What’s Happening Around Central

CENTRAL — Events coming up in and around Central:

Thursday, July 14

Scale Down Information Sessions

7 p.m.

Say goodbye to those unwanted pounds!  Get started today with Scale Down, an HMR program for weight management at Lane Regional Medical Center.  Call 658-4463 to schedule your free, no-obligation information session.  Registration is required and space is limited.

July 15 and 16

Missions Trip Benefit Garage Sale

A Missions Trip Benefit Garage Sale will be held at 10426 Sagefield Drive in the Morgan Place Subdivision.  The sale is to help raise funds to send a group of 12 people to Mozambique and Swaziland Africa Sept. 15 through 24.  Cost of the trip per person is $3,500.  Monetary donations are welcome and tax deductible with your name and address.  Items include electronics, authentic and costume jewelry, decor, kitchen appliances, lots of arts crafts and jewelry making supplies, furniture, antiques, Christmas decor, marble topped coffee table from the 1800’s, and much more.

Sunday, July 17

Watermelon Festival • 5 to 8 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Central will have a Watermelon Festival at Jackson Park.  Everyone is invited.  There will be free watermelon, blowups, games, and prizes.  Please bring a canned food for the Central Food Bank.  For information, call the church office at 261-3722.

July 17 through 22

Performing Arts Day Camp

All About Kids Productions is holding a Performing Arts Day Camp at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church.  For information or to register, visit lamplightartists.com.

July 18 through 22

Vacation Bible School

6 to 9 p.m.

Grace United Pentecostal Church, 13845 Hooper Rd., invites all children to Vacation Bible School — Shake It Up Café.  Shake It Up! is for kids 4 to 12.  For information, visit www.graceupc.com or call 615-8000.

Tuesday, July 19

Town Hall Meetings

7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Central has been chosen for LED’s 2011 Louisiana’s Development Ready Communities program by the state.  This program is one of LED’s strategies to strengthen Economic competitiveness of municipalities.  Residents and business owners are being asked to complete a survey online at www.centralgov.com or picking up hard copies at City Hall, the Chamber office, or local library on Joor Rd.  Deadline for completing the survey is July 19.  The Town Hall Meetings will be held at Central Middle School cafeteria.  For information, visit www.LouisianaCommunityNetwork.com.

Wednesday, July 20

First Anniversary Celebration

Republican Women of Central

6 p.m.

You are cordially invited to a Summer Soiree celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Republican Women of Central.  The event will be held at Elegant Memories, 4328 Frenchtown Road.  Reception begins at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m.  Featured guest speakers are Ruth Ulrich, vice chairman for the Southern Region of the Republican National Committee and June Williams, president of the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women.  Cost is $20 and includes meeting, meal, and door prize ticket.

Wednesday, July 27

Central Area Student Prayer Rally

7:30 a.m.

The 13th annual Central Area Student Prayer Rally will be held at the Central High Gym, 10200 East Brookside Dr.  Breakfast will be served.  Guest speaker will be NFL player Ken Ellis.  During his 10 years in the NFL, Ken played for the Packers, Dolphins, Browns, Lions, and Rams.  He was a three time All-Pro player, played in two Pro Bowls and the Super Bowl with the Rams.  Tickets are $10 for adults and free for students.  Tickets are available at the Chamber office.

Friday, July 29

Blood Drive • 2:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday, August 3

Prenatal Class • 6 p.m.

Lane Regional Medical Center will offer a free prenatal class in the Staff Development classroom.  “The Pregnancy Workshop” is an overview of what to expect for the soon-to-be mom.  Partners are welcome to attend.  Child care is not provided.  Registration is required.  Call 654-5263 to register.

Saturday, August 20

Central Area Horse Show • 4 p.m.

The Central Area Horse Show, sponsored by the Deep South Stock Horse Show Association, will be held at the Shady Park Arena on Greenwell Springs Road.  Judged and timed events in four age groups.  Beginners welcome.  For info, www.dsshsa.org.