February
Arts
Ongoing – February: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits are currently showing at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and the OSMS Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing – February 26: Margo Roll and Flo Fessler: Recent Work, Gallery One Ellleven, 111 Third St., Leesville, Mon.-Fri. 11a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven. Margo Roll of DeRidder and Flo Fessler of Leesville present a two-person exhibit of recent oils, watercolor and acrylic paintings. Both artists work in traditional and experimental technique. Artist reception on February 5, 6p.m. Cost: Admission free. Contact Tony McDonald: [email protected].
Ongoing-March 5: Hunt Slonem: On the Bayou, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Exhibit showing. Cost: $4 adults, $3students, seniors, military and children 13 and under. Call: 443-3458.
February 4: Black History Month Art Exhibit Opening Reception, Kent Plantation House, time: TBA. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Cost: Admission free. Call Alice Scarborough: 487-5998.
February 10: Museum after Hours, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Artist, Travis Whitfield talk and video presentation on his exhibit, Further On Down the Road. Cost: Admission free. Call: 443-3458.
February 18: Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers: Woodpecker, Hearn Stage/Kress Theatre, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Fanatical birdwatchers have descended upon a small town in the Arkansas bayou in hopes of finding the celebrated Ivory Billed Woodpecker, declared extinct in the 1940’s. The ensuing chaos divides the small town between believers and non-believers, rabid environmentalists and opportunistic entrepreneurs. Cost: $5. Call Elizabeth: 443-4718.
February 22-April 9: Opening Exhibit, 1330 Main St., Tue-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Exhibit featuring Katrina Syzeskowski and Tony Forrest. Opening Reception on Feb. 25, 5-7p.m. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
March 2-31: Gallery One Ellleven Artist Spring Group Exhibit, 111 Third St., Leesville, Mon.-Fri. 11a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven. Artist members from across the state present a group exhibit of all new work. Opening reception: March 19, 6p.m. during Leesville Spring Artwalk. Cost: Admission free. Contact Tony McDonald: [email protected].
Music
February 11: A-Town Jazz, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center Lobby, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. A-Town Jazz returns once more to Alexandria’s music scene. Bring your sweetheart out for an evening of great jazz. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance and include entertainment and light hors d’oeuvres. Cash bar. Cost: $20. Call Elizabeth: 443-4718.
Theatre
February 3-6 and 10-13: Mrs. Warrens’ Profession, Kress Theatre, Thur.-Sat. 7:30p.m., Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Empty Space Players. Cost: $12 general admission, $10 seniors 65+ and $5 students. Call Richard Gwartney: 427-4469.
February 3-7: Schoolhouse Rock Live! Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, Fri.-Sat. 7p.m. and school shows Thur., Fri. and Mon., 10a.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is not only making a small-screen comeback, instructing a whole new generation to do the “Conjunction Junction,” “Unpack Your Adjectives” and “Do the Circulations,” it’s also lighting up stages everywhere. Cost: $10-15 evening shows and $5 school shows. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE.
February 15, 17 and 19: Auditions for Evangeline the Musical, 2700 Lee St., 5:30p.m. Sponsored by Family Playhouse. Auditions for a musical. Cost: $150 students, $25 adults. Call: 442-6500.
February 25-27 and March 4-6: CPP Presents The Lion In Winter by James Goldman, Hearn Stage, Fri.-Sat. 7:30p.m., Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by City Park Players. Fictional account of the 1183 Christmas Court of Henry II, King of England. Directed by Diane Falcone. Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors 65+ and $5 students. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
Events
Ongoing-May: After School Program, Bolton Avenue Community Center, Mon., Tue. and Thur., 3:30-5:30p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Activities include homework assistance, recreation, arts and crafts and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5228.
Ongoing-May 26: YWCA After School Care, 5912 James St., Time: TBA. Sponsored by YWCA. Participants can expect to have a fun, safe place to go after school. Arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor activities and homework time are all part of the program. Cost: $45 registration, $45 weekly and $10 membership fee. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
Ongoing-March 2011: Dance Fitness, Frank O. Hunter Park Gym, weekly, Mon. and Wed., 12:00-12:45p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Physical fitness with a “twist.” Dance pounds, inches and stress away while enjoying every minute! Program is designed to merge low-stress popular dance steps like the “Cha’-Cha” and dance routines like the “Bus Stop” with conventional exercise movements to help accomplish the benefits associated with regular, moderate physical activity. Cost: $10 registration fee. Call: 449-5108.
February 5: One Day Breastfeeding Class, Medical Terrace Gallery Room at RRMC, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Cost: $30 (if not delivering at RWCH). Call: 877-801-8441.
February 5: Abiyoyo, TREE House Children’s Museum, 2:00pm. Abiyoyo is a South African folk story. We will have a storytime and project. Cost: $4.00 (Ages 2+). Call: 619-9394.
February 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:30pm. This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-registration is required. Brown bag supper will be served. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
February 8, 10, 17, 18, 22, 24: Senior Lifestyles and Injury Prevention Training, Rapides Parish Senior Citizens’ Centers, 10:30am. Rapides Regional Medical Center teams up with Rapides Senior Citizens Centers to offer on-site health screenings and injury-prevention classes including fall prevention, home safety, motor-vehicle safety and pedestrian safety. Feb 8: Glenmora, Feb 10: Martin Luther King, Jr (Alexandria), Feb 17:Rapides Parish Senior Citizens Center, Feb 18: Pineville, Feb 22: Spring Creek, Feb 24: Woodworth. For information call Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers at 487-1561 or Rapides Regional Medical Center at 769-3512.
February 8: Mommy Talk: A Teen Pregnancy Education Program, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room. This fun and informative class is especially designed for the “on the go” teenage expectant mom and her support group/family. Special emphasis is given to the continuing needs of teenagers such as health and fitness, nutrition, staying in school, resources for pregnant mom, as well as the labor and delivery process. Classes will be taught by a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Childbirth Educator. Cost: Free.
February 8: Old Timers Day, Vernon Parish Library Meeting Room, 2:00pm. Bring your old photographs and documents related to Vernon Parish and share them with the world. John Crook, Vernon Parish Tourism will present a program on the history of Vernon Parish. While you are there, have your historical pictures and documents scanned so they can be put online and shared. A printed copy will also be placed in the Archives at the Library. The following items are of particular interest: school yearbooks, photographs, historical papers (deeds, land surveys, funeral programs), church and school events, sports, Fort Polk items, rosters, postcards, political memorabilia.
February 8: Patience Quilters, West Side Regional Library, 6:30pm. Patience Quilters meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at West Side Regional Library, located at 5416 Provine Place in Alexandria, off Highway 28 West. The meetings are open to the public. Quilters are invited as well as anyone interested in learning more about quilting. Email: [email protected].
February 9: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace, 9:00am – Noon. This program is 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. Cost: Free. Pre-registration required. Call: 769-3106.
February 10: ALS Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Building Gallery Room, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This monthly support group is designed for ALS patients, their family members, friends and caregivers. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month. Patients who attend will have access to companies which provide services for ALS patients, such as physical therapy or wheelchair repair. Call Duana Trotter: 445-7898 or 308-1950.
February 12: Second Saturday Market at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Local art, food, music, specialty products and children’s activity. Cost: Admission free. Call: 443-3458.
February 14: 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. This month our focus: Who am I now? There will be group sharing time and this group has trained Outreach Volunteers who are available to the newly grieving. Please plan to dine with us after the meeting. Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938 or Pam Hataway: 448-6970.
February 14: Red, White & You – Military Appreciation Day, American Red Cross, 11:00am – 6:00pm. If you have a loved one in the military, we have a special day planned for you! Drop by the Red Cross at 425 Bolton Avenue on Valentine’s day for a special time of refreshments, door prizes and fun! Show your military ID and receive free family passes to the Alexandria Zoo, Valentine’s candy, Red Cross mini first aid kits, commemorative Red Cross coffee mugs and more! Call: 442-6621.
February 17: AARP Driver Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am.The four-hour class is designed for those 50 or older. Valet parking is available at the hospital’s main entrance. Cost: $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-AARP members. Bring your AARP membership card to verify your AARP membership number. Call Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Community Education Department: 769-3106.
February 17: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
February 17: Family Fun Night, Bolton Avenue Community Center, 5:30-7:00p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Kids and parents can enjoy an evening of fun, food and entertainment. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5228.
February 18: Christus Cabrini Total Wound Care Center Ribbon Cutting and Open House, Christus Outpatient Building, 1:00pm. Join Christus for the grand re-opening of the Christus Cabrini Total Wound Care Center after its relocation. The ribbon cutting will take place at 1:00pm, with the open house lasting until 4:00pm. Cost: Free.
February 19: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 2nd floor, 9a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Certified childbirth instructor helps prepare couples for actual delivery. A tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital and light lunch will be provided. Cost: $30 per family, waived if delivering at RW&CH. Call: 887-801-8441 or www.rapidesregional.com.
February 19: Childbirth Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:30am – 4:00pm. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Cost: $30.
February 21: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, Noon. If you or someone you know has cancer, or you are a caretaker of someone with cancer, please join this group on the third Monday of each month. A light meal will be served. Please pre-register. Call: 769-7200.
February 21: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.This class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. There is a $10 fee per family, waived if delivering at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. For information or to register online visit rapidesregional.com. Call: 769-3106.
February 23: LSU Ag Center Lunch & Learn, LSU AgCenter in Alexandria, 12:00noon. As part of the 2011 Lunch & Learn Spring Series titled “Happier, Healthier You!”, this session will highlight lighter versions of classic Louisiana cuisine. Cost: Free Admission; $6.00 (for optional lunch). Pre-registration is required. Call: 767-3969. E-mail: [email protected]
February 23: Cenla Fantails Chapter Annual Banquet, Convention Hall, 6p.m. Sponsored by National Wild Turkey Federation. Cost: $60 couple, $45 single and $15 Jakes, 15 and under. Contact Jr. Price: 441-6631.
February 24: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
February 27: Krewe of Cronus Mardi Gras Parade, Main St., Bunkie, 1p.m. Sponsored by Bunkie Chamber of Commerce. Entries welcomed. Cost: Admission free. Call: Phyllis O’Quin: 318-346-2575.
February 28: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
February 28: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11:00am. The staff from Kingsley Place will offer appropriate activities for those with Alzheimer’s disease with a fun, hands-on approach. 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 Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 4: College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Route: Murray St. -5th St.-Jackson St.-4th St.-3rd St.-St. James St. Cost: Admission free. Call Aaron Green: 442-9533. www.alexmardigras.com
March 5: AMGA Fifteenth Annual Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:45a.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: Admission free. Call Jared Hicks: 290-7566 or 448-6370. www.alexmardigras.com
March 5: King Cake Party, Alexandria Zoo, 2-4p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Refreshments and entertainment after the Children’s Parade. Visit www.thealexandriazoo.com for details. Cost: TBA. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 441-6810.
March 6: AMGA Seventeenth Annual Krewes Parade, Alexandria 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Route: Texas Ave.-Masonic Dr.-Memorial Dr.-North Blvd.-Alexandria Mall. Cost: Admission free. Call Paula Monk: 443-0520 or Zina Ford: 445-0035. www.alexmardigras.com
March 5: Vernon Mardi Gras Parade, downtown Leesville, 2:00pm. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Mardi Gras Parade which will travel through historic Downtown Leesville on Third Street. Call Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce:(337) 238-0349.
Sports
February 21-March 14: Free Fun Filled Fitness Camp, 1718 Kegleman Blvd., Mon. 5:30-6:30p.m. Sponsored by Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo. Fitness camp is for kids 6-12. Cost: Admission free. Call Master Rousseau: 443-8066.
