December 2019 Calendar-at-a-Glance

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Art

 

Ongoing-December: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the photographs of Genesis Photography during the month of December. All art on display is for sale. Cost: Free. E-mail: [email protected]. www.artsandhealthcare.org

 

Ongoing-December: CARI Student Art Exhibition, Cane River Creole National Historical Park.  The exhibit features many different mediums of varying compositions completed by 313 student artists representing 15 schools from around Louisiana. The art exhibit will be on display at both Oakland and Magnolia Overseer’s Houses. Visitors to both Oakland and Magnolia will be able to vote for their favorite pieces. www.nps.gov/cari

 

Ongoing-February 5: 5x5x5 Show, River Oaks Square Arts Center Bolton Gallery. What started as an annual feature of miniature works of art and has grown into a nationally acclaimed, adjudicated show with entries from all over the United States. The aim for entries is to stick to 5-inch square dimensions for two-dimensional works and 5x5x5 inches for the three-dimensional. The judge for 2019 is American painter and author Alex Beard, who is probably best known for his elaborate wildlife compositions created in his signature style of gestural painting. Beard will also showcase his own recent work entitled “From Orleans to Rapides: Drawing and Paintings from the Sportsman’s Paradise” in the Stokes Harris Gallery. Call: 318-473-2670.

 

December 7: 2019 Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9:00am-3:00pm. This one-day artwork sale features original works from over 100 regional and local artists/fine craftsmen! Local and regional artists will be on hand for demonstrations and art sales, and shoppers can enjoy Mark & Anita Rosenthal’s Signature Porch Sale Chili from noon to 1:00pm. Call: 318-473-2670.

 

December 9, 16: Art is Life!, Rapides Main Library. Adults, join us as we paint with acrylic on canvas. December 9th from 10:00am–12:00pm and December 16th from 5:30pm–7:30pm. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: Paint Class with Debbie, Libuse Branch Library, 10:30am-11:30am. Adults, enjoy an acrylic painting session with Debbie. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

Music

 

December 7: Point of Grace-A Christmas Story, Calvary Baptist Church, 7:00pm-9:00pm.  Point of Grace is bringing A Christmas Story Tour to Alexandria, LA for one night only! Featuring Point of Grace, Aaron Shust and with special guest, Mallary Hope. Don’t miss this evening of Christmas Favorites as we celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth. Cost: $15.00-$30.00. Call: 318-445-5640.

 

December 8: Rapides Symphony Orchestra Holiday Traditions Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30pm.  The concert will be full of traditional holiday music including music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Christmas carols, and an audience sing-along.  The RSO is also pleased to present a world premiere performance of a charming piece entitled “Bayou Suzette” Overture by one of the only orchestral music composers in our area, Avoyelles’s Nettie Chenevert. Cost: $10.00-$25.00.  Call: 318-442-9709.

 

December 10: Red River Chorale Celebrating Christmas Concert, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 7:30pm.  Following presentation of a variety of Christmas selections by favorite composers, accompanied by organ, piano, and a string quartet, the Chorale will give the audience a beautiful Christmas gift—a performance of the breathtaking “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi! Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. Cost: 318-484-4463.

 

December 13: A-Town Jazz, Hurst Loft in Alexandria, 7:00pm.  This year A-Town Jazz features Louisiana Native, Dave Duplissey. Dave and his band of merry men will swoon us all night with a fabulous performance! Born on the banks of Bayou Bouef, Dave has deep roots in Cajun Creole culture. Call the sitter and enjoy spirits, hors d’oeuvres, jazz, and good company all night long! Cost: $30.00. Call: 318-484-4474.

 

December 19: Victory Belles Concert, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm. The National WWII Museum’s musical trio, the Victory Belles, will perform a concert at the museum during The Pelican State Goes to War: Louisiana in World War II. The Victory Belles will perform a number of songs popular during World War II in the Swing Era style as well as holiday classics, many of which were written in the time period as well. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

December 19: Bolton Conservatory Holiday Concert, Bolton High School Conservatory Theater, 7:00pm.  Featuring performances by the Conservatory Choirs, Orchestral Strings and Band. Donations are welcomed. Cost: Fre. www.BoltonConservatory.com

 

December 20: Rock the Holidays, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:30pm.  Rock the Holidays with two Louisiana Music Hall of Famers! Zebra, Lillian Axe, and special guests Post Profit. Cost: $20.00-$25.00. Call: 318-442-9581.

 

January 3: The Crabb Family Reunion Tour 2020, Pentecostals of Alexandria, 7:00pm. The Crabb Family, Mike Bowling, and The Bowling Sisters present a powerful night of music and ministry that you won’t want to miss! Cost: $40.00 VIP; $30.00 Early Access; $20.00 General Admission. Call: 318-487-8976.

 

Theatre

 

December 5: A Very Electric Christmas, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Brighten your holidays with LightWire Theatre’s “A Very Electric Christmas”! Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. This delightful holiday production will make children wide-eyed with delight and warm even the smallest of hearts! Cost: $18.00 adults, $15.00 seniors, $10.00 students and children, and $45.00 family package (includes 2 adults and 2 children). Call: 318-443-4718.

 

December 8-9: For Unto Y’all–A Cowboy Christmas, Pineville First United Methodist Church, 6:00pm. The Christmas Story set in the Wild, Wild West! Dusty cowboys take the place of robed shepherds, and the Angel Gabriel looks a lot like the Lone Ranger. But underneath its Country and Western songs and cowboy trappings, For Unto Y’all is a fond and faithful re-telling of the Gospel story of the birth of Jesus, set in the Old West.  Call: 318-640-1006.

 

December 14: A Winter Gala, Bolton High School Conservatory Theater, 7:00pm.  The evening will feature a visual arts exhibition and performance by the Conservatory choirs, orchestral strings, band, dance and theatre. Donations are welcome. Cost: Free. www.BoltonConservatory.com

 

December 14: Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm.  The Cenla Christmas Spectacular is back for its twelfth 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. www.lagniappetheatre.com

 

December 20: Polar Express, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm-10:00pm. Get to The Pointe Ballet Academy invites you to join us on a magical multi genre dance interpretation of the Christmas favorite, Polar Express. Performed by students of each level of the academy under the direction of Sarah Ochs. Take a ride with us to kick off your Christmas season!  Cost: $10-00-$20.00. gettothepointeballet.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, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm and Wednesday at 12:00pm.  Meetings take place each Monday and Wednesday at the CLASS Office, 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria. Tuesday meetings are held at the Rapides Parish Main Library, 411 Washington Street in downtown Alexandria. Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue in Alexandria.  Call: 318-442-1010.

 

December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 6:00pm.  Alexandria Zoo is lighting up the season with Holiday Light Safari each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in December! Create wonderful holiday memories with a casual stroll through the Zoo’s colorful environment sparkling with thousands of lights and whimsical lighted animal figures. Holiday Light Safari features hundreds of thousands of lights, holiday train rides, Santa, kids’ activities, and more! Cost: $8.00 Ages 4+; $6.00 FOTAZ member; Ages 3 & under Free. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

 

December 5-8: Pilgrimage to Bethlehem, Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Step back in time to a place where a single event changed millions of lives forever. Come for music and drama presented in the beautiful Emmanuel Baptist Sanctuary, and stay for a guided tour of the dramatic recreation of First Century Bethlehem.  Pilgrimage will be open Thursday and Friday evening from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, Saturday from 3:00pm until 9:00pm, and Sunday from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7773.

 

December 6: Bath Bomb Craft, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am–11:00am. Teens and adults, join us to make your own bath bombs. All supplies provided, including essential oils and beneficial minerals. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

 

December 6: Beaded Snowflake Craft, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm–4:30pm. Adults, join us in making your very own snowflake ornament. All supplies will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

December 6: Candyland Christmas, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 6:00pm-9:00pm.  Join us as we make Christmas ornaments, write letters to Santa, Enjoy special Candyland treats! Part of the Alexandria 12 Night of Christmas. Cost: $10.00; Members and children under 2 Free. Call: 318-619-9394.

 

December 7 & January 4: Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport Clubhouse, 7:30am-10:00am.  Fly (or drive) to Buhlow Lake Airport to join the EAA for an all-you-want-to-eat, hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, OJ, milk and more! Everyone is welcome to enjoy breakfast, visit with pilots and have a good time. Cost: $7.00 donation.

 

December 7: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for your baby. Research shows that learning about breastfeeding prenatally enhances your breastfeeding experience. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Lunch is included. Call: 318-769-4440.

 

December 7: Crafts with Ms. Sophia, Rapides Main Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Children, join us to decorate Christmas cookies.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 7: Visit with Santa, Boyce Branch Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Children, come visit Santa and tell him everything on your wish list. Have your list ready as everyone gets a turn sitting on Santa’s lap. You will have an opportunity to take pictures with him as well. Please bring your cameras to take photos. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: 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. Annual Christmas party; bring covered dish to share! Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

December 9: Craig’s Corner, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Patrons will learn of ways to volunteer and to give to the community during the holiday season. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: Family Cook Nook, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Families will work together to build Christmas gingerbread- trains. Please register in advance and inform branch of any food allergies. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: Creamer Bottle Creations, Robertson Branch Library, 4:30pm–5:30pm. Make a snowman out of an upcycled creamer bottle, and use it to store goodies. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: Veteran’s Support Group, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Led by Anthony Eli, veterans come together to find ways to live their best life after service. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

 

December 9: 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 10: Holiday Ornament Craft, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm. Adults, come and make picture ornaments with us. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

 

December 10: Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Children can decorate the Kent House Christmas Tree with old fashioned popcorn and cranberry garlands and paper chains, and they can take home plenty of Christmas crafts to add to their tree at home. There will also be a visit from Papa Noel, free hot cocoa (or lemonade if it’s warm outside), and cookies for all to enjoy. Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-5998.

 

December 11: Diabetes Group Class, HP Long Classroom in Pineville, 9:00am-12:00pm.  Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering this 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 a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

 

December 11: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 90 Harold Miles Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm. Paula Abbott presents “Condemned Do Not Enter.” Paula is a wonderful speaker, pastor, and author. As a special feature we are delighted to have Ash Highs and Lows assemble to sing Christmas songs. Then, bring home treats from our sweet treats table and take photos with your friends at the Christmas Photo booth. Bring a friend for a delicious lunch and great message. Please RSVP by Friday, December 6th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].

 

December 11: 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 install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

 

December 11: Pokeball Ornaments, Westside Regional Library, 4:30pm-6:30pm. Teens, join us for a festive and fun craft inspired by Pokémon.  Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

December 12-15: AlexWinterFête, Downtown Alexandria.  AlexWinterFête offers a fun-filled, family-friendly festival filled with the great activities that have made the event a major attraction, including ice skating, Santa’s village and a fabulous fireworks display as well as some new surprises. The festival will also include live music, arts & crafts, delicious food and more! Cost: Free. www.alexwinterfete.com

 

December 12: Crayons Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Adults, come to relax and enjoy some coloring. Registration by phone require.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 12-January 4: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Alexandria Zoo is lighting up the season with Holiday Light Safari each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. Create wonderful holiday memories with a casual stroll through the Zoo’s colorful environment sparkling with thousands of lights and whimsical lighted animal figures. Holiday Light Safari features hundreds of thousands of lights, holiday train rides, Santa, kids’ activities, and more! Cost: $8.00; $6.00 FOTAZ members; Under 3 Free. Call: 318-441-6810.

 

December 13-14: Alexandria Winter Fete Storytime, Rapides Main Library. Come visit the Rapides Parish, Main Library Storytime tent at the City of AlexWinterFete. Open December 13th from 4:00pm–5:30pm and December 14th from 10:30pm–12:00pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 13: DIY Crystals, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm–5:00pm. Come for a family fun activity. We will be making our very own crystals. All supplies will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

December 13: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main Street Pineville, 7:00pm.  The 2019 Pineville Christmas Parade promises to be the biggest Christmas Parade yet! Cost: Free.  www.pineville.net

 

December 14: Family Workout with Mrs. Saconda, Westside Regional Library, 9:00am-10:00am. Participate in an exercise session designed for families with Mrs. Saconda. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

December 14: Photography with Annabel, Magnolia Plantation, 10:00am-1:00pm.  Join professional photographer Annabel Jones as she provides tips about outdoor photography. This program will take place at Magnolia Plantation, which provides a rich atmosphere of natural and cultural resources. DSLR camera required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.

 

December 14: Here Comes Santa Claus, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Children will enjoy taking pictures with Santa and Christmas movies. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

 

December 14: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us to watch Captain Marvel (PG -13).  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 14: Garden District Tour of Homes, Alexandria Garden District, 3:00pm-7:00pm.  Beautiful homes and St. James Episcopal Church will be open for the tour in the historic Garden District, each with individual history and architectural character. Tour participants begin their tour at St. James Episcopal Church located on Murray Street, where they can park their car and pick up tickets. Tickets are available online or in person at Southern Chic and Main Dish & More. Cost: $25.00. www.GardenDistrictNeighborhood.org

 

December 15: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 2:00pm.  The Alexandria Mardi Gras Association (AMGA) will host the Annual Alexandria Christmas Parade featuring themed floats and entertainment. This year’s parade will end AlexWinterFête. Cost: Free. Call: 318-473-9501.

 

December 15: FUMC Live Nativity, First United Methodist Church Alexandria, 6:00pm-8:00pm.  The Live Nativity is a drive-through nativity scene of the first Christmas featuring Christmas music, candlelight, and live animals. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-5696.

 

December 17: MasterCraft Christmas Cookies, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Learn how to decorate Christmas Cookies with Atwood’s Bakery. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 17: Teen Movie Day, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:00pm–4:30pm. Watching Beauty and the Beast: the enchanted Christmas (Rated G).  Hot chocolate and popcorn will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

December 17: Makerspace with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Make a light-up Christmas card during this hands-on workshop. Ages 10+. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 17: Marbelized Christmas Cards, Westside Regional Library, 4:30pm-6:30pm. Adults, join us for a festive Christmas card craft for the holidays. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

 

December 19: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The Parkinson’s support group meets on the 3rd 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.  Annual Christmas party; bring covered dish to share! Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

December 19: Makerspace with Mr. David Sproles, Libuse Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Make a light-up Christmas card during this hands-on workshop. Ages 10+. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

December 19 & January 2: Surviving and Thriving Cancer Support Group, Rapides Cancer Center, 5:30pm-6:30pm. This a support group for cancer patients, survivors and family members. The support group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7200.

 

December 20: Gardening Meetup, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:00am. Gardening series dedicated to answering your questions about plants! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

 

December 20: As Young as You Feel Day, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. If you’re 50+, come to join us for games, and fellowship. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

December 20: Teen Christmas Program, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm–4:30pm. Teens, join us to paint a Christmas ornament on canvas. Registration Preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

 

December 20: Blue Christmas Service, Pineville First United Methodist Church, 6:00pm. Join in on the eve of the longest night of the year for a special service of comfort and hope. Nursery provided Birth to 3 years old. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-1006.

 

December 21: Pictures with Santa, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 10:00am–11:00am. Come out to meet Santa and have your picture taken with him. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

 

December 21: Paws for Kids, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children build confidence in reading with Luke the Confidence Dog. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

 

December 23: Christmas StoryWalk, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Enjoy a Christmas-themed StoryWalk with storyboard stations set up outside. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

 

December 23: 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. We offer educational handouts, sharing time, and lunch is provided. Annual Christmas party; bring covered dish to share! The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

December 23: 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 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Pineville First United Methodist Church, 4:00 & 6:00pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-1006.

 

December 24: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, St. James Episcopal Church, 11:00pm. Celebrate the birth of Christ and arrival of Christmas with this festive candlelight service of Holy Eucharist. All are welcome. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to take home afterward. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

 

January 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group BPUSA, 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, grandparent or adult sibling. 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 our Facebook page at The Bereaved Parents Of Cenla-BPUSA. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

January 6: Miscarriage/Stillbirth Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Kincaid Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth of a baby.  This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month.  Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

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. Led by Kripalu trained Yoga Teacher, Becky Watkins. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

 

December 7, 14, 21, 28 & January 4: 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 11, 18, 25: Tai Chi Chih Classes, Cabrini Mediplex, 9:30am-10:30am. .  If you are a former Tai Chi student or brand new, come join us as we learn the 19 movements and 1 pose of Tai Chi Chih.  This beautiful soothing practice is meditation in motion.  Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  Classes will be held every Wednesday morning in December. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-48-6938.

 

December 14: Ugly Sweater 5K, Alexandria City Hall, 8:00am. Rummage up to your favorite Ugly Sweater and join us for a 5K with a Christmas twist! It’s a 5K full of fun and cheer! The AlexWinterFête’s Ugly Sweater Run will benefit Girls on the Run Central Louisiana. Part of the AlexWinterFête celebration. Register online at www.raceplanner.com. Cost: $30.00.

 

December 14: 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.