What’s Happening Around Central

PHOTO: SLEEPING BEAUTY — Tri Parish Ballet will present Sleeping Beauty at local libraries July 16 through 26.  Performances will be Monday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Pride and 2:30 p.m. at Zachary; Wednesday, July 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Central; Thursday, July 19 at 10 a.m. at Greenwell Springs; Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at Baker; and Wednesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at Denham Springs and 2 p.m. at Watson.  Pictured are Aubree Neucere, Niya Hensley, Angel Hensley; Kathryn McCleary, Alexa White, Jada Alfred, Sara Loze, Shane Deer, Amanda White, Bailey Pierce, Leann Wills, Victoria White, Katie Bryant, and Gracie McCleary.

CENTRAL — Events coming up in and around Central:

Saturday, July 14 • Woman: Image of God • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is sponsoring a retreat entitled “Woman: Image of God,” a retreat featuring women from the Bible and health topics for your Body, Mind, and Soul.  Be the queen of your life!  The cost is $10 and includes lunch.  Wear comfortable clothes.

Saturday, July 14 • Pet Adoption • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The SPCA of Livingston will be holding an adoption event at Walgreens in Walker, corner of Walker South and 190.  There will be puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens available for adoption along with items from our SPCA shoppe to support our spay and neuter program.

Saturday, July 14 • GED Prep Classes • 3 p.m.

GED prep classes for adults will be held at the Greenwell Springs Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs.  Doris Grimes, a certified adult educator, will be at the library on the second Saturday of every month to assist adults with preparation for the GED.  She will also give a practice GED at these sessions.  Registration is required.  For information or to register, call 274-4440.

Sunday, July 15 • Deter, Detect, & Defend • 5 p.m.

Financial fraud and identity theft are an increasing problem.  To inform and equip you to defend yourself from such crimes, Covenant Church, 22325 Greenwell Springs, is sponsoring a community awareness event.  Mike Hooper, a Central resident and CEO of La Capital Federal Credit Union will be the featured speaker.  For information, call 261-3088.

Tuesday, July 17 • Lunch & Learn • 12 noon to 1 p.m.

Selective Hearing is hosting a free Lunch and Learn at Lane Regional Medical Center.  Join licensed audiologist Dr. J.J. Martinez for an educational seminar on tinnitus, ringing in your ears, and a revolutionary device to help you find relief.  Space is limited and reservations are required.  Reserve your seat today!  Call 243-6129.

July 17 and 19 • Jump Start Your Heart • 4 to 8 p.m.

Central High Athletics has found a way to ensure the above average health care for your son or daughter.  Medical professionals from Jump Start Your Heart and Baton Rouge EMS will be at the high school.  Jump Start Your Heart is a non-profit organization whose goal is to screen young athletes for potentially life threatening cardiovascular conditions.  Jump Start will be offering echocardiogram screenings to the student-athletes.  EMS will be on hand to offer EKGs as well.  The cost is $20 (cash preferable).  For information, call 261-3169.

Monday, July 16 • Dream Journals • 2:30 p.m.

Come to the Greenwell Springs Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs, where teens will decorate “dream journals” with a variety of embellishments like beads, jewels, ribbons, stickers, and more!  You can also cover them with masking tape and color them with markers to create a leather effect.  For information or to register, call 274-4470.

Tuesday, July 17 • Crocheting with Plarn • 2 p.m.

If you know how to crochet, but want to do something different, join us at the Zachary Library, 1900 Church St., to learn how to make and crochet with “plarn!”  You’ll learn how to make the plarn out of ordinary plastic grocery bags, and learn how to crochet them into a fun bag for summer or a cool candy dish!  Registration is required.  Call 231-3770.

Wednesday, July 18 • Teacher Informational Meeting • 3 to 5 p.m.

The Central Community School System will hold an informational meeting concerning the new teacher evaluation system.  The meeting will take place in the Central High School Auditorium.  The Office of Human Resources will present the information about COMPASS and Value-Added and then conclude with a question and answer session.  All teachers, staff, and community members are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, July 18 • Republican Women Meeting • 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Republican Women of Central will be hosting a “Virtual Baby Shower” to benefit the North Baton Rouge Women’s Help Center at Kristenwood.  The public is invited to attend and bring donations of baby-related items.  Guest speaker will be Barbara Thomas, the center’s founder and president.  For information on the center, located at 7515 Scenic Hwy., visit www.nbrwhc.org.  Cost is $15.

Monday, July 23 • No-Sew Bandana Bags • 2:30 p.m.

Don’t know how to sew but would like to have an awesomely cool bag to carry this summer?  Come to the Greenwell Springs Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs, to make a bag with bandanas that have the coolest designs, including multi-colored bandanas with owls and bandanas with peace signs.

Friday, July 27 • Blood Drive • 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

United Blood Services will hold a blood drive at Lane Regional Medical Center.  It is open to the public and registration is not required.  Donors are encouraged to sign up online at www.bloodhero.com, sponsor code: LaneRegional.

Friday, July 27 • AARP Driver Course • 8:30 a.m.

The AARP Driver Safety Course will be held at Lane Regional Medical Center.  This classroom refresher course for drivers age 50 and older will help you learn the effects of aging on driving and how to adjust and remain safe on today’s road.  Class size is limited and registration is required.  For information or to register, call 654-5263.

Tuesday, July 31 • Newborn Care Class • 6:30 p.m.

Lane Regional Medical Center will offer a free newborn care class in the staff development classroom.  “Baby Care Basics” covers all you need to know to care for your infant in the first weeks of life.  Partners are encouraged to attend.  Child care is not provided.  For information or to register, call 654-5263.