Arts
Ongoing-April: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. During April, Arts & Healthcare, Inc. will exhibit the art of Margie Tate in the Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing (located in the Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology). The photographs of Gary Collins will be featured in the Rapides Gallery (located in the South Tower between the lobby and the ER). Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-May 21: Out of the Ordinary: Les Christensen & John Salvest, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. This exhibit invites you to rethink your junk drawer and even your trash. Artists John Salvest and les Christensen transform the ordinary into extraordinary, turning what most think of as trash or junk into thought-provoking and beautiful sculptures and installations. Cost: Visit www.themuseum.org for prices. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Ongoing- May 21: Treasured Gifts: Recent Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection, An AMoA 4.0 Beta Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. This exhibition features a sampling of acquisitions to the permanent collection in the past few years. Treasured gifts includes works donated from the Department of Culture and Tourism of the State of Louisiana, as well as from general individual donors. Cost: Visit www.themuseum.org for prices. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
April 8- May 28: Dirty South Mug Competition, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 10 a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Art and GAEDA. Competition and exhibition of cups, mugs, and tea bowls from all over the United States. Gallery Hours: Tues.-Fri: 10a.m.-4p.m. and Saturday 10a.m.-2p.m. Cost: Adults $2, Seniors and children $1, members free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
April 9-17: Art Exhibit, First United Methodist Church, 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Art Exhibit open daily featuring competitive art exhibits by regional artists and special exhibits. Cost: Free. Call Julie Bacon: 318-443-5696.
April 9: Children’s Day at the Arts Festival, First United Methodist Church. Sponsored by Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Visit www.fumca.org/artsfestival for more information. Time to be announced later. Cost: Free. Call Julie Bacon: 318-443-5696.
April 15: Jazz on Jackson, First United Methodist Church, 6p.m. Sponsored by Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival. Visit www.fumca.org/artsfestival for more information. Cost: Free. Call Julie Bacon: 318-443-5696.
April 20-21: Workshop-Pottery with Krisen Kieffer, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Time: TBA. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Class size is limited, call for availability. Cost: $75. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
April 22: Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 5p.m.-7p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Exhibit reception and award ceremony for mug competition. Cost: Free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.
May 5-7: AlexRiverFete, Downtown Alexandria. Featuring Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Art, Kids Activities, Classic Cars, Indie Village, Arts & Crafts, Food and Live Music by the Revivalists, Marc Broussard, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Swear & Shake, Nayo Jones and many more! www.cityofalexandriala.com/fete
Dance
April 22-24: Boogie on the Bayou, Best Western Inn and Suites. Sponsored by Louisiana Country Dance Hayride. Plenty of opportunities to dance and watch country and western dance competitions. You will also have the opportunity to attend dance workshops and to learn various dances from Hustle to Country to Ballroom. Cost: Visit www.lacountrydancehayride.com for times of events and to purchase tickets. Call Ray Michiels: 318-447-7459.
Music
April 7: Abendmusik Alexandria: Noble Visions, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 6p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Violinist and violist Unkyoung Kim brings the second season of Abendmusik Alexandria to a close with the sonatas of celebrated composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Paul Hindemith, as well as virtuoso showpieces by Niccolo Paganini and Fritz Kreisler. Purchase tickets online at ticket-central.org. Cost: $10 General Admission, $5 Appetizer option, cash bar. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.
April 15-16: 21st Annual Jazz and R&B Festival, Downtown Natchitoches Riverbank. Grand Funk Railroad will headline this year’s festival. Call: 800-259-1714.
April 17: Tal Zilber in Concert, Jewish Temple in Alexandria, 3:00pm. Concert featuring Israeli pianist, Tal Zilber playing classical and jazz selections. Concert is in the sanctuary with a reception following in the garden room. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3655.
April 23: Jazz on the River, Alexandria Amphitheater, 6:00pm. Sponsored by Arna Bontemps African American Museum. Special VIP tables can be purchased for $250. Performances by Donald Harrison and the Quintet, Dorsey Summerfield and the Polyphonics, and the Bontempian Big Band. Bring your own food or purchase from on-site vendors. No ice chests. Sponsored in part by GAEDA and the Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB. Cost: Free. Call Julie Bayone: 318-442-9546.
Theatre
April 7-10 & 14-17: Boeing Boeing, Richard Gwartney Theatre inside Mulder Hall at LSUA, 7th-9th and 14th-16th performances at 7:30p.m. 10th and 17th performances at 2:30p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Empty Space Players. Reservations may be made by calling 473-6473. Cost: General admission $ 10, seniors 65 and older and LSUA students, $5. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.
April 7-10, 14-17: Meet Me in St. Louis, Fox Theatre, 111 S. Washington Street in Marksville. Directed by Diane Falcone, performances will run Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets are available online at www.marksvillefox.com/tickets or at the door. Cost: $15.00.
April 21-24: School Of Rock, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, Thurs.-Sat.-7p.m., Sunday 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Based on the film of the same name, School of Rock is an incredible show full of young performers who sing, act, and play instruments live on stage! Great for kids of all ages! Rated G. Visit www.lagniappetheatre.com for tickets. Cost: $10-$15. Call Ross Schexnayder: 318-487-8243.
April 21-May 1: Ray’s Exes, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre. Directed by Allen Rowlen, this City Park Players production is a sequel to The Red Velvet Cake War. This deliriously funny Southern-fried farce finds the Verdeen cousins of Sweetgum, Texas—Gaynelle, Peaches and Jimmie Wyvette—teetering on the brink of disaster again. Shows will run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Call: 318-484-4478.
April 23 & 25: City Park Players Auditions, Lobby of Kress Theatre, 1104 3rd St. in Alexandria. Open call auditions for Good People, directed by Ty Cedars, will be held Saturday at 10:00am and Monday at 6:00pm. The show will run June 30th through July 10th. Directors may add additional auditions at their discretion.
Events
Ongoing- May 18: YWCA After School Program, 5912 James Street, 3p.m.-5:30p.m. Sponsored by the YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: Registration Fee $45, Membership Fee $10, Weekly Tuition $50. Call Marle Chapman: 318-442-3397.
Ongoing-April 18: Check What Matters, Individual Tax Forms, Tax Season. You can help make wishes come true by donating a portion or all of your Louisiana state income tax refund to Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions right here in our Louisiana community. Call Jackie Heroman: 504-846-9474.
Ongoing-April 30: D.E.A.R.-Drop Everything and Read, All locations of the Rapides Parish Libraries, During hours of operations. Sponsored by Rapides Parish Library System. D.E.A.R. is a national month long celebration of reading designed to remind people of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives. A nationwide celebration in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday in April. Cleary first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, age 8 and celebrates the love of reading. In addition we’re celebrating and honoring National Library week! What is more fun(damental) than reading! Cost: Free. Call Suzanne James: 318-445-2411 x 1060.
April 7: I Love My Mom Because…, Johnson Branch Library. Your Mom is awesome and we want details! The 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Essay Contest is your opportunity to showcase your incredible Mom and a chance to win her a prize! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org.
April 7: Car Seat Program, Johnson Branch Library, 11:00am to 12:00pm. Dr. Claudia Glascock, Executive Director of Hispanic Committee of the South, hosts a one-hour seminar on car seat safety. She will take measurements for car seat sizes which will be distributed free to eligible families on a separate installation date. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org.
April 7: Hope House Fundraiser, Hope House, 11a.m.-1p.m. Pulled pork sandwich with chips and dessert. Very delicious and for a worthy cause. Cost: $7 per plate. Call Crystal Guillory or Ginger Allen: 318-487-2061.
April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5: 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
April 7 & May 5: Cenla Pub Theology, Finnegan’s Wake, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church. Beer. God. Conversation. Join us as we explore the theological themes in Harry Potter. www.facebook.com/cenlapubtheology. Cost: Free. Call Church Office: 318-443-5696.
April 9: Fire Prevention, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am to 11:00am. The Lecompte Fire Department arrives to give tips on fire safety. Afterward we’ll create our own fire truck and review the information about how to keep ourselves and our family safe. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
April 9: Ask LELA: Gearing up for College, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Christie Smith, College Planning and Client Services representative from askLELA.org will present valuable information for students bound for college. Assistance with completing a FAFSA and help with potential scholarship resources. Pre-registration is required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1030 or. www.rpl.org
April 9: Benefit for Historic Rapides Cemetery, 64 Whatley Rd, Forest Hill, LA 71430, 3:00pm & 5:00pm. A Gala Reception & Tour of Home of Brother Poole will benefit the oldest public cemetery in Central Louisiana. The early tour will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, and the late tour will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Built by the late nationally recognized Alexandria architect Fred Barksdale, this stellar home has been featured in magazines but never before opened to the public on this scale. Sponsored by the Historical Assoc of Central LA. Cost: $30.00 each; $50.00 for 2. Call Charles Charrier: 318-448-3952 or Bobby Hynson: 318-442-8629. E-mail: [email protected]. www.thehacl.org
April 9: Zoo Grass, Alexandria Zoo, 6p.m.-9:30p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Gather your family and friends pack your picnic basket and spend the evening getting down with your favorite roots music. With face painting and over a dozen back yard games, there will be plenty for the kids to enjoy. No outside beverages allowed. Absolutely no outside alcohol permitted. Cost: TBA. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 318-441-6810.
April 9: Ms. LSUA Pageant, Brumfield Caffey Annex Ballroom at LSUA. Sponsored by LSUA. Cost: $3 for LSUA students, $6 for general public. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.
April 10: Role of Women in World War II, Nursing Auditorium inside Coughlin Hall at LSUA. Sponsored by Friends of the James C. Bolton Library. The topic of the event is Role of Women impacted by the media in WW II. Cost: Free. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.
April 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.
April 12: Art Mirage, Gunter Branch Library, 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Creating faux stained glass without the cutting glass or your fingers! Create beautiful stained glass that looks like the real thing! Materials provided and pre-registration is required! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
April 12, 19, 26 & May 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
April 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
April 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.
April 14: Grand Re-Opening of the Robertson Branch, Robertson Branch Library, 10:00am to 11:30am. Join us on Thursday, April 14th as we officially reopen the branch. There will be a brief program and refreshments served afterward. Call Lenna Mouton, Direct Services Coordinator: 318-445-2411 x1002 or Mariann Strange, Branch Manager: 318-640-3098.
April 14: LOPA Butterfly Release, Outdoor Patio at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 10:30a.m. The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and Rapides Regional Medical Center invite you to attend The Gift of Life Service and Butterfly Release to honor organ donor silent heroes and their families for sharing the gift of life.
April 14: ALS Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. These support group meetings are open to persons with ALS, their families, caregivers and friends to provide information about ALS and the various resources available. Call: 800-891-3746 ext. 3. E-mail: [email protected].
April 14: Bariatric Weight Loss Seminar, 6:00pm. This seminar is focused on all aspects of weight loss surgery. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 14: Suicide Survivor Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade, 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. Call: 318-312-7970.
April 15-16: Friends of the Boyce Branch Annual Book Sale, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am-6:00pm. The annual book sale begins at 10:00am with a variety of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
April 15: Creative Kingdom, King Branch Library, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Promoting our creativity! Creativity comes in many forms and is expressed in many ways. This club for kids, tweens and teens will provide an environment to freedom of creative expression. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 16: T.R.E.E. House Birthday Party, 1403 Third St., 9a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Join the T.R.E.E. House in celebrating its 16th birthday with fun activities, yummy snacks, and a variety of indoor and outdoor events and entertainment. Cost: $4 per person. Call Kara Edwards: 318-619-9394.
April 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.
April 16: Iceberg Ahead!, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am to 11:00am. We remember the Titanic. Why would it be so difficult to see icebergs when they’re so big? News of the disaster stunned the world when the worlds modern cruise ship sank after hitting an iceberg. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
April 16: Making Wearable Art–Bamboo Jewelry Crafting, Rapides Foundation Building 2nd floor Room C, Noon–2:00pm. This hands-on workshop with master craftsman Lavalais of Bamboozle Jewelry will show participants how to create jewelry out of bamboo. Cost: Free.
April 16: Family Luminary Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-3p.m. Families will create small luminaries that they can use to join the Spring 2016 Illuminate the Arts Procession to be held during River Fete on Friday, May 6th. Cost: Free for AMoA member families, $20 for non-member families. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
April 16: The Muse Tie-Dye Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 3:30-5:30p.m. Participants will create cool tie-dyed accessories. Cost: Free to participants between the ages of 13-21. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
April 17: Celebration of Children, Kees Park in Pineville, 1:00pm-3:00pm. This is the 18th year for this special Celebration of Children in connection with April as”Month of the Young Child.” The activities include face painting, parachute fun, bubbles, play dough sculpturing, weaving on plant trays, hat making with giant coffee filters, chalk painting, “wall painting” on butcher paper hung on the fence and painting on paper plates. Cost: Free.
April 18: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30p.m.-8p.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. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445. rapidesregional.com
April 19: Homeschool Hangout, Rapides Library Main Branch, 1:00pm to 3:30pm. An afternoon of learning for Homeschooling families revolving around the basics of electronics, circuits, and more! Ages 10 to Adult. Participants must have a free library card to participate. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required! Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or x1030. www.rpl.org
April 19: 100 Women Who Care About Central Louisiana, Atrium Deli in Alexandria, 5:30pm. Second quarterly meeting of 100 Women Who Care About Central Louisiana. Any woman in Rapides Parish is invited to join this group whose mission is to donate funds to local non-profits. http://judy323.wix.com/100womencenla
April 19: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers this two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13–and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts and grandmothers are welcome. The class will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Please pre-register. Cost: $20 per family. Call: 318-769-3445.rapidesregional.com
April 20: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. National Award Winning Tioga High School Cheerleaders will perform and speaker Sharon Thompson will present “The Yellow Brick Road: My Journey from Black & White to Living Color”. Please RSVP by Friday, April 15th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.
April 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 April is “Mommy Makeover”. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-5800.
April 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. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
April 21: Pink Ribbon Club, Cabrini Cancer Center, 5:30pm. The Pink Ribbon Club is a breast cancer support group focused on education, support and advocacy. Please pre-register. Call Debbie Guy: 318-466-6074 or 866-581-3627.
April 21: 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.
April 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital, 6:00pm. Anyone who has had bariatric surgery is invited to attend. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
April 21: Third Thursday Community Art Project…Luminaries! Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Come and help AMoA create giant luminaries for the Spring 2016 Illuminate the Arts Procession to be held during River Fete on Friday, May 6. Cost: Admission Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
April 23: March of Dimes 2014 March for Babies, Alexandria Levee Park Amphitheater, 9:00am. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center employees as they walk in support of healthy babies. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the two-mile walk set for 10 a.m.
April 23: Vicki’s Dance Centers Performances, Alexandria Mall, 10a.m.-12:30p.m. Sponsored by Vicki’s Dance Center. Variety of costumed dance performances featuring children of all ages. Fun, family, and entertainment! Cost: Free. Call Vicki Armitage: 318-443-2623.
April 23: Dinner and Variety Show, Best Western of Alexandria, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Louisiana Country Dance Hayride. “Taste of Louisiana,” a buffet-styled dinner featuring some of Louisiana’s best cuisine, together with a spectacular show, featuring various dance styles performed by some of our fantastic dancers, Superstars and Royal Superstars. Cost: $50 per person, visit www.lacountrydancehayride.com to purchase tickets. Call Ray Michiels: 318-447-7459.
April 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.
April 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.
April 29: Creative Kingdom, King Branch Library, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Promoting our creativity! Creativity comes in many forms and is expressed in many ways. This club for kids, tweens and teens will provide an environment to freedom of creative expression. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
April 29: American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Holy Savior Menard High School track, 6:00p.m. Join Rapides Cancer Center at this year’s Relay for Life. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
April 30: 4th Annual Spring Fling Pig Roast, Inglewood Farm, 9a.m.-1p.m. Open fire pig roast, live music, kid’s jumpers, horse rides, wagon ride farm tours, spring transplants sale, open greenhouse, and full farmers’ market. Cost: Free admission. Call Stephen Reed: 318-442-6398.
April 30: Family Game Time, Rapides Library Main Branch, 11:00am to 1:00pm. It’s Saturday! Grab the kids and come to the library for Family Games! Everyone can play board games, electronic games, participate in a scavenger hunt and more! This event is open to all ages! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036 or x1030. www.rpl.org
April 30: Drop the Mic–An Introduction to Spoken Word Poetry, Rapides Foundation Building 2nd floor Room C, Noon–2:00pm. A participatory creative workshop with award-winning spoken word poet Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley. Cost: Free.
May 1: Meet The Author and Book Signing, Temple Gemiluth Chassodim, 2021 Turner Street in Alexandria, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Rabbi Arnold S. Task will be on hand to sign copies of his book “Life’s Amazing Lessons” and will offer author talks at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. All proceeds from book sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and International Essential Tremor Foundation.
May 1- July 31: 2016 Summer Reading Program, “Get on your mark, get set…READ!” All Rapides Parish libraries, during hours of operation. Sponsored by Rapides Parish Library. Traditionally, summer reading programs are designed to encourage school-aged children to keep reading during summer vacation. Preventing the “summer slide” is the main objective of summer reading programs. For many families with school-aged children, the public library is the only community space during the summer months where they can access free educational and cultural activities and programs. Cost: Free. Call Tammy DiBartolo or Karla Kirby: 442-2483 x 1906.
May 7: Tour de Fete Costumed Bike Parade, Downtown Alexandria. Pedals up for a costumed bicycle parade to benefit the Alexandria Museum of Art. Registration is available online at www.themuseum.org/tour. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.
Sports
Ongoing-April: 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.
April 4-5, 7, 11-12, 14, 18-19, 21, 25-26, 28: Water Aerobics, 1831 Turner Street, 5:15p.m. Sponsored by the YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: Visit www.ywcaalex.org cost. Call YWCA: 318-445-8880.
April 8: Colors of Courage 5K Run/Walk, Rapides Cancer Center, 6 p.m. Rapides Cancer Center is hosting a 5K run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. The course features a color station at each of the mile markers. Online registration is available through www.imathlete.com, and registration forms, course map and additional information is available at www.rapidesregional.com. Cost: $30 (includes chip-timing).
April 13, 20, 27 & May 4: 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.
April 23: Bass Tournament Presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim’s South Tire & Propane, Launch and check-in sites: Grand Encore-Natchitoches, Red River South-Shreveport, Levee Park-Alexandria, Safe daylight-3p.m. Sponsored by Christus Cabrini Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network. This is a fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at Chrisuts St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. First place winner guaranteed $8,000 with additional 14 cash paid prizes based on 100 boat entries! Cost: $175 per boat (2 person team) Call Randy Despino: 318-445-4561 or 318-447-0102.
