Art

Ongoing-August: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Denice Carter. Denice is a massage therapist and self-taught artist working primarily in acrylics. All photographs are for sale. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-October 20: AMoA’s 31st September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-4:00pm. The annual juried exhibition is selected by a guest juror from national and international submissions. The exhibition highlights contemporary art practices in all media. Additionally, the September Competition connects the museum with artists that are excelling in their field and media. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 7: Evening with an Artist, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm-7:00pm.  Central Louisiana artist, and former Avoyelles Parish teacher, Jan Beauboeuf, will speak on her time in New Orleans as an artist, and her associations with other New Orleans artists. This artist talk is in connection with the AMoA permanent exhibition, “Connected Visions: Louisiana’s Artistic Lineage.”  Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 7 & September 4: Drop In Drawing, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm-7:00pm.  Drop In Drawing classes are for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment. This on-going series for adults offers instruction, experience with other dry mediums, constructive critique, and inspiration from exhibitions. All materials are provided. Cost: Free for AMoA Members; $10.00 non-members. This is a drop in event; no need to register, but classes are limited to the first 20 participants to check in. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 18: AMoA Family Class—Secret Symbols, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Families will create their own personal hieroglyphic type symbol paintings inspired by the work of Ida Kohlmeyer, from AMoA’s permanent collection. Cost: Free (members); $20.00 (non-members). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 18: The Muse Teen 2018 Brainstorming Session, Alexandria Museum of Art, 3:00pm-5:00pm.  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! Muse events are open to participants between the ages of 13 and 21. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

Music

August 23: Matt Papa in Concert, Guinn Auditorium at Louisiana College, 7:00pm.  Come worship the Lord and celebrate the new Guinn Auditorium as LC launches its 2018-19 Concert Series. Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets will be available at the door; no advance ticket sales. Cost: $10.00. Call: 800-487-7401.

Theatre

August 2-12: Proof by David Auburn, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theater. City Park Players presents the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, David Auburn’s “Proof”. The production is a passionate, intelligent story about fathers and daughters, the nature of genius, and the power of love. Performances will begin at 7:30pm nightly Thursday through Saturday and 2:30pm on Sunday.  Cost: $5.00-$15.00.  cpptheatre.com

August 24-25:  Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, The Gem in Downtown Alexandria, 7:00pm. There will be a showing of the screenplay, “And We’re Dead in 3,2,1”, and a performance of “Sweet Revenge”. Dinner will be catered by new downtown restaurant Cafe DeSoto. Bring a date, grab some friends, or come alone plenty of entertainment to be had. Don’t forget to check out Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Starring The Unusual Suspects Facebook page. Call: 318-955-5664.

Events

Ongoing-August: 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-August: balance Meetings, 5:30pm. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday and Thursday.  Meetings take place each Monday at the CLASS Office, located at 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria.  Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue.  Call: 318-442-1010.

August 6 & September 3: 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. Check out our Face Book page:  CHRISTUS Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

August 7 & September 4: Healing Hearts Peri-natal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm.  This support group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.

August 8: 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: Hotel Bentley 110th Birthday Celebration, Hotel Bentley, 1:00pm-10:00pm. Celebrate 110 years of Cenla history with tours, cake, dancing and a memory board!  Walking tours and an open house will be available from 1:00pm-4:00pm and will include a photo booth in the lobby for social media posting.  The evening will culminate with a Ballroom Soiree from 6:00pm-10:00pm for guests 21 and up.  Cocktail attire or costumes are encouraged! Cost: Free (Daytime Events); $30.00 (Ballroom Soiree). Call: 318-442-2226.

August 10: Back To School In Color, King Branch Library, 4:00pm. Join us as we celebrate National Crayon Month and get hyped for the new school year. We will have a blast learning and doing crafts along with learning about information that will help us succeed with library tools. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 11: National 811 Day. Whether you are a “do-it-yourself” homeowner or a contracted professional, before starting landscaping or home improvement projects, it is essential to protect yourself and stay safe when digging. Always call 811 before you dig! www.laonecall.com

August 11: Back to School Bash 2018, Alexandria Mall, 1:00pm-3:00pm. The Back to School Bash 2018 will feature popcorn, kids activities, crafts and entertainment to get everyone classroom ready. Participants include the LSUA Athletics Department, Brame and Bolton Cheer Teams, GUMBO the Alligator and the Alexandria Fire Department. Cost: Free.

August 11: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We will be screening Coco (Rated PG). Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

August 11: Duct Tape School Supplies, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Teens are invited to come to Martin Library to decorate common school supplies such as a notebook or pencils with duct tape to get ready for the new school year. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 13: Adult End of Summer Program, Libuse Branch Library, 10:30am-11:30am. We will be playing Name-That-Tune to live music provided by John Dechiaro.  Open to adults; Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

August 13: 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.

August 14: Making It Work, RRMC Gallery Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  A breastfeeding class for working moms, this class is designed to support working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding and need to know how to fit it into their daily schedule. The class will focus on management of milk supply and offer strategies to sustain pumping.  Other topics include types of pumps, storage and handling of milk and strategies to prevent problems. Call: 318-769-4440.

August 14: Veterans Support Group, King Branch Library, 6:00pm. Veterans come together to discuss and find ways to live their best life after service; facilitated by Mr. Anthony Elie. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

August 15: Adult End of Summer Program, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. We will be playing Name-That-Tune to live music provided by John Dechiaro.  Open to adults; Pre-registration is required.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 16: 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 16: Fifteeny Crafts, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-4:15pm. Calling all teens! Come do a craft in 15 minutes! This month we will be making paperclip bookmarks! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

August 16: AMoA AfterHours, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Get a taste of Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues at AMoA AfterHours in August. Enjoy live local Blues performance with Leo Cole & The Blues Rockets, while sampling craft beers from around the region. Cost: Free (members); $10.00 (non-members). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 18: 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.

August 18: Saturday Movie Time, King Branch Library, 10:00am. Join us for a showing of “A Wrinkle in Time”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org.

August 18: Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues VI, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:00pm-9:00pm. Praised as one of the top beer events in Louisiana, Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues has continued to get bigger and better over the past two years. You try the beer, you decide the winner! The event offers Louisiana craft beer, quality entertainment and some of the best BBQ you will find in the area! CBBBVI will not disappoint in 2018! Cost: $50.00 (in advance); $65.00 (at the door). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

August 19: Hot Air Balloon Craft, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. We will be making paper mache hot air balloons. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 20: 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.

August 21: Upcycled Chandelier Craft, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm. We will be making Upcycled Chandeliers out of plastic spoons. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

August 21: Genealogy Class, Robertson Branch Library, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Finding records and other helpful resources to help you with your genealogical search. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

August 21: Artistic Endeavors—The Sassy Edition, King Branch Library, 8:00pm. Join Suzanne, become your own Picasso and leave with your artistic treasure. Open to adults. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org.

August 22: Cenla Women’s Connection, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Shaaron Rowland will present “Living In The Dash”.  Shaaron is a Baylor graduate.  She is a speed reading teacher and a director of a ladies ensemble choral group.  Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please pre-register by Friday, August 17th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.

August 23: Tie Dying for Seniors, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am.  Seniors, the kids had their turn! Now, we will provide everything you need to create your own unique tie dyed project; or you can bring your own white cotton garment to dye. Pre-registration is encouraged. Cost: Free.  Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

August 25: Central Louisiana Dutch Oven Cookers, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, 9:00am. Demonstrations begin at 9:00am with food tastings beginning at noon. There is no charge for food tastings, but regular park entrance fees apply. Cost: $4.00 (ages 4-62). Call: 985-445-9944.

August 25: Back to School Scavenger Hunt, Hineston Branch Library, 9:00am-12:30pm. Children will complete a Scavenger Hunt sheet and turn it in to be eligible to pull something from the treasure chest. Additionally, their name will go in for a drawing for another prize at the end of the day. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-8461. www.rpl.org

August 25: Back To School Supply Event, Pineville Community Center, 9:00am-11:00am. The first 150 children will receive a bag of school supplies (donated the Healthy Blue and Junior League of Alexandria).  Zeus and Corporal Bryant of the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Police Department Community Officers, Master Rousseau Taekwondo demonstration, Chase from Paw Patrol, door prizes, database and 3D printing demonstrations, balloon animals, snacks and the Bookmobile. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

August 25-26: Cenla Shrine Circus, Rapides Parish Coliseum. The Cenla Shrine Circus is a tradition for many in the Central Louisiana area. Everyone remembers going to the Circus when they were a child and watching all of the performers. The Shrine Circus is back for its second year post renovation to continue their legacy of raising funds for the Shrine Hospital and making memories in the Coliseum. Come enjoy all of the amazing performances that the Jordan World Circus is known for. This year’s acts are beyond your child’s imagination. Shows on Saturday at 10:00am, 2:00pm, and 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Call: 318-442-9581.

August 25: Vintage Cinema, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:30pm. We’ll be screening the classic film “Operation Petticoat”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

August 27: 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 27: 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: Summer Reading Wrap Up Party, Johnson Branch Library, 10:30am-11:30am. Johnson Library will be celebrating our SRP readers. Final Drawings will be held for the Teen and Adult prizes. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free.  Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

August 30: Books and Coffee Beans, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm.  There is nothing better than a good book, a nice cup of coffee and some friendly conversation about the books we love. This month, we will be discussing “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

September 1: 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.

September 1: Cenla Duck Derby, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am. The annual Cenla Duck Derby presented by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum will feature up to 5,000 rubber ducks racing down a giant water slide. You could be the one to adopt the Ricky Bobby of rubber ducks that could win the $1,000 Grand Prize, $750 2nd Place, $500 3rd Place or other great prizes. There will be multiple races with winners in every race. The block-party style event will also feature Food Trucks, Food Vendors, Craft Vendors, Music, Kids Crafts, and Kids Activities. Cost: Free; $5.00 (duck adoption). Call: 318-619-9394. cenladuckderby.com

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 7, 14, 21, 28 & September 4: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Part of Healthy Living at AMoA. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

August 10-12: Alexandria City Match Play Championship, Links on the Bayou.  Friday’s 18-hole stroke play qualifying round will be used to set the flighted match play Saturday and Sunday.  Registration fees include all cart and green fees, range balls, on-course beverages, tee gifts and prizes. Winner will receive a sponsor’s exemption into the 2019 Adams Pro Tour Coca-Cola Open.  Open to all amateur male golfers 18 years or older living in Rapides Parish or members of Links on the Bayou. Cost: $75.00 (Member); $125.00 (non-member). Call: 318-473-1331.

August 11, 18, 25 & September 1: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Originating in ancient China roughly four thousand years ago, Qi Gong or Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong, literally “Life Energy Cultivation”) is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is a powerful tool used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

August 11: Yoga For Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am.  The Healthy Living @AMoA program has expanded to include Yoga for Kids, every Second Saturday in the month. Mom & Dad are welcome to join! Taught by Shannon Brewer, of LUX Studios – Lotus Vibes. All Healthy Living @AMoA programming is sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

August 18: UPS Benefit Golf Tournament for United Way Central Louisiana, OakWing Golf Club, 8:00am. Four-player teams will tee off to benefit the United Way of Central Louisiana. The event will include 18 holes of golf, golf carts, lunch, soft drinks, door prizes and more! Don’t play golf? Event tickets will be available that include all the food and fun without the golf. Cost: $400.00 per 4-person team; $25.00 Event-only Pass. Call: 318-451-6437 or 318-419-5007.

August 18: Bulls, Bands, and Barrels, Rapides Parish Colisuem, 7:00pm. Bulls, Bands, and Barrels will feature bull riding, barrel racing, freestyle bull fighting, Grammy Award Winning Artist Wayne Toups, with Gyth Rigdon and Heath Sanders. Cost: $19.00-$59.00. Call: 318-442-9581.

August 24: Tackle Stroke, 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 Avoyelles High School.