Art

Ongoing-December: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature work by Krista Redmond. Most art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Arts & Healthcare programs. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-February 9: 5x5x5 Exhibition, River Oaks Square Arts Center.  Featuring works by artists from all over the United States, Also Featuring Artists Barry Owen and Individual from Rapides ARC, Pecan Grove Training Center and Evergreen Life Services in Our Outreach Ceramic Program. Call: 318-473-2670.

Ongoing-February 16: Hari & Deepti “Light by the Forest”, Alexandria Museum of Art.  AMoA officially connects its galleries to its luminary endeavors through this exhibition of internationally renowned husband-and-wife artists Hari and Deepti, who create cut paper shadow boxes which tell stories. Hari & Deepti will travel from India to Alexandria as artists in residence at AMoA. Their works delve into fantastic and imaginative subjects, exploring fairy tales and more with intricate designs and lights. The exhibition will also include a special feature, which opens to the public on December 11th–-an installation made out of cut paper which will invite visitors to explore the work even more deeply as they walk through the artists’ creation! Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

Music

December 6: Christmas at AMoA, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  Join in the fun with Rev. Charley’s Patent Medicine Show, John Wakefield, the Hoochie Digs, Tammy & Frances and Ellene Owens as they ring in the Christmas season with Day 5 of the City of Alexandria’s 12 Days of Christmas. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

December 7: A-Town Jazz Presents The Russell Welch Hot Quartet, Hurst Loft (1611 Washington Street in Alexandria), 7:00pm.  This year’s A-Town Jazz features hard swinging, original, all-acoustic gypsy jazz straight from New Orleans!  Performing at such venues as the Spotted Cat Music Club, Chickie Wah Wah, and the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest, The Russell Welch Hot Quartet offers a fresh version of swing-era jazz in the style of the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. Enjoy food, a cash bar, and music in the beautiful Hurst Loft decorated for the holidays. Call: 318-484-4474.

December 8: Meredith Andrews in Concert, First Baptist Church Pineville, 7:00pm. North Carolina native and two-time Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian recording artist Meredith Andrews will present a Christmas concert at First Baptist Church Pineville. Call: 318-448-8221.

December 8-10: “No Room” Christmas Musical, Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville.  Performances begin nightly at 7:00pm with a single morning performance at 10:00am on Sunday, December 9th. Call: 318-442-0754.

December 9: Jason Crabb Christmas Concert, Pentecostals of Alexandria, 6:00pm.  The City of Alexandria’s 8th Night of Christmas will feature Grammy Award winner Jason Crabb live in concert. Cost: $5.00. www.POA.church

December 11: Lessons & Love, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, 7:30pm.  The Red River Chorale presents its annual candlelight service of Lessons and Carols, featuring sacred settings that focus on love, Advent and Christmas.  This concert features choral selections accompanied by string ensemble and organ as ewll as unaccompanied pieces, all appropriate for the Christmas season. Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. Call: 318-484-4463. www.redriverchorale.com

December 14: Ronnie Milsap and Tracy Lawrence, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 8:30pm.  Ronnie Milsap, a legendary member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and country music recording artist Tracy Lawrence team up for a one night only concert event.  Cost: $33.50-$80.50. Call: 318-442-9581.

Theatre

December 8: 11th Annual Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 8:00pm.  The Cenla Christmas Spectacular is back for its eleventh year; ready to bring you the same great yuletide entertainment that you’ve come to expect. Completely home grown here in Cenla. Featuring performing arts organizations from all over Cenla, performances by the Lagniappe Theatre Company, and your two favorite Cajun radio hosts Dirty Coutille and Jean “the Clod” Claude. Don’t miss your chance to have your Christmas Spirit lifted and have your funny bone tickled! Cost: $13.00-$20.00.  Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com

Events

Ongoing-December: 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-December: balance Meetings. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday and Thursday at 5:30pm and Wednesday at 12:00pm.  Meetings take place each Monday and Wednesday at the CLASS Office, located at 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria.  Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue.  Call: 318-442-1010.

Ongoing-December 19: “Water/Ways”, Grant Walker Educational Center.  The LSU AgCenter Grant Walker Educational Center, in cooperation with the Louisiana Endowment for Humanities, will host “Water/Ways,” a four-week traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street program.  The exhibit explores the relationship between people and water from both a scientific and cultural perspective to raise awareness of water as a critical life resource.  Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, “Water/Ways” serves as a community meeting place, opening conversations about water’s impact on American culture. Cost: Free. Call: 318-765-7209.

December 6: AARP Driver Safety Program, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am-12:30pm. A one day, four-hour class specifically designed for drivers 50 or older. Cost: $15.00 AARP members; $20.00 non-members.  Call: 318-769-3445.

December 6: Family Justice Center Holiday Open House, 220 Hospital Blvd in Pineville, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Stop by for a holiday open house and fundraiser.  Call: 318-448-0884.

December 6: Pet Pictures with Santa, Montgomery Animal Hospital in Pineville, 4:00pm-6:00pm.  Five non-perishable food items gets a complimentary 5 x7 picture of you, your pet and Santa Claus.  Photos by Gale Photography. Call: (318) 473-8177.

December 7-8 & 14-23: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30pm-8:30pm.  Create wonderful memories at Alexandria Zoo this holiday season! Holiday Light Safari features hundreds of thousands of lights, train rides, Santa, kids’ activities, and more! Alexandria Zoo will close at 4 pm and reopen at 5:30 pm each evening of Holiday Light Safari. FOTAZ Memberships and other Zoo Passes are not valid during Holiday Light Safari. In the event of inclement weather, the decision to cancel an evening of Holiday Light Safari will be announced via the Zoo’s Facebook page. Cost: $8.00 General Admission; $6.00 FOTAZ Members; Free Ages 3 & Under. Call: 318-441-6810.

December 7: Candyland Christmas, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  Day 6 of the City of Alexandria’s Twelve Nights of Christmas will feature ice cream floats, letters to Santa, ornament making, Christmas science and story time! All ages are welcome. Cost: Free. Call: 318-619-9394.

December 7: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main Street Pineville, 7:00pm. Holiday themed floats and music. Presented by the City of Pineville. Route begins at Huey P. Long Hospital Blvd. up Main street, ending at the Trotter Center at Claiborne. Cost: Free.

December 8-9: DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show, Vernon Parish Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall.  The show will be a great time to do some Christmas shopping for gems and jewelry, minerals, and other goodies! It will also be a great educational opportunity to discuss geology and lapidary arts with people who make these neat items, including those who wire-wrap, bead, make cabachons, and more! The show will be open Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Cost: $2.00; Children 12 & Under Free. Call: 318-730-7725.

December 8: Glenmora Christmas Parade, Town of Glenmora, 1:00pm. Participants can sign up at Town Hall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4885.

December 8: Town of Ball Christmas Parade, Monroe Highway in Ball, 2:00pm. Parade line up begins at on Highway 165 at Paradise Elementary at 12:30pm  Cost: Free.

December 8: An Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4:00pm-6:00pm.  The event will feature hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts! We also have it on good authority that we will have a visitor in a dashing red suit! So bring your friends and family to this fun event full of plenty of take home crafts for all to enjoy! Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5998.

December 8: Journey Church 2018 Christmas Spectacular, Journey Church Alexandria, 4:00pm.  Come experience the story of Christmas with your family! Great activities for kids, free photo with Santa, live nativity, live music, food trucks, vendors and more! Stop by for your chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree! Cost: Free. www.cenlachristmas.com

December 9: Christmas Open House at Auburn, Auburn Plantation, 1:30pm-4:00pm.  The day will feature tours, 1812 era baked goods, entertainment and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Cost: Free.

December 9: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Gus Kaplan Drive, 2:00pm.  This year’s parade will once again start at Gus Kaplan Drive proceed up Jackson Street Extension and disassemble at the Alexandria Senior High School parking lot. Cost: Free.

December 9: Christmas at the Crossroads, Deville/Buckeye Ballpark in Deville 2:00pm.  The parade will begin at the Crossroads church end at Deville/Buckeye Ballpark with festivities to follow. Fun for the whole family!  Call: 318-352-6824.

December 10: 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.

December 10: 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.

December 11: USPS APO/FPO/DPO Christmas Mail Deadline.  For delivery in anticipation of Christmas, the Postal Service recommends having all First Class and APO/FPO/DPO Priority mail posted by this day for delivery by December 25th. www.usps.com

December 11: Making It Work, Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  A breastfeeding class for working moms, this class is designed to support working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding and need to know how to fit it into their daily schedule. The class will focus on management of milk supply and offer strategies to sustain pumping.  Other topics include types of pumps, storage and handling of milk and strategies to prevent problems. Call: 318-769-4440.

December 12: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm. RRMC is offering a program designed for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and for people needing a refresher course in diabetes management. This is a basic diabetes program; 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 Chrystal Meginley, Registered Dietitian, and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Space is limited; please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

December 12: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Beverly Deputy will present “An Artist Who Paints Her Life With Joy”.  Beverly is an energetic and humorous native of Oklahoma.  She is also an artist and entrepreneur.  Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSPV by Friday, December 7th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].

December 12: 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 correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.

December 14: USPS Retail Ground Christmas Mail Deadline.  For delivery in anticipation of Christmas, the Postal Service recommends having all USPS Retail Ground shipments posted by this day for delivery by December 25th. www.usps.com

December 15: Cenlabration Festival, Huckleberry Brewing Company, 12:00pm.  The inaugural Cenlabration Festival at the brewery will feature lot of fun things lined up for everyone to enjoy, and we will be supporting a great cause by helping to raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, including live music all day, chili cook-off, vendors, food trucks, face painting and more!  Special $10.00 wristbands gets early entry to the festival for holiday beer samples and $1.00 off all flagship pints.  E-mail: [email protected].

December 15: Garden District Tour of Homes, Alexandria Garden District, 1:00pm-5:00pm. Alexandria’s Garden District Neighborhood Foundation, the Alexandria Historic Preservation Commission, and the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau have teamed together again to present four homes and St. James Episcopal Church, each with individual history and architectural character. Parking is available at St. James, with the “Spirit of Alexandria” trolleys providing transportation. Cost: $20.00. www.GardenDistrictNeighborhood.org

December 16: Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, 6:00pm.  Experience the extraordinary story of the birth of Christ, with your whole family from the comfort of your car as part of their drive-thru nativity.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696.

December 17: 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. Please bring a dessert or salad to share for our annual Christmas party! 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.

December 17: 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.

December 19: Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service, First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, 5:00pm.  A Longest Night Service or sometimes known as a Blue Christmas Service is a Christian religious service designed to temper the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those living with loss. Loss may include the death of a loved one, divorce or separation, separation due to military service, the loss of a job, or living with serious illness. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696.

December 20: USPS 1st Class Mail Christmas Mail Deadline.  For delivery in anticipation of Christmas, the Postal Service recommends having all USPS 1st Class Mail posted by this day for delivery by December 25th. www.usps.com

December 20: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets monthly 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. Please bring a dessert or salad to share for our annual Christmas party! Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 20: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Quarterly meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 337-234-0088.

December 22: USPS Priority Mail Express Christmas Mail Deadline.  For delivery in anticipation of Christmas, the Postal Service recommends having all USPS Priority Mail Express posted by this day for delivery by December 25th. www.usps.com

December 24: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, St. James Episcopal Church, 11:15pm.  Celebrate the arrival of Christmas with candlelight service featuring music by the St. James Choir and musicians with Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, Bishop of Western Louisiana. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS!

January 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!

January 5: First Saturday Fly-In Breakfast, Pineville Airport at Lake Buhlow, 7:00am-10:00am.  Hearty vittles, all you want to eat and drink energy to kick off a day’s events. Enjoy the venue of various aircraft clubhouse, deck, and lake, along with airplane chatter, and camaraderie. Sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association. Cost: $6.00.

January 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, 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 or grandparent. 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

Sports

Ongoing-December: 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.  Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 8, 15, 22, 29 & January 5: 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.

December 9: 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.

December 11 & 18: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Part of Healthy Living at AMoA. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

December 12, 19, 26 & January 2: Tai Chi Chih Class, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 9:30am-10:30am. This class is for anyone interested in learning Tai Chi Chih.  Former students are welcome and encouraged to attend.  This class is open to any fitness level.  Come find out how to move the chi and experience meditation in motion.  Each week will build on the week before until everyone learns the 19 movements and one pose.  Dress is casual.  Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 15: Phoenix Magnet Elementary Jingle All the Way 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, England Air Park, 8:00am. 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.