Art

Ongoing-July: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the photographs of Genesis Photography. All photographs are for sale. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org

July 3: Drop In Drawing, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm-7:00pm.  Drop In Drawing classes are for any and all skill levels seeking a relaxed creative environment. This on-going series for adults offers instruction, experience with other dry mediums, constructive critique, and inspiration from exhibitions. All materials are provided. Cost: Free for AMoA Members; $10.00 non-members. This is a drop in event; no need to register, but classes are limited to the first 20 participants to check in. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

Music

July 12-13: Celebration of Christ, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre, 7:00pm.  Join us for a night of praise and worship – open mic style! Cost: Free. Call: 318-447-7661 or 318-955-0039.

July 14: Dwight Yoakam in Concert, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center, 8:00pm. Yoakam has recorded more than twenty albums and compilations, charted more than thirty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and sold more than 25 million records. He has recorded five Billboard #1 albums, twelve gold albums, and nine platinum albums. All seating is assigned; doors open at 7:00pm. Cost: $29.00-$69.00. Call: 800-745-3000.

Theatre

July 9-13: Cornerstone Players present The Good Samaritan, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre, 10:00am & 1:00pm.  Luke recalls a parable that was told to him by an eyewitness during the ministry of Jesus. It is about being a good friend and showing compassion to others. Group discounts are available. Length: 45 min to an hour. Cost: $10.00 adults; $5.00 children/students/seniors. Call Kimberly Patton: 318-447-7661.

Events

Ongoing-July: 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-July: balance Meetings, 5:30pm. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday and Thursday.  Meetings take place each Monday 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.

July 3: American Flag Etiquette, Johnson Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am.  In honor of Independence Day, Pete Perkins of the Woodsmen of the World will be discussing the proper ways to treat the American Flag and reading excerpts from “The American Patriot’s Handbook.” Cost: Free.  Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

July 3: Aboriginal Dot Art, Robertson Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Kids will make art with dots, like the Aboriginals in Australia. Cost: Free.  Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

July 4: Rooftop Fireworks Viewing Party, Paragon Casino Resort Parking Garage, 7:00pm. Bring a lawn chair, grab some free popcorn and watch the City of Marksville’s fireworks display from the 3rd level of the Paragon parking garage while enjoying live music by Cypress City. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a guardian. No outside food or beverages allowed. Cost: Free. Call: 800-745-3000.

July 4: Rock the Red, Alexandria Amphitheatre, 7:00pm.  The City of Alexandria will “Rock the Red” to celebrate Independence Day. The day of fun will be filled with food, face painting, local vendors, local Heroes Wall, spectacular fireworks, and great music from Zydeco artist, Chris Ardoin. Cost: Free. Call: 318-449-5225.

July 5: Freddy Ready Camping Catastrophe, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-11:00am. Come hear a story and make a flower pot bear to take home. All Kids Camp activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Parents must stay on premises. Please pre-register. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 5, 12, 19, 26 & August 2: Balance, King Branch Library, 6:00pm. CLASS is in the building to help you cope with daily struggles with counselors and speakers. What is shared here; stays here with the hope of giving you the strength and confidence needed to be stronger. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 6: Recycled Instruments, Westside Regional Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Come make instruments out of recycled materials. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

July 6: Ladybug Rocks, Boyce Branch Library, 2:00pm. Create your own little ladybugs to decorate your yard, garden or room. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 6: Busy Builders, King Branch Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. Home Depot will be in the building to help you rock out the summer. Registration is required. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 7: July Author Birthday Celebration, Boyce Branch Library, 9:00am-1:00pm. We’ll celebrate Authors and Illustrators with birthdays in July. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 7: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical 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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.

July 7: Morgan’s Slime Time, King Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Morgan Eldridge, local kid entrepreneur, returns back to King Branch to hold her famous slime extravaganza! Prepare to be slimed! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 7: Paws to Read, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Kids reading to therapy dogs in cooperation with Pets and People. Children in grades 1-4 who may have issues with reading and might benefit by reading to a therapy dog. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

July 7: National Macaroni Day, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. All Saturday activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 7: Duct Tape Ear Bud Case, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Teens will make their own ear bud cases out of duct tape. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

July 7: Design Your Own Canvas Bag, Libuse Branch Library, 6:30pm-8:00pm. Patrons will be painting canvas bags. The bags and supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

July 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

July 9-13, 16-19 & 23-27: Python Teen Coding Camp, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Jennifer DePriest is back this summer with more coding to alleviate those summertime blues! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

July 9: Veterans Support Group, King Branch Library, 6:00pm. Veterans come together to discuss and find ways to manage life after service; facilitated by Mr. Anthony Elie. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 10-13: American Heroes Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 9:00am-12:00pm. Students ages 4 to 12 will have a great time learning about American heroes featured in folk tales, history, science and more! If your little one has never heard of John Henry, Doolittle’s Raiders or Alexander Graham Bell, let us tell their stories! Who knows what may inspire tomorrow’s legends and heroes? Please pre-register. Cost: $85.00 non-members; $75.00 members; + $10.00 deposit.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 10: Author Talk, King Branch Library, 1:00pm-2:30pm. Author Michael Richardson discusses his latest book, “From the Corner to the Corner Office”. Books will be available for purchase and to be signed. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 10: Tambourine Tuesday Movies Presents Sing!, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. He loves his theater above all. Facing the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he takes one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition. Five contestants emerge: a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine. Open to ages 6-10. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 10: Healing Hearts Peri-natal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6:00pm.  This support group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 318-769-7569.

July 11: 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.

July 11-12: Coding For The Future, King Branch Library, 9:00am-1:00pm. Sankofa Cultural Collective and KG Friends of the Library team up with CEO Peter Rotich to bring to you an introduction to coding, robotics, etc. Registration is required. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 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 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.

July 13: Movies That Rock Tween/Teen Edition, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We’ll be showing the movie San Andreas (Rated PG-13). Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 14: Military Appreciation Parade, Third Street in Leesville, 10:00am. The Military Affairs Committee of the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce will host a Military Appreciation Parade and Welcome Home to returning Troops. Enjoy food, drinks and music at the Third Street market until 2:00pm. Cost: Free.  Call: 337-238-0349.

July 14: Tissue Box Guitars, Hineston Branch Library, 10:00am-1:00pm. We’ll be making guitars using empty tissue boxes. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-8461. www.rpl.org

July 14: Speed & Flight Paper Planes, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Take flight with T.R.E.E. House! All Saturday activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 14: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We will be screening Spider-Man: Homecoming. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

July 14: Vintage Cinema, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:30pm. We’ll be screening the classic film Some Like It Hot. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

July 16-19: Summer Electronics Camp, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-12:00pm. Circuits 101, Series & parallel 3 bulb wooden Breadboard and Phet Simulation. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

July 16: Libraries Pop and Rock, King Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Come join Alyssa as she invades your Stem Senses and brings up the scientific notion of how to pop and rock at the library. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 16-19: Python Adult Coding Camp, Rapides Main Library, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Jennifer DePriest is back this summer with more coding to alleviate those summertime blues! This session is specifically designed for adults with prior coding experience with Jennifer. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org

July 17: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department, 7:45am-4:300pm. Boys and girls, ages 11 to 13, can learn the basic skills needed to be a safe and successful babysitter. This medically-accurate, hands-on class teaches sitters how to entertain children and keep them safe, how to perform basic child-care skills, how to call for emergency help, what to do when a child chokes, how to keep themselves safe and how to start a successful babysitting business. Registration includes lunch and supplies.  Please pre-register. Class size is limited. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.

July 17: Zentangle, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Bring out the artist within! This is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

July 17: Tambourine Tuesday Movies Presents Coco, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Open to ages 6-10. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 17: Garden Gems, Westside Regional Library, 2:30pm-3:30pm. Come decorate rocks to beautify your flower garden. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

July 18: Back to School Supply Giveaway, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-11:00am. Backpack giveaway by HealthyBlue, face painters, balloon entertainment, popcorn, movie, etc. Limited to first 500. Supplies are appropriate for elementary age children. Child must be present and one bag per child. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1036. www.rpl.org

July 18: Cenla Women’s Connection, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm.  Marlaine Peachey will present “Living Happily Ever After…Divorce”.  Invite your friends and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSVP by Friday, July 13th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880.

July 18: Popsicle Stick Sculpture, Martin Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Kids can come make their very own sculpture masterpiece using popsicle sticks. All supplies furnished. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

July 19: 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.

July 19: Tie Dyed Pillow Cases, Johnson Branch Library, 2:30pm-3:30pm. With all the supplies provided, we’ll create our own unique summertime designs! Registration is encouraged.  Cost: Free.  Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

July 19: Cornstarch Walk on Water, Westside Regional Library, 2:30pm-3:30pm. Come participate in the experiment and try walking on water! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

July 20: Oliver & Hope’s Adventure Under the Stars, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-11:00am. Come hear a story and make an Ursa Majro/Moon mobile to take home. All Kids Camp activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Parents must stay on premises. Please pre-register. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 20: Stomp Rockets, King Branch Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. All ages can come make their own stomp rockets while learning the basic principles of flights. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 20: Movies That Rock Tween/Teen Edition, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We’ll be showing the movie School of Rock (Rated PG-13). Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 20-21: Natchitoches-NSU Folk Fest, Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University.  The 39th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held in the comfort of air conditioned Prather Coliseum starting at 4:30pm on Friday, July 20th.  The 2018 Festival theme is Celebrating Louisiana’s Folk Roots.  Friday evening is a dance, featuring Cajun dance lessons, three stages of live music, zydeco dancing lessons, blacksmithing demonstrations, black pot cooking and more.  The Festival also hosts the Annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship with the winner presenting a concert on the main stage Saturday afternoon.  Cost: $13.00 (2-day pass); $10.00 (1-day pass); $6.00 (Evening pass for events after 5:00pm).  Call: 318-357-4332.

July 21: 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.

July 21: Beginning TinkerCAD, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-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 e-mail and pre-registration are required.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x1090. www.rpl.org

July 21: All About Ice Cream, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! All Saturday activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

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

July 23: 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.

July 23: CD Mosaic Art, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Adults will use old scratched CD’s and DVD’s to make beautiful mosaic art. Cost: Free.  Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

July 23: Genealogy 101, Robertson Branch Library, 5:00pm-7:00pm. us and discover how you can use the federal census to find your ancestors and discover the past. Cost: Free.  Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

July 23: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor, this class will be an in-depth opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques and other comfort measures for labor and delivery. The support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Bring pillows to class. Call: 318-769-4440.

July 24-27: Alien Adventure Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 9:00am-12:00pm. Get ready for a space-themed adventure for students ages 4 to 12. Students will learn about many elements of space travel, including current research and solar system exploration. If you are looking for a camp that is out of this world, you have found it! Please pre-register. Cost: $85.00 non-members; $75.00 members; + $10.00 deposit.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 24: Zentangle, Westside Regional Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Bring out the artist within! This is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

July 24: Tambourine Tuesday Movies Presents Despicable Me 3, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time. The reunited siblings soon find themselves in an uneasy alliance to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star who seeks revenge against the world. Open to ages 6-10. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 24: What’s Cooking Cook Book Club, King Branch Library, 6:00pm. Are you chicken? There are so many interesting dishes that can be made with chicken. Come explore and learn a few. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 27: Movies That Rock Tween/Teen Edition, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. We’ll be showing the movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (Rated PG-13). Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

July 27: RPL Blood Drive, Robertson Branch Library, 1:30pm-4:30pm. Come by and give the gift of life. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

July 28: Author Talk, King Branch Library, 9:00am-11:00am. Author Gwendolyn “Miss Chocolate” Williams will be on hand to discuss and sign her latest book. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

July 28: Storytime and Craft, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1:00pm. Come hear a great story and make a fun craft! All Saturday activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

July 28: Movie Matinee Presents Sing!, Robertson Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. He loves his theater above all. Facing the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he takes one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition. Five contestants emerge: a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

July 31: Teen Summer 2018 Coloring Contest, Boyce Branch Library. Summer is here! Take some time to slow down and color! Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

August 2: Curious George Goes Camping, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-11:00am. Come hear a story and make a Campfire Story Stick to take home. All Kids Camp activities are included in the price of admission to the museum. Parents must stay on premises. Please pre-register. Cost: $5.00; children under 2 Free.  Call: 318-619-9394.

August 6: 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.

Sports

Ongoing-July: 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.

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & August 7: 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.

July 4: Let Freedom Ring 5K, Alexandria City Hall, 8:00am.  Start off your 4th of July celebrations with a 5K run for the entire family! This event will take place in downtown Alexandria start and finish at the mini-park.  There will be splash pads and misting machines at the finish to help you cool off. Bring out your American flags and patriotic clothing! The race will have a clock setup but no chip timing. Cost: $20.00.  Call: 318-449-5225.

July 7, 14, 18, 28 & August 4: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Originating in ancient China roughly four thousand years ago, Qi Gong or Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong, literally “Life Energy Cultivation”) is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is a powerful tool used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

July 14: Yoga For Kids, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am.  The Healthy Living @AMoA program has expanded to include Yoga for Kids, every Second Saturday in the month. Mom & Dad are welcome to join! Taught by Shannon Brewer, of LUX Studios – Lotus Vibes. All Healthy Living @AMoA programming is sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.