What’s Happening in and Around Central

CENTRAL — Events coming up in and around Central:

Monday, February 18 • Legislative Community Meeting • 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sen. Sharon Weston Broome will hold a community meeting at the Baker Branch Library, 3501 Groom Road.  She will highlight issues for the upcoming session. Other community meetings are: Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., Zachary Library, 1900 Church St.; Monday, March 11, 6:30 p.m., North Baton Rouge, LSU Medical Clinic Community Room, 5445 Airline Hwy.; and Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m., Greenwell Springs Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs.

February 18 and 19 • Open House at CPS • 6:30 p.m.

Central Private School’s board of directors will host Family Night on Monday, Feb. 18 to give current families the opportunity to meet the new principal, Dr. Jefferie Thielbar.  Tuesday, Feb. 19 the school will have an Open House for interested families and students who are looking for a college preparatory school founded on Christian values.  For information, contact the office at 261-3341

Tuesday, February 19 • Ronald Reagan Luncheon Reception 11:30 • Lunch 12n

The Republican Party of East Baton Rouge sponsors the monthly Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon.  The party will announce its endorsement for State Representative in House District 65 and analyze President Obama’s gun control legislation.  Registered Republicans and the media are invited.  Lunch $15.

Tuesday, February 19 • Meet Your Candidates • 7 p.m.

Central Community Alliance will hold a Meet Your Candidates at the DEMCO Meeting Room, 16262 Wax Road.  Guest speakers will be Barry Ivey and Scott Wilson, candidates for District 65 of the Louisiana State Representative.

Thursday, February 21 • Powder Puff Game • 6:30 p.m.

The Central High School Sports Medicine department is hosting the 6th Annual Powder Puff game at Wildcat Stadium.  Admission is $5.  All money raised will go towards the Sports Medicine program.

February 21 through 24 • “A Raisin in the Sun”

New Venture Theatre launches its 2013 season with “A Raisin in the Sun.”  This play will be performed at the Baton Rouge Community College Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.  Tickets are $20.  For information, call 588-7576 or visit www.newventuretheatre.org.

Saturday, February 23 • Inaugural Central Community 5K • 7:30 a.m.

Ochsner invites local runners/walkers to lace up their sneakers for the inaugural Central Community 5K.  Race registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the run begins at 8:30 a.m.  All proceeds will support the Central High cross-country and track teams and the development of a system of running trails in Central.  For information or to register on-line visit www.centralcommunity5k.com.

Tuesday, February 26 • Chamber of Commerce of EBR • 11:30 p.m.

The Chamber of Commerce of EBR meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Café Américain, 7521 Jefferson Hwy.  Mike Reitz, president of Blue Cross, will speak on how Obamacare will affect small business owners.  Attendance at the meeting counts for CEE credit (Continuing Entrepreneurship Education).  Reception starts at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at 12 noon.  Lunch is $15.  No charge for this introductory CEE credit.

March 15, 16, and 17 • 42nd Annual Audubon Pilgrimage

Tours of historic homes and gardens, art show and sale, authentic 1820’s costumes, living history demonstrations, night festivities, and cemetery tales.  For tour information, call 635-6330 or visit www.audubonpilgrimage.info.

March 21 through 24 • Zachary Arts & Music Festival

The Zachary Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual ZFest will be held at BREC’s Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Hwy.  There will be renowned artists selling their works, incredible food vendors, a petting zoo and pony rides, paddleboards on the lake, a rock wall, bungee bounce, gyroscope, carnival rides, live entertainment and many more activities.  ZFest will be open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, and 12 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Msuical entertainment will be the Todd O’Neal Band, the Chee Weez, national country artist Randy Houser, and the Not4Sale Band.  There will be a beer and wine VIP event at 5:30 p.m. Friday.  For information or for a schedule of events, visit www.zfest.us.

April 6 and 7 • Kite Fest Louisiané • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kites of all sizes and shapes will fill the skies at the West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex in Port Allen, located just off I-10 Exit 151 at Rosedale Rd.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a day in the great outdoors.  This free event is open to the public.