Arts
Ongoing-January: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. During the month of January, Arts & Healthcare, Inc. presents art by Charlie White in the Christus Gallery for Reflection and Healing, located in the Cabrini Outpatient Center (1st floor across from Radiology); and the art of Barry Owen in the Rapides Gallery, located in the South Tower (between the lobby and the ER). Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602.
Ongoing-February 20: Aaron Douglas & Arna Bontemps: Partners in Activism, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-5:00pm Tue.-Fri., 10:00am-4:00pm Sat. AMoA and Arna Bontemps African American Museum have partnered to display this exhibition highlighting artist Aaron Douglas and author Arna Bontemps. Paintings and illustrations by Douglas will be paired with writings by Bontemps to create a unique exhibition of work by two influential African American artists and educators. Cost: Visit www.themuseum.org for prices. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing-February 20: Harmonic Fascination: The Art of Max Papart, an AMoA 4.0 Beta Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-5:00pm Tue.-Fri., 10:00am-4:00pm Sat. This exhibition will look into Papart’s artistic development, from his classical drawing through his paintings, prints, and his exploration of a few other mediums. Cost: Visit www.themuseum.org for prices. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing – February 20: On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-5:00pm Tue.-Fri., 10:00am-4:00pm Sat. This exhibition serves to highlight the cranes as well as the work to preserve this species in Louisiana and other locations throughout the country. Cost: Visit www.themuseum.org for prices. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Music
January 7: Abendmusik Alexandria: An Evening of Romantic Song, The Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 6:00pm. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Soprano D’nissa Hester and pianist Lane Dunn present an array of love songs, offering perspectives by both male and female composers. Their program features music by several of the most admired composers of art song, including Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, his wife Clara Schumann, and Gabriel Faure. Cost: General Admission $10, add appetizer plate $5. Call Jackson Harmeyer: 318-484-4467.
January 31: RSO Chamber Players, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30pm. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony’s select chamber orchestra performs under the direction of Italian guest conductor Giacarlo DiLorenzo. Cost: Adult $25, Senior Adult $15, Student $10. Call James Owens: 318-484-4469.
February 3: United States Air Force Band of the West Concert, Pineville High School, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. The Air Force of the West returns to Central Louisiana for another great concert. Special guests in the works, stay tuned for more details! Visit ticket-central.org for updates. Cost: Free and Open to the Public. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.
February 4: Abendmusik Alexandria: Infinite Possibilities, The Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 6:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Listen and watch as Masahito Kuroda explores past, present, and future of the euphonium. Hear this member of the tuba family in various guises as Kuroda performs the music of composers like Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich in addition to lesser known names like John Boda. Visit ticket-central.org for tickets. Cost: General Admission $10, to add appetizer plate, $5. Call Jackson Harmeyer: 318-484-4467.
Events
Ongoing-February 29: 2016 BINGO Reading Challenge for Adults, All libraries, during hours of operation. Sponsored by Rapides Parish Library. Kick off the New Year with Adult BINGO Book Challenge! Challenge yourself to read more, to read more widely and to have fun doing it all! Multiple ways to play, traditional or get creative and cheeky and find as many combinations you can! When you’ve completed your card, fill in the back information and turn it in for a final drawing! Cost: Free. Call Tammy DiBartolo: 318-442-2483 x 1906.
January 4-9: Harley Davidson Jacket Exchange, Renegade Harley Davidson. Renegade Harley-Davidson will donate all jackets to the Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition to help the 163 homeless that we have in our community. Renegade will accept any coat donations; however, the discount will only apply to leather jackets. Call: 318-448-1509. www.RenegadeHD.com
January 7: Crafty Thursday—Let’s Color!, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. It’s a scientific fact: Coloring lowers your blood pressure, allows the body to relax and the brain moves into a calm meditative state! Come and chill and color with us! All supplies are provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906. www.rpl.org
January 7: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 9: RRMC Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day 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. Lunch is included. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
January 9: Cabrini Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:00am-1:00pm. This class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on the benefits, techniques and concerns of breastfeeding. The father/support partner is welcome. Cost: $20. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 9: The Muse Teen Day, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-5:00pm. Join the Muse Club for open music and poetry performances during the Muse Open Mic, and the Art Career Fair to learn about career pathways in the arts. Follow the Muse on Facebook for more information, or visit www.themuseum.org. Cost: Free for ages 13-21. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 9 & 23: Simplemente Español, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am – Noon. Interested in practicing your Spanish? Join the “Simplemente Español Club.” Tour AMoA, and talk about the art with others in Spanish! Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 9: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-4:00pm. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 11: The Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am. 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
January 11: Look Good, Feel Better, Rapides Cancer Center, 11:30am-1:30pm. Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. Look Good…Feel Better is led by a trained volunteer cosmetologist who teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active therapy. In order to provide complimentary cosmetics, advance registration is required. Please identify what color makeup kit you will need: light, medium, dark or extra dark. Cost: Free. Call: 337-433-5131.
January 12: Sibling Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 13: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am – Noon. This 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. Space is limited; reservations are required. Call: 318-769-3445. www.rapidesregional.com
January 13: MOMS Club Social, Rapides Westside Regional Library Branch, 10:00am. We are a support group designed just for you, the at-home mother! You are interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your children, and are proud of your choice of at-home mothering for your families! Please join us for snack, story time and adult conversation. Cost: Free. Call Meghan: 318-769-9386 or Email: [email protected].
January 13: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. In this event, a trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.
January 14: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.
January 15: What’s Cookin’? Cookbook Club, Boyce Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Calling enthusiastic foodies, cooks, cookbook readers and writers to explore a gastronomic romp through a selected cookbook. We’ll explore everything from soup to nuts! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
January 16: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:00pm. This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
January 16: “An Evening with Arna Bontemps” with Danielle Kimbrough, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:00pm. As part of our Aaron Douglas & Arna Bontemps: Partners in Activism exhibit, we present this dramatic production, telling the life and literary works of Louisiana native and Harlem Renaissance author Arna Bontemps. Visit www.themuseum.org for more information. Cost: See website, themuseum.org. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 16: CPR Class, 1831 Turner Street, 8:00am. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: See website, www.ywcaalex.org. Call YWCA: 318-445-8880.
January 17: Wreath Placing Ceremony, MLK Memorial, Murray Street, 4:30pm. Sponsored by Citywide Interdenominational Revival Crusade. The March will begin on the corner of Washington Strret and MLK Drive and end at the MLK Memorial on Murray Street. Cost: Admission Free. Call Jeffery Franklin: 318-473-9905.
January 18: MLK Prayer Breakfast, Convention Hall, 6:30am. Sponsored by Citywide Interdenominational Revival Crusade. Cost: Admission Free. Call Reverend Clarence Dupar Jr.: 318-664-6471.
January 18: MLK Parade, Bolton Avenue in front of Save-a-Lot, 10:00am. Sponsored by Citywide Interdenominational Revival Crusade. The parade will begin on Bolton Avenue and proceed to Jackson Street and end on Second Street in front of the Riverfront Center. Cost: Free. Call Reverend S.Y. Brady: 318-445-1977.
January 18: MLK Noon-Day Celebration, Alexandria Riverfront Center, Noon. Sponsored by Citywide Interdenominational Revival Crusade. The Noon-Day Celebration will commence immediately after following the MLK Parade. Cost: Admission Free. Call Reverend Clarence Dupar Jr.: 318- 664-6471.
January 18: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor, this class will be an in-depth opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and other comfort measures for labor and delivery. The support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Bring pillows to class. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
January 19: Preventing Suicide–You Are Not Alone!, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Harvey Norris, LCSW from the Alexandria Louisiana VA Health Care System as he presents a monthly discussion group for Veterans and their families on how to talk to Veterans in crisis. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
January 19: 100 Women Who Care About Cenla Gathering, Diamond Grill, 5:30pm-6:30pm. The first social gathering of 100 Women Who Care About Cenla is open to members only. Membership is open to all women who want to make a difference in our community. For more information or a membership form, please email [email protected]. Call: 318-769-7602. http://judy323.wix.com/100womencenla
January 20: La Leche League Meeting, Rapides Westside Regional Library Branch, 10:00am. La Leche League meetings emphasize the joys of breastfeeding while they inform and encourage mothers who wish to nurse their babies. Mother-to-mother support is at the heart of La Leche League: getting to know other women who have breastfed their babies can be helpful and reassuring. All mothers and mothers-to-be are welcome. Babies and children are welcome too! Cost: Free. Call Meghan: 318-769-9386 or E-mail: [email protected].
January 20: Plastic Surgery–A New You, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm. Plastic surgeon H. Stephen Maguire, M.D., hosts this monthly after-hours discussion on various plastic surgery topics. The topic for January is “Mommy Makeovers.” Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-5800.
January 21: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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. Special Holiday Meal Covered Dish! Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
January 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. What are you looking for in 2016? Program features include Ahrens DesignsS with Debbie Ahrens and “Searching for Happiness” presented by Nancy Briggs. Please RSVP by January 15th. Cost: $16. Call: 318-481-7880.
January 21: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Cancer Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 21: Krewe of Antiqua Mardi Gras Masquerade Party, Alexandria Convention Hall, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Wear you favorite Mardi Gras Comstume and come enjoy the music, heavy hors d-oeuvres and second line. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Cost: $1.00 (60+); $3.00 (59 & Under). Call: 318-487-1561.
January 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 21: Community Luminary Project, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Join us for the First Third Thursday Community Art Project! Come enjoy this social art event and learn how to illuminate the arts, and work on luminaries for our popular Luminary Processions through the year. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 23: Cabrini Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 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. Call: 866-581-3627.
January 23: Teens & Tweens New Year Murder Mystery Party, Johnson Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. A fun way to kick off the new year — with a “who dunnit” murder mystery party. Registration is required. Open to teens and tweens. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
January 24: Harvest Barn Market Kickoff, Inglewood Harvest Barn, 6623 Old Baton Rouge Highway, 9:00am-1:00pm. Sponsored by Inglewood Farm. Kickoff the New Year and launch the Inglewood Harvest Barn Market for 2016. Enjoy live music, wagon ride farm tours, horse rides, cook out and full farmers’ market with over 20 local vendors. Cost: Free. Call Stephen Reed: 318-442-6398.
January 25: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
January 25: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Brookdale 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 Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
January 25: Teens & Tweens New Year Murder Mystery Party, King Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. A fun way to kick off the new year — with a “who dunnit” murder mystery party. Registration is required. Open to teens and tweens. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
January 26-February 11: Valentines for Veterans, Boyce Branch Library. A community effort! Come in during library hours and create a valentine of our returning and service veterans. All supplies provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
January 27: Cenla Babywearing, Rapides Westside Regional Library Branch, 10:00am. Come learn how to safely wear your baby in different types of babywearing methods. Cost: Free.
January 29: Pineville Light the Night Mardi Gras Parade, Main St., Pineville, 6:00pm. Cost: Admission Free. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 318-445-5650.
January 29: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Art Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Musical and spoken word performances, including open-mic and featured performers, and promoting the art of Spoken Word and self-expression by creating opportunities for poets. Hosted by Alexandria native and champion slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley, winner of the 2015 Texas Grand Slam and 2015 Rogue Roulette poetry competitions. Cost: Free for AMoA members, $5 for non-members. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 30: AMoA Culinary Art Series Fundraiser, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7:00pm-9:00pm. AMoA Culinary Art Series events are hosted by board members in their homes. In January, join Melinda Descant and Fay Flanagen for a Mardi Gras themed dinner party in Avoyelles Parish. Cost: $50 per person, limited number of tickets. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 30: CALMEX 30, Recreation District 1 Multipurpose Complex, 1221 Sampson Street, Westlake, LA. 8:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by Southwest Area Modelers of Plastic. Snack bar on site, gumbo for sale, and 50 vendors on site. Cost: Viewing models free, for contest fees see website, www.ipmsswamp.com. Call Robert Leishman: 337-244-9938.
January 30: Town of Woodworth Mardi Gras Parade, Maison Rue & Castor Plunge Road, 12:00pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-8980.
February 3: LSUA Mardi Gras Parade, LSUA Campus, 12:00pm. Cost: Free. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.
February 5: Taste of Mardi Gras, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 707 Second Street, 7:30pm. Sponsored by Cenla Chapter of Louisiana Restaurant Association. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations in Alexandria: Atwood’s Bakery, Critics Choice, (both locations) and the Alexandria Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Cost: $20 Adults, $10 Children ages 10 and younger, VIP tables $400 for table of 8. Call APACVB: 318-442-9546 or Nick Carrozza: 318-729-6045.
February 5: Hixson College Cheerleader & Classic Car Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30pm. Sponsored by Hixson Autoplex. Cost: See AMGA website for cost, www.alexmardigras.com. Call Daniel McGuffee: 318-561-5900 or 318-419-7216.
February 6: AMGA 20th Annual Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:00am. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Entry applications and additional information can be found on the AMGA website, www.alexmardigras.com. Cost: $100 per unit entry fee. Call David Foster: 318-623-7957.
February 6: Mardi Gras Party, Alexandria Zoo, 2:00pm-4:00pm. They all ask for you at the Alexandria Zoo! Tour the zoo and enjoy a little Mardi Gras lagniappe with music and refreshments. Cost: General Admission prices. Call Zoo Office: 318-441-6810.
February 7: AMGA 23rd Annual Krewes Parade, Mid City Alexandria, 2:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Additional information and route can be found at www.alexmardigras.com. Cost: Free to the public. Call Chris Chelette: 318-623-7359.
Sports
Ongoing-December: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm-5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
Ongoing-January: Water Aerobics, 1831 Turner Street, 8:00am. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Call YWCA: 318-445-8880.
January 6, 13, 20 & 27: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
January 12, 19, 26, and February 2: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday at AMoA thanks to a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
January 12, 17, 20, and 25: LSUA Men’s JV Basketball, LSUA Campus, 6:00pm Call Larry Cordaro: 318- 619-2968.
January 12: LSUA JV vs Delgado CC, LSUA Campus, 6:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318- 619-2968.
January 17: LSUA JV vs Lone Star College, LSUA Campus, 6:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318- 619-2968.
January 20: LSUA JV vs Southern Shreveport, LSUA Campus, 6:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318- 619-2968.
January 25: LSUA JV vs Louisiana Christian School, LSUA Campus, 6:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318- 619-2968.
January 15-16: LSUA Men’s Basketball, LSUA Campus, 7:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 619-2968.
January 15: LSUA Men’s Basketball vs Jarvis, 7:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318-619-2968.
January 16: LSUA Men’s Basketball vs Wiley College, 7:00pm. Call Larry Cordaro: 318-619-2968.
January 30: 16th Annual Spirits 5K, Spirits Food & Friends, 2:00pm. This year’s race will feature the 5K and a 1-mile alternative. Registration includes t-shirt and post-race party. Awards will be presented for the overall winner, plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each of the divisions (male & female). Party for participants immediately following the race, featuring free food, live music and beer! Cost: $25 (in advance); $30 (race day). www.spiritscenla.com
