Arts
Ongoing – March: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits are currently showing: Photography by Jana Bordelon at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; Paintings by Ethel Dixon Studio Artists at the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and Paintings by Lacey Johnson at the OSMS Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
March 2-31: Gallery One Ellleven Artist Spring Group Exhibit, 111 Third St., Leesville, Mon.-Fri. 11a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven. Artist members from across the state present a group exhibit of all new work. Opening reception: March 19, 6p.m. during Leesville Spring Artwalk. Cost: Admission free. Contact Tony McDonald: [email protected].
March 11: Opening Reception, Ecstasy: The Mystical Landscapes of Walter Anderson and Rolland Golden: River and Reverie – Paintings of the Mississippi, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Cost: Admission free. Call: 443-3458.
March 16th: Gallery Talk and Tour, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:30pm. Artist Rolland Golden will present a gallery talk and tour of his exhibit, River & Reverie—Paintings of the Mississippi River.
March 18: Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers: Southern Stories, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Three short films by Paul Harrill and Ashley Maynor: Gina, An Actress, Age 29, Quick Feet, Soft Hands and Fore Memories’ Sake. Cost: $5. Call Elizabeth: 443-4718.
March 19: Spring Artwalk in the Main Street District of Leesville, Third St. and Courthouse, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven, City of Leesville and Vernon Parish Tourism Commission. Known across the state as one of the premier venues for new art and artists. Provides live music, great contemporary and traditional artists on display, gallery receptions. For entry information contact Paula Baldwin: [email protected]. No crafts please. Cost: Admission free. Contact Tony McDonald: [email protected].
March 31: Youth Art Month Closing Reception, AMoA Education Gallery, 5:00-7:00pm. A closing Reception with piano recital by Pineville High School senior Daniel Morgan. Cost: Free.
Music
March 17: The Day to be Irish, First United Methodist Church, Alexandria, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. A concert of Irish music to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, from soulful ballads accompanied by harp, to toe-tapping jigs with the Back Porch Band from Natchitoches. Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors. Call Red River Chorale: 484-4463.
March 24: Acoustic Concert Series with, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This concert is presented as part of AMoA’s ongoing Museum Afterhours series and features musician and host, John Wakefield.
March 27: Honey Island Swamp Band Concert, Kent Plantation House, time: TBA. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House and Rod Noles. Cost: TBA. Call Alice Scarborough: 487-5998.
Theatre
March 4-6: CPP Presents The Lion In Winter by James Goldman, Hearn Stage, Fri.-Sat. 7:30p.m., Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by City Park Players. Fictional account of the 1183 Christmas Court of Henry II, King of England. Directed by Diane Falcone. Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors 65+ and $5 students. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
Events
Ongoing-May: After School Program, Bolton Avenue Community Center, Mon., Tue. and Thur., 3:30-5:30p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Activities include homework assistance, recreation, arts and crafts and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5228.
Ongoing-May 26: YWCA After School Care, 5912 James St., Time: TBA. Sponsored by YWCA. Participants can expect to have a fun, safe place to go after school. Arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor activities and homework time are all part of the program. Cost: $45 registration, $45 weekly and $10 membership fee. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
Ongoing-March 2011: Dance Fitness, Frank O. Hunter Park Gym, weekly, Mon. and Wed., 12:00-12:45p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Physical fitness with a “twist.” Dance pounds, inches and stress away while enjoying every minute! Program is designed to merge low-stress popular dance steps like the “Cha’-Cha” and dance routines like the “Bus Stop” with conventional exercise movements to help accomplish the benefits associated with regular, moderate physical activity. Cost: $10 registration fee. Call: 449-5108.
March 4: Wear Blue for Colon Cancer Awareness. Rapides Regional Medical Center invites the community to join their employees in wearing blue to promote Colon Cancer Screening Awareness. Also, stop by our information table located in the front hallway for blue Colorectal Cancer Awareness ribbons and health information.
March 4: College Cheerleaders & Classic Cars Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 4:30p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Route: Murray St. -5th St.-Jackson St.-4th St.-3rd St.-St. James St. Cost: Admission free. Call Aaron Green: 442-9533. www.alexmardigras.com
March 5: One Day Breastfeeding Class, Medical Terrace Gallery Room at RRMC, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this 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. Cost: $30 (if not delivering at RWCH). Call: 877-801-8441.
March 5: Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:00am – 1:00pm. This class is taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and focuses on the benefits, techniques and concerns of breastfeeding. The father/support partner is welcome. Cost: $20. Call: 448-6970.
March 5: AMGA Fifteenth Annual Children’s Parade, Downtown Alexandria, 10:45a.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: Admission free. Call Jared Hicks: 290-7566 or 448-6370. www.alexmardigras.com.
March 5: King Cake Party, Alexandria Zoo, 2-4p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Refreshments and entertainment after the Children’s Parade. Visit www.thealexandriazoo.com for details. Cost: TBA. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 441-6810.
March 5: Greater Vernon Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Leesville, 2:00pm. Sponsored by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Call: 337-238-0349.
March 6: AMGA Seventeenth Annual Krewes Parade, Alexandria 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Route: Texas Ave.-Masonic Dr.-Memorial Dr.-North Blvd.-Alexandria Mall. Cost: Admission free. Call Paula Monk: 443-0520 or Zina Ford: 445-0035. www.alexmardigras.com
March 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:30pm. This is an on-going support group for parents, 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. Brown bag supper at 7:00pm. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 8: Sibling Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10. Call: 448-6970.
March 8: Patience Quilters, West Side Regional Library, 6:30pm. Patience Quilters meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at West Side Regional Library, located at 5416 Provine Place in Alexandria, off Highway 28 West. The meetings are open to the public. Quilters are invited as well as anyone interested in learning more about quilting. Email: [email protected].
March 9: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace, 9:00am – Noon. 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. Cost: Free. Pre-registration required. Call: 769-3106.
March 10: Project ENABLE, Public Safety Complex, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services and the Workforce Commission. Learn how to properly conduct employment research, compose resumes, cover letters and assemble portfolios. Get one on one help with assessing your skills, abilities and identifying your transferable skills. Session will offer recommendations on how to engage in networking as well as preparation for interviews and interviewing practice. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5108.
March 10: ALS Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Building Gallery Room, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This monthly support group is designed for ALS patients, their family members, friends and caregivers. The group will meet the second Thursday of each month. Patients who attend will have access to companies which provide services for ALS patients, such as physical therapy or wheelchair repair. Call Duana Trotter: 445-7898 or 308-1950.
March 11, 14, 16, 22, 23, 30: Senior Lifestyles and Injury Prevention Training, Rapides Parish Senior Citizens’ Centers, 10:30am. Rapides Regional Medical Center teams up with Rapides Senior Citizens Centers to offer on-site health screenings and injury-prevention classes including fall prevention, home safety, motor-vehicle safety and pedestrian safety. Mar 11: Pineville; Mar 14: Ball; Mar 16: Alexandria; Mar 22: Boyce; Mar 23: Cheneyville; Mar 30: Deville. For information call Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers at 487-1561 or Rapides Regional Medical Center at 769-3512.
March 12: American Heart Association Heart Walk, 1611 Arnold Drive, England Airpark, 8:00am. Follow the signs and join the Rapides Regional Medical Center team as they participate in this annual event. Survivors can stop by the Rapides Regional Heart Hospital “Survivor Tent” for a heart-healthy breakfast. Call: 769-3135.
March 12: Market at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9:00am – 1:00pm. Local art, food, music, specialty products and children’s activity. Musical entertainment from 10:00am-Noon featuring a vocal performance by Pineville High School senior Emily Pears, with all donations to benefit Cherokee Elementary arts programming. Cost: Free.
March 12-13: Home and Product Show, Alexandria Riverfront Center, Sat. 10a.m.-6p.m., Sun. Noon-5p.m. Sponsored by Home Builders Association of Central Louisiana. Features a kaleidoscope of homebuilders, remodelers, decorating services, residential designers, mortgage bankers and virtually any service or product related to the home. The event is for current and future home owners interested in the newest trends in the residential market. Cost: $5, children under 12 free. Call Amy DeSoto: 443-1902. www.hbaofcenla.com
March 12: Art To Go, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:00am – 2:00pm. AMoA will host an Art Lesson Workshop for elementary teachers. Call Anne: 318-443-3458.
March 13: National Peace Corps Association Multicultural Fair, Alexandria Mall, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. A Multicultural Fair celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Cost: Free. Call Mary Ann Reddoch: 318-443-5499.
March 14: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 10:00am-11:30am. This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. This month our focus: Asking for and receiving help. There will be group sharing time and this group has trained Outreach Volunteers who are available to the newly grieving. Please plan to dine with us after the meeting. Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938 or Pam Hataway: 448-6970.
March 14: Look Good, Feel Better, Noon. Cancer can rob a woman of her energy, appetite and strength. But it doesn’t have to take away her self-confidence. Look Good … Feel Better is a free program led by a trained volunteer cosmetologist who teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active therapy. In order to provide complimentary cosmetics, advance registration is required. Please identify what color makeup kit you will need: light, medium, dark or extra dark. Call: 800-ACS-2345.
March 14: Juvenile Diabetes Support & Activity Group, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. This group will support children with diabetes (Type 1) and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call Shelly Barton: 318-448-4964.
March 15: Sales Tax For Business Seminar, Alexandria State Office Building, 1:00pm. The Louisiana Department of Revenue is hosting an educational seminar aimed at helping business operators understand sales tax and other important business issues. The State Office building is located at 900 Murray Street in Alexandria. Cost: Free. Pre-registration is suggested. Call: (318) 487-5333.
March 15: Happiest Baby On The Block, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. The program was created by Dr. Harvey Karp and is designed to teach parents simple, effective and fun techniques to quickly soothe their babies’ cries and help them to sleep a little longer. Cost: $30.
March 17: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 18-19: Que’in on the Red, North Levee Park, Fri. 5-10 p.m. and Sat. Noon-10 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and Community Partners. Join us for championship barbecue, great music and a carnival on the Red River. Teams competing from all over the region and nationally known musical entertainers. Bring everyone you know to this weekend of family fun! Cost: $10. Call: 449-5225.
March 19: Que’in Kids Cook Off, North Levee Park, 8 a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Community Partners. Children ages 8-17 compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies in two categories: Chicken Little (chicken) and Chop Sooey (pork chops). Cost: $25 team entry fee. Call: 449-5228.
March 19: Childbirth Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:30am – 4:00pm. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Cost: $30.
March 19: Hodges Gardens Spring Fling, Hodges Gardens State Park. Friends of Hodges Gardens State Park annual Spring Fling will include a Car Show, 5K & The Loop Runs, Food & Beverage Vendors, Art in the Park, and live music at the Lakefront Stage. Car enthusiasts, runners, vendors, musicians and artists are invited to participate. Runners, ar owners and clubs, food and beverage vendors, musicians and bands should register for the event by contacting the Friends of Hodges Gardens State Park. Call Lou Ann Davis: (318) 586-7002.
March 19: Corely’s Miniature Petting Zoo, TREE House Children’s Museum, 1-3p.m. Sponsored by TREE House Museum and Martin Foundation. Cost: $4 per person, children under 2 free. Call Kara Edwards: 619-9394.
March 20: Blush & Bashful Bridal Affair, Natchitoches Events Center, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. The Bridal Affair will feature over 40 exhibitors from top wedding professionals offering the newest ideas in ceremonies & receptions. Exhibitors from all aspects of wedding planning including photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, wedding coordinators, beauty consultants, designer bridal gowns and tuxedos will all be under one roof so bring your entire wedding party! Limited exhibit booth space is still available. Call Chris Post: (877) 238-7502.
March 20: “It’s a Girl Thing” Mother/Daughter Program, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 3:00pm – 5:00pm. This program is for girls ages 9-13 and explores the special gift of human fertility and the anatomical and emotional changes of girls as they reach puberty. Pre-registration required by March 14th. Cost: $15.00. Call: 318-448-6970.
March 21: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, Noon. If you or someone you know has cancer, or you are a caretaker of someone with cancer, please join this group on the third Monday of each month. A light meal will be served. Please pre-register. Call: 769-7200.
March 26: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:00am. Pre-registration encouraged. Call: (318) 448-4900.
March 26: Natchitoches Parsh Master Gardener’s Symposium, Natchitoches Events Center. The 5th Annual Garden Symposium for the Natchitoches Parish Master Gardeners. Registration is required. Cost: $30.00. Call: 318-354-2102 or E-mail: [email protected].
March 26: 5th Annual Doctor’s Day Follies & Art Exhibit, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare. Local healthcare professionals perform onstage and exhibit original art. Patron tickets include reserved seating and wine and food reception. Cost: $50 patron, $10 general admission. Call Judy Ginsburgh: 769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
March 28: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. 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. If you would like, please bring a special dessert or salad for our holiday celebration. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 28: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 11:00am. The staff from Kingsley Place will offer appropriate activities for those with Alzheimer’s disease with a fun, hands-on approach. 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 Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 28: 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. Cost: $15.00 (if not delivering at Rapides). Call: 877-801-8441.
March 30: LSU Ag Center Lunch & Learn, LSU AgCenter in Alexandria, 12:00noon. As part of the 2011 Lunch & Learn Spring Series titled “Happier, Healthier You!”, this session will focus on Diabetes 101 with Shelly Barton from Christus St. Francis Cabrini. Cost: Free Admission; $6.00 (for optional lunch). Pre-registration is required. Call: 767-3969. E-mail: [email protected].
March 31-April 2: LA State HOG Rally, Alexandria Riverfront Center and North Levee Park, times: TBA. Sponsored by Harley Owners Group Central Louisiana Chapter No. 1630. Call Carl Player: 613-0543.
Sports
March 11: March Madness 4-Person Scramble, Links on the Bayou, 1:00pm. Golf Tournament to benefit The First Tee of Central Louisiana, whose mission is to impact the lives of young people in Central Louisiana by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Call Charleton Dechert: 318-880-6398 or Paula Sue Dechert: 318-880-6404. www.thefirstteecenla.org.
March 14: 4th Annual St. Patty’s Day Tournament, Natchitoches Country Club. The tournament benefits the community wellness programs of the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation. Proceeds from past tournaments have assisted the Boy’s and Girls Club, DOVES, youth programs, etc. Cost: $300 team; $75 individual. Call Cathy Jacobs: 318-214-4513.
March 19: Roller Derby Bout CDD vs. GCRG, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 7p.m. Sponsored by Cenla Derby Dames. Visit www.cenladerbydames.com for event details and schedule. Cost: $20 VIP, $10 general admission. Contact: [email protected].
March 26: Freedom 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, England Air Park, 8a.m. Sponsored by the Alexandria Veterans Affairs Medical Center Employee Association and Post-Deployment HealthCare Program. Held in recognition of Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and in celebration of our troop’s safe return from conflict deployment. All proceeds Benefit Wounded Warriors. Call Kyle Liotta: 466-2799 or Laura Roach: 466-2854.
April 9: 4th Annual Joey Giordano Memorial Fishing Tournament, Red River at Colfax. The Joey Giordano Foundation would like to invite you to join us for the 4th Annual Joey Giordano Memorial Fishing Tournament. There will be plenty of food, fun and door prizes. Guarantee payout for 1st place will be $2,000.00. This is a open team tournament and everyone is welcome. For a entry form and/or a sponsorship form or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
