December
Arts
Ongoing – December: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits are currently showing: Paintings in Memory of Artist & Teacher Rosalind Berg by Candy Christophe and Diane Armstrong at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; Volume I – Photographs by Michelle Palmer at the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and Photography Exhibition by Dr. Jian Hang at the OSMS Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing-January: Miniature Invitational Exhibit, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Exhibit featuring Annual Miniature Invitational and photographers guild. Exhibit Opening Reception Dec. 3, 5-7p.m. Cost: $2 adults, $1 seniors and students, exhibit reception free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
December 3-January 1: Louisiana Crafts Guild Annual Exhibit, AMoA, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by LSUA and Alexandria Museum of Art. Exhibit Opening on December 3 from 6:30-8:30p.m. Cost: Exhibit Opening free, other times $4 adults, $3 students, seniors, military and children 13 and younger. Call Sara Fuhrer: 443-3458.
December 4: Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
December 9: Opening Reception, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-7:30p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Hunt Slonem: On the Bayou, held as the 5th Night of Christmas. Deck the Halls tree trimming contest, Cajun 12 Days of Christmas reading, Santa and holiday refreshments. Cost: Admission free. Call Sara Fuhrer: 443-3458.
Music
December 5: Rapides Symphony Orchestra “Christmas Cinemagic” with Lagniappe Theatre Company, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The RSO along with Central Louisiana’s Lagniappe Theatre Company will help spread the holiday cheer with this concert that includes music from a long list of classic holiday movies. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call: 442-9709 ext. 2.
December 6: Musical Odyssey VII featuring Paul Christopher, Vernon Parish Library, 7:00pm. Paul Christopher is Assistant Professor of Low Strings and Music Theory at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. He has played cello with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra and the Shreveport Opera, as well as a variety of orchestras nationally and internationally. Mr. Christopher has appeared on numerous recordings as a member of the Nashville String Machine with artists such as Faith Hill, Ricky Skaggs, Bruce Springsteen, and George Strait. He has also recorded four CDs for the Human Metronome. This is the second performance of Musical Odyssey VII, a series of three free concerts being presented by the Vernon Parish Library. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Call: (337) 239-2027.
December 12: Handel’s Messiah, Leesville High School Auditorium, 3:00pm. The Vernon Parish Community Choir will perform their 41st annual performance of Handel’s Messiah with proceeds from the performance donated to the Vernon Parish Ministerial Alliance and used for needy children in the area. Call: (337) 238-0783.
December 12: Haul Out the Holly, St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville, 3:00pm. Three Friends is a trio of professional north Louisiana musicians with diverse backgrounds in music and theatre. The friends – Naomi Cordill, Jon Baccarini, and Donna Edwards will present “Haul Out the Holly”, a mixture of sacred and popular holiday music. Call Vernon Parish Tourism Commission: 337-238-0783.
December 12: Christmas Concert, Pentecostals of Alexandria Sanctuary, 6p.m. Sponsored by The Pentecostals of Alexandria. POA Mass Choir and soloists perform. The 8th Night of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call: 427-6608.
December 14: Christmas Through the Ages, St. Frances Xavier Cathedral, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. Concert featuring Vivaldi’s Magnificat, Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, and works by Rutter, Shaw-Parker, and Burt, accompanied by orchestra. The 9th Night of Christmas. Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors. Call Red River Chorale: 484-4463.
Theatre
December 4, 9-11: Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Dinner Theatre, The Showboat Theatre at Fort Polk, 7:30pm. “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” by Tom Mula enhances the story of Ebenezer Scrooge by telling the story of his recently deceased business partner, Jacob Marley. It seems that Marley’s only chance to escape a hellish eternity is to first redeem Scrooge! So begins a journey of laughter and terror in this irreverent, deeply moving story. December 10th will feature performance only. Call: (337) 531-2337.
December 11: Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. A variety show, similar to Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC, featuring local theatres, school bands, choirs, dance troupes, etc. This year’s theme is USO! The 7th Night of Christmas. Cost: $15-$10. Call: 48-STAGE.
Events
Ongoing – December: Rapides CASA Toy Drive. The Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center and Rapides CASA are kicking off their annual Toy Drive. Each year, the program collects toys for abused and neglected children in foster care throughout central Louisiana. The program is in need of new, non- violent toys valued at $15.00 or more. The unwrapped gifts may be dropped off to the Rapides CASA office, located at 2004 Jackson St., from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday. Call Rapides CASA: 445-5678.
December 2-4: Follow the Star – A Louisiana College Christmas, LC Campus, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by Louisiana College. The story of Christ’s birth acted out at different stations around campus. There will be performances from area choirs on Thur. and Fri. night and a special drama presentation on Sat. night. Dec. 3rd is the 2nd Night of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-7194 or 542-8688.
December 4 and 18: CPR and First Aid Course, American Red Cross Office, 8a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Teaches lay responders the knowledge and skills necessary to give care in emergency, help sustain life and minimize consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. Cost: $30. Call Trent Murphy: 442-6621.
December 4: Paragon Holiday Open House, Paragon Casino Resort, 10:00am – 4:00pm. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to get your holiday shopping done early at Paragon Casino Resort’s Holiday Open House. The Paragon Atrium will transform into a holiday shopping wonderland filled with entertainment, merriment, great gift ideas and bargains galore! Participating venues include Voilà, Spa La Vie, Paradise Gifts, Paragon Cinema concessions, Gator Coffee Co., LA 1 Market, and Kid’s Quest Hourly Child Care. There will be events for all ages, holiday-themed treats and sweets and live holiday entertainment by local school and church choirs. Cost; Free. Call: 800-946-1946.
December 4: An Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Story telling, vintage music, Papa Noel, hot chocolate, and cookies. Make an old fashioned Christmas ornament to take home and place on your tree. The 3rd Night of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-5998.
December 4: An Evening of Medical Humor, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Central LA Arts and Healthcare. Featuring comedian, David Glickman, from Florida and a humors art exhibit. Open to the public. To benefit Central LA Arts and Healthcare programs. Cost: $50 patrons, $25 general admission. Call: 769-7602 or [email protected].
December 5: The Live Nativity, 2727 Jackson St., 6-8p.m. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. Relive the story of the first Christmas during this drive-thru nativity, which features Christmas music, candlelight and live animals. The 4th Night of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 443-5696 ext. 104.
December 5: Caroling in the Pines, Long Leaf, 2p.m. Sponsored by Southern Forest Heritage Museum. Train rides, community caroling and Santa with sleigh. Cost: Admission free. Call Claudia Troll: 748-8404.
December 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Po Boy Express in Pineville, 5:30pm. a meal and fellowship. Then we will caravan to the Angel Of Hope Service At 7:00pm. This is a special yearly service to honor our children, grandchildren, and siblings by saying their name and placing a white rose on the Angel statue. This is a family event so bring the whole family. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained Outreach Volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. Sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Pre-Registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938 or Pam Hataway: 448-6970.
December 9: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 9 a.m. – Noon. This program is designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program therefore 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 Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3106.
December 9: Christmas on the Bayou!, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm-7:30pm. AMoA and the City of Alexandria’s 12 Nights of Christmas present this family event featuring the art of Hunt Slonem in exhibit On the Bayou, Deck the Galleries featuring hand-made ornaments with a Cajun theme by area students, a reading of The Cajun Night Before Christmas, a visit from Santa & Holiday Refreshments. Cost: Free. Call: 443-3458.
December 9: ALS Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Building Gallery Room, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This monthly support group is designed for ALS patients, their family members, friends and caregivers. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month. Patients who attend will have access to companies which provide services for ALS patients, such as physical therapy or wheelchair repair. Call Duana Trotter: 445-7898 or 308-1950.
December 9: Opelousas Children’s Christmas Parade, St. Landry Catholic Church, 6:00pm. The parade, which begins at St. Landry Catholic Church on Union & Main Street, rolls through downtown Opelousas and ends on Creswell Lane. The annual holiday event, a favorite tradition among many, will feature colorfully lit Christmas themed floats, brilliant high school marching bands, and of course everyone’s favorite, Santa Claus. Call Opelousas Tourism: (337) 948-6263 or visit: www.cityofopelousas.com.
December 10: DHH Forum- ‘Making Medicaid Better’, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 9 a.m.-Noon. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein will offer a presentation on the current and future state of Medicaid, specifically, the “Coordinated Care Network” model. This is the only Central Louisiana site included in the statewide tour. The meeting is open to physicians, community leaders and other interested parties. There will be time for questions. Visit: MakingMedicaidBetter.com.
December 10: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main St., 7p.m. Sponsored by the City of Pineville. Join us for our traditional Christmas parade. The 6th Night of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 445-3439.
December 10: Annual Patient Christmas Party, Cabrini Cancer Center, time: TBA. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center. Join us for a special celebration of the Christmas season. Food, fun and entertainment. Open to cancer survivors. RSVP required. Cost: Free to cancer survivors. Call Janet Bonnette: 466-6074.
December 10: Bunkie Christmas Parade, Main St., 4p.m. Sponsored by Bunkie Rotary Club. Cost: Admission free. Call Cynthia Dauzat: 318-346-7663.
December 10: Holiday Open House at the American Red Cross, American Red Cross Office, 11a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by American Red Cross of Central Louisiana. Cost: Admission free. Call Kyra Turner: 442-6621.
December 11: Second Saturday Market at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9:00am – 1:00pm. Monthly event features original Llcoal art booths, food vendors, farmer’s produce and specialty food products, live music, art activity for kids and more. Come shop, have fun, and visit the museum exhibits. Call: 443-3458.
December 11-12: DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show, Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds, Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society and Cenla Gem and Mineral Society. Exhibits and sells of gem stones, cabochons, minerals, artifacts and fossils. Live demonstrations. Cost: $2 ages 12 and above. Call Jim Marler: 318-443-5184.
December 11: CPR and First Aid Course, American Red Cross Office, 8a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Teaches lay responders the knowledge and skills necessary to give care in emergency, help sustain life and minimize consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. Cost: $30. Call Trent Murphy: 442-6621.
December 11: DeRidder Gem & Mineral Show, Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall in DeRidder, 9:00am – 5:00pm. The DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show offers some of the best hidden treasures in Louisiana. Minerals, gemstones, jewelry, Indian artifacts, fossils will be displayed and available for purchase, including the elusive Louisiana Opal. Flint knapping, lapidary supplies, demos, silent auctions and door prizes. Cost: $2.00 (12 & under). Call: (337) 239-3136 or www.lutheransonline.com/gems.
December 11: Leesville Christmas Parade, 5:30pm. The Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Third St. in Leesville. Cost: Free. Call: (337) 239-0349.
December 12: Alexandria Christmas Parade, line-up at Power Center, Parade down Jackson St., 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: $75 entry fee. Call Chris Chelette: 623-7359 or 443-1200 ext. 108. www.alexmardigras.com.
December 13: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 10:00am-11:30am. This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. This month, bring your favorite meditation, poem or prayer that has been instrumental in your journey. We will read and compile these into a booklet. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained Outreach Volunteers who are available to the newly grieving. Please plan to dine with us after the meeting. Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938 or Pam Hataway: 448-6970.
December 13: Look Good Feel Better Annual Holiday Gathering, Cabrini Women’s and Children’s Conference Center, Noon. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center and American Cancer Society. Food, fun and entertainment, a celebration of the holiday season. Women cancer survivors and Look Good Feel Better participants invited. RSVP required. Cost: Admission free. Call Janet Bonnette: 466-6074.
December 13: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. 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 a big sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Cost: $10.00 (waived if delivering at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital). Call: 769-3106.
December 14: Patience Quilters, West Side Regional Library, 6:30pm. Patience Quilters meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at West Side Regional Library, located at 5416 Provine Place in Alexandria, off Highway 28 West. The meetings are open to the public. Quilters are invited as well as anyone interested in learning more about quilting. Email: [email protected].
December 16: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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 Hospital. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
December 17: LSUA Foundation 50th Anniversary Scholarship Gala, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Foundation. Food, dancing and music by Grady Gaines. Proceeds to benefit scholarships at LSU Alexandria. Final event for the 50th anniversary celebration and the 10th Night of Christmas. Cost: $100 per person. Call Melinda Anderson: 619-2916.
December 18-19: Christmas Tour of Homes, St. Rita Church, time: TBA. Sponsored by St. Rita Church’s Special Events Commission. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served at each home. Shuttling to homes provided by St. Rita Church. Reservations required. Cost: $25. Call Karen Moreau: 445-7141 ext. 17.
December 18-19: Alexandria Gun and Knife Show, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 10a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Sullivan Enterprises-24 Hour Security. Dealers will be displaying and selling guns, knives ammo, Civil War Relics and much more. Cost: $7 ages 12 and older, $2 ages 6-11 and 10 and younger are free. Call A. M. Sullivan: 445-9286.
December 18: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, CHRISTUS Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required. Call: 318-448-4900.
December 19: A Soulful Christmas, 6101 Masonic Dr., 6p.m. Sponsored by Christian Worship Center. Christian Worship Center choir, band, soloists and dancers celebrate Christmas with a soulful beat. The 12th Night of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call CWC: 448-4500.
December 20: Rapides Cancer Center Christmas Party, Rapides Cancer Center Lobby, Noon – 2:00pm. All current patients, caregivers and cancer survivors are invited to attend. Cake and punch will be provided. Call: 769-7200 or 769-7258.
December 27: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
December 27: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11:00am. The staff from Kingsley Place will offer appropriate activities for those with Alzheimer’s disease with a fun, hands-on approach. 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 Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
Sports
December 4: Dash for Cash 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run, Upper Third St. public boat ramp, 8a.m. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla, Inc. Run for cash. Route runs along Red River and winds through the trails of Alexandria. Cost: TBA. Call Teresa Caplan: 447-7219.
