Arts

Ongoing-January 11:  Art Exhibit, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 10a.m.-4p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat.  Featuring New Orleans artist Alex Beard, local artist Rhonda R. Curiel and students of John Eskew Training Center.  Cost:  $2 adults; $1 seniors and children; all members free.  Call Rachael Dauzat:  473-2670.

December 6:  Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 5-7p.m.  Exhibit reception featuring New Orleans artist Alex Beard, local artist Rhonda R. Curiel and students of John Eskew Training Center.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Rachael Dauzat:  473-2670.

December 6:  Member Preview Reception and Curator’s Tour, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8p.m.  Learn more about the artists and artwork on display on Curator’s Tour of the new exhibitions.  Not a member?  Join today and receive free admission, discounts on classes and invitations to preview receptions and other special events.  Cost:  Free for AMoA members.  Call Alyssa Fridgen:  443-3458.  www.themuseum.org

December 6-February 22:  American Watercolor Society Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  Explore contemporary trends in watercolor paintings through 40 watercolors by artists throughout the world.  Cost:  $4 adults; $3 seniors, students and military; $2 youth 4-13; 4 and under free.  Call Alyssa Fridgen:  443-3458.

December 6-February 22:  Marie Constantin:  Photographs of Mother Teresa Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  In the spirit of the Holidays, view rare, private, behind-the- scenes moments of the late Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to caring for the sick and poor.  Baton Rouge photographer Marie Constantin was one of two professional photographers invited to photograph Mother Teresa while traveling in the United States and Calcutta.  Cost:  $4 adults; $3 seniors, students and military; $2 youth 4-13; 4 and under free.  Call Alyssa Fridgen:  443-3458.

December 6-February 22:  Reflections:  African-American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  Selections from the extensive collection of costume designer and arts patron, Myrna Colley-Lee, features 50 works including paintings, works on paper, collages and fabric works reflecting the lives, traditions and environments of African Americans in the 20^th century.  Cost:  $4 adults; $3 seniors, students and military; $2 youth 4-13; 4 and under free.  Call Alyssa Fridgen:  443-3458.

December 7:  Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9a.m.-3p.m.  Great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  Rachael Dauzat:  473-2670.

January 2-3:  AMoA Holiday Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-Noon.  Mardi Gras will be here before you know it.  So, send your child aged 6-12 to the Museum to create Mardi Gras bead art, during their holiday vacation.  Campers will create pictures and other art pieces using recycled Mardi Gras beads.  Cost:  $25 per member child; $50 per nonmember child.  Call Jenny Gallent:  443-3458.

Music

December 8:  Home for the Holidays, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m.  Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra.  The RSO will perform all the holiday classics of the yuletide season joined by a special guest artist – a concert the whole family can enjoy.  Cost:  $25 adult; $15 seniors; $10 students.  Call James Owens:  484-4469.

December 10:  String Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Youth Orchestra.  After recently returning from playing at Carnegie Hall and West Point, Alexandria Youth Orchestra will amaze the crowd at this String Concert.  The 5^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  $5 general admission.  Call John De Chiaro:  229-7631.

Theatre

December 14:  Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m.  Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre.  Christmas variety show in the vein of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York City.  Featuring performances from your favorite dance troupes, choirs, theatre groups, and many more.  It will get the jingle bells in your heart ringing all the way through the Christmas season.  Cost:  $16 general admission; $13 seniors; $11 children under 12 and groups of 10+.  Call Ross/Karen Schexnayder:  48-STAGE.

Events

December 5: LOPA Tree of Life Ceremony, Rapides Regional Medical Center South Tower Lobby, 10 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center joins with the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency as it recognizes donors and their families during the holiday season. Family members are invited to place an ornament on the tree in honor of their loved one.

December 5:  Holiday Magic Downtown, Alexander Fulton Mini Park, 5p.m.  Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services.  Annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, community and school groups and choirs and a visit from Santa.  1^st Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  449-5051.

December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 and 27-30:  Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30p.m.  Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo.  Hundreds of thousands of lights will adorn the zoo and highlight the new “Land of the Jaguar” exhibit.  Train rides, Santa, and food.  Entertainment on special evenings.  Zoo will be open regular Zoo hours but will close at 4p.m. to reopen at 5:30p.m. for these nights.  December 6^th is the 2^nd Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  $6 per person 4 and up.  Call:  441-6810.

December 6: Angel of Hope Memorial Service,  Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pineville, 7:00p.m. For those who have lost a child, grandchild, sibling, niece, nephew or friend. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 7:  An Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m.  Sponsored by Kent Plantation House.  Participate in caroling and decorating the Kent House Christmas tree.  Make crafts for your tree at home and enjoy snacks while you listen to the live entertainment.  3^rd Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  487-5998.

December 8:  Christmas de la Louisiane – Alexandria Christmas Parade, starts at the intersection of Metro Dr. and Gus Kaplan Dr., 2p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.  Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will be Grand Marshal.  4^th Night of Christmas in the 12 Nights of Christmas.  For float information, visit www.alexmardigras.com.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Becky Deville:  442-7668.

December 9: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am.  This is an on-going 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 the newly grieving.  The Morning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

December 9: Sibling Class, Cascade Room, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 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 sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441.

December 11: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering a 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. Space is limited, please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.

December 12: AARP Senior Driver Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am. A one day, four-hour class 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. Please pre-register.  Cost: $12.00 for AARP members; $14.00 for non-AARP members. Call: 877-801-8441.

December 12: Annual RRMC Toy and Gift Drive, South Tower Lobby, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center employees are collecting toys and gifts in support of the homeless families in the Rapides Parish School Board system.

December 12: Muscular Dystrophy Association Christmas Party, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. MDA Patients and family members are invited to its Christmas party. Call: (800) 644-9730.

December 12-15:  Pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6-9p.m. Thur.-Fri.; 3-9p.m. Sat.; 2-6p.m. Sun.   Sponsored by Emmanuel Baptist Church.  A guided tour of a dramatic recreation of first century Bethlehem complete with pre-tour music and drama in the Emmanuel Sanctuary.  Guests will spend about an hour enjoying the music and drama before their tour begins.  December 12^th is the 6^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  794-5044.

December 13:  Pineville Christmas Parade, Main St., Pineville, 7p.m.  Sponsored by the City of Pineville.  Holiday themed floats and entertainment.  Line-up at 5p.m.  7^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  445-3439.

December 13:  Polar Express Pajama Movie Party, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 5:30p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Mall.  Holiday movie, The Polar Express, showing on the big screen.  Santa and the conductors to start the show!  Kids come in your pjs and receive a free ice dream or cookie from Chick-fil-A.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Mall Office:  448-0227.

December 14: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9am.  Please pre-register.  Call: 866-581-3627.

December 14:  A Calvary Christmas, Calvary Baptist Church, 6p.m.  Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church.  The sounds of Calvary’s adult choir, student choir, children’s choir, praise team, band and orchestra will combine for this year’s presentation of hope and joy.  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.  8^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  $5 general admission.  Call:  445-1426.

December 14:  The Muse Maker’s Market, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-1p.m.  Cenla teens and young adults ages 14-21 will be selling their artwork just in time for the holidays.  This event will be held in conjunction with the December Second Saturday Market.  The Muse is an AMoA arts club created by teens for teens.  Artists interested in selling their work should contact Cindy Blair.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  443-3458.

December 14-15:  Gem and Mineral Show, Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sun.  Sponsored by the Central Louisiana Gem and Mineral Society and the DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society.  Dealers from throughout the south will exhibit and sell gemstones, cabochons, minerals, artifacts and more.  Demos of gem cutting, beading, arrowhead knapping and wire wrapping also.  Cost:  $2 general admission; under 12 free.  Call Adam Valin:  337-585-3693 or Bridget/Jim Marler:  443-5184.

December 15:  The Live Nativity, 2727 Jackson St., 6-8p.m.  Sponsored by First United Methodist Church, Alexandria.  Drive-thru nativity scene of the first Christmas.  Features Christmas music, candlelight and live animals.  9^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Church Office:  443-5696.

December 16: Amputee Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am.  This on-going group meets the 3rd Monday of each month and is open to anyone who is an amputee.  We will offer educational handouts, programs, community resources and a chance to share with others.  Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

December 16: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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.  The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month.  Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

December 16: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease.  The staff from Emeritus Senior Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach.  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 by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

December 16: Cancer Support Group Annual Christmas Party, Rapides Cancer Center Lobby, 11:30 a.m.-1 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.

December 17:  Christmas at Inglewood, 6287 Old Baton Rouge Hwy, 3-7p.m.  Sponsored by Inglewood Farm.  Family Farm Day to include tours, hay rides, pony rides and Christmas music.  10^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  442-6398.

December 17:  Pet Pics with Santa, Santa Set at the JC Penney Court, 5-7p.m.  Pet owners and their four-legged friends are invited to pose for a keepsake with Santa.  Cost:  Regular portrait fees apply.  Call Alexandria Mall Office:  448-0227.

December 18:  Jazzy Christmas, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m.  Sponsored by Macedonia Baptist Church.  Come join Macedonia Baptist Church for an evening of jazz with your favorite Christmas songs performed by the ASAPH Project.  Cost:  TBA.  Call Pastor Williams:  229-1812.

December 19: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am-12:30pm.  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 pre-register. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

December 19:  Discover the Holiday Spirit through the Arts, AMoA, 5:00pm-8:30p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art.  A festive evening of art, food, music and storytelling celebrating winter holiday traditions from around the world.  Live music performances hosted by John Wakefield. 11^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  443-3458.

December 19: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30 p.m. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors.   Call: 866-581-3627.

December 19: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.

December 21:  Christmas Candlelight Tour, 135 Riverfront St., Pineville, 6-8p.m.  Sponsored by Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site.  Dulcimer music, choirs performing Christmas music, candlelight tours will feature reenactors reading letters from –to home. 12^th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call:  484-2390.

December 21:  The Longest Night:  A Service of Healing and Hope, 2727 Jackson St., 6p.m.  Sponsored by First United Methodist Church, Alexandria.  A special service of healing and hope.  Experience the light and love of Christ in the midst of the longest night of the year and find strength, comfort, healing and hope.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Church Office:  443-5696.

January 3:  Epiphany Service, St. Rita Church, 5p.m.  Sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.  The Epiphany Service and Gumbo Dinner is the official kickoff of Mardi Gras in Central Louisiana.  After the dinner, there is a service of the Word, music and burning of the greens.  Cost:  Small donation for gumbo dinner.  Call Debbie Brown:   445-7120.

January 3:  Epiphany Party, Alexandria Convention Hall, 7:30p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.  Music provided by Easy Eddie & the Party Rockers.  Cash Bar.  Cost:  $10 in advance or $15 door.  Reserved tables available for $50.  Call Eula Tarver:  201-6874.

Sports

December 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30: Hatha Yoga, Power Center, 4:00pm-5:15pm.Wear comfortable clothing and bring yoga mat.  Classes meet every Monady and Thursday.  These classes are sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 10, 17 & January 7:  Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m.  Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday, thanks to a grant from The Rapides Foundation.  Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with 14 years of yoga practice.  Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Jenny Gallent:  443-3458.