Briefs for Feb. 16, 2012

3 classes offered at senior center

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at LSU is expanding its offerings into Ascension Parish beginning in March.

Courses are designed for those who are 50 and above and love to learn, according to a news release from the OLLI at LSU.

March courses include “Basic Watercolor,” “Beginning Spanish” and “Great Decisions,” and will be held at the Ascension Council on Aging Gonzales Senior Center on Irma Boulevard.

OLLI at LSU is a membership-based organization that promotes lifelong learning.

“If there seems to be enough interest in these first courses, an Ascension chapter of OLLI at LSU could be organized,” said Doreen Maxcy, director of the program in LSU Continuing Education. Individuals who register for one or more of the courses will be designated as charter members in OLLI at LSU and their membership fee will be waived.

“Many seniors in the Gonzales area have expressed an interest in taking OLLI at LSU courses at our Gonzales Senior Center,” Darlene Schexnayder, director of the Ascension Council on Aging, said, “We hope these three courses are just the beginning of many years of OLLI courses being offered in Ascension Parish.”

To register, call the OLLI at LSU office at [phone] or [phone].

Registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Gonzales Senior Center.

St. Landry church holds clothing drive

St. Landry United Methodist Church is collecting used clothing for its March 3 clothing give-away.

Church volunteers will collect clothing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church, 3209 South St. Landry Ave., Gonzales.

Residents can pick up clothing and eat a free lunch starting at 10 a.m. on March 3 at the church, program spokesman Terry Rixner said.

For information, call [phone].

Class of 1987 plans reunion in April

Registration is under way for the East Ascension High School Class of 1987 reunion.

The reunion will be held April 21 at The Grande Pavilion in Prairieville.

Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $50 per person at the door.

Mail payments and information to Chitty Elwood Sholar at 13077 Oak Knoll Drive, Geismar, 70734 or Nicole Waguespack Frazier at 37380 Mill Park, Gonzales, 70737.

‘Forever Plaid’ opens March 1

Tickets are on sale for Ascension Community Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical comedy “Forever Plaid.”

Veteran performer Richard Williams is cast as Frankie, the Plaid’s leader and second tenor, according to a news release from ACT.

Chris Pyfrom will perform the role of Jinx, the group’s insecure first tenor. Mitchel Courville will play the part of Sparky, the mischievous baritone; and Chase Duhe will perform the role of Smudge, the group’s wrong-footed bass.

The show will run March 1-4 and March 8-11 with evening performances at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

For tickets, call Ascension Community Theatre at [phone].