April 2019 Calendar-at-a-Glance

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Art

 

Ongoing-April: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) features rotating exhibits by various contributing artists. Most art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Arts & Healthcare programs. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org

 

Ongoing-December 31: CARI Student Art Exhibition, Cane River Creole National Historical Park.  The exhibit features many different mediums of varying compositions completed by 313 student artists representing 15 schools from around Louisiana. The art exhibit will be on display at both Oakland and Magnolia Overseer’s Houses. Visitors to both Oakland and Magnolia will be able to vote for their favorite pieces. www.nps.gov/cari

 

April 13: Drawing Your Own Path with John Simon, Jr., Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-4:00pm.  Creativity through meditation workshop, with autographed books. In this hands-on workshop, John Simon, Jr. will introduce the drawing and mindfulness techniques that form the basis of his meditation practice—described in his recent publication “Drawing Your Own Path”. Participants will be led through a variety of approaches to creativity using mindful mark making followed by a discussion about how to work with the results. Register at www.themuseum.org/adultclasses. Copies of Drawing Your Own Path will be available for purchase for $15.00. Cost: $35.00 Members; $50.00 Non-Members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

April 17: Release Your Inner Michelangelo, Johnson Branch Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Rita Holder, a young and talented painter will lead our group in painting a picture suited for framing. Supplies provided. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

 

April 18: Community Luminary Art Project, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  During this all-ages workshop, guests will be creating a variety of luminaries to take home, and are invited to bring their creations back to AMoA, and carry them during the Spring Illuminated Procession, which will be May 3rd during the Alexandria Red River Festival. No pre-registration required.  More information on workshop and procession at www.themuseum.org/LuminaryWorkshop  Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

 

Music

 

April 12: Downtown Rocks Presents Total Choice, Alexandria City Hall, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  Total Choice specializes in traditional and contemporary jazz with sultry vocals that are guaranteed to sooth the soul with popular tunes ranging from jazz legend “Chic Corea’s “Spain” to “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by R&B superstar Kem along with “Rolling In the Deep” and “Hello” by Grammy winner Adele. Total Choice’s members have shared the stage with musical giants such as Patti Labelle, Tina Turner, Willie Clayton, Marion Meadows and Kim Waters to name a few. The rain site for Downtown Rocks is Convention Hall inside City Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

 

April 19: Tiempo Libre, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm.  Three-time Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean music group Tiempo Libre is one of the hottest Latin bands today. Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs, festival stages, and dance venues, Tiempo Libre is celebrated for its sophisticated tropical music featuring an irresistible, exhilarating mix of jazz harmonies, contemporary sonorities and seductive Latin rhythms. Cost: $18.00 Adults; $15.00 Seniors (65+); $10.00 Students (ages 3 & up); $45.00 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children). Call: 318-473-4718.

 

April 20: Jazz On the River 2019, Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheatre, 6:00pm.  For 23 years, Arna Bontemps African American Museum & Cultural Arts Center (ABAAM) has presented and created cultural programs to bring enrichment, education and entertainment for the literary, performing and visual arts to youth, children, and adult audiences. This year’s event will be a tribute to “Women on Key”, featuring The Nayo Jones Experience, Leo Cole adn the Blue Rockets featuring Lady G, and ABAAM’s very own Bontempian Big Band. VIP tables seating 10 are available for $200.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-704-6462.

 

April 28: Worship On the River 2019, Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheatre, 5:00pm-6:00pm.  Each spring, the Pentecostals of Alexandria host the community in a gathering with music and singing under a beautiful blue sky at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater to celebrate and worship the One who created it all! Bring your family, neighbors, and friends down to the river to worship. Inclement weather location: the Pentecostals of Alexandria Sanctuary. Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-8976.

 

Theatre

 

Ongoing-April 14: CPP Presents “The Laramie Project”, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre.  The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman tells the dramatic story from October 1998, when a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten, and left tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. His bloody, bruised, and battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard. Kaufman and Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences in Laramie. The Laramie Project is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $12.00 Seniors & Military; $7.00 Students; $5.00 Thursday performances. www.cpptheatre.com

 

Ongoing-April 14: Side by Side by Sondheim, Richard Gwartney Theatre at LSUA. Get ready to laugh, cry and fall in love with lyrics that are heartbreakingly true and music that captures the soaring emotions of a new generation with Side by Side by Sondheim presented by LSUA’s Empty Space Players. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of this contemporary master and a must for diehard fans. Performances begin nightly at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday with Sunday matinees set for 2:20pm. Cost: $10.00 Adults; $5.00 Students/Seniors.

 

April 10-14: Holy Savior Menard Theatre Presents Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes”, Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center. “Anything Goes” is a charming comedy featuring iconic songs like “I Get A Kick Out Of You” “You’re The Top” and “Blow Gabriel Blow”. Performances begin at 7:00pm Thursday-Saturday with a Sunday matinee set for 2:00pm.  Cost: $15.00 General Admission. Call: 318-445-8233.

 

Events

 

Ongoing-April: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church in Alexandria, 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

 

Ongoing-April: balance Meetings. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm and Wednesday at 12:00pm.  Meetings take place each Monday and Wednesday at the CLASS Office, 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria. Tuesday meetings are held at the Rapides Parish Main Library, 411 Washington Street in downtown Alexandria. Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue in Alexandria.  Call: 318-442-1010.

 

April 6: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers 3rd Anniversary, Indian Creek Recreation Area, 9:00am.  Join the Central Louisiana Dutch Over Cookers as they celebrate their 3rd anniversary with demonstrations, food tasting and a raffle.  Demonstrations begin at 9:00am with tastings set for 12:00pm.  While regular park entrance fees but there is no charge for sampling the food, though donations are accepted.  Cost: Free. Call: 985-445-9944.

 

April 6: April Author Birthday Celebration, Boyce Branch Library, 9:00am-1:00pm. Join us as we celebrate authors and illustrators with birthdays in April. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

 

April 6: 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.

 

April 6: Spring Cinema Saturday, Johnson Branch Library, 9:30am-11:00am. Teens, join us for cinema and popcorn right here, at the library. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

 

April 6: PawsATive Reading, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children, come read to friendly and gentle dogs! Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 6: Lego Club, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Calling all Lego engineers! Join us to build your next Lego masterpiece! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x103. www.rpl.org

 

April 6-7: 45th Annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival, Melrose Plantation, 10:00am. More than 100 vendors feature hand-made items, many of which are one-of-a-kind. Among the items available to visitors will be original art works, stained glass, gourmet pickles and jellies, hand-made jewelry, clothing, photographs, plants, toys, woodworking products, wrought iron artwork, pottery and many other arts and crafts. Tours of the plantation home, the “Big House,” will be available, with guides. Cost: $5.00. www.melroseplantations.org

 

April 8: Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:00pm. This is an ongoing 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 those who are newly grieving.  The Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  Check our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Widowed and Widowers. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

April 8: Veteran’s Support, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Facilitator Anthony Eli speaks with veterans on how to get the support and services they need. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 9: Spring To It, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Join us as we embrace our creativity and learn about the Haiku, a form of poetry, and make haiku-inspired bookmarks. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 10: LaFASA 2019 Denim Day. Since 1999, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol against destructive attitudes surrounding sexual assault that blame victims for the assaults perpetrated against them. The Denim Day campaign was originally triggered by a ruling in the Italian Supreme Court, where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Denim Day always takes place in April, which is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Sexual assault occurs every 98 seconds in the United States. Anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or income level, can be a victim. Learn more at www.LaFASA.org

 

April 10: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm. RRMC is offering a program designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; 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 Chrystal Meginley, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

 

April 10: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC 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. Cost: Free.

 

April 10: Patron Appreciation Day, Westside Regional Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our patrons on Patron Appreciation Day during National Library Week. Refreshments will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 10: Yarn Eggs, Martin Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Children are invited to come to the Martin Library to create an egg shaped craft using a water balloon, glue and yarn. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

 

April 10: Southern Circuit Film: This is Home: A Refugee Story, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre, 7:00pm. Only twenty-one thousand Syrian refugees out of five million have been accepted into the United States since 2011. “This Is Home” follows four families sent to resettle in Baltimore in 2016. They have just eight months to find jobs, learn English, and become self-sufficient. With much-needed empathy, the film reveals the inherent decency of a displaced community desperate for help within a country increasingly hostile to principles of inclusion and opportunity. “This Is Home” is the winner of the 2018 Sundance Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary and presented as part of the 2018-2019 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. A Q&A with director Alexandra Shiva will follow the screening. Cost: $10.00 General Admission; $5.00 Students.  Call: 318-443-4718.

 

April 11: Zentangle, Westside Regional Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Adults, learn the art of zentangle in this drawing class. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 11: Crayons Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Come to relax and enjoy some adult coloring. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 11: Wind Chimes Family Craft, Robertson Branch Library, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Families, join us to make beautiful colorful wind chimes using washers and other everyday items. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

April 11: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. 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: $20.00 per family. Call: 318-769-3445.

 

April 11: All About Poetry, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Jill Reid, published poet and professor from Louisiana College will speak on the importance of poetry and show us how to read and write poetry like a poet. Open to the entire family. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: LERN Stroke Conference, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 7:30am-3:00pm. The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) Region 6 is hosting a stroke conference. The conference has been approved for 4.25 contact hours for continuing nursing education. Breakfast and lunch is included. Cost: Free. Call Erica Woods: 318-769-3931.

 

April 12: 29th Annual Biedenharn Garden Symposium, Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, 9:00am-3:00pm.  The symposium will host two speakers, Harvey Cotten and Allen Owings, along with floral designer Julie Spear. Participants will receive a catered lunch along with first access to the plant sale. Call: 318-387-5281.

 

April 12-13: Friends of the Library Book Sale, Boyce Branch Library, 10:00am. Come join us for the annual two-day Friends of the Library book sale. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: Children’s Story Hour Craft, Westside Regional Library, 10:30am-11:30am. Join us as we make colorful Easter wreaths using paper. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: Easter Feast, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 11:00am-12:30pm. Please come to our Easter Feast! If you would like, bring a side dish or desert for us all to share! All are welcome! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: The Central Louisiana Orchid Society Orchid Show, Kees Park Community Center, 2:00pm-5:00pm.  Along with the orchid displays by various Louisiana orchid societies, there will be orchids for sale and repotting assistance. Cost: Free.

 

April 12: Teen Escape Room, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Calling all teens! Come experience Westside Regional Library’s Escape Room. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: Cell Phone Speaker Teen Craft, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. We will be making cell phone paper cup speakers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 12: Kids Power Hour, Libuse Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:00pm. An hour of fun, games and books for kids ages 6 – 10. Join Mrs. Pam for lots of surprises. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 13: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm. 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 13: 3rd Annual Eggstravanza, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Come and enjoy a hopping good time. We will have Poncinella the Storyteller, an Easter Basket giveaway sponsored by Linda Harris, and our famous Easter Egg Hunt. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 13: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us to watch Peter Rabbit (PG). Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 13: Teen Craft, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Teens are invited to create necklaces using washers and nail polish. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

 

April 14: 2nd Annual Wedding Expo, Los Pinos Events Center, 770 Fish Hatchery Road in Forest Hill, 5:00pm-8:00pm.  Call: 318-332-7812.

 

April 15: TAB, Friendship House, 1:00pm-2:30pm. Teens, meet at 114 6th St. to play games at the Friendship House. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 15: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:00pm. 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: 318-769-4440.

 

April 16: Mastercraft, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Adults, do you enjoy painting? Come join us as we paint wine glasses, and make them colorful. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 16: Craig’s Corner, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Come join us as we celebrate poetry month with a workshop on modern poetry. Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 16: Teen Poetry Writing, Robertson Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm. For National Poetry month, we will be offering a class on how to write poetry. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

April 16: Film Screening: Rembrandt (1936), Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm.  The 1936 film “Rembrandt”, starring Charles Laughton, begins at the height of Rembrandt van Rijn’s fame and follows the journey of the artist through the death of his wife and his fall from popularity until his death. Connected with “Sordid & Sacred: the Beggars in Rembrandt’s Etchings Selections from the John Villarino Collection”, this film chronicles a later period of the artist’s life from his creation of the etchings in the exhibition but enhances the story of the man in addition to his work. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

April 17: Safe Sitter, Rapides Regional Medical Center Education Department, 8:15am-4:00pm. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 13, can learn the basic skills needed to be a safe and successful babysitter. This medically-accurate, hands-on class teaches sitters how to entertain children and keep them safe, how to perform basic child-care skills, how to call for emergency help, what to do when a child chokes, how to keep themselves safe and how to start a successful babysitting business. Registration includes lunch and supplies. Class size is limited. Cost: $45.00 per child. Call: 318-769-4440.

 

April 17: Grow Your Own Crystal Egg, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Kids, join us as we make pipe cleaner eggs and grow crystals on them. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Jana Vick will present “Anchor In A Storm”. Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSVP by Friday, April 12th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].

 

April 18: As Young as You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. If you’re 50+, come to join us for games, lunch, and fellowship. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 18: LOPA Butterfly Release, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Outdoor Scott Street Patio, 10:30am. 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.  Cost: Free.

 

April 18: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The Parkinson’s support group meets on the 3rd 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 Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

April 18: Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny Visit, Westside Regional Library, 12:00pm-2:30pm. Hop on in for some fun with our Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny will be coming for pictures, and we will have lots of crafts, and candy for the kids. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 18: Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group meets every third Thursday of each month. The meeting is open to anyone living with MS and an adult family member, caretaker, friend, etc. Cost: Free. Call Jeannie: 318-880-1090.

 

April 19: Gardening Meet-Up, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:30am. Come join us for our gardening series, dedicated to answering your questions about plants. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

April 20: Paws to Read with Luke the Dog, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am.Meet Luke, a confidence K9, and read to him. Registration Preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 20: Vintage Theater, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We will be viewing Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 21: Easter Egg Hunt, Johnson Branch Library, 10:30am-11:30am. . Children, join us on our egg hunt at Johnson Branch. We will have story time, scavenger hunt and prizes. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

 

April 22: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-1:00pm. 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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

April 22: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale Assisted Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease.  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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

April 22: Earth Day Celebration, Westside Regional Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Come and celebrate Earth Day with us. We will be planting, and giving away plants. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

April 22: Maker Space, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. David Sproles presents another makerspace adventure. Each student will make a demonstration board so they can use it to show series and parallel circuits. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 23: National Garden Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Come out and celebrate the art of gardening. Patrons will get their own gardening pot to plant sunflowers. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 23: National Kite Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Have a fun time putting together and flying a kite, and let the winds carry you, as we celebrate Kite Day together. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-7259. www.rpl.org

 

April 23: Genealogy Class, Robertson Branch Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. In this course, our instructor will guide you on how to use and read the census for your own genealogical research. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

April 25: Teen Escape Room, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm. Teens will have fun solving puzzles to escape the room. Registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

April 25: Adult Spring Craft, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:30pm. Come in and create a beautiful butterfly or flower using a board, nails and string. Registration by April 20th Required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

April 26-27: 2019 Louisiana Forest Festival, Winn Parish Fairgrounds.  The 2019 Louisiana Forest Festival will kick off with a parade down Main Street in Winnfield and will include live music, family train rides, fireworks, 4H Woodsman Skills Competition, Fun Run, midway, food, drinks and pro lumberjack sports!  Professional lumberjack sports competitors come from throughout the United States to participate in the show. There will be 13 lumberjack events to cheer on with 6 different chainsaw events. www.laforestfestival.com

 

April 27: 2nd Annual Antique Tractor and Classic Car Show, Indian Creek Recreation Area, 9:00am-3:00pm.  The show will feature Dash Plaques for the Top 10 and Best of Show, Crank-It-Up and Show Off Exhaust Competition, Tractor games, Tractor parade, swap meet booths and more. Proceeds benefit Indian Creek Park improvements.  Cost: $10.00 (Show Registration); $7.00 (Spectator Vehicle Day Pass).  Call: 318-487-5058.

 

April 27: The Original Holi Fest 2019, Downtown Alexandria, 10:00am-2:00pm. Holi- Festival of Colors promotes Indian Culture, Diversity, Unity and Peace while raising awareness of the diversity in Cenla. The Fest also raises funds for Children’s Advocacy Network (CAN) whose mission is to Eradicate the Cycle of Child Abuse in our community. In addition to all the colors, the Fest features Indian Cuisine, Henna Tattoo, a cultural program and most importantly a color Run/Walk/Jog to raise funds for Children’s Advocacy Network. Holi Fest is family-friendly and open to all ages to enjoy. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-5678.

 

April 30: Recycled CD Mosaic Flower Pot, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm.  Adults are invited to join us as we embellish a flower pot using old CDs to form a decorative mosaic pattern. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

 

April 30: Come Write In, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-6:30pm. “write” in to enhance your creative writing skills. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

May 2-5: Alexandria Red River Festival, Downtown Alexandria. Featuring live music, arts, crafts, food, vendors, the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races and more, the Alexandria Red River Festival is where culture, arts, food and music come together. Cost: Free. www.alexandriaredriverfestival.com

 

May 4: First Saturday Fly-In Breakfast, Pineville Airport at Lake Buhlow, 7:30am-10:00am.  Breakfast is cooked up every month as a nonprofit event by the Experimental Aircraft Association for pilots flying-in and everyone interested in aviation.  A spread of hearty vittles—all you want to eat and drink—will give you energy to kick off the day’s events.  Consider a trip to enjoy the venue of aircraft clubhouse, deck and lake, along with airplane chatter and visiting. Cost: $7.00 donation.

 

May 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group BPUSA, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents and grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent, grandparent or adult sibling. This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-registration is required. Check out our Facebook page at The Bereaved Parents Of Cenla-BPUSA. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

Sports

 

Ongoing-October 31: No Man’s Land Free For All Bass Tournament.  Unlike most bass tournaments, fish length rather than weight will determine the winners. Another unique aspect of this tournament is its Catch-Photo-Release format. Instead of securing fish in aerated live wells for transport to far-off weigh-ins, each bass is laid on an approved, standardized measuring board beside an event identifier card, and a digital photograph is taken and uploaded for scoring. Anglers who want to compete in this free tournament must register for a free account at TourneyX—sportfishing’s leading online tournament management system.  An event overview and complete contest rules can be found at www.kayakbassfishing.com/no-mans-land-free-for-all/ Cost: Free.

 

Ongoing-April: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.  Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga!  Classes are on-going and meet every Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Led by Kripalu trained Yoga Teacher, Becky Watkins. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

April 5: Colors of Courage 5K and Color Run, Rapides Cancer Center, 6:00pm. Rapides Cancer Center is hosting its fourth 5K run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. The course features multiple color stations. Registration includes chip-timing. Cost: $30.00.

 

April 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Paul Nettles of The Levee Tai Chi School leads a class in Qi Gong, which is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Call: 318-443-3458.

 

April 13: Inglewood 5K Classic & 1 Mile Fun Run, Inglewood Farm, 7:00am.  Proceeds from the run will benefit the Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s Good Food Project.  Registration will be open from 7:00am to 7:30am on race day.  The 5K will begin at 8:00am and the Fun Run will kick off at 8:30am.  Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Alexandria/InglewoodClassic5Kand1MileFunRun

 

April 13: Kids Yoga, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month, Shannon Brewer of Lux Studios–Lotus Vibes present free Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

 

April 26: Relay for Life, Downtown Alexandria, 6:00pm-10:00pm. Join Rapides Cancer Center for this year’s Relay for Life in its new location in downtown Alexandria. The Molly Ringwalds are the featured entertainment. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

 

April 27: St. Mary’s SuperHero Challenge 5K and Streetfair, Downtown Alexandria, 8:00am-3:00pm.  St. Mary’s Residential Training School would like to invite you to participate in a day of fun and festivities at our Super Hero Challenge 5K and Fun Run which is held annually to help raise awareness for children born with developmental disabilities. After the race, hang around and join us as we celebrate all the local heroes who impact our community everyday with exciting activities that include: Competitive 5K Race, 1 Mile Fun Run, Super Hero Themed Street Fair, Local arts & crafts vendors, live music and entertainment.  Call: 318-445-6443.

 

May 4: Special Olympics Cenla Sports Field Day, Holy Savior Menard High School, 8:00am-12:30pm.  Special Olympics returns to Cenla with a day of food and fun!  All participants and volunteers will be served lunch.  Cost: Free. Call Alessia Russell: 318-308-6148.

 

May 4: Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Buhlow Lake, 9:30am. This exciting family event makes for a great day of good, spirited racing, and a great time on and off the water! Dragon Boat teams consist of 20 paddlers—a minimum of eight (8) must be female—and one drummer. The helmsman will be provided. There will be a practice session for each team during the week preceding the event. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org