Around the Westside for June 27, 2012

Blood drive set to aid emergency worker

Emergency responders in West Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes are asking the public to help one of their own through blood donations.

A benefit blood drive for Anthony Summers will take place at the Port Allen Fire Department, 700 N. Alexander Ave., from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Summers is the assistant emergency management director for West Baton Rouge Parish and serves as a volunteer firefighter.

According to organizers, he was involved in a serious traffic accident in the parish and remains in serious condition.

Those unable to participate in the two-day drive can give blood at either Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center or St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales.

For additional information, contact Tina Jewison at [phone] or [phone].

July Fourth at False River

The public is invited to the 30th annual False River Fourth of July Boat Parade & Pier Decorating Contest.

The event will take place at the south end of False River at Marc Barker’s Family Pier near Pointe Placid Condos in Jarreau.

Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with the Pier Judging Contest followed by watercraft judging at noon. The boat parade begins at 1 p.m.

Trophies to be awarded include: Best Decorated Party Barge, Admiral’s Trophy, Founder’s Trophy, Best Decorated Small Craft and Best Decorated Pier.

This year’s theme is “Bounty Gate: Save Our Saints.”

For more information contact Branden Barker at [phone].

Movie night

The Pointe Coupee Historical Society will present “The Long Hot Summer,” starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, on Friday as the sixth movie in its Louisiana Film Series.

The film was shot at Ramsey on False River.

Showtime begins at 7 p.m. at the Julien Poydras Museum and Arts Center, 500 W. Main St., New Roads.

The event is free to the public. Fresh popcorn and ice-cold soft drinks will be available free of charge as well.

Putt-putt rides

The Friends of the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site will sponsor putt-putt rides at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park during the July Fourth festivities.

Visitors can ride the boats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Five boats will be available at the wharf in the park.

The organization will also sell ice cream at the Lockhouse, which will be open free of charge during the festival.

Softball tournament

The Gueho family and friends will host their 11th annual Co-Eds for Cody Memorial Softball Tournament on July 14 at the Fordoche Ballpark to raise money for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Those who would like to enter a team should contact Ronnie at [phone], Chad at [phone] or Corey at [phone].

Donations can be made at the tournament or mailed to Cody Eugene Gueho Memorial Account, 4357 Smith Acres Lane, Fordoche, LA 70732.

Contact Westside Bureau Chief Terry Jones by phone, [phone]; fax, [phone]; or email, [e-mail].
Deadline: noon Tuesday.