What’s Happening Around Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE — Events coming up in and around the capital city:

Monday, February 11 • Community Meeting • 5:30 p.m.

Councilwoman Chauna Banks-Daniel would like to invite residents in the Scotlandville area to attend an informational meeting regarding the Genesis Energy’s expansion plan at New Light Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Blount Road.  Representatives from ExxonMobil and Genesis Energy will be present to answer any questions or concerns and give a presentation on the expansion.

Thursday, February 14 • Tell-Tale Heart • 11 a.m.

The Tell-Tale Heart, a heart health presentation, will be held at the Zachary Branch Library.  Professionals from Lane Regional Medical Center will offer free blood pressure screenings, and provide CPR demonstrations and AED demonstrations.  Dr. Charles Thompson, an interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South, will present the latest information on ways to improve your heart health.  For information or to pre-register, call the Zachary Library at 658-1840.

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.

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.

Saturday, February 23 • ACT Practice Test • 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A free ACT practice test will be given at the Main Library.  The test is open to all teens in grades 9-12.  All test takers must bring their own pencils, calculator, and a snack.  The test results will be given at a Scores Back session on Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Online registration is required for the test with Princeton Review at www.princetonreview.com.  For information, call 231-3770.

Saturday, February 23 • St. Alphonsus Action &  A Taste of Central • 5 p.m.

Lights!  Camera!  Auction!  The 5th Annual St. Alphonsus Auction and A Taste of Central will be held at the St. Alphonsus Family Center.  There will be a silent and live auctions, delicious local restaurant food tasting, and live rhythm and blues band!  Door tickets and $10,000 raffle tickets on sale after Masses on Feb. 16 and 17.

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, incredible food, petting zoo and pony rides, paddleboards on the lake, rock wall, bungee bounce, gyroscope, carnival rides, and many more activities for all ages to enjoy.  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.  Musical entertainment comes alive in the evening with the Todd O’Neal Band and the Chee Weez on Friday, national country artist Randy Houser on Saturday, and the Not4Sale Band on Sunday.  Local entertainment will perform throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.  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.

Saturday, April 27 • Central Class of ’83 Reunion • 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Central High Class of ’83 will have a reunion at De la Ronde Hall, 320 Third Street, Ste. 201, Baton Rouge.  Cost is $75 at the door.  Entertainment will be the Chris Leblanc Band.  There will be a buffet and a cash bar.  For information, contact Tami Helmke Misuraca at 937-4083 or email chs1983@cox.net.