Arts

Ongoing-February: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The Christus Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of JoAnne Kohara Thompson. All art is for sale with proceeds going to continue healing arts programs in our local hospitals. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-February 24: Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival Exhibit Winners Highlights, Alexandria Museum of Art. This exhibition highlights works from the past 50 years of the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival Exhibit. All works in this exhibition are on loan from the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, where the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival has been held throughout its history.  Cost: Regular admission. Call: 318-443-3458.

February 16: Opening Exhibit Reception, River Oaks, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Event is free and open to the public. Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

February 16-March 24: Art Exhibition, River Oaks Art Square, 10:00pm-4:00pm.  Featured artists are Katrina Syszoski, Aubrey Bolen and Lacey John Andrews.  Call Rachael Dauzat: 318-473-2670.

February 17: Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 12:00pm-3:00pm. Families will create sculptures inspired by the works of Clyde Connell and John Geldersma. Cost: $20.00 (up to 5 family members); Free to AMoA member families. Call Cindy Blair: 318-443-3458.

Music

February 8: Shana Tucker ChamberSoul, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticket-central.org. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.

February 9: Quatrefoil of Sound, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:30pm New York Polyphony’s growing discography includes two GRAMMY-nominated releases and albums that have topped the “best of” lists of The New Yorker, Gramophone, and BBC Music Magazine. The four men give vibrant, modern voice to repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to cutting-edge compositions.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

Theatre

February 22-March 4: Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, Hearn Stage at the Kress Theatre, 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday & 2:30pm on Sunday. Cost: Thursday $5.00, General $15.00, Senior & Military $12.00 and Students $7.00. Call City Park Players: 318-484-4478.

February 22-24: My Son Pinocchio Jr., Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm or 2:30pm. Call Patricia Upton: 318-449-9073.

Events

Ongoing-February: 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.

February 6: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s & Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm.  The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.

February 7: Westside 50+ Club, Westside Regional Library, 11:00am-12:30pm. Come workout with friends, play board games, have fun and relax! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

February 7: LSUA Mardi Gras Parade, LSUA Campus, 12:00pm. Cost: Free. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.

February 8: The Lost Art of Snail Mail, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm.  Teens come learn the lost art of writing a thank you note, a note of inspiration, or a personal letter with your own embellishments or create your own Valentine. We’ll write a note or letter and then mail it off! All supplies will be provided. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

February 8: Valentines for Your Valentine, Westside Regional Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Make it special, make it yourself! All supplies will be provided to create your own unique Valentine for your special friend, parents or grandparents. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

February 8: Crayons, Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. 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 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 8: Love You to Pieces, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-6:00pm.  Come and create a special Valentines plaque that uses painted puzzle pieces, crafts sticks and tons of imagination!  Make and give it to your special Valentine! Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

February 9: Valentine Favors, McDonald Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm & 3:30pm-4:30pm. Fun foods to make and give as gifts. Easy preparations that be used for a party or give as gifts. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

February 9: Hixson Classic Cars and Cheerleaders Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30pm. Call Cathy Carter: 318-442-9546.

February 9: Taste of Mardi Gras, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 6:00pm. Offering a “Taste” of Central Louisiana Restaurants and live music with “Stormy” of Baton Rouge. No coolers or trays allowed. Cost: Adults (in advance): $25.00, Children 10 & under (in advance): $10.00, VIP tables $400.  Call Nick Carrozza: 318-729-6045.

February 10: AMGA 22nd Annual Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:00am.  Route: Downtown Alexandria – Murray – 5th – Jackson – 4th – 3rd to St. James St. Cost: Free.

February 10, 17 & 24: Black History Documentaries, Boyce Branch Library, 10:30am. We commemorate Black History Month with a series of award-winning documentary films highlighting important figures and leaders in the African-American community. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2180. www.rpl.org

February 10: King Cake Party, Alexandria Zoo, 2:00pm-4:00pm.  Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Alexandria Zoo following the Children’s Parade! Enjoy King Cake cookies, music, costumed characters, and don’t miss the up-close encounters with Zoo animals. The Alexandria Animal Shelter will be on hand with dogs available for adoption. Cost: Regular Zoo Admission. Call: 318-441-6810. www.thealexandriazoo.com

February 10: Krewe of Dionysos Parade, Natchitoches, 6:00pm.  Parade starts at 6:00 pm at the River South Common shopping center parking lot turning right onto South Drive to Keyser Avenue turning left at the Keyser Avenue, crossing the bridge and turning right on Jefferson Street to Front Street to Washington Street turning left onto Texas Street and turning left onto Second Street to Church Street to end the parade route. Cost: Free. Call: 903-926-4354.

February 11: AMGA 25th Annual Krewes Parade, Alexandria, 2:00pm. Parade Route: Texas Ave. – Masonic – Memorial – North Boulevard – Alexandria Mall. Cost: Free.

February 11: Finale Royale, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 5:00pm-10:00pm. Mardi Gras Parade After Party featuring The Molly Ringwalds and 92-Twenty. Cost: $10.00 krewe members, $15.00 non-krewe members, tables $450 for krewe members and $700 for non-krewe members. Call Rapides Parish Coliseum: 318-442-9581.

February 12: DIY Painted Birdhouses with Melissa, Libuse Branch Library, 10:30am-12:00pm. Wintering birds often need shelters when the weather is at its worst. Come and brighten up your backyard or patio area with a painted birdhouse. All materials provided. Registration is strongly encouraged to make sure supplies are available for everyone. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

February 12: 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.

February 12: Mardi Gras Canvas Painting, King Branch Library, 5:30pm. Come and have a fun evening and paint a beautiful work of art on canvas to keep for your own or give as a gift. We’ll learn painting styles, tips and techniques to increase your skills. All materials provides and registration is encouraged to ensure enough supplies are available for all. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 13: MakerSpace Science Camp with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Follow a schematic and build a circuit using a block of wood and nails. Take it home with you!  Number of participants is limited.  Ages 10+. Parents are encouraged to stay and participate. Safety will be stressed and parents must sign a release. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Sponsored with a grant from Cleco. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 13: Hey Mister…Throw Me Something, King Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Mardi Gras is a fun celebration building up to the Lenten season of reflection and service to those with less. The Krewe of Bookworms will celebrate the day and have a great time decorating our bikes, wagons and ourselves. Dress up if you want and come and have a Mardi Gras celebration at the King Branch! Light refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 13: MakerSpace Science Camp with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. We’ll discuss the difference between series circuits and parallel circuits, using circuits containing the most basic of components–resistors and batteries–to show the difference between the two configurations. We’ll then explore what happens in series and parallel circuits when you combine different types of components, such as capacitors and inductors. Safety will be stressed and parents must sign a release. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Sponsored with a grant from Cleco. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 13: Making It Work, RRMC 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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.

February 14: 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.

February 14: Valentine’s Day Movie Marathon, Boyce Branch Library, 2:30pm. No date for Valentine’s Day? No problem! Come to the library and feel the love as we binge watch favorite romantic movies and celebrate being a “Single Pringle”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2180. www.rpl.org

February 14: Kids Craft-Sun Catchers, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm.  With a mason jar, some glue, swirly food coloring and a bit of drying time, children will be able to create their own jewel-tone sun catcher. All supplies will be provided and it is encouraged to pre-register for this craft to make sure there are enough supplies to go around. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

February 14: Cupcakes with Cupid, King Branch Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Tasty and yummy go together like hearts and Cupid! Whether you want a treat for your sweetheart or just want to have fun decorating a cupcake for yourself – we have everything including sprinkles! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 15: As Young As You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. Participants age 50 and up will have a wonderful time playing games of the past and present.  Do not miss out on the fun!  A light lunch will be provided.  Pre-registration is required. This event is sponsored by Amerigroup. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 15: 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

February 15: Medicare Made Clear, King Branch Library, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Senior Counselor, Jamie Jones from CENLA Area Agency on Aging explains the U.S Federal Health Insurance program for people reaching retirement age. Registration is not necessary but you may want to call ahead to reserve your seat. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 15: Children’s Origami Projects, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. It looks complicated, but with a few simple folds – you’ll catch on quick to making cranes, boxes, and the ever-famous ‘fortune-teller’. If you’ve never heard of this – ask your parents they’ll know! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

February 16: Gardening Q&A, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:00am. The Good Food Project is back in the MakerSpace lab. From Asters to Zenobia, we’ll answer your gardening questions! You won’t want to miss it.  Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 17: 7th Annual Creative Con, Alexandria Mall, 10:00am-5:00pm. Featured guests are: Sean McGuinness, That Godzilla Guy, actor, playwright and artist, Dan Forest, cosplay designer, Cassidy Jordan, The Spidey Team, and author of the Epic Series, Lee Stephen. Vendors, volunteers and presenters welcome. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906.

February 17: Presidents’ Day, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Call Shanna Hartman: 318-619-9394.

February 17: Main Movie Mania-Selma, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it very difficult for blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground in the fight for suffrage. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers pressed forward on an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, and their efforts culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 17: Movie Time-Beauty & the Beast, McDonald Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:30pm. Belle a bright, beautiful and independent young woman is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the beast’s hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. Refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

February 20: Adult Craft-Sun Catcher Coloring Pages, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:00pm.  Adults will color a small coloring page and then oil will be applied to create a semi-translucent background. Finished project can be suspended from string and placed in a window. All supplies will be provided.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

February 21: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00pm.  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. Space is limited.  Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

February 21: Beginning TinkerCAD, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-11:00am. Learn how to create your own 3D designs. Participants will learn how to use TinkerCAD, a free easy-to-learn online application to create, modify and print 3D models. Access to email is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 21: Central Louisiana Democratic Women’s Meeting, Holiday Inn Downtown, 11:30am-1:00pm.  All registered Democrat and Independent women are invited. Cost: $12.00 (optional lunch).

February 21: Cenla Women’s Connection, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm.  Nancy Briggs will present “Search for Happiness.”  The American Heart Association will be our special feature.  Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please pre-register by Friday, February 16th. Call: 318-481-7880.

February 21: Master Crafter Series-Dream Catchers, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. We create dreamcatchers! Legends say that the dreamcatcher captures only bad dreams and they are destroyed when the morning sunlight burns them away.  We’ll create our own dream catcher to use or give as a gift. Registration is required, space is limited. This adults-only event is sponsored by Healthy Blue. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 22: Gumbo Cookoff, LSUA Quad, 11:30am -1:00pm. Call Shere’Thaxton: 318-619-2918.

February 22: St. Patrick’s Day Wreath, Robertson Branch Library, 5:30pm.  Beginning to think about spring? Come and get ready to cheer “Erin go bragh” and create a bonny St. Patrick’s wreath for your cottage door. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

February 23: Black History Month Quilt, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Draw your favorite person in black history or write about what black history means to you. Each piece of paper will be threaded together to form a quilt celebrating the month. All supplies provided we just need your imagination and thoughts! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 23: Deej: Southern Circuit Series, The GEM, 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticket-central.org. Call Julie Prevot: 318-484-4474.

February 23: LSUA Homecoming Celebration, The Fort at LSUA, 7:00pm. LSUA will announce the Homecoming Court and King and Queen. Tickets are available at the door for $8.00 Adults; $5.00 Youth. Call Sarah Black: 318-427-4407.

February 24: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am-2:30pm. This one-day class, taught by a certified childbirth instructor, prepares couples for the actual delivery. Topics include stages of labor and delivery, when to go to the hospital, pain management, assisted delivery, Cesarean birth as well as a tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A light lunch will be provided. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.

February 24: Fairy Tales, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Call Shanna Hartman: 318-619-9394.

February 24: King Movie Matinee-Cars 3, King Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast cars, the legendary Lighting McQueen finds himself pushed out of the sport that he loves. Hoping to get back in the game, he turns to Cruz Ramirez, an eager young technician who has her own plans for winning. With inspiration from the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns, No. 95 prepares to compete on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

February 26: 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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

February 26: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale 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.

February 26: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s & 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.

February 27: Adult Craft-Bead Jewelry, Johnson Branch Library, 10:30am-11:30am. Make bracelets, necklaces, key chains – whatever you can imagine. We’ll have everything you need to create your beaded piece. All supplies provided by a generous donation! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

February 27: Come Write In, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm. We continue begin to discover and develop our voice and begin delving into our “Right to Write” exercises and discuss next steps and future plans. Bring your writing projects or ideas and release the artist inside us all!  Bring a writing/reading friend with you! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

February 28: M*A*S*H Marathon, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-5:00pm. On February 28,1983, Alan Alda directed the last episode of M*A*S*H. Join us for marathon of the antics of Hot lips Hollihan, Major Frank Burns, Hawkeye and Trapper, Radar and Col. Potter (no commercials) just great comedy and familiar faces. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2180. www.rpl.org

March 5: 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 our Face Book page:  CHRISTUS Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

March 7-9: Wings of Freedom Tour, Natchitoches Regional Airport. Aircraft featured include WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, North American B-25 Mitchell and P-51 Mustang.  Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00pm to 4:30pm, Wednesday, March 7th, 10:00am to 4:30pm on Thursday, March 8th and 10:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, March 9th. 30-minute flight experiences are available for purchase and normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above. Cost: $15.00 Adult Tour; $5.00 Child Tour. Call Hunter Chaney: 800-568-8924.

Sports

Ongoing-February: 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.

February 6, 13, 20 & 27: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

February 17: 3rd Annual Stickball Clinic & Exhibition, Chief Joseph A. Pierite Pow Wow Grounds on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation in Marksville, 9:00am-1:00pm. Troy and Krista Langley and players from the Alabama-Coushatta stickball team of Livingston, TX will lead a clinic on basic skills, rules and safety of the game. Afterwards, the Alabama-Coushatta Team will play an exhibition game and then support workshop participants in scrimmage games. Participants will be grouped by size for the scrimmage games. Please pre-register. Cost: $10.00. Call: 318-240-6412.

February 23-24: Monster Truck Nationals, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7:00pm. Call: 318-442-9581.