Welcome new extention program assistant

Hello everyone! I would like to introduce myself. I am LaKeshia Levi, the new Program Assistant for the Houston County Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) program. I am so honored and privileged to have this opportunity to work with The University of Georgia EFNEP program, to give back to the community, and to learn from Rebecca Creasy and fellow co-workers.

EFNEP is a federally funded program that has been around for more than 40 years. The primary goal of the program is to assist audiences with limited resources in acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors necessary for making nutritious food choices and enhancing health and well-being. In Georgia, EFNEP is offered through Cooperative Extension at The University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University.

I have lived in Warner Robins since 2000. Before living here, I had the opportunity to live overseas. My father, Benjie Levi, was in the Air Force, and my mother, Linda Levi, worked in Human Resources. Our family has lived in California, Japan, and Italy. While living in Italy, I also traveled to other European countries. I didn’t have the typical childhood that most kids have, but I enjoyed traveling and learning about new cultures.

I have played basketball and softball since I was 4 years old and continued playing in high school at Northside High. After high school, I had the opportunity to receive a scholarship to play basketball at Butler Community College. I also attended and played basketball at Kent State and finished my basketball and academic career at University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Yes, I did. Let me just say that -60° F weather was something I had to get used to. Once the temperature rose to 30 or 40° F outside, I became a true Alaskan wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

I enjoyed my time traveling and seeing different parts of the United States. While attending college, I was able to receive my Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in developmental health. In my spare time, I enjoy raising my daughter, watching sports, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.

If you or your organization are interested in having EFNEP sessions taught or have any questions regarding your home, nutrition, health and wellness, or food safety, call the Houston County Extension Office. I hope everyone stops by to meet me and to see what the EFNEP program has to offer and how I can help.

For more information on any program area, contact Houston County Extension at 478-987-2028 or drop by our office in the old courthouse, downtown Perry, 801 Main St. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit our website at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston/ for more news about your local Extension office.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Nov. 14-15: Perry Small Conference, recertification credits

Nov. 15: Deadline for Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Training Applications

Dec. 17: Deadline for Registration for Garden Academy

Dec. 25-Jan. 1: Extension Office Closed for Holidays

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