Webster Parish ALC Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2008
Webster Parish Extension Office
The Webster Parish Advisory Leadership Council met at the parish Extension Office on Thursday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. A meal was served at 5:30 and was provided by the parish staff and the Webster 4-H Foundation. The following people were in attendance:
Bobbie Wall
Joe Beatty
Diane Beatty
Megan Almond
Idelle Simms
Debbie Haynes
Judy Burge
Charlotte Martin
Jill Wadlington
Robin Tucker
Scott Tucker
Jim Crain
Dr. Patrick Colyer
LaDonna Chreene
Calvin Walker
Lisa Holmes
Joan Almond
The meeting began with a welcome from Joan Almond, parish administrator for the Webster Extension Service. Joan introduced the parish staff and welcomed Dr. Patrick Colyer, newly appointed Regional Director for the LSU AgCenter. Dr. Colyer is the director for seven parishes in the Northwest Region. His office is located in Bossier City at the Red River Research Station. Joan also recognized the most recent staff member to be hired in Webster parish. Calvin Walker, a parish native, began working in March of this year, and is responsible for both Agriculture and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development. He was formerly an elementary school teacher at Central Elementary before joining the AgCenter staff in Webster.
Committee members in attendance were asked to introduce themselves and to tell others about their affiliation with the Extension office. Representation included the USDA/NRCS, Homemaker Clubs, Master Gardeners, La. Tech University, Forestry Association, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department, Webster Parish School Board and volunteer leaders representing different areas of youth and adult work.
Joan Almond announced that Megan Almond is serving in a volunteer capacity this summer as part of a Practica class at La. Tech for Family and Consumer Sciences. She has attended 4-H camp and 4-H University and has taught classes under Lisa Holmes’ supervision.
After introductions were made, Joan Almond gave a summary of the responsibilities of the parish ALC. Members were made aware of the parish programs through a power point presentation. Lisa Holmes, Calvin Walker, LaDonna Chreene and Joan Almond spent several minutes bringing the group up to date on their program areas. They are as follows:
Lisa Holmes- 4-H Youth Development
Calvin Walker- 4-H Youth Development (Livestock & Archery) & Agriculture Natural Resources
LaDonna Chreene- Family Nutrition Program
Joan Almond- Parish Administration & Family and Consumer Sciences
After the agents gave the parish summary and update, Joan asked for committee members’ support for the local Extension office. She explained that the local support from the school board and police jury must be addressed each year and that the ALC members were an important part of the process. Committee members were asked to speak to jury members and school board members to voice their support of the work that is done in the parish by AgCenter personnel.
After closing comments by Dr. Patrick Colyer and Joan Almond, the meeting was adjourned.