Arts
Ongoing – June 30: A Thousand Words, Cabrini Art Gallery, Outpatient Center 1st floor, time: TBA. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc., Downtown Alexandria Rotary Club and Cabrini Cancer Center. Exhibit will feature photographs by Sherry Fore and stories of local cancer survivors living their lives. An opening reception will be held on June 1 at 1p.m. outside of the Cabrini Gallery. Cost: Admission free. Call Judy Ginsburgh: 769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org.
Ongoing – July 4: River Oaks Exhibit, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Featuring artists Christine Sauer, Alison Delaney and Mary Clair Downs. Cost: $2 adults; $1 seniors and children under 12; members free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
June 6 – August 22: ReTooled: Highlights from the Hechinger Collection, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. ReTooled brings to life the unexpected subject of tools by profiling 28 visionary artists from the Hechinger Collection featuring more than 40 imaginative paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photographs. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for children 4 – 13; free for AMoA members. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
June 6 – August 22: Artists Among Us: Faculty and Friends, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Inspired by the creative resources in our community, this annual invitational exhibition showcases faculty, staff, alumni and volunteers of some of the arts organizations and arts education institutions n the Central Louisiana region. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for children 4 – 13; free for AMoA members. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
June 13: Second Saturday at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am-2:00pm. Second Saturday at the Market features arts activities for kids, live music, art exhibitions, and original local art in our gift shop. All one-of-a-kind works of art sold in the downtown Cultural Arts District are tax-free. Fun for the whole family at this monthly community event! Each month includes different arts activities for all ages. Kids and families enjoy exploring the Museum’s exhibitions, creating art projects together, and discovering their creativity with “Experimentation Stations” designed to let participants get hands-on with different art techniques. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
June 27: Girls with Tools Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-4p.m. Girls ages 13 and over will create wood sculpture while learning to properly use a variety of hand tools and safety protocols commonly used in household repairs and construction. All materials are provided. Participants must sign a waiver of liability. Parents are required to sign for anyone under the age of 18. Cost: $30 for AMoA members; $40 for non-members. Call Nancy Noles: 443-3458.
Music
June 18: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30pm. An alternative Rock group of 15 and 16 year olds from Pineville, All is Lost recorded their first EP in 2014 at Tipitina’s in Alexandria, and the band is currently working on a new CD. Live music, food, and fun! Join us on third Thursdays for the Alexandria Museum of Art’s most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to music hosted by John Wakefield, and snack on tasty food and drink every third Thursday at AMoA. Cost: Free. Cost: $4.00; Members: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
June 26: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, 7:00-9:00pm. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers, are presented AMoA, promoting the art of spoken word and self-expression, and creating opportunities for poets. Hosted by Alexandria native and accomplished slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley. Cost: $4.00; Members: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Theatre
June 18-21: Spectral Sisters 2015 10-Minute Play Festival, Kress Theater Hearn Stage. This year’s theme is “Back Porch Comedy”, featuring action that takes place on or near a back porch, with comedic elements ranging from slapstick to downright macabre. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.ticket-central.org. Cost: $10.00.
June 19-21: Aladdin, Jr., Lagniappe Theatre in Alexandria Mall. See Aladdin try to win the heart of the beautiful Jasmine and stop the evil Jafar from taking over the kingdom of Agrabah, featuring all the famous songs from the Disney film and a few extras just for the stage play! Call: (318) 487-8243. www.lagniappetheatre.com
June 25-28: Little Mermaid, Jr., Fox Theatre in Marksville. Life is better down where it’s wetter, under the sea! Performances will begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm, with a Sunday matinee at 2:00pm. Tickets are available online at www.marksvillefox.com/tickets or at the door. Cost: $12.00 advance; $15.00 door. www.marksvillefox.com
Events
Ongoing – June 30: Rapides Parish Library 2015 Summer Reading Program, all Rapides Parish Libraries, time: normal hours of operation. The theme for children is “Every Hero has a Story.” Preparing children for success by developing early language skills. Fun programs and entertaining activities for all ages promoting the love of reading. Cost: Admission free. Call Tammy DiBartolo or Karla Kirby: 442-2483 x 1906.
Ongoing – August 7: City of Alexandria Summer Day Camp, 1801 Sylvester Street, 7:30a.m.-6p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. For children ages 4-12. Activities will include games, arts and crafts, field trips and other exciting activities. Campers build self-esteem, develop social skills and improve health and fitness while exploring a different theme each week. Registration open April 1-May 22. Cost: $20 registration per child; $25 weekly fee per child. Call Courtney Paige: 449-5108.
June 6: 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.
June 6: Super Hero Celebration, Rapides Parish Main Library, 10:00am-12:00pm. The Main Library kicks-off the 2015 Summer Reading Program with a celebration of Super Heroes of every kind. From our favorite comic book or graphic novel to our local and community super heroes, we celebrate with imagination and family friendly fun! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or x 1030. www.rpl.org
June 8 – 12: Jane in June Camp, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-3:30p.m. For young ladies ages 8-12 only. Camp focuses on life in the early 1800’s and what a young girls role in the family and household was expected to be. They learn skills such as sewing, gardening and painting, and will complete numerous arts and crafts projects. Daily tea and lunch with lessons in table setting and manners. Girls will have an 18 inch doll that they will be responsible for making clothing, toys, shoes and furniture, much like the parents in the 1800’s. Cost: $200 per camper. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
June 8: The Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am. This is an on-going 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 the newly grieving. The Morning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
June 10: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-12:00noon. 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; pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3445.
June 10: Our Nation’s Super Heroes Get Well Card Outreach, Hineston Branch Library, 11:30am-12:30pm. We show our gratitude for their service and heroism protecting our country with a “Get Well” card! Select from cards designs and use provided art supplies to personalize your card for recovering military veterans, their families and newborns at the Baynes Jones Hospital at Fort Polk. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-8461. www.rpl.org
June 11 – 13: Louisiana Corn Festival, 208 Pershing Ave., Bunkie, 5p.m. Thur.-Fri., 11a.m. Sat. Sponsored by Avoyelles Commission of Tourism and Bunkie Chamber of Commerce. Opening Ceremonies at 5p.m. on Friday. 10th annual Children’s Parade and Kids Party, softball tournament, 5K Run/Walk, City Wide Parade, corn Shucking and eating contest, lizard races, cooking contest, talent contest, ages 0-6 talent contest, music and more. Cost: $3 adults; $1 ages 21 and under. Call Bunkie Chamber of Commerce: 346-2575.
June 11: 20th Annual Partners in Literacy Spelling Bee, Pineville Community Center, 6p.m. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. An adult spelling bee made up of corporate, civic groups or club teams. Partners in Literacy offers adults over 18 the opportunity to learn to read or teaches English as a second language. All at no cost. The Spelling Bee generates needed funds for educational tools, training, books and computers. Cost: $500 per team. Call Sandra Lewis: 442-8026.
June 11: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
June 12: Superhero Mystery Party, Rapides Parish Main Library, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Something is amiss in the Superhero Galaxy. An alien invader has infiltrated the secret superhero hideout in an attempt to steal everyone’s superpowers. Grab your cape and get ready to solve this Superhero mystery! Open to teens and tweens. Space is limited, please call to preregister. Cost: Free. Call 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org
June 13: Superhero Movie Matinee Presents The Avengers, Boyce Branch Library, 10:30am. Thor’s evil brother, Loki has unlimited power of the energy cube called the Tesseract! Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D., assembles a superhero team to defeat the threat to Earth. Joining the “dream team” are Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, Thor, the Black Widow and Hawkeye. Enjoy popcorn and cokes wiht the movie. Cost: Free. Call 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
June 13: The Muse Stop motion Animation Workshop, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00-5:00pm. Participants will gather and learn the basics of stop-motion animation using iPads and both found and created objects. This experience is open to beginners as well as those who are more advanced. Space is limited for this event. Please register in advance. Cost: Free (ages 13-21). Call Cindy Blair: (318) 443-3458 or E-mail: [email protected]. www.themuseum.org
June 16: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. This two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13, and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts and grandmothers are welcome. The class will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Class size is limited. Cost: $20.00. Call: (318) 769-3445.
June 17 & 24: Safe Sitter Class, RRMC Education Department, 7:45am-4:30pm. 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. Class size is limited; please pre-register. Registration includes lunch and supplies. Cost: $45.00. Call: (318) 769-3445.
June 18: Superhero Costume Day, McDonald Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. TCome dressed as your favorite superhero! Who is your superhero? It can be just about anyone you think is a super hero. Mom or Dad, Superman, Wonder Woman, Firefighter, or Teacher! Cost: Free. Call 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
June 18: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. This group meets on the third 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.
June 18: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Cancer Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
June 18: Thursday’s on Third, Downtown Alexandria, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Downtown Alexandria Merchants and DARE. Fun, food and entertainment along Third St. in Downtown Alexandria. Cost: Varies. Visit www.downtownalexandria.org for more information.
June 18: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
June 19 -21: Central Louisiana Juneteenth Celebration, Downtown Alexandria, times vary. Sponsored by Central Louisiana Juneteenth Association. Three days of entertainment including a youth gospel choir, talent show, concert on the levee and a stage play with local actors. Juneteenth is a multicultural awareness celebration. Cost: Admission free. Call Carolyn: 792-6736.
June 20: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. 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. Call: 318-769-4440.
June 20: Water Play Day, Alexandria Zoo, 10:00am-3:00pm. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Prepare to enter the wet zone! Families can make a splash with water slides, sprinklers, bubbles, water games, music and more. Discover how we can preserve the oceans and rivers. Kids wear your swimsuits and prepare to get wet. Cost: Regular Zoo admission; FOTAZ members free with card and photo ID. Call LeeAnn Whitt or Angele Ehlers: 441-6810.
June 21: Sunday Movie Matinee Presents Mrs. Doubtfire, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. TCelebrate Father’s Day with a comedy classic – Mrs. Doubtfire. Daniel Hilliard hatches an elaborate plan to stay connected with his children. Dressing as an older British woman he convinces his ex-wife to hire him as a nanny. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Call 318-445-2411. www.rpl.org
June 22: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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 by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
June 22: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The activity group will be offered for those with Alzheimer’s disease. The staff from Emeritus Senior Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach. 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 by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
June 22: 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: 877-801-8441.
June 23 -26: Art Camp at T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 1403 Third St., 9a.m.-Noon. Learn about art techniques and bring home your own art. Cost: $70 upfront or $10 nonrefundable deposit to hold spot. Fees due first day of camp. Call Marissa Sonnier: 619-9394.
June 25: H2O – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking lot, 10a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. A monthly homeless street outreach that provides instant, on-site services such as housing resources, medical screenings, haircuts and more. Community partners provide a hot meal, clothing, food, water and hygiene kits. Cost: Admission free. Call Tracey Antee: 442-8026.
June 27: Inglewood Summer Bash, Inglewood Harvest Barn, 9a.m.-1p.m. Summer kick off at the Inglewood Harvest Barn Market with a Farmer’s Market, live music, kid’s water slides, horse rides and face painting. Cost: Admission free. Call Stephen Reed: 442-6398.
June 27: Superhero Movie Matinee Presents Ironman, Boyce Branch Library, 10:30am. Billionaire industrialist and genius inventor, Tony Stark is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead he builds an armored suit and outwits his captors. With a bit of tweaking, Stark uses the suite to combat crime and terrorism. Cost: Free. Call 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org
July 1: Celebrate our Heroes, King Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Freedom isn’t free; join us in making celebratory devices so that on July 4th we can show our support for our troops and their families that have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
July 6 & 9: Escape the Ordinary Board Games, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. The 2015 Summer Reading Program has activities for adults too! Come and enjoy board games you remember from your childhood. Play games like Monopoly and Sorry, Plinko and more! Light refreshments will be served. This is an adults only event. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or 1030. www.rpl.org
July 7: It’s Slime!, Johnson Branch Library, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Come to the library’s science laboratory and create squishy-squashy slime! With a few household ingredients we make up a batch of slime to gross out your friends and family! Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org
Sports
June 4-29: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm – 5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes are on-going and meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
June 9, 16, 23, 30: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. Yoga is offered every Tuesday at Alexandria Museum of Art by Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick. b is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Sponsored by a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
June 10, 17, 24 & July 1: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
