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 at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; the Cabrini Cancer Center; the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and the OSMS/Cenla Urgent Care Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
December 2: Opening Reception, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Studio Art Quilt Associates: Sightlines, Geza Brunow: Event Horizon and LA Crafts Guild, continued. Cost: Call for info. Call Sara Fuhrer: 443-3458.
December 3: 2011 Porch Sale Fundraiser, Bolton House, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9a.m.-3p.m. Great opportunity to buy unique gifts for Christmas. Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Music
December 1: Christmas Choral Extravaganza, 111 South Washington St., 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Le Theatre des Bon Temps, Inc. Cost: $5. Call Derrick Augustine or Eileen Brouillette: 253-8105 or 253-0284.
December 2: A-Town Jazz, Loft Home of Jim and Frances Hurst, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Entertainment and light hors d’oeuvres with cash bar of beer and wine. Cost: $25. Call Nancy: 443-4718.
December 3, 10 and 17: Holiday Concert Series, Alexandria Mall, Center Court, time: TBA. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with musical and dance performances. Admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0. www.alexandriamall.com
December 4: Rapides Symphony Holiday Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Annual holiday concert with a mix of upbeat classics and well-know carols. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
December 5: Wildcat Band Christmas Concert, Guinn Auditorium, Louisiana College, 7-8p.m. Admission free. Call Tabitha Huffman: 484-7336.
December 11: Handel’s “Messiah”, Leesville High School Auditorium, 3:00pm. The Vernon Parish Community Choir, composed of volunteers from around the parish, will perform Handel’s “Messiah”. Cost: $5.00 donation to benefit the Leesville Ministerial Alliance. Call: (337) 238-0783.
December 13: A Festive Christmas, St. Frances Xavier Cathedral, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. A festive celebration of the season in a variety of fresh and traditional choral music. 10th Night of Christmas. Cost: $10. Call Bishop Ronald Herzog: 229-6666.
Theatre
December 2-3, 8-10: Ghost of a Chance. The Fort Polk Showboat Theatre will present “Ghost of a Chance”, a comedy about a beautiful woman who brings her new fiancée and his mother to her cabin — which also happens to be the site of the hunting accident that killed her first husband. Dinner shows will be held on November 26, December 2nd, 8th and 10th. Performance Only shows will be on December 3rd and 9th. Call: (337) 531-2337 or Visit: www.VentureVernon.com/showboat.html.
December 9-11: A Christmas Story, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre. Family Playhouse will present its production of A Christmas Story directed by Greg Carroll, sponsored by Premier Pediatrics. We promise not to shoot your eye out! Cost: $12.00 adults; $8.00 senior citizens; $6.00 students. Call: 442-6500.
December 10: Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre. Christmas variety show in the vein of Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC. Featuring performances from your favorite dance troupes, choirs, theatre groups and much more. Cost: $10-$15. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com.
December 13: The Nutcracker, Leesville High School Auditorium, 7:00pm. The Vernon Arts Council will present “The Nutcracker” performed by the Delta Festival Ballet company of New Orleans. Cost: $15/adults; $7/children 12 & under. Call: (337) 238-0783.
Events
December 1: Senior Lifestyles Cancer Awareness, Rapides Parish Senior Citizens’ Center in Woodworth, 10:30 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center teams up with Rapides Senior Citizens Centers to offer on-site health screenings and information on cancer awareness. Call Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers: 487-1561 or Rapides Regional Medical Center: 769-3512.
December 1: Holiday Magic, Alexander Fulton Mini Park, 5 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria. The kickoff for the 12 Nights of Christmas. Youth groups, choirs, caroling, cookies and Santa. Come downtown and help celebrate the 1st Night of Christmas as the Mayor lights the city tree to kick of the holiday season. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5051.
December 1-3, 8-10 and 15-23: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30-8p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Come see the Zoo in a different light. Thousands of glistening lights will transform the Zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland. Visit with Santa, warm up by the bonfire, and enjoy holiday treats from the Café. Top off your evening with a train ride and selecting that perfect gift. Musical entertainment will be held on select evenings. Dec. 17th is the 11th Night of Christmas. Cost: TBA. Call Zoo Office: 441-6810.
December 2: Follow the Star, Louisiana College, time: TBA. Christmas themed activities and entertainment. 2nd Night of Christmas. Cost: TBA. Call Allison Bruchhaus: 487-7194.
December 2-3: Christmas in the Pines, Rosepine, 1:30pm. Rosepine will celebrate Christmas in the Pines beginning with their annual parade along Hwy 171. The fun continues on Dec. 3 when the Rosepine Elementary School will hold their 14th annual Arts & Crafts Fair at the school. Call: (337) 463-4203 or (337) 463-3391.
December 2: Christmas at the Park, Leesville Jubilee Park, 5:30pm. The Jubilee Park Committee will hold its annual celebration featuring the Vernon Middle School providing musical entertainment. Call: (337) 392-0641 or (337) 238-1319.
December 3: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Cost: $30.
December 3: Old Fashion Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m. Come see how an old fashioned Christmas was celebrated. Refreshments and live entertainment. 3rd Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
December 3: Elegant Affair, Vernon Parish Fairgrounds Auditorium, 6:30pm. The Museum of West Louisiana will host their annual Elegant Affair to celebrate the season with hearty hors d’oeuvres, Louisiana wines, cold beer, and Al’s famous eggnog, while supporting our local museum. Cost: $30.00/single; $50.00/couple; $250/table of 8. Call: (337) 239-0927.
December 3-4: A Night in Bethlehem, Leesville Family Worship Center. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Bethlehem this joyous season! Pass through the city gates, walk down the city’s marketplace, and interact with the townspeople. All ages are welcome; bring the whole family! Cost: Free. Call: (337) 239-6066.
December 4: The Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 6-8p.m. Annual drive-thru nativity features members of the congregation as cast and includes Christmas music, candlelight and live animals. Spectators are able to relive the story of the first Christmas from the comfort of their own vehicles. 4th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Jennifer Wright: 443-5696.
December 5 & 12: Pet Night with Santa, Alexandria Mall, JC Penny Court, 6p.m. Pet owners are invited to bring cats and dogs for a memorable photograph with Santa. Cost: Regular photography fees apply. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0.
December 5: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained Outreach Volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent. This month our focus is: Ask It Basket. This group is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month unless it is a holiday. Brown Bag supper begins at 6pm. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
December 5: Christus Cabrini Diabetes Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6pm. month our guest speaker will be Bill Ritchie and he will discuss “Taking Control.” Bill Ritchie is an A1C Champion. He has diabetes and will share his personal experiences and helpful insights on successfully managing diabetes. Everyone is welcome. Cost: Free. Call Shelly Barton: 318-448-4964. E-mail: [email protected].
December 6: Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil, Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7 p.m. Join Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital for the Fifth Annual “Angel of Hope” Candlelight Vigil. This non-denominational ceremony is open to all parents, family members and friends who have lost a child. Roses and candles will be provided.
December 7: Lessons and Carols, 2120 Elliot St., 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Prompt Succor Adult Choir, St. Cecilia Choir, Joyful Noise Singers, Teen Choir and Youth Band, Young Adult Music Ministry and the Calvary Conservatory Ensemble performs the Advent version of Lessons and Carols that seeks to reclaim the significance of the preparatory season that leads up to the Nativity. The 5th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Linda Perot: 443-0614.
December 8: AARP Driver Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am. This course is designed for those 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: $12 AARP members; $14 non-AARP members. Call Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Community Education Department: 769-3106.
December 8: LOPA Tree of Life and Rose Ceremony, Rapides Regional Medical Center Emergency Room Lobby, 10:30 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical center joins with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency as they recognize donors and their families during the holiday season. Family members are invited to place an ornament on the tree in the ER lobby in honor of their loved one. This year, new donor families will also have a chance to dedicate a rose in memory of their loved one which will be used on the LOPA float during the Rose Parade in January.
December 8: Deck the Galleries, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-7:30p.m. Area students compete in tree decorating contest, art exhibit, the reading of Merry the Christmas Witch a new Christmas story written by local author, Bobbi Hess and illustrated by local artist, Anne Reid. Book signing and purchase available. Refreshments served. 6th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
December 8-11: Pilgrimage to Bethlehem 2011, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6-9p.m. Thur.-Fri., 3-9p.m. Sat. and 2-6p.m. Sun. You are invited to step back in time to a place where a single event changed millions of lives forever. Music and drama presented in the Sanctuary and a guided tour of the dramatic recreation of first century Bethlehem. Dec. 10 is the 8th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Church Office: 442-7773.
December 9: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main St., 7p.m. Sponsored by the City of Pineville. Line up starts at Pineville High School at 5p.m. The 7th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 445-3439 or 449-5650.
December 10: Bunkie Rotary Christmas Parade, Main St., Bunkie, time: TBA. Entries are welcome. Admission free. Call Cynthia Dauzat: 346-7663.
December 10: Leesville Christmas Parade, 5:30pm. The Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas Parade on Third St. in Leesville. The Vernon Middle School Choir directed by Mr. Gene Davis will offer Christmas music from the steps of the historic Court House starting around 4:30. Call the Vernon Chamber of Commerce: (337) 238-0349.
December 10-January 28: Smithsonian’s Museum on Main St. “Journey Stories” exhibit, Southern Forest Heritage Museum, 9a.m.-4p.m. This traveling exhibit will be on display in the education center accompanied by lecture series, local exhibits and performances. Admission free. Call Claudia Troll: 748-8404.
December 10-11: Gem and Mineral Show, Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds Expo Hall, DeRidder, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat. and 10a.m.-4p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Central Louisiana Gem and Mineral Society and the DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society. Dealers will exhibit and sell gemstones, cabochons, minerals, etc. and demonstrate gem cutting and much more. Cost: $2, children under 12 free. Call Adam Valin: 337-585-3693 or Bridget and Jim Marler: 443-5184.
December 11: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Jackson St., 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Line-up at Power Center. Cost: $75 entry fee. CallChris Chelette: 623-7359. www.alexmardigras.com
December 11: Christmas Faces…Christmas Places, 2817 Rapides Ave., Main Auditorium, 6p.m. The Pentecostals of Alexandria Creative Arts Ministry: Music, Worship and the Arts invites you to join us this season to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us, in our city and our world as we present a multi-cultural story line with a view on how Christmas is celebrated in different places around the world. The 9th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call POA Office: 427-6608.
December 11: Last Christmas, First Baptist Church of Leesville, 6:00pm. This drama focuses on a young man, played by Adam Woods, who believes in the Mayan predictions that foretell the end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012, and realizes that he might be celebrating Christmas for the last time. The program will range from toe-tapping southern gospel, to Mariah Carey. Call: (337) 239-6535.
December 12-13: Children’s Miracle Network Accessories Jewelry Sale, Cabrini Hospital Cafeteria Hallway, 8a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation. Accessories, Inc. will bring a wide range of affordable jewelry. Sale is open to the public and proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Admission free. Call Cabrini Foundation Office: 448-6580.
December 12: 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 our focus: Favorite Memories/Creating Treasure. 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 12: Look Good…Feel Better, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s 1st Floor Conference Room, Noon – 2:00 p.m. “If you look good, you’ll feel better…” that is why Christus Cabrini Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society are offering a very special program called Look Good…Feel Better. This program is designed to help women cope with the physical changes that might occur during cancer treatment. Reservations are required. Call Janet Blank Bonnette: 318-466-6074.
December 12: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. This free 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. For information or to register online, visit rapidesregional.com. Call: 769-3106.
December 13: LDR Business Class, State Office Building, 900 Murray Street, 1:00pm. The Louisiana Department of Revenue will host a free seminar to help business operators understand sales tax and other important business issues. Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5333.
December 14: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 9 a.m. – Noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering this free program 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. Reservations are required. Cost: free. Call: 769-3106.
December 15: 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. Please bring your favorite dessert to share for the holiday. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
December 18: A Calvary Christmas, Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, 4:00pm & 8:00pm. A Calvary Christmas, part of Christmas…It Really Happened, will be presented by Calvary’s Music Ministry and will feature the sounds of choirs, praise team, band, and orchestra will combining for this year’s gift of hope and joy to you and our community. A Calvary Christmas is a weaving of carols, timeless classics, and new inspiring worship songs that lead us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Cost: $5.00. Call: (318) 445-5640 or (800) 274-1926.
December 18: A Soulful Christmas, 6101 Masonic Dr., 6p.m. Sponsored by Christian Worship Center. CWC Choir, Band, Soloists and Dancers celebrate Christmas with a soulful beat. The 12th Night of Christmas. Admission free. Call CWC: 448-4500.
December 19: 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. This month is our special holiday time. Please bring your favorite dessert to share! Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
December 19: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11:00am. The staff from Emeritus Senior Living 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.
December 19: Rapides Cancer Center Christmas Party, Rapides Cancer Center Lobby, Noon – 2 p.m.. All current patients, caregivers and cancer survivors are invited to attend. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Call: 769-7200 or 769-7258.
January 2: Moms Club of Alexandria Meeting, First UnitedMethodistChurch ofAlexandria, 10a.m. Sponsored by Moms Club ofAlexandria. Monthly business meeting to supports mothers in the area. All moms and their children are invited. Cost: $20 a year. Call Autumn Johnson: 709-5292.
January 4: CLBC Community Membership Meeting, locations vary, 12-1p.m. Sponsored byCentral Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition. A nonprofit organization established to promote, protest and support breastfeeding inCentral Louisiana by serving as a resource for mothers, families, health care professionals, organizations and the community at large. Cost: Admission free. Call Erika Carmouche: 451-1929.
January 6: Epiphany, St. Rita Church, 5:30p.m. Sponsored byAlexandria Mardi Gras Association. The official opening of Mardi Gras in Cenla. Gumbo dinner for a small donation, Service of the Word and Music followed by the Burning of the Greens. Cost: Admission free. For more information: www.alexmardigras.com
January 6: Epiphany Party – Kick-off party for Mardi Gras in Cenla, England Airpark Community Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. The band Stormy, from Baton Rouge will perform. Cash bar; no outside drinks allowed. Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at door, $50 reserved tables. Call Jenna Bonner: 443-1200 or 542-9084.
Sports
Ongoing Tuesdays: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Certified Yoga Instructor, Joan Manuel. Cost: Call for info. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
December 17: Dash for the Cash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Red River Public Boat Ramp, 8a.m. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla, Inc. Come out and walk or run to the Christmas tree and pull an ornament to redeem cash or prize. All participants are winners. Proceeds to help support ovarian cancer. Cost: $25 for 5K, $15 for 1 Mile. Call Teresa Coplen: 447-7219.
