Arts:

Ongoing-August: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. During the month of August, the Cabrini Gallery (located in the Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Charli Bravinder.  The Rapides Gallery (located in the South Tower between the ER and the Lobby) will feature the work of Genesis Photography. Most art is for sale. Cost: Free. Call 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-August 20: Faculty & Friends: Artists Among Us, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular Museum hours. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Inspired by the creative resources in our community, this annual invitational exhibition showcases faculty, staff, alumni, and some of the arts organizations and arts education institutions in the Central Louisiana region and throughout the state.  Cost: Regular Museum admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing- August 20: Changing Landscapes: Jan Beauboeuf Along the Solomon Northup Trail, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular Museum hours. Sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art. This photography exhibition features stunning landscapes by Avoyelles parish artist Jan Beauboeuf along the Northup Trail tracing the path of kidnapped free man of color, Solomon Northup, who lived as a slave in Central Louisiana before his rescue and return to Sarasota, New York. Cost: Regular Museum admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing-August 20: George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts Contest Exhibit, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular Museum hour. Sponsored by the Alexandria Museum of Art. This exhibition will feature 15 finalists chosen from over 600 entries by Louisiana high schools’ juniors and seniors in the George Rodrigue Foundation Art Contest.  Cost: Regular Museum admission. Cal Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing-August 20: Purchased Lives: America’s Domestic Slave Trade, Alexandria Museum of Art, Regular Museum hours. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. This exhibition, originally shown at the Historic New Orleans Collection, examines the individuals involved in the slave trade, considering New Orleans and Louisiana’s role in this era of US history.  This exhibit includes period broadsides, paintings, and prints illustrating the domestic slave trade, ship manifests and first-person accounts from slave narratives and oral histories. Cost: Regular Museum admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458.

Ongoing- August 20: Resident Artist Exhibit with Shelia White & Charles Ward, River Oaks Art Square, 10:00am-4:00pm. Exhibit featuring artwork from Shelia White and Charles Ward and resident artists of River Oaks, Cost: Members Free, non-members $2.00, seniors $1.00. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

August 26: River Oaks Square Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Art Square, 5-7p.m. Exhibit featuring artwork and photography. Sponsored by River Oaks and GAEDA.  Cost: Free and open to the public. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

August 26- 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.

September 2- 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.

September 2- 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.

September 2- 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.

Music:

August 19: Manhattan Madness Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 8:00pm.  LBM Productions brings Broadway to Alexandria featuring the stars of a combined 17 Broadway shows—Tony Award winner Faith Prince and L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award Winner Jason Graae—singing their most requested and memorable Broadway numbers.  Cost: $15.00-$60.00.  Call: 318-451-4327.

August 20: Manhattan Madness Concert, LSUA’s Richard Gwartney Theatre, 7:00pm.  Tony Award winner Faith Prince and L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award Winner Jason Graae, sing their most requested and memorable Broadway numbers in an intimiate cabaret dinner setting.  Produced by LBM productions.  Cost: $60.00-$80.00 (Cabaret and Dinner); $35.00 (Cabaret only).  Call: 318-451-4327.

August 22 & 29: Auditions for the Red River Chorale, Location TBA, 7p.m. Sponsored by the Red River Chorale. Those auditioning should be able to read music and should prepare a piece to sing. Call for more information or visit www.redriverchorale.com for more information about the Red River Chorale.  Cost: Free. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4460.

Events:

Ongoing-August 31: Gear Up For The School Year and School Supplies Drive, Rapides Parish Library, During Hours of operation. Sponsored by Rapides Parish Library. RPL Partners with the Rapides Parish School Board’s McKinney-Vento program and other agencies in the parish to collect needed school supplies. Drop off your school supplies or cash donations at any Rapides Parish Library location. Cost: Free. Call Suzanne DeKeyzer James: 318-445-2411×1060.

August 4, 11, 18, 25 & September 1: 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

August 5-6: Friends of the Rapides Library Ginormous Book Sale, Westside Regional Library, 9:00am-6:00pm.  The Rapides Parish Library will host a 3-day book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Rapides Library.  We have books, music CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, magazines, and MORE! Prices are from .50 to 1.00 an inch. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

August 6:  Breastfeeding Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center 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. Call: 318-769-3445.

August 6: Back to School Bash at Alexandria Mall, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Rapides Regional Medical Center joins the Alexandria Mall in getting ready for the 2016-17 school year. There will be free kids activities, crafts and entertainment, as well as learning about portion control, hydration, and exercising more. Cost: Free.

August 8: 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.  Check out our new Face Book page: Widows and Widowers of Central La.  Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
August 8, 15, 22, 29 & September 5: 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

August 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.

August 10: Wii Wednesday, McDonald Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:45pm.  “Wii” break out the controllers and prepare to take on all challengers in the fun Wii world. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

August 11: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:45pm.  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, listen to some music and have a light snack. Unwind after a long day or join us for the fun of it. Stop by and create! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 Ext. 1036. www.rpl.org

August 11: 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].

August 11: 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. Call: 318-312-7970.

August 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Guest Night Dinner, Conference Center at the Greens, 7:00pm. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to join us for “A Bend in the Road” presented by Pastor Brad Webb.  Also featuring Katoya Flowers (Delores) and Tiffany Silas (Tina) of Sister Act. Seating is limited and reservations are required by Friday, August 12th. Cost: $16.00.  Call: 318-481-7880.

August 18: As Young As You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm.  Participants age 50 and up will have a wonderful time playing games of the past and present.  Do not miss out on the fun!  A light lunch will be provided.Pre-registration is required. This event is sponsored by Amerigroup. Cost: Free. Call Faith Johnson: 318-445-2411 Ext. 1036. www.rpl.org

August 18: 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.

August 18: 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.

August 20: 3D Printing Class (Beginner Level), Westside Regional Library, 9:00am-11:00am.  Learn how to create your own 3D designs. The class will teach participants how to use TinkerCAD a free easy-to-learn online application anyone can use to create and print 3D models.  Access to email is required during the session, please come with an email address.  Pre-registration is required.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

August 20: 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.

August 20: Craft Brews, BBQ & Blues: An AMoA Fundraising Event, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-8:30p.m. A special fundraising event for AMoA that features Live Blues entertainment, craft beer tasting/competition from Regional Brewers, and a BBQ tasting/contest where you cast your vote with dollar bills. Cost: $50 for advanced tickets, $65 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.themuseum.org. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

August 22: iPads, Galaxies, & Kindles, Oh My!, Robertson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. This class focuses on you and your device. You can learn to download an ebook onto your personal device. Plus, discover what else the Library’s new ebranch has to offer. Demos will be shown for iPad, Kindle, Samsung Galaxy or Nook for 30 minutes followed by a 30 minute Q&A session. Class size is limited to 5. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-8713. www.rpl.org

August 22: 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.

August 22: 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.

August 22: 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 to 10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445. www.rapidesregional.com

August 23: Cut-Ups Craft Club, King Branch Library, 11:30am-1:30pm. We’re back and we’ve got glue sticks and we know what to do with them!  Have dozens of Pinterest ideas you’d like to try but just don’t know where to get started? Then come by and join the Cut-Ups! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 26: RPL Game Day, Rapides Main Library, 2:30pm-5:45pm. Teens and Tweens ages 10 to 18—join us for electronic, card, and board games! Don’t miss out on the fun. Grab a friend or come and make new friends! Pre-registration is required. Snacks will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 Ext. 1036. www.rpl.org

August 26: Tackle Stroke, Alexandria Senior High, Pineville High School and Bunkie High School football jamborees. Look for Rapides Regional Medical Center employees as they hand out old-fashioned hand-held fans to raise awareness of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of stroke.

August 26: Striving, Pushing and Reviving a Community Youth Revival, 4510 3rd Street, 7p.m. Sponsored by Calvary Tabernacle of Alexandria. Join us for the SPARC Youth Revival. Junior High and High school students will lead this back to school Christian event. The Afterburner lock in event will follow immediately after. Location for lock in is 2817 Rapides Avenue, Pentecostals of Alexandria Family Life Center. Cost: Free, $5.00 for lock-in. Call Jamie Hardin: 318-419-5277.

August 27: Expand Your Mind and Talent: Decoupage “Back to School” Project, Martin Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Bring a notebook or a folder to transform for school using candy wrappers!  Bring your own favorite candy wrappers and we’ll have extras to use as well. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 30: Forever Young Crafts: Make & Take Fall Wreath, Martin Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. We’re crafting at the Martin Branch! Join us as we wish for cooler days and chilly evenings and make and take an autumn wreath from cocktail napkins. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 30: The First McDonald Bake Off, McDonald Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. This event is for bakers and candy makers. Bake up your gooey-chewy delights, stir up the sweetest most delicious dessert and bring them to the library for the first ever McDonald Bake-Off. Share your recipes with your fellow bakers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

Sports:

Ongoing-August: 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.

August 10, 17, 24, 31 and September 7: 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.