more... > Parishes > Washington > Family & Consumer Sciences > LSU AgCenter Honors the Volunteer Homemakers with Awards Luncheon [Image: Homemakers group photo over 20 years of service ] On November 2, 2009 the LSU AgCenter hosted an Awards Luncheon in honor of the Washington Parish Volunteer Homemakers. The Volunteer Homemakers with over 20 years of service were honored with plaques for their years of service. Washington Parish on the Move: Healthy Living Initiative [Image: walking group] The Washington Parish on the Move: Healthy Living program kickoff was held the week of October 5, 2009. The Healthy Living Program is an exciting national program that encourages residents to develop and maintain healthful, active lifestyles. It is made possible through a Wal-Mart Foundation Grant. 3rd Annual Holiday Expo to be held in December [Image: cookies ] The LSU AgCenter and the Bogalusa YWCA are once again teaming up to offer the Christmas Expo. The third annual Holiday Expo will be held on December 3, 2009. Preserving Food Safely Newsletter [Image: Preserving Food Safely September 2009] Issues of Preserving Food Safely newsletter. Each newsletter has a frequently asked questions section, recipes, helpful Web sites and information on canning and/or freezing.  more articles... Volunteer Homemaker Council Service Project Benefits the Library [Image: Homemakers Donate to Library ] On September 21, 2009, the Volunteer Homemaker Council and the LSU AgCenter presented the Washington Parish Library's Franklinton Branch with a $300 donation to help expand the audio books selection of the library. National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Housing Outreach Award [Image: V. Vincent with Housing Award] Valerie Vincent, associate extension agent in Washington Parish, was honored recently at the National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences 2009 annual session. Vincent was a member of the team that received first place in the national and first place in the southern regional NEAFCS Extension Housing Outreach Award. The LSU AgCenter Launches New Healthy Living Program Through Wal-Mart Foundation Grant [Image: people walking] The Healthy Living Program is an exciting national program that encourages residents to develop and maintain healthy, active lifestyles. The program is made possible through a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. Washington Parish 4-H and Family & Consumer Science programs received grant funds to help tackle wellness issues such as nutrition, physical fitness and safety. Dollar Defense Workshop Held [Image: Dollar Defense Presenters] This year’s Dollar Defense Workshop featuring the LSU AgCenter, SHIPP, Governor’s Office Elderly Affairs (GOEA), Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office, and Medicaid/LaCHIP was held at the Franklinton Senior Center on September 9, 2009. 'Character Critters' Program Teaches Children Valuable Lessons [Image: Character Critters Logo] The LSU AgCenter offers a valuable Character Critters program for students. To find out how to offer the Character Critters program in your Washington Parish school, contact Valerie Vincent. Hundreds Receive Information at Local Health Fairs [Image: agents attend health fair] The annual Washington Parish Health Fair and the Covington Health Fair were both well attended with hundreds of residents receiving information from the LSU AgCenter. High School Financial Planning Program [Image: financial education workshop of High School Educators ] The High School Financial Planning Program is offered statewide each summer in nine cities. On July 9, 2009, LSU AgCenter agents Valerie Vincent, Laura Lea Perault and Lauren Kennedy taught the North Shore session at the LSU AgCenter office in Covington. Christmas in July [Image: Christmas in July Homemakers] The annual Washington Parish Christmas in July Homemaker Event was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds Homemakers Building in Franklinton. Seven people demonstrated and provided information on economical ways to make family friendly Christmas treats. High School Financial Planning Program Offered [Image: hsfpp logo] Educators who want to learn how to teach high school students about money management may enroll in the High School Financial Planning Program workshops. The workshops are open to high school teachers, home school parents, youth group organizers, church youth leaders and the public and are offered at no charge. Washington Parish Volunteer Homemakers Annual Dairy Cooking Contest [Image: HOMEMEAKERS ] Results of the Washington Parish Volunteer Homemakers Annual Dairy Cooking Contest