SBC 411: Summer Camps, Community Classes & Charity Events

Food Bank having Empty Bowls Fundraiser

The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana will hold an annual fundraiser June 4 at Eldorado Casino Resort in Shreveport.

"Empty Bowls" will feature a silent auction, which will offer ceramic bowls hand-painted and professionally finished. The event will offer goods and services from area businesses (residents and businesses are encouraged to make donations); there will also be a Hunger Awareness dinner, honoring founding member John Carpenter, and a raffle.

The fundraiser kicks off at 6 p.m. Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Food Bank, 2307 Texas Ave., for $25, adults, and $15, children 12 and younger. Prices will be $5 more at the door.

Advanced tickets also are available at Balian Communications at both 6658 Youree Drive, Suite 130, at the Bayou Walk center, and 5860 Line Ave. at the Uptown Center; plus Cellar Fine Wines and Spirits, 2100 Benton Road # A, in Bossier City.

For more information, call Amie Roberts of the Food Bank at (318) 675-2400, ext. 111.

Ladies! A Fair!! to Offer Resources for Women

The Bossier Mayor's Commission for Women will host Ladies! A Fair!! from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6th at the Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road.

This one-day event will introduce resources and services for women through booth displays and informational seminars.

LifeShare Blood Center will hold a blood drive and Shots for Tots will offer vaccinations for children during the event.

Admission will be $2 per person and each attendee will receive a free gift.

For more information, contact Rhonda Eizel MacIsaac, event chairperson, at (318) 212-8282, or Terri Hensley, booth chairperson at (318) 746-5529.

Rummage for Rescue Fundraiser Set

Rummage for Rescue 2009, a fundraiser for spay and neuter vouchers and pet rescues, will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6th at the Barksdale Federal Credit Union parking lot, 2321 Airline Dr. in Bossier City.

Antiques, furniture, collectibles and military historical objects, along with books, computer items, movies, CDs, china, toys, jewelry and clothes among other items will be available.

For more information, call Animal Welfare, Inc. at (318) 221-0053 or e-mail awi@softdisk.com to donate items for the sale or for any additional information. Donations of dry dog and cat food are needed.

Paint Your Heart Out Shreveport this Saturday

The city of Shreveport will be Painting Their Hearts Out this Saturday, June 6th.

The event lets volunteer paint houses owned by low to moderate-income elderly and/or disabled people.

For more information call the Department of Community Development’s Bureau of Housing & Business Development at (318) 673-7503, or Marcia Nelson, Program Coordinator at (318) 673-7528

Camp program targets youth interested in the arts

Mahogany Ensemble Theatre in partnership with the Bossier Arts Council to host summer arts program.

Camp Aspire is a three-week art experience for youth ages 7 and older. The camp sessions are June 15 to July 2 and July 13 to July 30.

Campers will explore theater, dance, yoga, visual arts and will be featured in a youth production of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."

Call (318) 745-2787 or (318) 741-8310 for more information.

Caddo Sheriff schedules two dates for women's firearms course

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator is offering two opportunities for women to learn personal safety and firearms familiarization: July 24-25 and Sept. 18-19.

The free classes will be taught from 5:30-9 p.m. on Fridays at the Caddo Correctional Center, 1101 Forum Drive in Shreveport and from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Sheriff’s Training Academy, 15639 Highway 1 South.

Participants will learn personal safety and how to shoot and safely clean a firearm on the first day. They will receive individual instruction on the firing range from POST-certified deputies on the second day.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own weapon or one will be provided for them. Ladies are asked not to bring a weapon to class on Friday.

To register, call the Sheriff's Office Community Programs Section at (318) 681-0875 or (318) 681-0871.