Teens ages 12-18 are welcome to come to the Summer Reading Program kickoff event.  There will be games and an opportunity to sign up for the 2011 Summer Reading Program.  This year’s teen summer reading theme is You Are Here.  Check it out Friday at 3:30 PM at the Central Branch Library.

The library is also offering summer reading programs for kids and adults.  Stop by any EBR Parish Library branch to pick up a reading log and register for the program.

Submitted by Claire Clinkingbeard

Central Community Theatre is ready to kick off the summer with seven musical theatre camps for students ages 3-14.  Our camps are filling fast, but there are many students in the Central area who have expressed an interest but their parents are not able to afford it at this time.  We know that these students would benefit greatly from this experience. We wanted to extend an offer to the people in the Central community to become a sponsor for a child to attend a CCT camp.  You could change a child’s life by making it possible for him/her to spend a week singing and dancing their way to a better future.   Theatre education benefits children socially, developmentally, and intellectually.  Studies show that children who are involved in theatre are better readers, have a better self-concept, have increased empathy and tolerance, and learn to work in a group to reach achievement.

The cost to sponsor one child is $125.  This covers their camp T-shirt, snacks, crafts, music, and weeklong instruction.

We appreciate your consideration in giving an underprivileged student this valuable opportunity.   To become a sponsor, apply to be a sponsored participant, or for more information call 225-938-7433 or email us at CentralCommunityTheatre@cox.net.

On Tuesday, May 17th, Central Community Alliance will sponsor an expo for groups providing activities for school age children and youth.   Included are area church functions, summer camps, Parish library activities and team sports opportunities.
This will take place at 7:00 pm in the DEMCO Meeting Room, 16262 Wax Road,in Central.  Each Activity Group will present an overview of their Activities and allow parents and children to visit displays, acquire information and register for their event.

By the Art League of Central

When commissioning an artist to create a specific work of art for you, whether it be a portrait, mural, landscape, sculpture, or any other creative endeavor, it is good to remember the following:

1. Ask to see examples of similar works the artist has previously created
2. Ask for references
3. The artist should present for your approval a draft, sketch, study, or maquette of the work they will create for you.  This should be as close as possible to what the finished piece will look like, with the possible exception of size (as in the case of a mural or sculpture).
4. Ask for a specific quote on the job, including the cost of all materials.
5. Get a contract which specifies the dimension of the piece, the materials and subject matter, the approximate amount of time the project will take to complete, and the total cost.  Have both parties sign it.
6. An artist will often require a “retainer fee” – a portion or percentage of the total cost which they are paid up front.  This often covers the cost of materials.  If for some reason you are not pleased with the finished work, the artist may keep the retainer.  This should all be specified in the contract.
7. NEVER pay the total amount up front!

No professional artist will be offended if you request these things from them.  In fact, it helps the artist to create a work which will be pleasing to their client and benefit their reputation.

Submitted by Sarah Crawford

Join Harvey Rabbit, Cecil the Orangutan, Miss Laura and Mr. Tim as they bring fun and mayhem to the Library with live-action puppetry, music and more!

It just wouldn’t be summer without a visit from this gang!

Dates and times are listed below. This program is intended for children ages 2-11. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the individual library branch.

This program is supported in part by a Decentralized Arts Funding Grant
from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in cooperation with the
Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department
of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and Louisiana State Arts Council.

Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road: Monday, June 6, 2:30 p.m.

Central Branch Library, 11260 Joor Road: Wednesday, June 8, 2:30 p.m.

Submitted by Zoar Baptist Church

    The 9th Annual Zoar Car & Bike Show is happening this Saturday, May 7th at Zoar Baptist Church (corner of Hooper & Joor Road).  This event is sponsored by the Zoar Men’s Ministry.  The show is open to all classes.  Pre-register your vehicle at the discounted rate of $15 per entry in advance.  The fee includes lunch.  You may also register your vehicle on the day of the show for $20, which also includes lunch.  Registration on the day of the show will be from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM only.  Judging will take place at 12 noon.  There will be trophies and awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in all classes and categories.

    The community is invited to come check out the vehicles and to enjoy the free food and fellowship.  Admission to the show is also free.  Door prizes will be given out during the event.  Please do not bring any alcohol on the premises.  For more information or to pre-register your vehicle, contact the church office at 261-3434.

Submitted by Brockwell Bone

Dancers from Legworks by Terri will be holding a FREE CAR WASH on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Central Office Park located at 12628 Hooper Road, ½ mile east of Joor, starting at 9 am.  (Donations Appreciated)
 
These dancers are raising funds for their trip to dance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in November 2011.
 
The group will be attending Spirit of America Production Workshops during the week and performing in the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving Day.
 
Please help support these Central area dancers with their dream to dance in the Big Apple's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

All auditions are by appointment only. Call (225) 938-7433 to schedule.

Auditions are open to ages 12-24.

Those auditioning should prepare 16-32 bars of a Broadway song (not from Singin’ in the Rain) to be performed with a KARAOKE TRACK. (Accompanist not provided).

Please prepare a 30 second to one minute monologue.

Anyone interested in being cast as Don Lockwood, Kathy Seldon, Cosmo Brown, or Lina Lamont should prepare one of the monologues provided for the part by Central Community Theatre (contact the theatre if you need the monologue for one of these specific parts).

Callbacks will be held on Sunday May 15th at 2:00. Everyone should be familiar with the music of the show, as callbacks will consist of a dance callback as well as some vocal selections from the show. This show does contain some tap dancing (especially Don, Cathy, and Cosmo). You will receive more information if you are called back.

Feel free to email centralcommunitytheatre@cox.net with any questions about auditions or callbacks.

By Mia Freneaux

MOM I’M BORED!!
Ok, parents being driven crazy, what do you do with the kids all summer long in a down economy when maybe you can’t afford that big summer trip? FEAR NOT!  The answer is RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL!!!  You need go no further than around the corner to find lots of exciting things to do with your children. Just see the list below! Please call Central Speaks to have your camp information listed in the paper if it is not below.

ART:

Canvas Parties @ Sadie’s Closet – painting and ceramics summer camps. For information, go to www.shopsadiescloset.com, or call 757-6478.

Freneaux Fine Art Studio Art Camp – Art lessons, week long camps, all material provided, for information call 413-2162.

Pretty In Paint – Camps 6/13-17, 8/1-5. For boys and girls, ages 4-12. For information, call 341-2401 or go to www.prettynpaint.com.

CHEERLEADING/GYMNASTICS:

Central Cheer Athletics – 6/6-24, 7/11-29 tumbling sessions. 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. For information, call 341-2401 or go to www.centralcheerathletics.com

Perfect Balance Gymnastics – Summer Camp –boys and girls gymnastics and other activities, includes lunch. 5/31-7/20, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information, call 262-4966

DANCE:

Carries 5678 – For information, call 261-5731

Center Of Performing Arts – Dance Technique Workshop begins 7/18. Call 262-5262 for more information.

Legworks by Terri – Summer Camps – ages 5-7, 6/27-7/1, 8:00-5:00, ages 8-11- 7/11-15 and 7/18-22, 8:00-5:00, Ages 2,3,4- 7/11-15, 7/25-27, 6:00-7:00, Ages 12-15, Intensive Workshop 7/18-22 6:00-8:00.  Call 261-1999 for more information

DRAMA/THEATER:

Central Community Theater – Acting/Singing/Dancing Camps and Musical Theater Productions. Call 615-7615 or 938-7433 for more information.

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church – “All About Kids” Production Music & Drama Camp, 7/17-22, call 261-2246 for more information.

MARTIAL ARTS:

Central Karate – call 261-6326 to register for classes

Langston’s Taekwondo Academy – Summer Camps 6/20-24, 7/11-15, 8_30-4:00.  Half day as well. Call 261-5825 to register for classes

MUSIC LESSONS:

Central Community Theater – voice lessons – Call 615-7615 or 938-7433 to register for classes.

Guitar and voice by Kenny Acosta – call 261-0572 to register for classes

Piano by Lauri Masichuk – call 261-5942 to register for classes

Piano by Judy McGehee – call 261-5142 to register for classes

HORSEBACK RIDING:

Frazier Farms – call 278-8855 for more information and to schedule

PAINTBALL:

Crossfire Paintball Range – private parties on Saturdays, open to public on Sundays.  Call 262-0686 for more information.

PUBLIC LIBRARY:

Central Branch, East Baton Rouge Parish Library – Activities all summer long. Summer Reading Program. Call 262-2660 for more information or stop by and pick up flyers.

Greenwell Springs Branch, East Baton Rouge Parish Library – Activities and Summer Reading Program all summer. Call 274-4440 for more information or stop by and pick up flyer.

SNOW PARTIES:

Sno-Mobile of Louisiana – call 262-1799 for more information.

SPORTS:

Central High School Baseball Camp – 6/1-3, ages 6-14, contact Coach Mire cmire@centralcss.org

SUMMER CAMPS:

Central Academy – Camp Survivor – Outswim, Outcraft, Outplay. Limited Spaces.  Go to www.centralacademycc.com or call 261-1743 for more information and to register.

Central Private School – 5/31-7/29, ages 3-13. Go to www.kidcamcamp.com or call Jill Coon, 261-3341, for more information and to register.

Crayon Campus – Camps begin 5/26, include breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.  Go to www.crayoncampuschildcarecentral.com or call 261-8982 for more information and to register

Istrouma United Methodist Camp – Week long overnight camps, 3rd-5th grade 5/30-6/2, 4th-6th 6/6-10, 7/11-15, 6th-8th 6/13-17, 7/18-22, 7th-9th 6/20-24, 9th-12th 7/25-29. Register at www.campistrouma.com.

Jackson Park BREC – Summer Camp 6/6-7/29, call 261-2161 to register.

Lovett Road BREC – Summer Camp 6/6- 7/29, call 261-0126 to register.

Kidcam Summer Camp – serves children ages 3-13. This camp is hosted by Central Private and runs from May 31 – July 29.  For more information: www.kidcamcamp.com or 225 755 – 8899

SWIMMING:

Berean Ministries – Opens 5/26, 10:00-6:00, call 261-1994 for more information

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (in chronological order):

Immanuel Baptist Church – 6/6-10, 6:00-8:30 p.m., call 261-7420 to register

Blackwater United Methodist Church – 6/13-17, 9:00-12:00, call 261-4646 to register

First Baptist Church of Central – 6/13-17, 6:30-9:00 p.m., call 261-3722 to register

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church – 6/20-24, 9:00-12:00. Call 261-2246 to register

St. Alphonsus Catholic Church – 6/20-24, 9:00-12:00, call 261-4644 to register or go to www.st-alphonsus.net.

Zoar Baptist Church – 6/20-25, daytime, call 261-3434 for information and to register

Journey Church – 6/20-24, 6:00-8:00 p.m., call 262-4381 to register

Magnolia United Methodist Church – 6/27-29, 9:00-12:00, call 261-2789 to register

Christ Central Church – 6/27-6/30, call 261-5309 to register.

Galilee Baptist Church – 6/27-7/1, 6:00-8:00 p.m., call 654-5633 to register

Cornerstone Fellowship Church – 7/18-22, daytime, call 261-8795 for more information and to register.

Sandy Creek Baptist Church – 7/19-24, 5:00 supper, 6:00-8:00, call 654-6590 to register

Comite Baptist Church – 7/24-29, 6:15-8:30 p.m., call 275-3382 to register

Berean Ministries – Call 261-1994 for information and to register.

Indian Mound Baptist Church – Call 261-8271 for information and to register

Milldale Baptist Church – Call 654-5065 for information and to register.

Victory Harvest Church – Call 275-5255 for information and to register

And, of course, there’s always mowing the lawn and helping out with the housework!

Journey Church is holding The Great Egg Hunt this Saturday, April 23rd from 11 AM to 1 PM at Lovett Road Park.  The hunt will feature 150,000 eggs.  The free event will also feature a rock wall, inflatables, jambalaya, cotton candy, nachos, sno-cones, and prizes.  Bring the kids and come check it out!  Journey Church also invites the community to their Easter services Saturday at 5 PM and Sunday at 9 AM and 11 PM.