Arts

Ongoing-December: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibits. Arts & Healthcare, Inc. will feature the pencil drawings of Keith Lacour in the Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing. Keith’s amazingly detailed art will be up for the entire month of December. The Cabrini Gallery is located in the Cabrini Outpatient Center (1st floor across from Radiology). The Rapides Gallery (located in the South Tower between the lobby and the ER) will feature the mixed media art of Bobette Coughlin. All art is priced to sell and part of the proceeds go to continue Arts & Healthcare’s healing arts programs in the community. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Music

December 9: A-Town Jazz, Hurst Loft, 1611 Washington Street, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. A-Town Jazz is back with food, drinks and New Orleans jazz! Hear vocalist Linnzi Zaorski and her band and enjoy the beautiful Hurst Loft. For more information, visit www.ticket-central.org. Cost: $30.00. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.

December 13: “Joy to the World”, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 626 4th Street, 7:30pm. Sponsored by The Red River Chorale. “Joy to the World” is a sacred Christmas concert, in the English form of lessons and carols. The 8th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Adults $15.00, Students $5.00. Call Red River Chorale: 318-484-4463.

December 14: Holiday Music Concert, Rapides Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium, 10:30am. The Red River Dulcimer Ensemble along with the Arc Angel choir from John Eskew Training Center will present a concert of holiday music. Cost: Free.

December 15: AMoA Holiday Music Special, 933 Second Street, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. Join the Alexandria Museum of Art for their annual Holiday Music Special on the 3rd Thursday of December. Former Acoustic concert host John Wakefield returns to AMoA for this Holiday musical celebration featuring many artists from our community. The 9th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Gar Pickering: 318-443-3458.

Events

December 7: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am–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. Please pre-register; space is limited. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-3445.

December 7: Bridging the Tech Divide, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. We get together to learn about the new tech we carry around with us and have fun learning from one another about the latest tech devices. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

December 8: LOPA Tree of Life, Rapides Regional Medical Center South Tower Lobby, 10:30am. 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 8: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Who says coloring is for kids? We don’t think so and to prove it, we’re having an adult social gathering where we’ll do some coloring, listen to some music and have a light snack. Unwind after a long day or join us for the fun of it. Stop by and create! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 Ext. 1036. www.rpl.org

December 8: Children’s Story Hour, The Holiday Inn Downtown, 6:00pm. Sponsored by The Holiday Inn Downtown. The 4th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Brandy Wills: 662-588-0478.

December 8: Stir Things Up Cookbook & Recipe Club, Robertson Branch Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. We’re celebrating National Finger Food Day! Good food, great time and tasty recipes! Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

December 8: Suicide Survivor Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm. This group is open to anyone who needs support and has lost a loved one to suicide. It could include parents, siblings, children, spouse, friends or coworkers. The group meets the second Thursday of each month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-312-7970.

December 9: Polar Express Parent’s Day Out, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-1:00pm. Pre-registration is required, must register by December 7th. Cost: $20.00. Call Marissa Sonnier: 318-619-9394.

December 9: May The Best Bake Win, Johnson Branch Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Bring your world famous cake, more delicious cupcakes, most irresistible pie and let the judge decide who is the Ultimate Baker! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

December 9: An Old Fashioned Christmas, 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Enjoy Christmas arts and crafts, decorate the Kent House tree, storytelling, vintage music and dance, and visit with Papa Noel, hot chocolate and cookies. The 5th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Alice Scarborough: 318-487-5998.

December 9-10, & 16-23: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. See the zoo in a different light this holiday season. Create wonderful holiday memories while strolling through the zoo, glistening with hundreds of thousands of lights and “wild animal theme” light displays. Also features train rides, Santa, activities for children, entertainment on select evenings and photo ops. The 18th is the 12th night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $7.00. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 318-441-6810.

December 10: Pictures With Santa, Robertson Branch Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Grab the kids and the camera and head to the Robertson Branch–Santa Claus will be at the library! We’ll sing songs, tell stories, and plenty of opportunities to let Santa know what you want for Christmas! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

December 10: Alexandria Animal Shelter Pet Adoption Event, Home 2 Suites in Alexandria, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Join the Alexandria Animal Shelter and help give a furry friend a forever home. Call: 318-473-1229.

December 10: Garden District Holiday Tour of Homes, Garden District, 4:00pm-9:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB, Garden District Neighborhood Foundation and the Historic Preservation Commission. Five homes will be open for the tour in the historic Garden District, each with individual history and architectural character. The 6th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $25.00. Call Alexandria/Pineville CVB: 318-442-9546.

December 10: 5th Annual Christmas at Inglewood, 6233 Old Baton Rouge Hwy., 9:00am-1:00pm. Sponsored by Inglewood Farm. Celebrate the 5th annual Christmas at Inglewood with Christmas carols led by John Wakefield, photos with Farmer Santa, kid’s cookie decorating, hot chocolate, horse & wagon rides, full market and hot food. Cost: Free. Call Stephen Reed: 318-442-6398.

December 11: 11th Annual Christmas Open House at Auburn, Auburn Antebellum Home in Natchez, MS, 1:30pm-4:00pm. The volunteer members of the Auburn Antebellum Home (c. 1812) will host tours, 1812 era baked goods, entertainment. This year we are pleased to have Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus setting up shop in our newly restored 1830 detached kitchen, so parents bring your children and your camera. Cost: Free.

December 11: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Metro Drive to Jackson Street Extension, 2:00pm. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: Free; $100 entry fee. Call Chris Chelette: 318-623-7359.

December 11: Live Nativity, 2727 Jackson Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Sponsored by First United Methodist Church Alexandria. The 7th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call Dawn Branton: 318-443-5696.

December 12: The Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Check out our Facebook page: Widows and Widowers of Central La. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 12: Pet Photo Night, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Santa Claus is meeting and greeting his furry friends at the Alexandria Mall. Owners can bring their small pets to have a photo taken with Santa. Santa’s elves will provide treats to our furry friends and their accompanying owners.

December 14: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. “Worth a King’s Ransom” features special music with Tyanna Green and also a remarkable story of deliverance by Leah Arceneaux of Anchorage, Alaska. Reservations required Friday, December 9th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880; E-mail: [email protected].

December 14: Child Safety Seat Check, Rapides Regional Medical Center 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 to 25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.

December 15: It’s Beginning to Smell A Lot Like Christmas, Robertson Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. With just cinnamon and applesauce, we create ornaments the will fill the air with the aroma of Christmas time! All supplies provided, and pre-registration is encouraged! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

December 15: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 15: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.

December 16: Chili Cook-Off, McDonald Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Do you have a recipe for chili that rivals the cooks south of the border? Create your famous chili and bring it down to the McDonald Branch and let’s see who will emerge as the king or queen of chili! Share and swap recipes, too. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

December 16: Cocoa, Cookies and Crafts, Oh My!, Martin Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Come one and all to create special a Christmas craft. We’ll also have cocoa and cookies maybe even a little holiday music to get us all in the season. Fun for all! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

December 16: A Charles Dickens’ Winter Christmas in Cenla, 135 Riverfront Street, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Sponsored by Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. Enjoy candlelight tours of the fort, a ladies Christmas tea, the Red River Dulcimer Ensemble and a mid-1800’s winter exhibit. The 10th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $4.00. Call Richard Holloway: 318-484-2390.

December 17: Pasta Tree Ornament Christmas Craft, Johnson Branch Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Ziti, Bowtie, Penne, Wheels, and Shells…Who knew that pasta could create great Christmas tree ornaments or a special ornament for a gift? Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

December 17: Main Movie Mania Presents Pete’s Dragon, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us to watch the newly released to DVD movie Pete’s Dragon. This is the CGI remake to Disney’s animated and live-action classic of the same name. Don’t miss out on the fun. Snacks and drinks provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

December 17: A Calvary Christmas featuring The Live Nativity, 5011 Jackson Street, 7:00pm. Sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church. Presenting a two-act visually stunning multimedia event involving hundreds of cast and choir, a live orchestra, flying angels and much more! It is complete with all of your Christmas favorites, including the beautiful Live Nativity. The 11th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $10.00. Call Jeremy Christ: 318-445-1426.

December 18: A Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols, St. James Episcopal Church, 5:30pm. A celebrated tradition since the late 1800’s, the service includes nine readings from Scripture paired with seasonal carols led by the St. James Choir and Musicians. A holiday reception will follow in the parish hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

December 19: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group is designed for Caregivers and/or family members of those diagnosed with Alzheimer/Dementia. We will celebrate the season with our Annual Christmas Party! Please bring a salad or dessert to share. 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: 318-448-6938.

December 19: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am – 12:30pm. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Brookdale 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: 318-448-6938.

December 24: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, St. James Episcopal Church, 11:00pm. Join St. James to herald the arrival of Christmas with carol singing and festal candlelight Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, Bishop of the Diocese of Western Louisiana. Enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat to take home after the service. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

December 27: Cut-Ups Craft Club, King Branch Library, 11:30am-1:30pm. We’re back and we’ve got glue sticks and we know what to do with them! Have dozens of Pinterest ideas you’d like to try but just don’t know where to get started? Then come by and join the Cut-Ups! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

December 27: Magic the Gathering: Holiday Scrimmage, McDonald Branch Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Grab your playing decks for a bit of holiday fun! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017!!!

Sports

Ongoing-December: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm-5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga! These classes meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 7, 14, 21, 28 & January 4: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 10: Jingle All the Way 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, England Air Park, 8:00am. Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Partner in Education, Phoenix Magnet Elementary, is hosting its first 5K and 1 mile fun run. Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire and participate in the costume contest following the races. Registration is available online at www.active.com. Race-day registration is also available from 6:30am-7:30am.