By now, a lot of us have already ditched those hopeful 2024 resolutions to make some changes. Don’t give up! These free local classes can motivate us to learn something new, become more active and meet new people.

Bossier Council on Aging offers lots of free classes for ages 60 and older at their Senior Centers in Bossier City, Benton and Haughton. Arts and crafts classes, nutrition, chair yoga, “Bingocize”, chair aerobics, “Walk with Ease” and other activities can be found on calendars for each location at www.bossiercoa.org.

Bossier Parish Emergency Medical Services District (EMS), in conjunction with the American Heart Association, offers free CPR classes. The next class is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 27th. Kim Coburn, Director of Education for the program, said class sizes range from 10 to 25 participants. Successful completion of the course allows participants to obtain a two-year CPR Certification for $7. Phone (318) 741-9201 to register.

The Bossier Parish Library system offers free classes almost every day at their eight locations in Bossier City, Benton, Haughton, Elm Grove and Plain Dealing. Each branch schedules its own programs, which include handcrafts, computer, art, dance, history and more. All supplies and tools necessary for the completion of the projects are provided by the libraries. Check https://www.bossierlibrary.org/events/month for classes at all the branches. “This is our community outreach. It allows us to engage with citizens in our neighborhoods,” said Karen Hinson, manager of the Auld’s branch.

For more than 25 years, children ages twelve and under and their parents have learned carpentry, design, painting and other skills at Home Depot’s Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of each month. The next class is March 2 from 9 a.m. to noon, but you can drop in and leave any time. “We have made cars, trucks, and for February we made a Valentine’s box. The workshops show what we have and hopefully kids will want to become customers or employees in the future,” said Connie Rivera, Captain of the Kid’s Workshops. “Families come back month after month. I’ve watched some of these kids grow up.” To register, go to https://www.homedepot.com/c/kids.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries offers free boating certification classes, which are required for anyone operating a boat with a motor of ten or more horsepower who was born after January 1, 1984, said LWF Captain Richie McCarthy. Classes are taught at Dixie Inn, 9961 Highway 80, with the next class set for March 6 and 7 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

The Southern Swingers celebrate Square Dancing, Louisiana’s Official Dance, all year long from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Promenade Hall, 5400 Benton Road, and with events and demonstrations throughout the year, said Sonny Watts, President. Watch and learn the moves free ($7 gets you lessons on the dance floor). See their Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/p/Southern-Swingers-Square-Dancers-100064404143648/.

There are 321 days left in 2024, so check what’s new on these websites in the coming months for fun activities you can enjoy all year.