About Town for Oct. 7, 2012

WOMEN’S COUNCIL

EVENT: Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s “Women! A Week-long Celebration.”
DATE: Through Sunday.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.wcgbr.com.
DETAILS: Sunday is the last day for the Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s 11th annual “Women! A Week-long Celebration.” The celebration’s activities are free to attend and all are also open to men and children. For activity information, visit the council’s website.

SUGARFEST

EVENT: West Baton Rouge Museum’s SugarFest.
DATE: Sunday.
TIME: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.westbatonrougemuseum.com or (225) 336-2422.
DETAILS: The event includes a tour of the six historical plantation buildings on the museum’s campus, talks with farmers and syrup makers, 19th-century folk art demonstrations, live music, food and the 17th annual Sweets Contest where cakes, candies, cookies and cupcakes will be judged. The sweets will go on sale after the competition. Admission is free.

AM. ITALIAN ASSOC.

EVENT: Greater Baton Rouge American Italian Association’s Columbus Day Festa.
DATE: Sunday.
TIME: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PLACE: Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel Atrium, 103 France St., downtown Baton Rouge.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.GBRAIA.org.
DETAILS: The festa will include a Little Italy Shopping Village, live music from Lonero and the New Orleans Express, Italian dancing, Italian desserts and drinks, Italian artifacts, Italian 101 with Dr. Joe Recapito, a St. Joseph’s Altar and more. Proceeds will go to the McMains Children’s Developmental Center. Admission is free.

HILLTOP ARBORETUM

EVENT: LSU Hilltop Arboretum’s “PlantFest! 2012.”
DATE: Sunday.
TIME: Noon to 4 p.m.
PLACE: LSU Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.lsu.edu/hilltop or (225) 767-6916.
DETAILS: The 29th edition of “PlantFest!” will have more than 5,000 plants representing 600 different species for sale with some being native and others imported. Professionals will help with gardening problems, and vendors will sell books, garden tools, ironworks, woodcrafts and more. Concession stands selling food and cold drinks will also be available. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Those purchasing plants will be exempt from city and state taxes. Friends of Hilltop members will also get a 10 percent discount.

‘FEED-A-FAMILY’

EVENT: WBRZ News 2’s 28th annual “Feed-A-Family” food drive.
DATE: Monday through Saturday, Nov. 10.
PLACE: Area grocery stores.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.WBRZ.com. To participate, call (225) 359-9940.
DETAILS: WBRZ News 2 will conduct the food drive with the aid of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Baton Rouge Clinic. Food collection barrels will be in area grocery stores where people can donate nonperishable food items. The food collected will go to the Food Bank, which serves East and West Baton Rouge parishes, East and West Feliciana parishes, Iberville Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, St. James Parish, St. Helena Parish, Livingston Parish, Ascension Parish and Assumption Parish. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be given by visiting the WBRZ News 2 website.

LSU FACULTY, STAFF

EVENT: LSU Faculty and Staff Retirees Club meeting.
DATE: Monday.
TIME: 2 p.m.
PLACE: Lod Cook Alumni Center, 3838 W. Lakeshore Drive, LSU campus.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 766-8311.
DETAILS: East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III will speak. All LSU retirees are welcome.

EBR LIBRARY

EVENT: “Introduction to the Online Catalog and Databases.”
DATE: Monday.
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 756-1150.
DETAILS: Learn how to navigate the library’s online databases. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2007.”
DATE: Tuesday and Saturday.
TIME: Noon.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 756-1150.
DETAILS: Learn how to prepare slides for a computer presentation. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Introduction to Microsoft Word.”
DATE: Tuesday.
TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 231-3250.
DETAILS: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Computers Without Fear.”
DATE: Tuesday.
TIME: 4 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish River Center Branch Library, 120 St. Louis St.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 389-4967.
DETAILS: Learn the basics of computers without worrying about breaking anything.
EVENT: Social Security benefits program.
DATE: Tuesday.
TIME: 6 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Central Branch Library, 11260 Joor Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 262-2640.
DETAILS: A financial adviser from Edward Jones will present an informational program on Social Security benefits.
EVENT: “Introduction to Microsoft Word 2007.”
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 10 a.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 763-2250.
DETAILS: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word 2007.
EVENT: A Virtual Author Visit with JK Rowling.
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 11 a.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace St.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 389-7450.
DETAILS: The library will screen a live webcast from Edinburgh, Scotland, with JK Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter book series.
EVENT: Hispanic Heritage Month.
DATE: Friday.
TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish River Center Branch Library, 120 St. Louis St.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 389-4964.
DETAILS: The library will have book displays, Latino foods and a presentation on the origins and importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
EVENT: Fall Chess.
DATE: Saturday and Oct. 27.
TIME: 10 a.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 231-3760.
DETAILS: The library will have chess classes for beginners, ages 9 to 13. A chess tournament will be held on Nov. 10. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Computer Basics.”
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 11 a.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 658-1550.
DETAILS: Learn how to use a mouse, open files, close files and more. Registration is required.
EVENT: GED Prep Class for Adults.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: Noon.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Greenwell Springs Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 274-4440.
DETAILS: Doris Grimes, a certified adult educator, will help adults prepare for the GED on the second Saturday of each month. She will also give practice GEDs at the sessions. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Sith” annual Star Wars Costume Fan Day.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: Noon to 5 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 756-1150.
DETAILS: Red Stick Rebellion Star Wars Collectors Club will sponsor the free costume contest, which will feature activities like Landspeeder Racing, Clone Trooper Bowling, Lego building, trivia, “Star Wars” crafts and more. The costume contest is open to all ages.
EVENT: Chess and Checkers.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church St.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 658-1860.
DETAILS: Children ages 6 or older are invited to play chess or checkers at the library.
EVENT: The Twisted Tree Story/Craft.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6200 Jones Creek Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 756-1160.
DETAILS: Children, ages 5-9, will create twisted paper trees from lunch bags after listening to “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Ribbons, Ribbons, Everywhere.”
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 354-7560.
DETAILS: Children, ages 6-8, will make ribbon rings with fall colors after listening to stories about ribbons. Registration is required.
EVENT: “Be Very Afraid.”
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 3 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Greenwell Springs Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 274-4470.
DETAILS: Teens are invited to watch scary movies at the library. There will be popcorn and lemonade.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN

EVENT: Baton Rouge Christian Women’s Connection “Pink-Out” luncheon.
DATE: Tuesday.
TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PLACE: Oak Lodge Reception and Conference Center, 2834 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 362-3588 or sherry316@cox.net.
DETAILS: Baton Rouge Christian Women’s Connection will hold a luncheon in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October. It will feature Symil LeDoux, executive director of the American Cancer Society, and Darlene Washington, of Lafayette. Washington served the U.S. for 16 years in the Navy. Participants should wear pink and invite any breast cancer survivors they know. Reservations are required and will include a free nursery.

CAPITAL AREA UW

EVENT: Capital Area United Way’s 25th annual “Jambalaya Jam.”
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
PLACE: North Boulevard Town Square, downtown Baton Rouge.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.CAUW.org/Jam, (225) 383-2643 or info@cauw.org for information, tickets or to enter a team.
DETAILS: The jambalaya cooking competition will support the mission of Capital Area United Way and will include live entertainment from After 8, Jana Kramer and the Allison Collins Band. Space is still available for area companies to enter a cooking team. Ticket options are $7 for Jam To-Go tickets, which include a to-go box of jambalaya; $10 for Jam Sampler tickets, which include unlimited jambalaya from more than 40 teams; and $75 for Jam VIP tickets, which include unlimited jambalaya, access to hors d’oeuvres, drinks, massages and more. Drinks will also be sold with soft drinks and water $2 each and beer $4 each. Participants must be 21 years old or older to purchase the VIP tickets.

MASTER GARDENERS

EVENT: East Baton Rouge Parish Master Gardeners’ Autumn Gardening Series.
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PLACE: East Baton Rouge Parish Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 937-2263 or to register, call (225) 756-1150.
DETAILS: This week’s session will cover “Soil and Bed Preparation” and “Growing Roses.” Registration is required.

CIVIC ASSOCIATION

EVENT: Federation of Greater Baton Rouge Civic Associations’ membership meeting.
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 7 p.m.
PLACE: BREC Independence Park, Room 111, 7500 Independence Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 751-6318.

FHL GALA

EVENT: Foundation for Historical Louisiana’s 14th annual Old Governor’s Mansion Gala, “Masquerade at the Mansion.”
DATE: Thursday.
TIME: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
PLACE: Old Governor’s Mansion, 502 North Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.fhl.org or (225) 387-2464 or to purchase tickets.
DETAILS: The fundraising gala will benefit the Foundation for Historical Louisiana, a nonprofit organization working to preserve the state’s architectural and cultural heritage with preservation advocacy and educational work. The event will include music from the band Stormy, a silent auction in The East Room, a costume contest and samples of Louisiana and Spanish delicacies. Spanish-inspired attire is recommended. The auction will have more than 120 items ranging from spa services to jewelry. Tickets are $100 per FHL member and $125 per guest. Admission for those under age 35 is $50.

GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

EVENT: 2012 Southern Garden Symposium.
DATE: Friday and Saturday.
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PLACE: Various locations in the St. Francisville area.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.SouthernGardenSymposium.org, luciecassity@bellsouth.net or (225) 635-3738.
DETAILS: The symposium will include social events, gardening lectures and workshops. For a complete schedule, visit the website. One-day registration is $75, and both days is $130 per person (includes lunch). Gala registration is $50. Advance registration is required.

GALA ON THE BLUFF

EVENT: SU College of Business’ 10th annual “Gala on the Bluff.”
DATE: Friday.
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel, 103 France St.
FOR MORE INFO: http://www.galaonthebluff.net. To sponsor, call (225) 771-5883, (225) 383-0877 or (225) 775-8597.
DETAILS: The annual gala is a fundraiser for SU College of Business programs, students and academic initiatives. The event will have live music focusing on jazz, funk and rhythm and blues. This year’s headliner will be the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards & Band. There will also be culinary delights, spirits, a raffle and an awards ceremony to recognize the college’s scholarship recipients, sponsors and community supporters. Tickets are $100 each. Various levels of sponsorship are also available. Attire is semi-formal.

MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOC.

EVENT: Baton Rouge Music Teachers Association’s Theory Carnival and Poster Contest.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PLACE: Broadmoor Baptist Church, 9755 Goodwood Blvd.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 275-1590.
DETAILS: The event is for students who are in the 6th grade or lower and it will include games, face painting and pizza. Students must be supervised by an adult. The cost is $5 for 10 tickets with one ticket getting one game, two tickets getting a face painting session and three tickets getting pizza.

WINDRUSH GARDENS

EVENT: Windrush Gardens at Burden’s Storybook Time.
DATE: Saturday.
TIME: 10 a.m.
PLACE: Windrush Gardens at Burden, 4560 Essen Lane.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 763-3990.
DETAILS: The event is for children ages 3 to 8 and is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Junior League of Baton Rouge. It includes book reading and imagination-themed activities, which will take place every 30 minutes. The last storytelling session will be at 11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $3 per person. Participants must enter through the LSU Rural Life Museum.

CORN MAZE

EVENT: LSU AgCenter and Burden Horticulture Society’s annual Corn Maze.
DATE: Saturdays through Oct. 27.
TIME: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PLACE: Burden Center, 4560 Essen Lane.
FOR MORE INFO: (225) 763-3990.
DETAILS: The LSU AgCenter and the Burden Horticulture Society are hosting the annual Corn Maze each Saturday in October. It will include paint-a-pumpkin, a straw mountain and hayrides. Admission is $5 per person. On Oct. 27, the maze will have a bonfire, hot dogs and music from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with admission $10.