Arts
Ongoing – March: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits currently showing: Lea Ryder Thomas of Pineville will be featured in the Cabrini Cancer Center; Malcolm Morgan of Alexandria will be featured in the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing located in the Outpatient Center (1st Floor); Barry Owen of Alexandria will be featured in the Rapides Regional Gallery located between the South Tower Lobby and ER. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing-March 16: “Youth Art Month: Art Shapes the World”, Alexandria Museum of Art. An exhibition of art by local youth in collaboration with area schools to celebrate Youth Art Month in March.
Ongoing–March 30: “The Muse: Explorations in Abstract Expressionism”, Alexandria Museum of Art. The exhibition features art created by The Muse Teen Club during the recent Active Action Abstract painting workshop. The Muse, Alexandria Museum of Art Teen Club, is an arts club created by teens for teens to plan fun activities and arts workshops. The Muse is an arts club created by teens for teens. Follow us on Facebook by liking The Muse: The Alexandria Museum of Art Teens. Call Cindy Blair: (318) 443-3458. [email protected]
Ongoing – May 11: Art Exhibition: Ray Turner: Population, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Portrait paintings capturing communities throughout the U.S., including new portraits of individuals living in the local greater Alexandria community, are rendered in lush layers on square glass panels to create a powerful and beautiful installation. As the exhibition evolves with new portraits from various communities, the body of work increasingly reflects our nation’s diversity. Cost: AMoA members’ free, non-members $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and military, $2 children 4-13. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 11: Art Exhibition: Immersive Space, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, Tue.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Three Louisiana artists, Shawn Hall, Lee Deigaard and Natchitoches native Colin O’Con, create entire room installations to explore elements of created space and invite contemplation about our relationship with the natural world. Painting, drawing and photography installed as part of a larger sculpture space, create rhythm in an immersive environment where emotional space and physical space merge. Cost: AMoA members’ free, non-members $4 adults, $3 seniors, students and military, $2 children 4-13. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
March 22–May 25: “Questionable Issue: Currency of the Holocaust”, Alexandria Museum of Art. Holocaust currency was issued to create the façade that prisoners were being paid for their labor and treated well. The Nazis made it illegal for residents of the camps and ghettos to have hard currency and required that money be “exchanged” for scrip. In reality, the scrip was worthless Nazi propaganda as there was nothing for prisoners to buy inside the camps, and it had no value outside the camps. This collection of rare artifacts of Shreveport, Louisiana coin collector and money historian, Charlton E. Meyer Jr., is the most comprehensive collection of Holocaust scrip in the U.S. The money in this collection is, in some cases, the only reminder we have of people erased from our world during World War II. The currencies of the Nazi ghettos silently embody the tragedy, depravity, horror, hope and salvation of the time. This exhibition is traveled by Holocaust Museum Houston. Presented as part of our nation’s April 2013 annual Days of Remembrance commemoration of the Holocaust, in conjunction with community observance and remembrance activities in cooperation with B’Nai Israel Synagogue, Central Louisiana United Jewish Communities, Central Louisiana Ministers Association, Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim and Emmanuel Baptist Church.
March 22: Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, Hearn Stage, 7p.m. This movie tells the story of the journey by filmmaker Sharon LaCruise, to unravel the life of a forgotten civil rights activist named Daisy Bates. Made possible through a grant from South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cost: $5. Call Matt Henry: 443-4718.
March 22-23: LSUA Arts on the Greene, LSUA Campus, Noon-6:30p.m. Sponsored by Arts, English and Humanities Department. Arts and entertainment appropriate for the whole family. Cost: Admission free. Call Jeremy Simmons: 473-6581.
Dance
March 15: Tenth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dance, England Airpark Community Center, 7-11p.m. Sponsored by The Extra Mile. Casual dress, come and dance to the band Knight Train. Cost: $150 table of 10, $120 table of 8, $35 couple, $25 individual. Call The Extra Mile: 484-6575.
Music
March 15: Youth Art Month: Teen Open Mic Night, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6–8pm. Celebrate Youth Art Month in March and share your creative talents! Come join us on for the Muse’s Youth Open Mic Night, kicking off the 2nd Annual Youth Art Month Festival at the Alexandria Museum of Art. Open to all young musicians to show off their musical talents and meet new people! Guitarists, vocalists, musical groups, and other performers are welcome. Grab your instruments and head to AMoA! Performers should sign up in advance. The Muse is an arts club created by teens for teens. Follow us on Facebook by liking The Muse: The Alexandria Museum of Art Teens. Cost: Free. Call Cindy Blair at (318) 443-3458.
March 16: Influenced & Inspired, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Featuring guest Conductor Francesco Lentini. Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting the office. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469. www.rapidessymphony.org
April 5: DownTown Rocks, On the Steps of City Hall, 6-8p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. April 5: Papa’s Axe, April 12: Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha-chas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5225.
Theatre
March 21-23: Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure ala Commedia dell’Arte, LSUA Campus under the stars, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Empty Space Players of LSUA. Free and appropriate for the entire family. William Shakespeare’s comedy, Measure for Measure in Italian Improvisational style. Bring snacks, lawn chairs, blankets and insect repellant. Cost: Admission free. Call Dr. Rhonda Shook: 473-6573.
April 4-5: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Other Classical Favorites, Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Be on the lookout for forest creatures, a damsel in distress, assorted dwarfs and more at the Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts Center. The Company dancers will present excerpts from classical ballets such as La Sylphide and Paquita during the second act of each performance. Cost: Adults $15.00, Seniors $12.00, Students $8.00 or a Family pack of 4 (2 adults/2 children) $30.00. Call: 792-1699. www.redriverdance.org
Events
Ongoing Tue.-Sat.: Inglewood Farm Harvest Market, Inglewood Farm Harvest Barn, 3-7p.m. Tues., 9a.m.-6p.m. Sat. Delicious, nutritious organic fruits, vegetables, pork, forage-fed eggs and all natural pecans are locally grown and fairly priced. A showcase for Inglewood products and other local products. Slow down your day with a short trip to our market and stock up on healthy food for your family. Cost: Admission free. Call Keenan McDonald: 442-6398.
March 9: Taking It 2 the Street, Downtown Alexandria, 10a.m. Sponsored by Capitol One Bank, Sayes Office Supply and the Estate Planning LawCenter. Free walking tour of Alexandria’s cultural district guided by local media celebrities and features performances by local entertainers along the route. Tour begins at the Alexandria Museum of Art. Cost: Admission free. Call Rich Joyce: 445-1234 ext. 242.
March 9: TBIPAC Spring BBQ Throwdown and Trade Days, Paragon Casino Resort, 8a.m.-5p.m. IBCA BBQ Contest $150 entry fee. Booth for Trade Days $50 fee. Cost: Admission free. Call Amy Sampson: 240-6414.
March 11: 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. 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.
March 11: Look Good…Feel Better, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 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 12: Cancer Survivor Breakfast, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 8 a.m. All cancer survivors and individuals currently in treatment are invited to the annual Rapides Relay For Life Cancer Survivor Breakfast. Registration also will be available for the April 12th Relay For Life to take place at Holy Savior Menard High School. The breakfast is sponsored by the Alexandria Mall and Chick-fil-A. Call Rapides Cancer Center: 769-7258 or Hematology Oncology Life Center: 442-2232.
March 12: Sibling Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. This class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10 per family. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 13: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00am-Noon. 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. Reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.
March 14, 21, 28: Poison Prevention, Woodworth Senior Center, 10:45 a.m. March 17-23 is Poison Prevention Week and the Rapides Senior Citizens Centers have partnered with Rapides Regional Medical Center to provide information about preventing accidental poisoning, prescription medication errors and to provide participants with the resources to seek help in the case potential poisonings. RSCC provides health and wellness education and activities to senior citizens in 17 Senior Citizens Centers throughout Rapides Parish. March 14: Woodworth Senior Center; March 21: Ball Senior Center; March 28: Seiper Senior Center. Call Rapides Seniors Citizens Centers: (318) 487-1561.
March 15: Wear Blue Day, Rapides Regional Medical Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RRMC encourages the community to wear blue today as part of the Colon Cancer Alliance’s National Dress in Blue Day activities to help mark March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but if detected early, it is highly treatable. Aan informational table in the main hospital will be staffed and FIT screening kits will be available for those who qualify through the Cancer Screening Project sponsored by The Rapides Foundation. Call: 767-3027. www.cmaprx.org
March 16: Youth Art Month Festival, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9:00am–1:00pm. March is Youth Art Month (YAM). Alexandria Museum of Art celebrates and supports the creativity of our youth with a festival that will feature art from local students, hands on art activities, and food vendors. During the festival, join us for YAM Fest Street Art Workshop by artist Rex Dingler (NOLA Rising!), where you can tag, stencil, paint murals, and maybe even create public art from moss! Cost: Free. Call Cindy Blair: 443-3458.
March 16: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 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: 877-801-8441.
March 16: Avoyelles Fire Safety Day, Paragon Casino Resort, 9:00am to 12:00pm. The Avoyelles the Annual Fire Safety Day Fire extinguishers will be given free of charge to the first 175 people who attend with a special appearance from “Sparky the Fire Dog”. The distribution of the fire extinguishers will be limited to one per household and to residents of Avoyelles Parish only. Attendees must present a valid identification card in order to attend. Call Jerry Bordelon: 318-359-1496. Cost: Free.
March 16: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This class is designed especially for expecting couples from early pregnancy through the delivery process. All classes are taught by certified childbirth educators. Please pre-register. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 16: The Courtship of Two Doctors Book Signing, Books-A-Million, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Martha Holoubek Fitzgerald will sign her most recent book, The Courtship of Two Doctors: A 1930s Love Story of Letters, Hope & Healing. The book draws on nearly 800 courtship letters written in the 1930s by Fitzgerald’s parents: Alice Baker of Alexandria, a Bolton High School graduate and daughter of a Veterans Hospital physician; and Joe Holoubek of Nebraska. They met as medical students and corresponded across 1,100 miles before their marriage in Alexandria in 1939. Proceeds from book sales benefit LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport.
March 16: Hard Hats and High Heels Bash, AlexandriaRiverfrontCenter, 7p.m. Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. Presented by Red River Bank, the event will feature musical entertainment by Harmon Drew Super Group, heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, auction and dancing. Specialty cocktails and auction preview begins at 6:30p.m. Cost: $40. Call Connie Cooper: 448-1921.
March 18: 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: (318) 769-7200.
March 18: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. 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: 877-801-8441.
March 19: Feast of St. Joseph’s Altar, St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Cottonport, 12:00pm to 2:00pm. The feast will be held at St. Mary’s Community Center (CYO) with a noon blessing. Fellowship and distribution of the foods will follow. Cost: Free.
March 21: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 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. Please pre-register. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
March 21: Better Breathers Club, Rapides Health and Lifestyles Center, 12:00noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers the American Lung Association’s “Better Breathers Club” for patients with chronic lung disease. This is the only Better Breathers Club in Central Louisiana. The meetings will include guest speakers and a chance to ask questions of your own. Lunch is provided. Please pre-register. Call: (318) 769-3776.
March 21: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30 p.m. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 21: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6p.m. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
March 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
March 23: Helicopter Easter Egg Drop, Tioga High School Football Stadium, 9:00am. There will be over 10,000 eggs, several grand prizes, the Easter bunny, live music, huge jumpers and concessions at this event, open to Ages 0-12 years. Please register kids ASAP. The event is limited to the first 1,000 kids. Sponsored by Journey Church. Cost: Free. www.jceggdrop.com
March 23: Arts & Healthcare 7th Annual Follies and Art Exhibit, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc., National Arts Program and BancorpSouth. Features local healthcare professionals performing onstage and exhibiting over 100 pieces of original art. Mistress of Ceremonies will be ventriloquist, Dee Ann Bass. Proceeds to help continue healing arts programs in local healthcare facilities. Open to the public. Cost: $50 patron ticket which includes reserved seating and patron party, $10 general admission. Call Judy Ginsburgh: 769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org
March 23: Bark For Life, Kees Park in Pineville, 9 a.m. The first American Cancer Society Bark for Life will be held at Kees Park in Pineville. Consider this a Relay For Dogs. This carnival-like event will include costume contests, owner/pet look-a-like contest, dog talent shows and other activities. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Cost: $20 registration fee. Call the American Cancer Society: 433-5817.
March 25: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 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.
March 25: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 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.
March 26: Diabetes Screening Day, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Held in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association’s annual Alert Day, participants will fill out a short survey, have their blood pressure and glucose measured, as well as height and weight assessments to calculate their BMI. Educational and nutritional information also will be available. No appointment is needed. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3445.
March 27: Safe Sitter Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center Education Dept, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For boys and girls ages 11 to 13. Learn the basic skills you need 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. Cost: $40 (includes lunch and supplies). Call: 769-3445.
March 30: Doctors’ Day. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center as it salutes its medical staff on National Doctors’ Day. In 1990, President George H. Bush signed legislation designating March 30th as “National Doctor’s Day.”
April 2 – May 7: Grief Link, Westside Regional Library. A six week support group open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Cost: Free. Call: CHRISTUS Hospice and Palliative Care: 318-448-6764.
April 9: Annual Jewish Temple Corned Beef Lunch Sale, Jewish Temple, 2021 Turner St., 11a.m.-1p.m. Corned beef lunch includes corned beef sandwich on rye, chips, coleslaw and a pickle. Pick up, eat in or delivery for 10 or more lunches. Tickets available from any Temple member or by calling the Temple. Please purchase tickets in advance as we may sell out before the day of sale. Cost: $7. Call the Temple: 445-3655.
Sports
March 9: Red River Run, Downtown Alexandria, 8:30a.m. Sponsored by Red River Run. 15th anniversary of the Red River Run 10K Road Race. Cost: $30. Call Bart Jones: 443-3311.
March 11-16: 2013 Coca-Cola/Wal-Mart Open, Oakwing Golf Club, time: TBA. Sponsored by Adams Golf Pro Tour and Children’s Miracle Network. Alexandria will host the golf tournament. Approximately 150 professional golfers will participate. Spectators are welcome. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
March 12: Hixson Ford Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Oakwing Golf Club, time: assigned tee times. Sponsored by Hixson Ford and Children’s Miracle Network. A golf tournament fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. Each team will play with a professional golfer from Adams Golf Pro Tour. Tee times will be assigned. Golfers will receive invitations to the Pro-Am Golf Party on March 11 and the Pro-Am Awards Party on March 14. Cost: $1000 per team of three amateurs and one professional golfer. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
March 15: Free Kids Golf Clinic – Adams Golf Pro Tour, Oakwing Golf Club, 5p.m. Sponsored by Adams Golf Pro Tour and Children’s Miracle Network. The Junior Golf Clinic is an opportunity for area youth to swing with the pros. Available to kids between the ages of 7 and 17. Participants must bring their own golf clubs. Cost: Admission free. Call Craig Campo: 561-0260.
April 2, 9: Yoga in the Gallery, 3rd floor Gallery, AMoA, 5:30-6:30p.m. Sponsored by AlexandriaMuseum of Art. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with 14 years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all levels incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Made possible by a grant from Rapides Foundation. Cost: Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
April 2-27: YMCA Boot-Camp, 1831 Turner St., 5a.m. Tue., Thur. and Fri. Feel great, get fit and have fun! A non-traditional way to get in shape and feel great. A total body workout for all fitness levels. Drills will include core training, running, strength training and agility drills. Each participant will receive a t-shirt at the conclusion of the camp. Cost: $100 members, $110 non-members. Call: 487-4722 or 445-8261. www.ymcacenla.com.
April 5: Light Up The Night 5K, Rapides Cancer Center, 6 p.m. This 3.1-mile race begins and ends at the Rapides Cancer Center on the campus of Rapides Regional Medical Center. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Cost: $25 (includes an event extreme-tek T-shirt); $30 after noon on March 26th. You may register online at www.active.com, or visit www.rapidesregional.com for an entry form. The deadline to register online is Thursday, April 4th.
April 6: 3rd Annual Run for the Hills 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Louisiana Athletic Club, Pineville, 8a.m. Sign up at www.Louisianaathleticclub.com. Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members. Call Ronnie Schwartz: 487-1000.
April 6: Bass Tournament Presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim South Tire & Propane, Grand Ecore Landing, Red River, Natchitoches, time: safe daylight. Sponsored by CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation & Children’s Miracle Network. Fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. First place winner guaranteed $5,000 with additional 14 cash paid prizes based on 100 boat entries. Cost: $150 per boat, 2-person team. Call Randy Despino: 445-4561 or 447-0102.
