Arts

Ongoing-August: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. The Christus Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the oil paintings of Maria Manemann. The Rapides Art Gallery (Rapides Regional Medical Center, South Tower between ER and lobby) will feature the photography of Sarah Whitt Salley. All art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to continue healing arts programs in our local hospitals. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-August 26: Painting a Nation: Hudson River School, Alexandria Museum of Art, Museum Hours. This exhibition highlights magnificent Hudson River School landscapes from the private collection of Ann and Lee Higdon. The majority of the works depict serene scenes which celebrate the picturesque beauty of our nation and reflect the collective desire of the Hudson River painters to develop a uniquely American visual language, independent of European schools of painting. Cost: Regular Museum admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

Ongoing–August 31: Art Exhibition, 1330 Second Street. Sponsored by River Oaks Art Square. Annual resident artists summer show. This exhibition features Jonathan Moore in the Stokes Harris Gallery. Cost: Free members free; $2.00 non member; $1.00 seniors and children under 12. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

Ongoing-September 22: 30th September Competition Juried Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, Museum hours. The 30th September Competition is an annual juried exhibition highlighting the work of contemporary artists in all media and styles created within the past two years, juried by Mark Tullos. Cost: Regular Museum Admission. Call Megan Valentine: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 12: Muse Planning Session, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm. The Muse is an arts club for teens that is created by teens. Each August Muse participants gather to share ideas and brainstorm to create Muse events and workshops for the coming year. Together we bring as many of those amazing ideas to life as humanly possible! Join us and make the Muse yours this year! Open to ages 13 to 21. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 19: Summer Art Studio Student Exhibit, 1330 Second Street. Sponsored by River Oaks. One day exhibition featuring art work from students attending summer arts studio. Cost: Free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

Music

August 21: Red River Chorale Open Auditions, Calvary Baptist Church Choir Room, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. Those auditioning should attend rehearsal and remain to audition. Each person auditioning must read music and must prepare something to sing. Participants should bring a copy of their music for the accompanist; prerecorded accompaniment is not allowed. Cost: Free to Audition; Membership $20.00. Call Red River Chorale: 318-473-0129.

August 24-25: A Night of Gospel & Praise, Fox Theatre in Marksville. The Fox, located at 111 S. Washington Street in Marksville, is proud to present its first concert series event of the season. Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-253-8105. marksvillefox.com

Theatre

August 4-5: Legally Blonde The Musical, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 8:00pm. A fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde is rated PG-13. Don’t miss LBM Productions’ incredible musical extravaganza, Legally Blonde The Musical! Complete with live musicians and incredible sets and costumes. Get ready for an action-packed evening of totally awesome entertainment! Cost: $20.00 Delta Nu Reserved Premium Seating; $15.00 Reserved Orchestra Seating; $10.00 General Admission Mezzanine in advance, +$2.00 at the door. www.LBMproductions.net

August 10-20: Tribes, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. Sponsored by City Park Players. Performances will run Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm. Cost: $15.00 General Admission; $12.00 Military; $7.00 Student; Thursday $5.00. Call Karen Cabrera: 318-484-4478.

Events

Ongoing – August 31: School Supplies Giveaway, Rapides Parish Libraries. 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 to any Rapides Parish Library location. Cost: Free. Call Suzanne James: 318-445-2411 x 1060.

August 4: AARP Driver Safety Program, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am-12:00pm. This one day, four-hour class is offered to drivers 50 and over. Bring a check or money order payable to AARP to cover the cost of the course and your AARP membership card to verify your AARP membership number. Please pre-register. Cost: $15.00 member; $20.00 non-member. Call: 318-769-3445.

August 4: End of Summer Battle Against Illiteracy, King Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Time to withdraw all your balloons and wage war on Illiteracy, while cooling off with a fun water balloon splash party! We’ll be issuing Summer Reading Program certificates and awards. We’ll have snacks, a jumper, and best of all a special guest that you won’t want to miss! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 5 & September 2: First Saturday Breakfast, Pineville Airport at Lake Buhlow, 7:00am-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: $6.00 donation.

August 5: Authors’ Birthday, Boyce Branch Library, 9:00am-1:00pm. Devoted to the authors, illustrators and poets born in August! Check our display and find a favorite among the selections or find a new favorite to celebrate in August. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

August 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: 318-769-3445.

August 6: Back to School Bash, 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 kids’ activities, crafts and entertainment, as well as learning about portion control, hydration, and exercising more. Cost: Free.

August 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, 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 or grandparent. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

August 7-29: Tasha’s Teen Mystery Parties, Rapides Parish Libraries. What’s more fun than a good “who dunnit?” Tasha is back and she’s throwing down a mystery where you’re the star–or you could be the one “who dunnit!” Gunter Branch: August 7th at 4:00pm; Robertson Branch: August 10th at 3:00pm; Boyce Branch: August 11th at 3:30pm; King Branch: August 14th at 4:00pm; Johnson Branch: August 15th at 3:00pm; Main Library: August 18th at 4:00pm; McDonald Branch: August 25th at 3:30pm; and Westside Regional: August 29th at 4:00pm. Cost: Free. www.rpl.org

August 7: For the Love of Food, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Chef Drago is back in the MakerSpace Kitchen preparing a homemade pizza with all the healthy toppings! You’ll get a chance to ask questions and sample the finished dish! This is a series of sessions of healthy meal preparation. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 8: Kings Kids Crafts, King Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Representatives from Home Depot will be bringing materials to create a fun project with the King Kids, Tweens and Teens. Pre-registration is required and limited to 20 participants. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 8: Home Depot Penske Truck Build, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Representatives from Home Depot will be here to show you and your children how to build a wooden Penske Truck. Once built, children can decorate their truck with paint and stickers and then take it home with them to enjoy. Registration is encouraged! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 9: Cenla Public Health Fest, Rapides Parish Health Unit, 9:30am-1:00pm. Sponsored by Region VI Office of Public Health. The fest will feature blood pressure, BMI and glucose checks, breastfeeding information, WIC, fire safety, healthy food demonstration, STI testing, immunization records review, car seat checks, face painting, door prizes and much more! Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5282.

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 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 or 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. Cost: Free. Call: 318-613-3485.

August 12: Civil War Surgery & Medicine, Mansfield Historic Site, 2:00pm. Using the backdrop of the museum’s hospital scene, get a candid picture of what it was like to visit what some Union soldiers called, “Uncle Sam’s Sawmill”. Cost: $4.00. Call: 318-872-1474 or 888-677-6267.

August 14: Art of Life Series, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. We explore our creativity in this series, where we create, imagine, and transform ourselves through art. Registration is required, space is limited. Sponsored by Amerigroup. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 14: DIY Beaded Bookmarks with Melissa, Gunter Branch Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Let Melissa show you how to make beaded bookmarks for yourself, family and friends. It’s not too soon to think of the holidays and gift ideas that won’t break your budget! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

August 14: 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. Check our Face Book page: Widows and Widowers of Central La. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

August 15: Maker Mornings Happy Hour Edition, The Gem in Downtown Alexandria, 4:30pm-6:00pm. The event will feature a keynote address from the owners of Lavender Falls, a working lavender farm based in the Vernon Parish town of Hornbeck. Registration is encouraged. Cost: Free. Call John Cotton Dean: 318-441-3424. www.CenlaMakers.com

August 16: Central Louisiana Re-Entry Coalition Meeting, Steamboat Bill’s, 11:45am. Meetings are attended by members of the community, faith leaders, law enforcement officials and elected officials to promote successful re-entry for returning citizens. Cost: Free. Call Sandra “Candy” Christophe: 318-443-0189.

August 16: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pmm. Penny McComic will present “Betrayed, Betrayer, Beloved”. Admission includes a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSVP by Friday, August 11th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.

August 17: 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. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 17: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets monthly 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

August 17: Old School Game Day, Robertson Branch Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Come in anytime between noon and 2:00pm for Old School Games! We’ll have a variety of vintage board games to challenge you! Bring a friend or join others for an afternoon of games. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

August 17: Homemade Bath Bombs, Jonson Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. It’s amazingly simple to make and awesome to give as gifts or to keep and enjoy for yourself! Drop one into your evening bath and relax with a good book and a long soak! Registration is encouraged to make sure there are enough supplies for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

August 17: AMoA After Hours, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30pm-8:30pm. On Third Thursday, get a taste of Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues: Year 5 with live entertainment by local Blues act Jookey’s Gumbo, and sample craft beer too! Beer sampling will feature Karbach Brewing Co. Craft beer sampling sponsored by Southwest Beverage. Cost: Free members; $5.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458.

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 18: Striving, Pushing and Reviving a Community-Youth Revival, 4510 3rd Street, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Calvary Tabernacle of Alexandria. Youth back to school revival. After the revival, join us at POA, 2817 Rapides Avenue for a blaze of fun fellowship event with food, gamed and prizes. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5959.

August 19: RPL Movie Mania Presents Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover when a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, spell trouble for everyone! Screenings begin at 12:00pm at the Robertson Branch and 1:00pm at the Rapides Main Library. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036.

August 19: Craft Brews, BBQ & Blues, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Craft Brews, BBQ & Blues promises a variety of Louisiana craft beer and live entertainment. Music provided by the one-and-only Jimbo Mathus, front man of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Knockdown South. This year, there’s an Official After Party with more beer, and more Mathus at Finnegans Wake! Cost: $50.00. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

August 20: 28th Annual Lobster Dinner, Tunk’s Cypress Inn, 5:00pm. Sponsored by Hope House. Silent auction, lots of fun and fellowship for a very worthy cost. Cost: $100. Call Sandy Ray: 318-487-2061 x 200.

August 20: 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: 318-769-3445.

August 21: Live Love Latch!, Hive Wellness Community, 10:00am. Live Love Latch is an event to celebrate breastfeeding and to highlight breastfeeding support. Everyone is invited to attend and support. The Hive Wellness Community is located at 2800 Jackson Street in Alexandria. You do not need to be breastfeeding to be included. Family, friends, doctors, lactation consultants, midwives, businesses, legislators, and anyone else who supports breastfeeding in our community are welcome. Door prizes, raffle and much more! Business sponsorships and donations are welcome. Cost: Free. Call Meghan: (318) 769-9386 or E-mail: [email protected].

August 22: Fall Leaf Candles, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm. With a collection of fall foliage, we take a plain candle and create an Autumn centerpiece. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

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.

August 25: King Branch Games Day, King Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. We’re going retro with an evening of board games–remember those games from your past? Monopoly, Sorry, Life We have them–come and play games and have a good time. Refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 25: Community Mental Health Summit, VA Medical Center, 9:00am-12:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria VA Healthcare System. Bringing together key stakeholders in the community with the goal of exchanging access to mental health services and addressing the mental health care needs of veterans and their family members is the stated goal for the summit. Cost: Free. Call Dr. Lauren Vines: 318-466-4185.

August 26: Rapides Parish Library Back-to-School Bash, Kees Park, 9:00am-12:00pm. This event is for everyone heading back to school – Kids, parents, teachers, and school administrators are invited to pick up information from the library to help them succeed this year in school. We’ll have homework help, ScienceFlix, ABC Mouse, Literati, and Tumble Books and plenty of opportunities to get a library card! Look for the Grant Parish Sheriff’s K9 officer, Zeus with his partner, Corporal Donna Bryant, Chase from the P.A.W. Patrol, and a Tae Kwon Do demonstration. We’ll have hot popcorn, face-painting, prizes to win and tons more! Don’t miss the Back to School Bash! Cost: Free. www.rpl.org

August 26: Tackle Stroke, Alexandria Senior High, Pineville High School, Buckeye 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. RRMC will be at the jamborees being held at Alexandria Senior High, Pineville High School and Bunkie High School.

August 28: 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.

August 28: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale 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.

August 28: As Young as You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-7:30pm. 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. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 29: Come Write In Speaker Jennifer DePriest, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Beyond her teaching computer science at Louisiana College, Jennifer is a talented writer and photographer. She will share her experiences, and give advice on maintaining motivation, avoiding the slump and what devices she uses to keep the stories flowing. Feel free to bring a writing friend with you! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

August 29: Teen DIY Glitter Picture Frames, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm. We shake out the glitz and the glam, with a variety of glitter to create a fun photo frame to highlight our BFF. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

September 6: Transforming Communities Symposium, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 3:30pm-5:30pm. The Rapides Foundation presents its fourth annual symposium, featuring a special presentation by Wes Moore, acclaimed author, decorated Army combat veteran, youth advocate and CEO of Robin Hood Foundation. Mr. Moore will talk about the transformative power of education and its impact on improving our community. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call 318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394. www.rapidesfoundation.org

September 8-9: 2017 Orchid Kickoff, Kees Park Community Center. The La Orchid Society presents its annual show and sale. The show will open from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Friday and from 8:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday.

Sports

Ongoing-August: 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

August 8, 15, 22, 29 and Sept 5: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Cost: Free. Call AMoA: 318-443-3458.

August 26: OLPS Bulldogs Kids Tri, LSUA. For ages 3 to 14. Additional information available at www.bulldogskidstri.com.