Art
Ongoing-August: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit. The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Vernon Parish artist and Arts and Healthcare volunteer, Morgan Reese in the Cabrini Gallery during the month of August. Most art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Arts & Healthcare programs. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-October 24: 32nd September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art. The 32nd September Competition is an annual juried exhibition highlighting the work of contemporary artists in all media and styles created within the past two years. 50 artworks selected from over 450 international submissions are included in the exhibition and featured in a full-color print catalog. This year, the 49 selected artists represent 4 countries, 23 states, and 49 cities. AMoA welcomes Marilyn Laufer as the 2019 juror. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.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
August 6: Drop-In Drawing Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm-7:00pm. Drop-In 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. This is a drop-in class; no registration required! Cost: Free AMoA members; $10.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 7: Watercolors for Adults, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Adults, enjoy a watercolor painting class with local artist Laura O’Quinn. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 15: Renegade Tour/Tour Renegado, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Pineville Ambassador and Cenla celebrity, Jorge Rocha owner of Jurassic Skatepark, will be your guide through the galleries! Jorge is a native of Venezuela and has lived in Cenla since 2014, where he declared Pineville to be the greatest city on Earth. En español and in English! Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 17: Symbolic Self-Portraits Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Drawing from artists like Luz Maria Lopez, Frida Kahlo and Rob Jones, participants will be learning how to create a self-portrait of themselves surrounded by personal symbols. This class is appropriate for family and friends who are like family. Participants should be over the age of 6. Cost: AMoA members Free; $20.00 non-members (up to 5 individuals). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 17: Summer Arts Studio Student Show, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 4:00pm-5:00pm. A showcase of the incredible work produced by the students in this year’s Summer Arts Studio. Call: 318-473-2670.
August 20: Master Craft: Watercolors, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Adults join us to make watercolor bookmarks. We supply the watercolors, you supply the imagination. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 23: Pour Painting Class, Westside Regional Library, 4:30pm-6:30pm. Teens and adults, join us to pour an abstract painting with, acrylic paint, in a pouring technique that will create a work of art. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
August 30-September 28: River Oaks Square Exhibitions, River Oaks Square Arts Center. Nancy Michael Susaneck presents her show entitled “Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Lives” in the Bolton Davis Gallery. The Gallerie des Amis will feature an exhibition entitled “Salavdo” by resident artist, Rhonda Reap-Curiel. The Stokes-Harris Gallery will feature a special exhibition entitled “The Face Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree” which features a multitude of local and resident artists: Janet Ahrens, Susan R. Corbyn, Becky O’Neal, Maria Manemann, Tish Fresh, Bridie Rollins, Jodie Rapson, Margie Tate, Elizabeth Morgan and Laura Gates under the guidance of instructor Janet Ahrens. A special opening reception is set for August 30th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Call: 318-473-2670.
Music
August 30-31: 20th Annual Cane River Zydeco Festival, Historic Downtown Natchitoches Riverbank. Labor Day weekend is full of good music, fun, and more fun at the 20th Annual Cane River Zydeco Festival! Enjoy live music by DJ Doc Couty, On Point Band, T Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers and more! Take part in a motorcycle poker run, Zydeco dance competition, and more. The festival opens on Friday at 6:00pm and on Saturday at 9:00am. Cost: $8.00 Saturday only. Call Melvin Jones: 318-332-7455.
Theatre
August 17: Desert Sky Dance Company Summer Showcase, Kress Theatre, 7:00pm. Join Desert Sky Dance Company for an epic night of dance! Proceeds from the event will help purchase school supplies for local elementary schools. Cost: $15.00. Call Amanda Williams: 318-233-4727.
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. 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.
August 5 & September 2: 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.
August 6: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm. The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.
August 6, 13, 20, 27: Geeks Who Drink, Good People Kitchen, 7:30pm. Geeks Who Drink brings the nation’s best live hosted pub quiz to Good People Kitchen every Tuesday. Join in for 8 rounds of audio, visual and live hosted trivia. The weekly quiz features prizes for answering bonus questions and gift cards for the top teams at the end of the night. Geeks Who Drink rules limit the total number of players on your team to 6, so gather your smartest friends and come down. Cost: Free. Call: 318-787-2785.
August 8: AARP Driver Safety Program, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am-12:30pm. A one day, four-hour class for drivers 50 or older. 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. Cost: $15.00 AARP members; $20.00 non-members. Call: 318-769-3445.
August 8: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Adults, come unwind and relax in an adult coloring session. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 8: Family Tie Dyeing, Robertson Branch Library, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Families join us to make tie-dyed pillowcases. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your own 100% cotton garment for dyeing. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
August 10: Back to School Expo, Mt. Triumph Family Life Center, 9:00am-12:00pm. The Mizpah Chapter Order of Eastern Star and Mount Triumph Baptist Church will host a Back to School Expo with continental breakfast, lunch and school supplies. Please pre-register with student’s name, age and grade to [email protected]. Students must be present to receive supplies. Cost: Free. Call: 318-880-6780.
August 10: Back-to-School Party, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children and teens, come in and have some fun before the school year starts! We will have, food, fun, and games. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
August 10: 2nd Annual AEX Culture Fest, Frank O. Hunter Park, 10:00am-6:00pm. AEX Creatives is back again with the second annual Culture Fest. This is AEX Creatives back to school give back/festival. We want to prepare our children for a positive new school year. This year’s theme is Culture Fest: On The Yard. We plan to transform Frank O Hunter Park into an HBCU Campus, so children can receive a glimpse of life on a college campus. College recruiters, live performances, Greek Culture and more.
August 10: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Watching Fantastic Beasts. Rated PG-13. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 12 & September 9: 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 12: Craig’s Corner, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Teens will prepare for the new school year by discussing and learning good studying techniques and other resources that will prepare teens for success. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
August 12: Veteran’s Support, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Veterans come together to live their best life after service with facilitator Anthony Eli. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
August 13: DIY Woven Yarn Baskets, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm. Adults, join us to make woven baskets using cardboard, toothpicks, felt, yarn, and various adornments. Registration required. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
August 14: 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 install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.
August 15: As Young as You Feel, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. Senior citizens enjoy fellowship, games, and lunch. Registration required. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 15: 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.
August 16: Gardening Meet-Up, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:00am. Adults, join us in this gardening series dedicated to answering your questions about plants. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 16: As Young as You Feel, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Seniors, join Debbie for games and refreshments. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
August 16: Virtual Reality Game Day, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm.Teens and adults, join us to have fun playing virtual reality games. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
August 17: 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 17: National Honey Bee Awareness Day Program, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children, learn about the important role honey bees play in our environment and create your own honey bee craft. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
August 17: Paws for Kids, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children, visit Luke the Confidence Dog and read him a story. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
August 17: Farm To Table: History on a Plate, Los Adaes State Historic Site, 11:00am. Explore the heritage garden at Los Adaes State Historic Site and learn about what crops were grown as well as meals that were eaten at Los Adaes. During the thirty-minute program, samples of some of the dishes possibly served at Los Adaes will be offered. Guests will get to explore a garden that is growing historic crops which have a different look and taste from their modern relatives. In this age of single agriculture, it is intriguing to learn of the various types and flavors different squashes, beans, peppers, etc. have to offer.
August 17: Vintage Theatre, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Screening of the movie “Double Indemnity”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
August 17: Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Now in its 7th year, AMoA’s Craft Brews, BBQ, & Blues invites Louisiana Craft Breweries to compete in five categories: Dark, Ale, IPA, Specialty, and People’s Choice. The event will feature popular beers currently available here, as well as some beers never before offered in Alexandria. Guests will sample these great brews and decide who will take home the ribbons. Five local barbecue teams will be on site cooking up their best dishes to pit against each other when the event is opened to ticket holders. To top it all off, the evening will revolve around live music by Tiffany Pollack and Co. from New Orleans. Cost: $50.00 General admission (advance); $65.00 VIP admission; General Admission (at the door). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 19: 2019 Cenla Chamber Congressional Update, Alexandria Convention Center, 11:30am-1:00pm. The Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce will host U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. Cost: $20.00 Chamber members; $25.00 non-members. Please RSVP. Call: 318-442-6671.
August 19: 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 20: Teen Game Day, Robertson Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Teens, take a break from homework and have some fun playing board games like Scrabble, Connect 4, Monopoly and more. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
August 21: Central Louisiana Democratic Women’s Meeting, Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria, 11:30am-1:00pm. A representative of Manna House will be the guest speaker. All registered Democrat and Independent women are invited. Lunch is optional for purchase.
August 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 90 Harold Miles Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm. Kat Arnold will present “Bought ,Caught, and Released” and a Special Feature by Cindy Avery with Calvary’s Community support programs. Please RSVP by Friday, August 16th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].
August 22: Scrapbooking Craft, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:30pm. Adults, bring pictures and embellishments to a scrapbooking session. We’ll provide paper, cardstock, and experiment with the new Cricut machine to make cute cut-outs for your page. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org
August 24: 3rd Annual Back-2-School Bash, Tudor Community Center, 9:00am-11:00am. Families, join the Rapides Parish Library for a lot of games, snacks, and fun! The first 100 elementary kids to arrive will receive free school supplies. Children will meet Cat Boy from PJ Mask. Teens will be entertained with Virtual Reality. Located at the Tudor Building on Bragg St. in Pineville. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
August 24-25: Cenla Shrine Circus, Rapides Parish Coliseum. With three rings of affordable family fun, “The Shrine Circus” will thrill fans of all ages. Come see the death-defying aerial acts, animal attractions including tigers and elephants. In addition to the performing acts, kids will have the unique opportunity to ride and pet different types of animals. Acts are subject to change. Saturday Shows begin at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 7:00pm; Sunday Shows begin at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Cost: $12.00 adults; Kids under 12 Free (w/ paid adult). rpclive.org
August 26: 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 26: 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.
August 27: Come Write In, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-6:30pm. Adults, join us to explore tips and techniques in creative writing. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 31: Buhlow BBQ Bash, Buhlow Lake in Pineville, 10:00am. Join the Exchange Club and the City of Pineville at beautiful Lake Buhlow for Live Music, BBQ Cook-Off, and Food & Art Vendors. Sign up now to participate in the BBQ Cook-Off, as an Art Vendor, or a Food Vendor! Cost: Free.
September 2: 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.
September 7: Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport Clubhouse, 7:30am-10:00am. Fly (or drive) to Buhlow Lake Airport to join the EAA for an all-you-want-to-eat, hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, OJ, milk and more! Everyone is welcome to enjoy breakfast, visit with pilots and have a good time. Cost: $7.00 donation.
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-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. Led by Kripalu trained Yoga Teacher, Becky Watkins. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
August 10, 17, 24, 31 & September 7: 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.
August 10: 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.
August 10: Bulls, Bands, and Barrels, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:00pm. Bulls, Bands, and Barrels brings the rankest bulls, fastest barrel racers, and loudest bands to cities all across the Southeast! At each event, they bring in fresh and upcoming country artists, bright lights, rank bulls, and fast horses to make sure that we keep our audiences on the edge of their seats the entire time. This isn’t your traditional mom and pop rodeo. This is a party! Bulls, Bands, and Barrels in Alexandria will feature Koe Wetzel, Gyth Rigdon (The Voice), and Jerad Bridges. rpclive.org
August 24: CMN Clay Shoot, Conference Center on the Greens, 8:00am. This year, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Foundation will host the first of its kind Clay Shoot to benefit CMN. This event will consist of 25 4-person teams competing over a 100-target course. The day will also include games, raffles and prizes. Registration includes goody bags, t-shirts and meals. Shotguns and shells are not provided. Plan to bring at least 4 cases to complete the course. Cost: $600 (team of 4); $150 Individual Shooter. www.christuscabrinifoundation.org
August 24: Professional Wrestling and Football: A Long History in Louisiana Sports, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, 2:00pm. Please join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum for a presentation with Louisiana State University of Alexandria professor of history Dr. Christopher Stacey. The lecture will examine the careers of professional wrestler Sylvester “Junkyard Dog” Ritter and football star turned professional wrestler Ernie “The Big Cat” Ladd. Dr. Stacey will discuss the relationship between pro wrestling and professional football in Louisiana and the impacts of these two great athletes to their sports. Cost: Free. Call: 318-357-2492.
August 30: Tackle Stroke, Cenla High School Football Jamborees. RRMC employees will 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 Pineville High School, Holy Savior Menard and Tioga High School.
