Off The Leash - West Central LA

CENLA Veterans Cemetery opening


A grand opening ceremony for the CENLA Veterans Cemetery on La. 467 in Leesville will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. This event is open to the public. Those attending will be able to tour the cemetery and its facilities. The cemetery was paid for with federal money, but it will be operated by the state. Parking will be limited on site, but those attending will be transported by bus from either NSU Fort Polk or the VA Clinic near the cemetery site.

Poet Laureate visit to Leesville


Louisiana Poet Laureate Dr. Julie Kane will make two stops in Leesville on Monday, Feb. 13 to offer presentations on humor in poetry and sign copies of her poetry volumes. Kane, a professor of English at Northwestern State University, will first visit the Northwestern State University Leesville-Fort Polk campus library to talk with students and faculty and sign copies of her published books, which she is donating to the library. She will then appear at Vernon Parish Library from 3:15 p.m.-5 p.m. where she will offer guidelines for humor in poetry, a base for a poet’s beginnings and show how those elements guide her work in her books Rhythm and Booze and Jazz Funeral. For more information on Kane’s appearance in Leesville, contact the Vernon Parish Library at (337) 239-2027 or (800) 737-2231.

February LifeShare Blood Drives


Wednesday, Feb. 8 -- From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louisiana Technical College/Lamar Salter campus

Thursday, Feb. 9 -- From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Byrd Regional Hospital/ICU waiting room in Leesville

Friday, Feb. 10 -- From noon to 6 p.m. at Walgreens in Leesville

Saturday, Feb. 25 -- From noon to 6 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Leesville

Sunday, Feb. 26 -- From noon to 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Leesville, along with the West Cenla Shrine Club

American Legion Valentine's Dance


The American Legion Post 27 in DeRidder will host a Valentine's Dance on Friday, Feb. 10 featuring Nashville recording artist Clay Alston. Admission is $5 at the door. Come early and get your table. The music will begin at 7:30 p.m. with several opening acts. Alston will be on stage from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Valentine Gift Baskets


Valentine gift baskets are being made by the Museum of West Louisiana in Leesville. You can get one with a $25 donation to the museum. Each basket will come with a bottle of Louisiana wine with glasses, a stuffed animal, chocolates, home-baked goodies and various gift items, wrapped with a bow. Quantities are limited. Reserve yours by calling 337-239-0927 on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Gallery One Ellleven - "Collaborations"


Gallery One Ellleven in downtown Leesville has a new art project called, "Collaborations." You can work with a gallery artist and produce an exhibit for a show. Explore your creative side and get involved with this project. For more information, e-mail them. Information is available at www.galleryoneellleven.com.

Food Bank initiative


The Food Bank of Central Louisiana encourages youth to participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Youth will be going door-to-door and business-to-business, seeking donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank. For more information, visit www.souperbowl.org or call 318-445-2773.

Fort Polk pool closed


The 50-meter pool on Fort Polk will be closed until further notice. There is a water leak and some structural damage to the pool. If you have training events or birthday parties scheduled, call 531-1988 for more information.

AARP tax help


AARP tax aides will prepare taxes for seniors and low income families every Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 14 at the old New Llano Town Hall at 211 Stanton Street. Both federal and state taxes will be prepared and filed electronically. You must have a Social Security card verifying identification. Also, bring W2s and 1099s plus other tax paperwork.

Private pesticide training


There will be a private pesticide applicator recertification training program at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the War Memorial Civic Center in DeRidder. If your applicator’s license will be expiring after March 31, 2012, you need to attend recertification training. The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will hold the two applicator training classes (1 p.m. or 7 p.m.) at the War Memorial Civic Center on Feb. 27. This is only for those folks who need to recertify. Cost is $25. For more information, contact Keith Hawkins at 337-463-7006.

Master Cattleman's Class


There will be a Master Cattleman's Class Orientation on Thursday, Feb. 9 starting at 6 p.m. at the War Memorial Civic Center in DeRidder. The LSU AgCenter, in partnership with the Beauregard Cattlemen’s Association, will host the Master Cattlemen’s classes. The program will outline the costs, expectations, class topics and schedule. Interested cattlemen from any parish may enroll at this meeting. Classes will officially start Feb. 23. For more information, call Keith Hawkins, county agent, at 337-463-7006.

SWLA Beekeepers meeting


The Southwest Louisiana Beekeepers Association will meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at the War Memorial Civic Center in DeRidder and will discuss Louisiana apiary laws and regulations as well as income taxes regarding beekeeping practices. Allen Fabre, state apiarist, will answer legal questions regarding bees. Copies of the laws and regulations will be available. Also, Leonard Wilfert, a CPA and an Acadiana beekeeper, will be talking about income taxes and beekeeping. New members are welcome. Annual dues are $15. For more information, contact Keith Hawkins, county agent, at 337-463-7006.

Beauregard Story Times for February


The DeRidder Branch of the Beauregard Parish Library will host Preschool Story Time at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29. All in attendance will be treated to stories, songs, snacks and a go-along craft. The program is geared for preschool children and caregivers, but all ages are welcome. For more information, call the library at 337-463-6217.

"Down and Dirty" Gardening Seminar


The "Down and Dirty" Gardening Seminar will take place Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cypress Bend Resort and Conference Center at 2000 Cypress Bend Parkway (off Hwy. 191) in Many. The event is being sponsored  by the Sabine Master Gardeners. The seminar will be $30 and includes lunch. Topics will include "color in the landscape," "gardening for wildlife," and "hanging baskets." There will be speakers, door prizes and a plant sale, in addition to lunch. There is limited seating and reservations are required. For more information, call the Sabine Parish Extension Office at 318-256-3406.

Vernon Mardi Gras Parade and Krewe of Barkus


The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce's Annual Mardi Gras Parade will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 through the downtown historic district in Leesville. The deadline to enter is Friday, Feb. 17. The cost per entry is $20. Entry forms may be picked up at the Chamber Office at Hwy, 171 North. For more information, call 337-238-0349. Also, join us for the Krewe of Barkus Parade. KVVP-FM, listeners and our furry friends will be decked out in our Mardi Gras finery as we make our way down Third Street. Cost is free -- just come ready to have fun! For more information, call 337-537-5887.

Leesville Main Street Gumbo Cookoff


The Leesville Main Street program and the Friends of Leesville Main Street will sponsor the 2nd Annual Gumbo Cookoff on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Farmers Market in downtown Leesville. The cookoff will begin around 7 a.m. and will end in the early afternoon, prior to the Vernon Parish Mardi Gras Parade rolling at 2 p.m. There will be four $500 cash prizes in four cookoff categories: Seafood, chicken and sausage, wild game and vegetarian. Also, $100 will got toward the best decorated booth and to the "People's Choice" award winner. Those attending can sample the gumbos. The cost will be $7, all-you-can-eat, while supplies last. For more information or to enter, call the Leesville Main Street Office at 337-239-2444, extension 600. Rules and regulations can also be found online at www.leesvillemainstreet.org.

Project Loved One


The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office has a new program called "Project Loved One." It is designed so that families may worry less about loved ones who are suffering from any type of mental impairment that may prohibit them from being able to find their homes if they are separated from their loves ones. Registration for the program is by appointment. For more information, call the VPSO at 337-238-7248.

Leesville Golf Course new hours


The Leesville Municipal Golf Course is open seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The golf course now has a Facebook Page under "Leesville Municipal Golf Course." If you "like" the page, you will receive one green fee for free. If you are already a member, you will receive one free cart rental. If you already "like" the page, on your next visit, you will receive your free green fee or cart. For more information, e-mail greenskeeper Jeff Denman at lmgcgreenskeeper@yahoo.com.

Art Classes


A series of art classes are being offered by a pair of local artists. All classes will be held at Gallery One Ellleven in downtown Leesville: $35 per person, $25 for additional family member and under 16 years old is $15. All supplies and light refreshments are furnished. For information, contact Paula at 424-1496 or Isabelle at 238-9463. The first class was Sept. 1. Other classes to follow through May 3.
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