Upcoming Events
Tue, 05/26/2015 - 10:22
AvoyellesToday.com
Summer Reading, Computer Training, Choupique Rodeo
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Registration for the Avoyelles Parish Library Summer Reading Program will be the week of June 1-6, Parish Library Director Theresa Thevenote said. Programs will be held at all library branches during the summer and are free to children of all ages. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult or responsible guardian, Thevenote said.
Registration is required to ensure adequate seating and plan for other accommodations. Thevenote said late registrations will be accepted if necessary.
At registration, each child will receive a reading log to track how many minutes they read during the summer. Children who cannot read on their own can count the minutes that someone reads to them or that they look at a book on their own. The reading logs will not be turned in until July, giving children mjore time to accumulate reading minutes. By counting minutes rather than book titles, every child -- regardless of their reading abilities -- is given the chance to have a filled reading log, Thevenote noted.
Certificates and other incentives will be awarded at the end of the summer.
“Reading is one of the best ways for a child to get a good start in life,” she said. “Studies show that children who read have a much better ability to focus and problem-solve than children who watch TV all day.”
Thevenote said that aside from having the basic necessities of life and a loving home, “encouraging reading is the best thing a parent or guardian can do for a child.”
Programming will run from the week of June 8 to the week of June 29.
Many activities will be hands-on and are designed to be “informative as well as fun,” Thevenote said. A schedule of performers and the date and time of each branch’s programs will be available at registration.
For more information, contact your local library branch.
COUNCIL ON AGING COMPUTER TRAINING COURSE
The Avoyelles Council on Aging (ACOA), will sponsor summer computer training classes for seniors (60 and over). Class size is limited and registration deadline is June 1. The first 25 to register will be accepted. There is no fee for the class.
Classes will be taught using Windows 7.0 and Microsoft Office for word processing and data management skills to include Excel and Powerpoint.
Participants will be assessed/evaluated for placement in one of four different skill levels for their class, ranging from basic beginner (cannot turn on a computer) to advanced (high level of computer skill but need to learn more Microsoft applications). Anyone who has never taken a class can register and be evaluated for placement in a class for the next skill level.
All registrants will be given two opportunities to attend an initial meeting to evaluate their skill level for placement and provide additional information about the class. Those meeting dates are 9-10 a.m. June 2 and 1-2 p.m. June 4 at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Computer Lab at 221 Tunica Drive in Marksville.
To register, the ACOA between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, at 253-9771. Be prepared to give phone number, address and the initial session to be attended.
CHOUPIQUE RODEO, MAY 30
The first annual Choupique Rodeo will be held May 30 at the Spring Bayou recreational complex. The event is being sponsored by the Spring Bayou Restoration Team.
Two-member teams will compete for cash prizes. Registration is $40 per team. Teams may compete with rod-n-reels or bowfishing.
There is a 5-fish limit at weigh-in. The anticipated cash prizes, based on 40 teams, is $600 for first place, $300 for second, $180 for third and $120 for fourth. There is also an optional "Big Choupique Pot" that fishermen can enter for $10.
For more information, contact Andrew Juneau at 729-3550 or Casey Francois at 305-7701.