Art
Ongoing-July: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit. The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the spiritual artwork of Becky O’Neal during the month of July. Most art is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to Arts & Healthcare programs. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-October 24: 32nd September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art. The 32nd September Competition is an annual juried exhibition highlighting the work of contemporary artists in all media and styles created within the past two years. 50 artworks selected from over 450 international submissions are included in the exhibition and featured in a full-color print catalog. This year, the 49 selected artists represent 4 countries, 23 states, and 49 cities. AMoA welcomes Marilyn Laufer as the 2019 juror. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Ongoing-December 31: 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
July 12: 32nd September Competition Awards Reception, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm. Dr. Marilyn Laufer, 2019 juror, will announce awards at the opening reception. In addition to the standard awards, Alexandria Museum of Art staff will select one piece from the exhibition for a purchase award which will be added to the museum’s permanent collection. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
August 3: Kids Painting with Annabel, Oakland Plantation, 9:00am-11:00am. Hey Kids! Did you ever want to learn how to paint? Our friend Annabel Jones will teach you how at Oakland Plantation. Supplies provided. Limited to first 20 participants ages 8-12. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.
August 6: Drop-In Drawing Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm-7:00pm. Drop In 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. This is a drop-in class; no registration required! Cost: Free AMoA members; $10.00 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Music
July 12: Lyfe Jennings, Paragon Casino Resort Mari Center, 8:00pm. Lyfe Jennings is a platinum-selling American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist. He plays the guitar, bass, and piano, which he integrates into his music. Cost: $15.00-$25.00. Call: 800-745-3000.
July 27: Manhattan Madness Cabaret-Five Journeys, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. A one night only evening of song, dance and stories behind the scenes of five fantastic performers as they journey toward their dreams! Musical direction and accompaniment by Michael Sterne with drums by Aaron Dufour. The five performers are in varied stages of their journeys, but all still possess a strong passion for performing. Sharing the victories and challenges of their journey through song are Octavia, Laine Berry Miller, Chase Miller, Andrew Faria, and Claire Marie Miller. The evening will also include an ensemble of singers and tappers on sever big numbers. Table seating including food and drinks will be available in addition to orchestra seating. Call: 318-451-3915. www.LBMProductions.net
August 2-3: Curtain Up Cabaret, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Performing arts students from LBM Productions’ “In the Spotlight” camp will present a variety show of Broadway’s best! Call: 318-541-3915. www.LBMProductions.net
Theatre
July 18-21: The Sound of Music, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Lagniappe Theatre presents the timeless and adored Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical featuring some of the most delightfully infectious songs of all time, an endearing love story set in Austria at the dawn of WWII and one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. Performances begin nightly Thursday-Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
July 24-27 & July 31-August 3: The Great American Trailer Park Musical, AA Fredericks Auditorium (Stage) at Northwestern State University, 6:00pm. Join Northwestern State’s Theatre & Dance Summer Dinner Theatre for “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” a granny-slappin’ good time dinner theatre. Ticket includes meal (soup, salad, entree, dessert, tea, coffee) and show. Casual dress. Appropriate for all ages. Reservations required. Cost: $30.00. Call: 318-357-4483.
July 25-August 4: Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. City Park Players presents the award-winning drama by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey based on the lives of two real people, “Bill W. and Dr. Bob”, telling he amazing story of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous, and of their wives, who founded Al Anon. Performances begin nightly Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm; with Sunday matinees set for 2:30pm. Cost: $5.00-$15.00. Call: 318-484-4478. www.cpptheatre.com
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. 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.
July 8-19 & July 2-August 2: City of Alexandria Summer Enrichment Camp, Alexandria Youth and Teen Center, 7:30am-5:30pm. Each two-week session features recreational activities, educational enrichment and field trips. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are provided. Cost: $25.00 One-time Registration Fee plus $80.00 per child per 2-week session. Call: 318-449-5228 or 318-441-6721.
July 8-12: History Camp, Kent Plantation House, 9:00am-3:30pm. During History Camp, boys and girls ages 7 to 10 will learn about Louisiana Plantation Life in the 1800’s, Louisiana Culture, Native American Traditions, Archaeology, and Life on a Farm. Friday we will take a field trip to Corley Miniature Acres to learn about farm life in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Camp tuition includes field trip, a t-shirt, snacks, and supplies. Cost: $125. Call: 318-487-5998.
July 8 & August 5: 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: 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.
July 9, 15, 22, 29: Geeks Who Drink, Good People Kitchen, 7:30pm. Geeks Who Drink brings the nation’s best live hosted pub quiz to Good People Kitchen every Tuesday. Join in for 8 rounds of audio, visual and live hosted trivia. The weekly quiz features prizes for answering bonus questions and gift cards for the top teams at the end of the night. Geeks Who Drink rules limit the total number of players on your team to 6, so gather your smartest friends and come down. Cost: Free. Call: 318-787-2785.
July 10: 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.
July 10: 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.
July 13: 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 13: Wild About Animal Enrichment, Alexandria Zoo, 11:00am-2:00pm. How do keepers provide a healthy and enriching environment for the animals in our care? With animal enrichment! From new smells and flavors to games and puzzles, discover how our keepers get creative to encourage our animals’ natural behaviors. Call: 318-441-6810.
July 17: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 90 Harold Miles Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm. Judy Allen will present “ Are You Ready For The Best.” Special Feature—Music by Laine Berry Miller. We will be honoring teachers, so invite a teacher and join us for a delicious lunch and an inspirational message. Please RSVP by Friday, June 14th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].
July 18: Safe Sitter, RRMC Education Department, 8:15am-4:00pm. 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. Class size is limited. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.
July 18: 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. Lunch is provided by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 18: “A Resilient People: Traditional Folklife in Louisiana”, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 6:00pm-7:30pm. A roundtable discussion with scholars and cultural authorities focusing on current folklife traditions practiced by several of Louisiana’s folk communities. Also included will be live music from some of Louisiana’s finest folk musicians, as well as free samples of folk foods!
July 20: 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 20: Photography with Annabel, Magnolia Plantation, 10:00am-1:00pm. Join professional photographer Annabel Jones as she provides tips about outdoor photography. DSLR camera required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.
July 22: 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 22: 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.
July 22: Cenla Chamber of Commerce Legislative Appreciation Luncheon, Alexandria Convention Center at City Hall, 11:30am-1:30pm. Hosted by the Central LA Regional Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $20.00 Chamber members; $25.00 non-members. Call: 318-442-6671.
July 22: 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. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
July 26-27: 40th Annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, Prather Coliseum at Northwestern State University. The Festival will be open Friday, July 26th from 4:30pm until 10:00pm and all day on Saturday, July 27th from 8:00am until 10:30pm. The 2019 Festival theme is “Vive la Louisiane!” Blues guitarist and singer Tab Benoit is the honorary chair. Featuring three stages of music, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, dance lessons, jam sessions, food vendors, blacksmithing demonstrations, outdoor activities, Kidfest activities, and more! Cost: $13.00 advance sale 2-day pass; $10.00 Saturday; $6.00 one-time evening pass after 5:00pm. Call: 318-357-4332.
July 27: St. James Episcopal Church and Day School 175th Anniversary Open House, 1620 Murray Street in Alexandria, 10:00am-12:00pm. Visitors will have the chance to view the church’s exquisite stained-glass windows, its Dan Garland, 43 rank pipe organ, and other historical artifacts, including a 19th century baptismal font, altar, and bishop’s chair. Tours of St. James Day School, a preschool established in 1952, will also be offered. Refreshments will be served in the parish hall adjacent to the church. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.
August 1: Galactic Wreaths, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Children are invited to soar into the school year by creating a galaxy-themed wreath. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org
August 1: Crafty Thursday, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Adults, join Susan Baker to make Steam-Punk jewelry. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
August 2-3: ASIST Workshop, LSUAgCenter in Mansura, 8:00am-4:30pm. Suicide is preventable and anyone can make a difference. Learn the skills and help save a life. This two-day workshop teaches suicide prevention skills widely used by both professionals and the general public. Learn and practice a life-saving intervention model. Avoyelles parish high school students, 16 years and older, who become ASIST-certified will be eligible for a $500 cash scholarship upon graduation. 12 CEU hours are available for a nominal fee after the workshop. Cost: Free. Call: 337-519-1888. www.SaveCenla.com
August 3: First Saturday Fly-In Breakfast, Pineville Airport at Lake Buhlow, 7:30am-10:00am. Breakfast is cooked up every month as a nonprofit event by the Experimental Aircraft Association for pilots flying-in and everyone interested in aviation. A spread of hearty vittles—all you want to eat and drink—will give you energy to kick off the day’s events. Consider a trip to enjoy the venue of aircraft clubhouse, deck and lake, along with airplane chatter and visiting. Cost: $7.00 donation.
August 3: Paws-itive Reading, Westside Regional and Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children, come read to our sweet pups and build confidence in reading. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259 or 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
August 3: Summer Reading Program Graduation, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Children, teens, and adults come dressed up! We will distribute earned Summer Reading Program medals and certificates, take pictures, and enjoy refreshments. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
August 5: 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.
August 6: Take Better Photos, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. Adults, join author, photography teacher, and journalist Gale Trussell to learn how to take better pictures of your family, friends, and nature. With 34 years of experience, Gale has much to share. If possible, bring your own camera. Cell phone cameras are okay. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
Sports
Ongoing-October 31: No Man’s Land Free For All Bass Tournament. Unlike most bass tournaments, fish length rather than weight will determine the winners. Another unique aspect of this tournament is its Catch-Photo-Release format. Instead of securing fish in aerated live wells for transport to far-off weigh-ins, each bass is laid on an approved, standardized measuring board beside an event identifier card, and a digital photograph is taken and uploaded for scoring. Anglers who want to compete in this free tournament must register for a free account at TourneyX—sportfishing’s leading online tournament management system. An event overview and complete contest rules can be found at www.kayakbassfishing.com/no-mans-land-free-for-all/ Cost: Free.
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. Led by Kripalu trained Yoga Teacher, Becky Watkins. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
July 6, 13, 20, 27: 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.
July 13: 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.
