Riverdale Academy cheerleaders are offering parents a chance to enjoy a night out while supporting the school’s cheer program. Parents Night Out events will be held June 20, July 11, September 12, and October 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children in sixth grade and younger are invited to attend for $25 per child, with food provided. Each event will feature a fun theme, including board games, science challenges, arts and crafts, and a movie night. Proceeds will benefit the Riverdale Academy Cheerleader Fundraiser.

LifeShare Blood Center’s annual United We Give community blood drive is taking place July 1-3. Summer blood donations drop by nearly 20%, yet the need for blood remains constant. Through United We Give, LifeShare invites the community to come together and help ensure local patients have the lifesaving blood products they need. Donors who give during the campaign will receive a limited-edition Red, White, & YOU t-shirt and a $25 gift card. The promotion is available at all LifeShare donor centers and mobile drives, excluding Baton Rouge.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer Pick Up Your Brush painting classes on July 9, 30 and Aug. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor of South Hall. The fee is $45.
In these classes, students will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece of your own. No special or prior skills are required. Just relax and enjoy each class. Students will take home a completed painting at the end of every class. The painting on July 9, will be titled “Strawberry Delight.” On July 30, the painting will be “Just Beachin’.” The painting on Aug. 13 will be “Quacky Trio.” Children ages 7–12 are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child throughout the class. Parents do not have to enroll unless they participate. All supplies are included. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

Family Harvest Church and the City of Robeline are inviting the community to celebrate Independence Day at the Uncle Sam Jam on July 4 at Robeline City Park. The event begins at 5 p.m. and will feature live music, family fun, and a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. A $10 chicken plate fundraiser will be available and includes a leg quarter, baked beans, potato salad, and a drink. Guests can also enjoy complimentary watermelon slices provided by the City of Robeline. In addition, two raffles will be held, offering chances to win a Savage .308 rifle and a handcrafted Lazy Susan. Organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, and patriotic celebration.

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady under new Chairman Kevin Warsh.