December 2012 Calendar

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Arts

 

Ongoing – December: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits.  Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics.  Exhibits currently showing: Earnest Green of Alexandria will be featured in the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing located in the Outpatient Center (1st Floor, across from Radiology); Diane Armstrong of Elmer will be featured in the Cabrini Cancer Center; Claudia Troll of Glenmora will be featured in the Rapides Regional Gallery located between the South Tower Lobby and the ER.  For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.

 

December 7 – February 23:  Louisiana Crafts Guild Exhibitions, AlexandriaMuseum ofArt, Tues.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m.  Featuring Luz Maria Lopez:  Mayan Creation Stories and Richard Dempsey:  Recollections:  A 40 Year Retrospective. Cost:  regular AMoA admission.  CallAnne Reid:  443-3458.

 

December 15:  T.R.E.E. House Christmas, 1403 Third St., 11a.m.  Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum.  Join us for a celebration of Christmas!  Create ornaments, learn about plantation toys, folk art, talk to Santa on our HAM Radio, see the Polar Express running our rails and more.  Nothing captures the magic of Christmas like a child.  The 11th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  $4 per person, children 2 and under free.  Call Kara Edwards:  619-9394.

 

January 2-3:  AMoA Holiday Art Camp, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 9a.m.-12p.m.  Children ages 6-12 will journey through art around the world to see how different cultures celebrate the arrival of the New Year.  During this two day camp, children will create art projects such as Chinese parade dragons and other fun objects inspired by the New Year’s celebrations from around the world.  Cost:  AMoA members’ free, non-members $25 per child.  Call Cindy Blair:  443-3458.

 

Music

 

December 8, 15 and 22:  Holiday Concert Series, Alexandria Mall Center Court, time:  varies.  Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with musical and dance performances each Saturday in December.  Visit www.alexandriamall.com for a list of times and performers.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Missy McKnight:  448-0227 ext. 0.

 

December 12:  Christmas Concert, ST. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 7:30p.m.  Sponsored by Red River Chorale.  Concert featuring holiday music.  9th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost:  $10 advance sale or $15 at the door.  Call:  484-4463.

 

December 16: A Festival of Lessons and Carols, St. James Episcopal Church, 5:30pm.  The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a format for a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus that is traditionally followed at Christmas. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

 

 

Theatre

 

December 8:  Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m.  Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company.  Back for its 5th year, this Christmas variety show, like Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC, features dance groups, choirs, bands, theatre groups and much more!  Bring the whole family for this Christmas treat.  Cost:  $10-$15.  Call Karen Burns:  48-STAGE.

 

 

Events

 

December 6:  The Shepherd Center Holiday High Tea, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 10:30a.m., 1:30p.m. and 4p.m.  Sponsored by The Shepherd Center.  What better way to commemorate the holidays than by attending the 15th traditional celebration of holiday high tea!  Cost:  $40 per person.  Call TheShepherdCenter:  448-3752.

 

December 6:  Storytelling at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m.  Sponsored by AMoA.  Visit with Luz Maria Lopez and stay for refreshments and a book signing and reading of “How the Gods Created the Finger People.”  The 6th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  admission free.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

December 6: Angel of Hope Service, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7 p.m.  Join us as we honor our children who have gone too soon.  This will be an outdoor service at the Angel of Hope statue.  Bring the whole family. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938 or Lee Weems: 442-7773.

 

December 7: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound Screening Clinic, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Atrium, 8am – 1pm. This screening clinic is provided for those most at risk for AAA. Sponsored by St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and Aneurysm Outreach.  Pre-registration is required.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-448-6780.

 

December 7:  Pineville Christmas Parade, Main St., Pineville, line-up 5p.m., parade 7p.m.  The 7th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Madonna LeBlanc:  449-5660.

 

December 7:  KAPB Avoyelles Holiday Blood Drive, location: TBA, 6a.m.-6p.m.  Sponsored by LifeShare Blood Centers.  Annual blood drive event held to ensure an adequate blood supply for the holiday season.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Lisa Hickman:  445-7439.

 

December 8:  Cookie Decorating with Rudolph, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 3-5p.m.Holiday cookie decorating with Great American Cookies and Rudolph.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Missy McKnight:  448-0227 ext 0.

 

December 8-9:  Gem and Mineral Show, Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds Expo Hall, Sat. –a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 10a.m.-4p.m.  Sponsored byCentral Louisiana Gem and Mineral Society.  Dealers fromLouisiana and throughout the south will exhibit and sell gemstones, cabochons, minerals, artifacts, fossils and demonstrate gemstone and cabochon cutting, beading, arrowhead knapping and wire wrapping. Cost:  $2 donation, children 12 and younger free.  Call Adam Valin:  337-585-3693 or Jim Marler:  443-5184.

 

December 9:  Through the Eyes of a Child, Main Sanctuary of the Pentecostals of Alexandria, 6p.m.  Sponsored by the Pentecostals of Alexandria.  Join us for our annual Christmas Concert featuring a unique blend of drama and music celebrating the Christmas season.  Young and old alike will enjoy the experience as we share the Christmas story interpreted in song.  The 8th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  admission free.  Call:  427-6608.

 

December 9:  Alexandria Christmas Parade, Jackson St. Extension, 2p.m.  Sponsored by theAlexandria Mardi Gras Association.  Cost:  $75 parade entry. CallChris Chelette:  623-7359.

 

December 10: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 10:00am-11:30am.  This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving.  The Morning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  For more information, please call 866-581-3627.

 

December 10: Circle of Support, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, Noon. This support group is for those surviving cancer. Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 10: Look Good…Feel Better, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s 1st Floor Conference Room,  Noon – 2:00 p.m. “If you look good, you’ll feel better…” that is why Christus Cabrini Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society are offering a very special program called Look Good…Feel Better. This program is designed to help women cope with the physical changes that might occur during cancer treatment. Reservations are required. Call Cabrini Cancer Center: 318-448-6917.

 

December 12: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9 a.m. – Noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering this free program designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program therefore no physician referral is required. The program content follows the American Diabetes Association guidelines and uses a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning. Topics include meal planning, monitoring blood sugar, medications, complications, and learning to deal with a chronic disease.  The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3106.

 

December 12: Cenla Women’s Connection Ladies Luncheon, Conference Center on the Greens, 12:00noon.  Women across Cenla are invited to attend the Cenla Women’s Connection Ladies Luncheon featuring Marjorie Edmunds from Hideaway, TX.  Marjorie will be speaking on Choices: Consequences and Grace.  The luncheon will also feature a Christmas Music Ensemble.  Ticket includes lunch, feature and speaker. Complimentary childcare available by request. Please RSVP.  Cost: $16.00.  Call: 481-7880.

 

December 13: Muscular Dystrophy Association Christmas Party, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6 p.m. MDA Patients and family members are invited to its Christmas party. Call: (800) 644-9730.

 

December 14:  Polar Express Pajama Movie Party, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 5:30p.m.  Beloved holiday movie, The Polar Express will be showing on the big screen with Santa and the Conductor in attendance.  Free crafts and cookies for kids.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Missy McKnight:  448-0227 ext. 0.

 

December 14:  Holiday Family Fun Night, Bolton Avenue Community Center, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria.  Join us for holiday themed crafts, stories, treats and a special appearance by Santa.  The 10th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Krystal Wimbley:  449-5108.

 

December 15: Bariatric Weight Loss Seminar, Cabrini Outpatient Building 2nd Floor Board Room, 9:00am.  Please pre-register. Cost: Free.  Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 16:  A Calvary Christmas, 5011 Jackson St., 3p.m. and 6p.m.  Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church.  The sounds of Calvary’s adult choir, student choir, children’s choir, praise team, band and orchestra will combine for this year’s gift of hope and joy to you and our community.  A Calvary Christmas is a weaving of carols, timeless classics and new inspiring worship songs that lead us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The 12th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Tickets will be available starting November 18. Visit www.calvarynet.net/christmas to purchase.  Cost:  $5.  Call:  445-1426.

 

December 17: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia. We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month.  Please bring a favorite dessert or salad for our Annual Christmas Party.  Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 17: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease.  The staff from Emeritus Senior Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach.  This group meets on the fourth Monday of the month in conjunction with the Caregivers Support Group.  The caregiver must attend the Caregivers Group and stay on campus during this group time.  Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 17: Rapides Cancer Center Christmas Party, Rapides Cancer Center Lobby, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All current patients, caregivers and cancer survivors are invited to attend. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Call: 769-7200 or 769-7258.

 

December 17:  Pet Pics with Santa, JC Penney Court, 5-7p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Mall.  Pet owners are invited to bring their favorite furry friend for a memorable visit with Santa.  Cost:  regular photography fees apply.  Call Missy McKnight:  448-0227 ext. 0.

 

December 20: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am-12:30pm.  This group meets on the third Thursday of each month and is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their family/caregiver.  We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. It is our Annual Christmas Party so bring your favorite dessert or salad. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 20: Better Breathers Club, Rapides Health and Lifestyles Center, 12:00noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers the American Lung Association’s “Better Breathers Club” for patients with chronic lung disease. This is the only Better Breathers Club in Central Louisiana. The meetings will include guest speakers and a chance to ask questions of your own. Lunch is provided. Please pre-register.  Call: (318) 769-3776.

 

December 20: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30 p.m. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors.   Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 20: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Louisiana Athletic Club Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.

 

December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

December 31: Barking in the New Year Bash, Best Western Convention Center, 7:00pm.  Boudreaux’s Animal Rescue Krewe (BARK) is hosting a New Year’s Eve Bash! All proceeds will go directly to rescuing and caring for unwanted, neglect and/or abused animals in our area.  Tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres as well as a breakfast buffet at midnight, music, dancing, a silent auction and a great time!  Tickets are available online at www.barkdogrescue.org using Paypal or by mailing a check paybale to BARK to P.O. Box 404, Tioga, LA 71477.  Be sure that you include your name, phone number, email address and number of tickets needed so we can contact you when the tickets arrive.  Tickets are available in person at Long’s Preferred Products at 2630 Broadway Avenue.  Cost: $50.00.  Call: 623-9835.

 

January 4:  Epiphany Service – Burning of the Greens – Gumbo Dinner, St. Rita Church, 5:30p.m.  Sponsored byAlexandria Mardi Gras Association andSt. Rita Church.  Gumbo dinner followed by a Service of the Word and Burning of the Greens.  Cost:  Small donation for gumbo.  Call St. Rita Church Office:  445-7120   www.alexmardigras.com.

 

January 5:  VOA goes Hollywood Dinner and Dance, Best Western Inn and Suites, 7p.m.-12a.m.  Sponsored by Volunteers ofAmerica,Central Louisiana.  An exciting night of great food, music, dancing and our very own VOA Stars.  Guests are invited to come dressed as their favorite movie star or character and walk the red carpet in glamour!  Short Notice featuring the Harmon Drew Horns will provide entertainment to dance the night away.  Silent auction and dinner will also be a part of this exciting evening.  Cost:  $500 for table of 8, $75 per couple, $50 individual.  Call Tracey Colson:  442-8026.

 

January 4:  Epiphany Party – Mardi Gras Kickoff, Alexandria Convention Hall, 7:30p.m.  Sponsored byAlexandria Mardi Gras Association.  The band, Stormy, fromBaton Rouge will perform.  Cost:  $10 advance, $15 door or $50 reserved tables.  Call Eula Tarver:  201-6874.  www.alexmardigras.com

 

 

Sports

December 11 and 18:  Yoga in the Gallery, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m.  Made possible by a grant from the Rapides Foundation.  Cost:  admission free.  Call Jenny Gallent:  443-3458.