ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / October 13, 1999

The first of a two-part community forum was held at East St. John HighSchool on Oct. 6, sponsored by the LSU Agriculture Center ExtensionService in an effort to enhance Extension’s role in planning for the future.

This forum is part of a state wide effort.

Participants in the forum worked to identify the most critical needs and issues of the parish and to prioritize the issues that are most likely to be effectively addressed by the parish. The process used really works toprovide a vehicle for getting the issues most important in the forefront.

The process is designed to be “deliberate and fair” so it can accurately set the course for Extension educational efforts, commented Dr. RobertRichard, Specialist, LSU Ag Center.

Loma Lynda Michel, representing St. John Sheriff’s Office, commented: “Ireally don’t like meetings, but I’m glad I came. I feel we reallyaccomplished what we came here for!” The one thing that all seemed to like best was that every participant had the opportunity to be heard on equal terms, according to Cathy Holmes, St.

John Parish Home Economist.

The second forum will be the Focus Forum scheduled on Oct. 20 at East St.John High School from 5-7 p.m.Some leaders involved in the first meeting included: Pat McTopy, the Rev.

Emory Putman, Marion Broussard, Helen Banquer, Ronnie Fiest, Barbara Falgoust, Adrian Todd, Jane Boddie, Wilbert Ocmond, Josie Clement, Jerry St. Martin, Richard DeLong, Shelia Louper, Frances McDonald, Capt. LomaLinda Michel, Ron James, Jackie Forest, Steve Anderson, Sharon Gauthe, Rickie Brown, Cynthia Owens, Barbara Chandler, Diana Duhe, Kyle Soignet, Linda Monica, Vickie Krieger, Lynn Boddie, Clinton Bourgeois, and Cherie Bourg.

If you would like to be part of the solutions, call the County Agent’s Office to register for the next meeting at (504) 497-3260.

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