The LSU AgCenter provides consumer with helpful information on what to do before and after the storm.

The Forty-eighth Annual Rapides Parish Fair will be held in Alexandria, Louisiana, October 8-12, 2008 inclusive on the Coliseum and Fairground site on the Leesville Highway.

Information provided on classes and premiums for the 2008 Rapides Parish Fair in the adult and senior citizen divisions; nursing home division; and pre-4-H and 4-H youth divisions.

Quincy Cheek held a handwashing demonstration at New Bethel Community Baptist Church during their health fair.

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.

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.

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.

Bagworms create problems for many homeowners. Timing is critical in controlling bagworms.

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.

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.