Arts:
Ongoing-September: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare, Inc Exhibits. A very special art exhibit will be on display during September at the Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing (located in the Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor, across from Radiology). Paintings by Mary Allyce Alkire (1923-2001), a former resident of Alexandria, will be on display in memory of her daughter, Pam Roessler, who passed away in 2015. Pam was a big supporter of Arts & Healthcare, Inc. and her husband Mike is sharing this collection of original art with the community. All paintings are for sale with proceeds benefitting Arts & Healthcare. The Rapides Gallery (located in the South Tower between the lobby and the ER) will feature the work of Genesis photography. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing- October 1: Photography and Art Exhibit, River Oaks Art Square, 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks and GAEDA. Exhibit featuring photography from The Photography Guild. Cost: Members free, Adults $2, Seniors $1. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
Ongoing- November 19: Tierce: Artists of Louisiana Francophone Cultures, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular museum hours. This exhibition will highlight artists from each of the three French speaking cultures of Louisiana, including 29th September Competition juror Francis Pavy. The AMoA collection includes work by artists with French heritage, as well as a few Fench artists. As the French connection to Louisiana has been strong through its history, this influence has continued through to contemporary art. Cost: Regular Museum admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing- November 19: 29th September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular museum hours. Our annual juried exhibition will be selected by juror Francis Pavy from National and International submissions. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. The AMoA collections includes a number of works donated through the September competition and remains a great resource in building our collection. Cost: Regular Museum Admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing- November 19: Adult Studio Class: Forging Fibers, Paper Making Techniques for Anyone, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-4p.m. Learn traditional yet simple paper making techniques using a variety of “rags” to create a layered composition. Objectives will focus on proper preparation of materials, applications and drying techniques that will provide participants the knowlegde to create more works on their own, class size limited to 20. Cost: $50 for members, $70 for non-members. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.
September 10 & 24: Simplemente Espanol Morning Meeting, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-4p.m. Interested in practicing your Spanish? Join the “Simplemente Espanol Club” for their mornings at the Alexandria Museum of Art to converse in Spanish, and discuss the art. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Music
September 8: A-Town Evenings, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre, 7:30pm. The Arts Council of Central Louisiana welcomes The Organization (a jazz organ trio comprised of H.B. Smith, Bill Spears, and Jamey Bell). Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-484-4474. ticket-central.org
September 15: AMoA Fais Do Do featuring Pine Leaf Boys, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30pm-8:30pm. As part of their Tiercé: Artists of Francophone Louisiana Cultures exhibition, the Alexandria Museum of Art will host a “Fais Do Do” French House Dance, featuring a performance by the Pine Leaf Trio. Louisiana’a finest, four-time Grammy-Nominated Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for presenting their own inimitable brand of Cajun music with youthful exuberance. Cost: Free (AMoA Members); $10.00 (non-members). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org/trio
September 24: Pops on the River “Celebrating the American Spirit, Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Table seating available, visit rapidessymphony.org for additional information. Cost: Free and open to the public. Call Sarah Fookes: 318-442-9709.
Theatre
September 8-11: Peter Pan the Musical, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Thurs.-Sat. 2:30p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Broadway’s timeless classic musical whisks you away to a place where dreams are born and no one ever grows up! Cost: $18 regular, $15 senior, $13 student or groups of ten or more. Call Lagniappe Theatre Company: 318-487-8243.
Events
September 1-30: Library Card Sign-Up Month, All Rapides Parish Library locations, During hours of operation. Want to travel the world? How about learn to use a 3D printer? Or maybe you just want to download a new e-book to your tablet. Well you can do all of that and more with a free library card! It’s what makes a library card the most valuable card in your wallet. Cost: Free. Call Suzanne DeKeyzer James: 318-445-2411×1060.
September 5, 12, 19, 26 & October 3: Cenla Meditation Meeting, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 6:30pm. Cenla Meditation (Founded in September 2012) is a non-profit organization for those who want to learn more about meditation and mindful living within our community. All levels welcome! No religious affiliation required. Cost: Free. Call Lyndon: 318-229-3811. www.cenlameditation.org
September 6: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm. The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.
September 7: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 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. Please pre-register; space is limited. Call: 318-769-3445.
September 8: So You Want To Be A Geologist, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. This After-School program rocks! Using our microscope we’ll learn and examine the differences between rock types. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
September 8: Cosplay Creations, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. We get together to begin designing, brainstorming and begin our Cosplay creations. Creative Con 2017 is coming! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906. www.rpl.org
September 8, 15, 22, 29 & October 6: Refuge Recovery, 1921 Jackson Street, 6:00pm. Refuge Recovery is a non-theistic Buddhist approach to recovering from addiction. Cost: Free. Call Lyndon: 318-229-3811. www.facebook.com/refugerecoverycenla or http://refugerecovery.org
September 8: Suicide Survivor Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm. This group is open to anyone who needs support and has lost a loved one to suicide. It could include parents, siblings, children, spouse, friends or coworkers. The group meets the second Thursday of each month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-312-7970.
September 9: Culinary Herbs: Using Herbs, Roots, and Flowers For Healthy Living, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Lisa Odom Ray, member of the Cenla Herb Society and owner of Sage Hill Botanicals will talk about using culinary herbs, roots, and flowers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x1906. www.rpl.org
September 12: Master Craft Creations: Bath Fizzy Balls, Rapides Main Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Adults create their own personal scented bath fizzy balls. Take them one to make bath time a relaxing aromatherapy moment! Make a set of fizzy bath balls for gifting or keeping. Treat yourself and sign up! Pre-registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 Ext. 1036. www.rpl.org
September 12: 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 a program 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.
September 14: Miracle Jeans Day. Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital-Children’s Miracle Network. “Miracle Jeans Day gives companies, organizations, schools and individuals an opportunity to come together in a casual way to support the Children’s Miracle Network at Cabrini Hospital just by wearing jeans to work or school! It is a fun way to involve employees & students to help raise funds for their local children’s hospital. Cost: $5 donation. Call Christus Cabrini Foundation: 318-448-6580.
September 14: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. 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.
September 15: A Perfect Fit Foundation Pancake Breakfast, St. James Episcopal Church in Alexandria, 6:30am-11:00am. Come enjoy a short stack of pancakes, sausage, beverage and fruit for a great cause! 100% of all funds raised will go directly towards the purchase of uniform-approved, well fitted shoes for underprivileged elementary school children in Rapides Parish. Dine in or carry out. Orders of 10 or more plates include free delivery in the Alexandria/Pineville area. Cost: $7.00. Call: 318-442-8277.
September 15: 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.
September 16: Discover Brazil, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. We’ll travel down South America way and learn about the country of Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is the host city of the Summer Olympics so we’ll learn about the culture, the language, and even sample the regions daily food staple! Wonder what that might be? Join us and find out. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
September 17: CPR Class, 1831 Tuner Street, 9:00am and 1:00pm. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: $45. Call Sheila or Kenneth: 318-445-880.
September 17: 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: 318-769-3445.
September 17: Bully Prevention Seminar, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 10:45a.m.-11:30a.m. Sponsored by Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo. Learn bully prevention tips and techniques in the event you may be approached by a bully. Cost: Free. Call Master Rousseau: 318-443-8066.
September 17: Just Jarrin’ Around: Creatin, Johnson Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. We craft our way to the look of beautiful stained glass without the soldering and glass cutting. You’ll have lots of fun developing your own stained glass design and end up with a lovely one-of-a-kind glass luminary. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
September 17: Heritage Day, Highway 123, Dry Prong, Louisiana, 11:00am-4:00pm. Sponsored Dry Prong Historical Society. Old time crafts, vendors, bands, games, raffles, food and fun. Free museum tours highlighting Dry Prong history. Cost: Free. Call Della Barbee: 318-899-7334 or 318-312-3648.
September 17: Bully and Cyberbully Prevention Seminar, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 11:30am-12:30pm. Sponsored by Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo. Learn bully prevention tips and techniques in the event you may be approached by a bully. Cost: Free. Call Master Rousseau: 318-443-8066.
September 17: Main Movie Mania: The Jungle Book, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Grab your friend, children, family or come by yourself and enjoy the newly released movie, “The Jungle Book”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
September 19: 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: 318-769-3445.
September 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Artist Cindy Bair presents “Flowers in the Attic.” Also featuring The Atrium Spa by Louisiana Athletic Club. Please RSVP by Friday, September 16th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.
September 22: Tunica-Biloxi Cultural & Educational Center Presentation, Robertson Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Donna Pierite and Elizabeth Mora present a cultural presentation that focuses on traditional stories, indigenous songs and dances. Participants experience interactive activities that help expose the rich culture of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. Stick around afterward for a surprise craft! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
September 22: Les Fest, Alexandria Zoo, 6:30pm. Sponsored by the Alexandria Zoo and FOTAZ. Enjoy a wild evening at this outdoor music fest and fundraiser celebrating the Alexandria Zoo and remembering zoo director Les Whitt and his love for music. Live music, silent auction, and food available for purchase are featured. Cost: TBD. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 318-441-6810.
September 22 & 23: Exploring Chemistry, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Growing edible crystals that you can grow and take home for continued growth and we also begin growing non-edible crystals that need a chance to grow overnight. Return the next day to see how the crystals have progressed. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
September 22: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Who says coloring is for kids? We don’t think so and to prove it, we’re having an adult social gathering where we’ll do some coloring, have a craft using coloring sheets, listen to some music and have a light snack. Unwind after a long day or join us for the fun of it. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
September 23: Making Personalized Mugs, McDonald Branch Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Transform plain coffee mug into an individualized mug that is all your own! All supplies provided! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
September 24: First Time Homebuyer Seminar, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Presented by First Federal Bank of Louisiana. Representatives discuss the steps in buying a home. Topics included are: Applying for a mortgage, budgeting and tax credits, repairing your credit history and more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org
September 24: Expand Your Mind and Talent: Mandala Coloring Challenge, Martin Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Join us as we create a massive mandala for display. We’ll join collective forces to create a piece of artwork with origins older than all of our ages combined! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
September 25: Win the Race or Die Trying – Uncle Earl’s Last Hurrah, Westside Regional Library, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Author and political historian, Jack McGuire discusses the illustrious and always colorful Earl Kemp Long known affectionately as “Uncle Earl” among his friends and “frienemies”. The book tells he last year of Long’s life and the campaign he waged and won by sheer force of will. Long won the legislative election but just a week later he was dead. McGuire will answer questions and have signed copies of his book for sale. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906. www.rpl.org
September 25: Threads, Coughlin-Saunders, 2:30pm. Sponsored by Christus Cabrini Cancer Center. Join us for a special afternoon of sweets, treats and fashion show featuring survivors as models. Proceeds benefit the Patient Assistance Fun at Christus Cabrini Cancer Center. Become part of this celebration! Cost: $20 per person, sponsorships available. Call Debbie Guy: 318-466-6074.
September 27: Medicare Educational Seminar, Westside Regional Library, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Topics will includes the New Healthcare Marketplace, Medicare Parts A, B & D, Medicaid and more. Cost: Free.
September 29: Now Playing – Matilda, McDonald Branch Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Movies at McDonald come in and spend an entertaining Thursday afternoon watching a movie with us. We’ll finish up the month with: Matilda. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
September 29: The A, B, C’s of Parenting a Child with Special Needs, Cabrini Mediplex Kincaid Room, 6:00pm. Join us as Dr. Lauren Stokes, a local pediatric psychologist, addresses the challenges of parenting a child with special needs (e.g., autism, developmental delay, ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, etc.) and discusses behavioral strategies and recommendations that work to improve children’s functioning. Cost: Free. Call: 318-466-6111.
September 30: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Paint Pink Opening Receptions. These special exhibits at both Rapides Regional Medical Center and Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital commemorate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and feature local artists. The Paint Pink Art Exhibits will be on display throughout the month of October and are open to the public. All art is for sale. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Sports
Ongoing-September: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm-5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga! These classes meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
September 7, 14, 21, 28 & October 5: 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.
September 17: 5th Annual Le Tour de Bayou, Kent Plantation House, All day. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Ride in one of several distanced designed to test your endurance while giving you a beautiful scenic ride through the Louisiana countryside. If you prefer to run, we will also be offering a 5k. All events will have full support along the course including restroom facilities, SAG stations and sweeper cars to help anyone along the course who may need it. Cost: Varies. Call Kent House: 318-487-5998.
September 20: Zen Yoga Class, Gunter Branch Library, 6:30pm-8:00pm. We join Tiffany Jo for some meditative yoga! Bring your own mat or beach towel and wear loose clothing so you can enjoy the free flowing movements of Zen Yoga! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
September 24: Grand Ecore Bike Cruise, Grand Ecore Visitor Center, 7:30am. In partnership with Bike Natchitoches, Cane River National Heritage Area’s inaugural Grand Ecore Bike Cruise will combine organized bike rides with heritage tourism and encourage participants to learn more about the cultural attractions located on the Cane River National Heritage Trail. Participants will enjoy children’s crafts, free healthy food and free warm-ups and cool downs by Spark Studio of Natchitoches. Guest Lecturer, Jim Kilcoyne will round out the event with a talk about the Red River Campaign at Grand Ecore. Cyclists of all ages and levels are welcome. Cost: Free. Call: 318-356-555.
September 24: Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Kent Plantation House, 10:00am. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. There is no fee to participate, but every walker is asked to make a donation. www.alz.org/walk
September 24: Benefit Barre Class with Val, Courtyard Health and Racquet Club, 10:00am. The Courtyard, in collaboration with Shape Magazine, will be hosting a barre class to benefit Movemeant Foundation, which aims to teach young women to feel confident about their bodies through fitness. Target long, lean muscles with ballet and pilates inspired exercises that focus on strength training, balance, and core work. Swag bag included. All proceeds go directly to the Movemeant Foundation. Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-487-4141.
