber grasshopper. Blossom-end Rot Blossom-end rot can occur when sunny days follow a cloudy, wet period. It is a symptom of calcium deficiency in the plant. Mowing the Lawn Mowing the grass correctly improves the health and appearance of any lawn. Your lawn will look greener, stay thicker, resist weeds more effectively by following some of these basic tips. Childcare Article: Is It O.K. to Spank? This childcare article gives parents and caregivers alternatives to "spanking". Lunch 'N Learn Series: "Fun with Veggies" Image Gallery Images from the Lunch 'N Learn Series held in April 2009 on learning about culinary knife skills and the importance of vegetables in the diet. Talkin' Horses Newsletter This is a bi-monthly newsletter created by LSU AgCenter agent Cleve Weisgerber of Vernon Parish. It provides 4-H'ers with information on raising horses as well as details about upcoming events.This newsletter is provided by Rodney Johnson of Rapides Parish. Rodney will periodically provide information in the newsletter regarding events in Rapides Parish. Contact him at 318-767-3968 for more information. Children's Brain Research Principles This article describes some basic brain research principles that are important to know when working with young children. What's Wrong With My St. Augustine Grass? Many Rapides Parish homeowners are asking about problems with St. Augustine grass. One problem could be gray leaf spot. Preventing Violence in the Preschool Classroom Teaching character education and conflict resolution can reinforce basic attitudes and values of society in a child’s setting. Childcare Corner: Spend Time with Children to Give them a Good Start in Life The article describes how spending time with children is critical in determining whether he or she reaches their goals in life. 1 2 3 4 5 6 FCS (Family and Consumer Sciences) This is a an introductory page to the Family and Consumer Sciences Page for Rapides Parish. 4-H Area Commodity Cookery Contest Image Gallery The 4-H Area Commodity Cookery Contest was held at the Alexandria Mall March 19, 2009. Images and link to first-place winning recipes can be found here. Fire Ants Provides information on fire ants including how to control and treat mounds. Smart Choices = Smart Youth Did you know that the choices you make now as a teen can affect your health when you are in your 20’s and 30’s? Learn to make smart choices now- - -view these informative fact sheets and learn how you can live a healthy life. After all, “smart choices = smart youth”. Lawns A lawn can be functional and beautiful if planned properly. Find out which grass is best suited for your location. Growing Vegetables Vegetables can be grown in containers, community garden lots, home yards or large ranch areas. To be successful, follow these basic rules. How to Take a Soil Sample Step-by-step instructions on taking a soil sample. This presentation was conducted by Terry Washington and Barry Crain. Louisiana Master Gardener Program in Rapides Parish Provides information on the Louisiana Master Gardener Program in Rapides Parish. Rose Care Learn more about the care of roses and how they can add beauty to your landscape. Childcare Training Workshops held in February Two Extension Service Childcare Provider Training workshops were hosted by Assembly Preschool in Leesville. 4-H Achievement Day 4-H Achievement Day will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Peabody Magnet High School. FCS Advisory Meeting - February 5, 2009 A Rapides Parish Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Advisory Committee/Working Luncheon was held at the Rapides Parish Extension Office. 4-H Pennant Contest Guidelines Guidelines for the 2009 4-H Pennant contest Creating Ideal Learning Environments for Young Children This article focuses on how children must be engaged for learning to occur. Results from the 4-H Food Festival held on February 19 This article contains the placing results from the 4-H Food Festival held in Alexandria, LA on February 19. Central District Livestock Show Rabbit Form Rabbit form for the 2009 Central District Livestock Show. All rabbit entries are due to the Rapides Parish Ofice by January 9, 2009. For more information contact Terry Washington at (318) 767-3968 or email him at twashington@agcenter.lsu.edu FCS Advisory Council FCS Advisory Leadership Council members and advisory minutes. Community Service Award This form is to be filled out and submitted by clubs who wish to be recognized for Outstanding Club Community Service Achievement. The award shall be called the Club CSA Award. This award application should be placed in an appropriate folder or cover and should be submitted by April 15th to the parish 4-H office. For more information contact the 4-H office at 767-3968. Volunteer Service Award Guidelines Guidelines for the Volunteer Service Award Control Burweed in Your Lawn Before it Becomes a Sticky Situation This article describes what herbicides homeowners can use to control those "sticky" weeds in their lawns. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rules for the 2009 Spring Food Festival Rules are provided for the 2009 Spring Food Festival to be held at the Alexandria Mall in Alexandria, Louisiana on February 19. "Learning Through Literacy" Class The LSU AgCenter offered two child care provider training classes on “Learning Through Literacy” at the Rapides Extension Office on January 25 and 27, 2009. 4-H Winter Food Festival Results Results from the 4-H Winter Food Festival held at the Alexandria Mall in Alexandria on January 22, 2009. Character Counts Art Contest Winners posted from the Character Counts Art Contest held in December 2008. 4-H Teen Leaders and Teens in Action Volunteer at the Food Bank 4-H Teen Leaders and Teens in Action club members volunteer at their local Food Bank. Enjoy Louisiana Blueberries Blueberries are nature’s No. 1 source of antioxidants among the more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables. They also are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Information on pick-your-own operations, selection, storage, preparation, freezing, canning and using Louisiana blueberries can be found in this publication. Parenting Classes with the Southern University Ag Center Debra Jackson, parent educator with the Southern Ag Center, provides parenting classes to clients in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes. 4-H Penny King and Queen Contest Information provided on the annual Penny King and Queen Contest for 4th - 8th graders. Reading Aloud to a Young Child One of the best things you can do for a small child is to spend time reading aloud to him/her. 4-H Holiday Workshops Image Gallery The 4-H youth development program in Rapides Parish held workshops in November focused on "Holiday Fun," "Kids in the Kitchen" and "Electricity." Prepare for Holiday Purchases Problems Problems occasionally occur with items purchased as holiday gifts, but being prepared to handle those problems can go a long way in making the season more festive for you. Livestock Show Forms A listing of livestock show forms Healthy Families Workshop On Saturday, November 22, 2008, a Healthy Families Workshop was held at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, La. Youth and adults attended the workshop sponsored by the LSU AgCenter Family Nutrition Program and Mount Calvary Health Services Center. Roy O. Martin Health Fair A health fair was held by Roy O. Martin Lumber Co. to help employees reach their healthy lifestyle goals. Quincy L. Cheek with the LSU AgCenter was on hand to talk about the unhealthy effects of fast food on overall health. How To Care For Cut Christmas Trees This article describes how to care for your Christmas tree once you get it home. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6