Arts
Ongoing – November: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits are currently showing: Works by Sally Norem at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; Works by Dorothy Pokrass at the Cabrini Cancer Center; Artwork by Bobette Coughlin at the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and Photography by Susan Stevison at the OSMS/Cenla Urgent Care Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
November 12: Hodges Gardens Fall Art Fest, Hodges Gardens State Park, 10:00am. The Friends of Hodges Gardens will host their annual Fall Art Fest. Artists will set up near the Gift Shop inside the gardens. Call Paula Sche-Baldwin: 337-424-1496.
November 12-13: A Merry Christmas in Cenla, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, 10a.m.-5p.m. Sat. and 11a.m.-4p.m. Sun. Sponsored byRed River Arts and Crafts Guild. Wood crafts, needle crafts, purses, candles, ceramics and more. Cost: 2 canned food items or $1 donation to benefit local Food Bank. Craft booth space: $75. Commercial booth space: $125. Call Rita Brossette: 445-1962.
November 26: Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market, NatchitochesEventCenter, 9a.m.-5p.m. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items at this indoor show. 100+ booths will offer jewelry, clothing, mosaics, soaps, birdhouses, decorations, jellies and much more. Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
November 29-January 14: Annual Miniature Exhibit, RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter, 5-7p.m. Exhibit featuring artist Bridie Rollins, Resident Artists of River Oaks and artists from the community. Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
December 2: Opening Reception, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Studio Art Quilt Associates: Sightlines, Geza Brunow: Event Horizon and LA Crafts Guild, continued. Cost: Call for info. Call Sara Fuhrer: 443-3458.
December 3: 2011 Porch Sale Fundraiser, Bolton House,RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter, 9a.m.-3p.m. Great opportunity to buy unique gifts for Christmas. Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Dance
November 8, 15, 22 and 29: Museum Moves Dance Classes, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 6:45-7:45p.m. Ballroom dance classes with instructor, Randy Sims. All levels welcome. Cost: Call for more information. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
November 18: Museum Moves Ballroom Dance Party, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 7-10p.m. Try out your new ballroom dance skills. Cost: Call for more information. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
November 26-27: The Nutcracker Ballet, Coughlin-Saunders PerformingArtsCenter, 7p.m. Sat., 2p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Red River Dance Theatre Company. Cast includes local dancers and guest professionals. A holiday tradition suitable for the entire family. Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors, $8 students, $35 family pack of two students and two others. Call Linda Mioton: 792-1699.
Music
November 15: Red River Wind Symphony Fall Concert, Guinn Auditorium,Louisiana College, 7-9p.m. Admission free. Call Cynthia Firmin: 487-7336.
November 19: Chee Weez in Concert, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 9:00pm. The Chee Weez return to Alexandria live in concert, presented by the Alexandria Mardi
Gras Association. Doors open at 8:00. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $250 reserved table for 8. Call: 318-623-7359.
December 1: Christmas Choral Extravaganza, 111 South Washington St., 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Le Theatre des Bon Temps, Inc. Cost: $5. Call Derrick Augustine or Eileen Brouillette: 253-8105 or 253-0284.
December 2: A-Town Jazz, Loft Home of Jim and Frances Hurst, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council ofCentral Louisiana. Entertainment and light hors d’oeuvres with cash bar of beer and wine. Cost: $25. CallNancy: 443-4718.
December 3, 10 and 17: Holiday Concert Series, Alexandria Mall,Center Court, time: TBA. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with musical and dance performances. Admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0. www.alexandriamall.com
December 4: Rapides Symphony Holiday Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Annual holiday concert with a mix of upbeat classics and well-know carols. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
December 4: “Tiny Infant, Holy Child”, First Baptist Church of Bunkie, 6:30pm. The Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church and area church chorale musicians will present “Tiny Infant, Holy Child”. Special solists will be Judy Rhodes Davis of Jackson, Ms. and Cara Waring of NSU. A chamber orchestra consisting of members of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, the Dunlap Family Quartet, guest pianist Tamara Zona, along with guest organist Jude Gaspard of St. Barnabas Episcopal in Lafayette will be included in the Celebration. Reception following. Call: 318-641-1800 or 318-346-7602.
Theatre
November 6: The Big Read: Adventures of Tom Sawyer Dinner Theater, Westside Regional Library, 5:30p.m. Sponsored by Friends of the Rapides Parish Library andCityPark Players. Join us for an evening of great literature, great theater, great food and great company. Cost: $30 per person. Call Kelly Kingrey-Edwards: 445-2411 exr. 241.
November 10-13 and 17-20: A Possum Grape Christmas Live!, Multi-PurposeAcademicBuilding, LSUA, 7:30p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:30p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Empty Space Players of LSUA. A Christmas play for the entire family, as long as your family doesn’t mind a little irreverence, a bit of mild profanity and a lot of heart. Directed byRobert Harper. Written by Rhonda Shook. Cost: $12 general, $10 seniors, $5 students. Call Dr. Rhonda Shook: 473-6573.
November 10-20: The Fantasticks, MPAC Theatre,Louisiana College, time: Varies. Cost: $12 general, $8 students and seniors. Call Tabitha Huffman: 487-7227.
November 10-13: Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming!, Coughlin-Saunders PerformingArtsCenter, 7p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:30p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre. Third segment of the Smoke on the Mountain series. Join the Sanders family in this touching and hilarious show featuring your favorite Bluegrass Gospel hits. Cost: $10-$15. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
November 16-20: Children’s Letters to God, 111 South Washington St., 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Le Theatre des Bon Temps, Inc. Cost: $10 adults, $7 students. Call Derrick Augustine or Eileen Brouillette: 253-8105 or 253-0284.
Events
Ongoing-December: Adopt a Family, Hope House ofCentral Louisiana. Please join the Hope House of Central in sponsoring homeless families for the Holiday Season. Help our homeless children have the gift of warmth and traditional Christmas. Cost: Donations appreciated. Call Sandy or Ariana: 487-2061.
Ongoing-May 24: YWCA after School Care, YWCA, 3-6p.m. Designed for pre-K to through 6th grade. Participants will have a safe place to go after school and a counselor to help with homework. Cost: $55 registration fee and $50 per week. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
Ongoing Wednesdays and Saturdays: Free GED Classes,1617 Branch St., 5-7p.m. Wed. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. Sponsored by Re-Entry Solutions Center. Cost: Admission free. Call Sherry Gentle or Victor Carstarphen: 443-0189.
November 3: CPP Readers Theatre Presents The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 7p.m. Sponsored byCityPark Players. Classic tale by Mark Twain presented in Readers Theatre format as part of Rapides Parish Library Big Read Initiative. Cost: $5. Call Manager: 484-4478.
November 4: 21st Annual All Soul’s Memorial Service, HistoricCemetery on the grounds ofCentralLouisianaStateHospital for the Mentally Ill, 10a.m. Sponsored byC.L.S.H.Cemetery Preservation Committee. Refreshments at theRoseCottageMuseum following the services. Admission free. Call Chaplain Emitte Belgard: 484-6361.
November 4-5: Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble, False River. Featuring antiques, historic homes and good food. Call: 225-930-0936.
November 5: St. Timothy’s Bazaar and Pig Roast, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2627 Horseshoe Drive in Alexandria, 9:00am – 3:00pm. This fun-filled event will feature Grammy award winner Chubby Carrier and the “Almost Can Play Boys” from 11 to 2. Call: 487-0875.
November 5: 5th Annual Wings & Wheels Fly-In and Drive-In, DeRidder Army Airbase off Hwy 190 West. Warbirds and vintage aircrafts, plus classic cars & bikes will be on display throughout the day. Visit the new Aviation Resource Lab where you can sit in the Air Traffic Control and Flight simulators to experience the thrill of aviation for yourself. Call: 337-463-8250.
November 5: One Day Breastfeeding Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this class is taught by lactation educator 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: Free. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com
November 5: Grapes and Hops Wine Auction, home of Paul and Jo Guillory, 6p.m. Benefit for theShepherdCenter. Bi-annual soiree’ will feature gourmet food, wine tasting and music by Gary Cathey. Dr. James White, Gene Cotton and Ralph Sisco will spice up the auction with their expertise. Please call for reservations. Cost: $100 donation. Call Peggy Trotter: 448-3752.
November 5: LSUA Foundation Scholarship Gala, AlexandriaRiverfrontCenter, 6:30p.m.-Midnight. Sponsored by LSUA Foundation. Cocktails, dinner and dancing to benefit the Student Scholarship Fund at the LSUA Foundation. John Maginnis for LaPolitics will be our special guest and Irma Thomas, the soul queen ofNew Orleans will perform. Please call for reservations. Cost: $100 per ticket, table sponsorships available. Call Melinda Anderson: 619-2916.
November 5: Muscular Dystrophy Association Rapides Parish Muscle Walk, Bringhurst Field, 9a.m.-Noon. This is a non-athletic, non-competitive, symbolic walk to celebrate the strides the Muscular Dystrophy Association researchers have taken in the search for a cure and treatments. Admission free. Call Christina Griffin: 388-3252. www.joinmda.org/rapidesmusclewalk2011
November 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:00pm. 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 month our focus is: Navigating the Holidays. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month unless it is a holiday. Brown Bag supper begins at 6pm. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
November 8: Sibling Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10 per family. Call: 445-6970.
November 9: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9am. This program is 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 covers a variety of topics, including 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. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3106.
November 9: LSUAg Center Lunch & Learn, Rapides Parish Extension Office, 300 Grady Britt Drive in Alexandria, 12:00noon. Local author Frances Boudreaux will discuss her book, “Where the Sun Don’t Shine and the Shadows Don’t Play”. Menu will include Chicken Taco Bean Soup, Tortillas, Fresh Apple Cake and Drink. Cost: $7. Call: 318-767-3968.
November 10: Head to Toe Clinic, Rapides Wound Healing Center at Rapides Regional Medical Center, 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center, the Rapides Wound Healing Center and Wallace Eye Associates will offer a special “Head to Toe” clinic for people with diabetes. Eye screenings, foot exams, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c tests and nutrition education will be offered to individuals diagnosed with diabetes. You must make appointment to take place in the screening. Call early. Space is limited! Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-4500.
November 11: 11-11-11 at 11, Leesville Veterans’ Park, 11:00am. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3106 will host a Veteran’s Day celebration with music provided by the Leesville High School Band. Donna Peterson, retired Apache helicopter pilot and graduate of West Point, will be the guest speaker. Lunch to follow at the VFW Post #3106 Bingo Hall. Brent Perkins Band will provide live entertainment. Cost: Free. Call: 337-238-0041.
November 12: Prepared Childbirth Class (One Day), RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. This 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. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441.
November 12: 18th Annual Sugar Day Festival, KentPlantation House, 9a.m.-5p.m. Learn how sugar was made in our 1840’s mill. Arts and crafts vendors selling items as well as desserts by the Colonial Dames of America. Live entertainment all day. Food and beverages for purchase. Cost: $5. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
November 12: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 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.
November 13: Holiday Open House, Specialty Shops inAlexandria, 1-6p.m. Open House to start off the holiday season. Merchants will be showcasing their fall and winter merchandise. Admission free. Call: 442-3303.
November 19: Cruisin’ Southern Style Classic Car Show and BBQ Throwdown, Paragon Casino Resort, 9:00am. All proceeds from the car show will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Call: 318-346-6367 (car show) or 318-240-6414 (BBQ Throwdown).
November 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: Holiday Bah Hum Bug, The Importance of Attitude. 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.
November 14: MOMS Club Meeting, First United Methodist Church, 10:00 a.m. An international, non-profit organization that provides support to stay at home moms in the Alexandria/Pineville area. Contact [email protected].
November 14: Christus Cabrini Diabetes Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6pm. This month our focus will be on diabetes and your kidneys. Special guest speaker will be Dr. Paul Sunderhaus, Podiatrist. He will speak on diabetes and your feet and ways to prevent wounds that lead to amputations. Cost: Free. Call Shelly Barton: 318-448-4964. E-mail: [email protected].
November 14: Breathing & Relaxation (Comfort Techniques for Labor), Rapides Regional Medical Center, Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. 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. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com.
November 15: Happiest Baby on the Block, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6pm. This program was created by Dr. Harvey Karp and is designed to teach parents simple, effective and fun techniques to quickly soothe their babies’ cries and help them to sleep a little longer. Cost: $30.
November 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. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
November 16: Habitat for Humanity Fish Fry Fundraiser, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria, 11:30am – 1:30pm. Lunches include catfish, potato salad, cole slaw, bread & dessert. Will deliver orders of 5 or more! Cost: $6.00. Call: 318-449-9804 or 318-448-1921.
November 17: Blessings of Life, EmmanuelBaptistChurch chapel, 6 p.m.RapidesCancerCenter invites individuals from our community who have experienced cancer as a survivor, patient or caring family member. Join us as we reflect on the gifts of faith, family and friends and the strength they provide us. Refreshments will be served after the program. Call: (318) 769-3106.
November 18: ONSTAGE2011 Awards Gala, Convention Hall, 7p.m. Sponsored byCityPark Players. This season ending awards gala celebrates the cast and crew of all the shows of 2011. Food, fun and entertainment by The Red River Jazz Band and performers of City Park Players. Cocktail attire preferred and reservations required. Cost: $75 per couple, $50 per person. Call Manager: 484-4478.
November 18: Southern Circuit Film: World’s Largest, Coughlin-SaundersPerformingArtsCenter, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council ofCentral Louisiana. Desperate for tourism, hundreds of small towns across theU.S. boast the “world’s largest” something. Visiting these roadside attractions is a compelling way to explore the culture of small townAmerica. Cost: $5. CallNancy: 443-4718.
November 19: “Know Your Stats”, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Atrium, 9:30am. “Know Your Stats” is a men’s prostate health event featuring Dr. Robert Bass and Robert Fontane speaking on prostate cancer, screenings and treatment options. Cost: Free. Call: 448-6816.
November 19: Santa Claus Arrival, Alexandria Mall, 10a.m. A morning of magical holiday entertainment with the Red River Dance Theatre and Santa. Admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0.
November 21: Autism Spectrum Disorders Support Group, 6:00pm. Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Atrium. This group is offered to anyone affected by: Autistic disorder (also called “classic” autism), Asperger Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (or atypical autism). Cost: Free. Call Brenda Lanaux: 318-715-0601.
November 27: Bereaved Parents Butterfly Tree Decoration, Alexandria Zoo, 3:00pm. This beautiful service honors our children and grandchildren who have left us too soon. Find a Butterfly Christmas Tree Ornament, bring the family and come join us as we place butterfly ornaments on the Christmas tree set up in the Butterfly Garden in the Zoo. Please have your child’s or grandchild’s name on the ornament. If you are using a picture, be sure to laminate in case of inclement weather. Cost: Free (tell gate attendant you are with the Bereaved Parents Group).
November 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.
November 28: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11:00am. The staff from Emeritus Senior Living 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.
November 29: Opening Ceremony Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration, Kent Plantation House, 5:30p.m. Kent Plantation House and APACVB. Opening ceremony of a year-long celebration ofLouisiana’s statehood, 1812-2012. Featured speaker, Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
November 29: Healing Hearts ‘Christmas Memorial Tree’, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Lobby, 6 p.m. A memorial tree sponsored by the Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group. Participants will decorate the Memory Tree. Call Denise Cross: 769-7569.
December 1: Holiday Magic, Alexander Fulton Mini Park, 5 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria. The kickoff for the 12 Nights of Christmas. Youth groups, choirs, caroling, cookies and Santa. Come downtown and help celebrate the 1st Night of Christmas as the Mayor lights the city tree to kick of the holiday season. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5051.
December 1-3, 8-10 and 15-23: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30-8p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Come see the Zoo in a different light. Thousands of glistening lights will transform the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Visit with Santa, warm up by the bonfire, and enjoy holiday treats from the Café. Top off your evening with a train ride and selecting that perfect gift. Musical entertainment will be held on select evenings. Dec. 17th is the 11th Night of Christmas. Cost: TBA. Call Zoo Office: 441-6810.
December 2: Follow the Star, Louisiana College, time: TBA. Christmas themed activities and entertainment. 2nd Night of Christmas. Cost: TBA. Call Allison Bruchhaus: 487-7194.
December 3: Old Fashion Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m. Come see how an old fashioned Christmas was celebrated. Refreshments and live entertainment. 3rd Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
December 4: The Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 6-8p.m. Annual drive-thru nativity features members of the congregation as cast and includes Christmas music, candlelight and live animals. Spectators are able to relive the story of the first Christmas from the comfort of their own vehicles. 4th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Jennifer Wright: 443-5696.
Sports
Ongoing Tuesdays: Yoga in the Gallery, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Certified Yoga Instructor, Joan Manuel. Cost: Call for info. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
