Arts
Ongoing – May: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare proudly presents our monthly art exhibits at area hospitals and clinics. Exhibits are currently showing: Paint, Paper, & Pieces by Barry L. Owen at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; The Face of Nursing at RRMC—a photographic exhibit at Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery; and Nature by the Photographers Guild of Central Louisiana at OSMS Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
May 7-July 9: Photographer’s Guild Exhibit, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tue.-Fri- 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Free opening reception on May 7, 6:30-8:30p.m. Cost: $4 adults, $3 students, seniors and military, $3 children 4-13, and under 4 free. Call: 443-3458.
May 7-July 9: Faculty and Friends Invitational Exhibit, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tue.-Fri- 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Free opening reception on May 7, 6:30-8:30p.m. Cost: $4 adults, $3 students, seniors and military, $3 children 4-13, and under 4 free. Call: 443-3458.
June 2-July 3: Doug Stannard, Joey Governale and Chris King, Gallery One Ellleven, 111 3rd St., Leesville, Wed.-Fri. 11a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven. Reception for artists on June 5, 6p.m. Cost: Admission free. Contact Tony McDonald: [email protected].
June 2-11: Lilly Oncology on Canvas Exhibition, Christus Cabrini Cancer Center, 8a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by Lilly Oncology and Cabrini Cancer Center. Honors the journey of those whose lives have been affected by cancer. Stories told through art and narrative with the wish of providing hope and inspiration to others. Cost: Admission free. Call Janet Bonnette: 466-6074.
Dance
June 5: First Saturday Cajun Dance, 5290 England Drive, 6:30-10:30p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Moose Lodge. Cajun dance lessons from 6:30-7p.m. Music provided by Briggs Brown and the Bayou Cajuns. Cost: $10 per person. Call Wayne King: 448-1832.
Music
June 5: Jamboree in the Pines, Deville, 7p.m. Outdoor show held first Saturday night of every month. Cost: Admission free. Call C.C. Edwards: 446-5461 or 446-5671.
Theatre
May 21-23: Smoke on the Mountain, Pineville High School Auditorium, Fri.- Sat. 7p.m. and Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. The Country, gospel, musical-comedy smash is back by popular demand. The same great cast, the same wonderful music and the laughs that kept you rolling. You’ll pay for the whole seat, put only need the edge. Cost: $10-$15. Call: 48-STAGE.
May 24-June 11: Lagniappe Summer Theatre Day Camp, Alexandria Mall, 1-5p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Week long, high powered performing arts day camps for ages 5 and up. Students perform production at end of week. Cost: $200. Call: 48-STAGE.
Events
Ongoing – May: Census Awareness, Nationwide. Sponsored by United States Census Bureau. Please be counted, it’s so important to our community. Call Danielle Edwards: 337-804-2418. www.census.gov/2010census.
Ongoing (every Tuesday and Friday): Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Tuesdays and 8:30-9:30a.m. Fridays. Sponsored by AMoA. Enjoy practicing Yoga with Joan Manuel and Leigh Collins in the serene setting of our 3rd floor gallery. Cost: $80 for 10 classes $60 for AMoA members, $10 for drop-ins. Call: 443-3458.
May 6: Summer Splash Fair, Alexandria Mall, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services and the Alexandria Mall. Showcase of agencies who host summer activities. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5228.
May 7-8: 15th Annual Bontemps African American Heritage Quiz Bowl, LSUA Campus, 9a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by Arna Bontemps African American Museum. To learn more about African American heritage, and more about the legacy of Arna Wendell Bontemps, sponsor a team; coach a team; get involved in the Quiz Bowl. Cost: $100 team registration. Call Dessie Williams: 473-6473 or 473-4692.
May 7: Milky Way Gala and Silent Auction, Loyd Hall Plantation, 7:00pm. All proceeds benefit the Central Louisiana Breastfeeding Coalition, which in turn benefit the mothers and babies of Central Louisiana. Cocktail attire event. DJ, dancing, heavy hors dourves. Cost: $40 or $500 Table for 8. Call: 318-451-1929.
May 8, 15 and 22: First Aid with Adult, Infant and Child CPR, Central Louisiana Red Cross Office, 8a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Central Louisiana Red Cross. Cost: $30. Call Susan Singleton: 442-6621 ext. 211.
May 8: Going Buggy at Kent House- 3rd Annual Bug Day, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House, USDA Forest Service and LSU Ag Center. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-5998.
May 8: Central Louisiana Herb Society Meeting, Power Center, 10:00am – 12:00noon. Each month a different country and herb are highlighted in “Herbs Around the World”. Come enjoy opportunities to win a door prize, listen to presentations, and sample delicious herb refreshments! Members receive a plant each month. Guests are welcome and non-members may purchase plants for $2.00 each. Call Stacy Blomquist: 318-640-7149. www.cenlaherbsociety.com.
May 8: Fitness, Food and Fun!, TREE House Children’s Museum, 2:00pm. Modern Woodmen’s health program Fitness, Food and Fun, offers a variety of learning opportunities so children can experience the benefits of physical activity and better nutrition choices. Each child will receive a jump rope and a bookmark to help reinforce healthy behaviors. The program is one of six free Youth Educational Programs Modern Woodmen offers to schools and youth groups nationwide. We’re doing our part, right here at the Tree House! Hope to see you on Fitness, Food and Fun Day! Don’t miss! Call: 318-619-9394.
May 10: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 10am-11:30am. This is an on-going support group for men and women whose spouse has died. Our speakers will be Rebecca Smith and Brenda Downs from John Ward Interiors. 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.
May 10: MOMS Club Meeting, First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, 10:00 a.m. This is an international, non-profit organization that provides support to stay at home moms in the Alexandria/Pineville area. Children are welcome. Contact: [email protected].
May 10: Look Good, Feel Better, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 12:00noon. 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 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. Cost: Free. Call: 800-ACS-2345.
May 10 and 13: First Time Home Buyers Course, Public Safety Complex, 5-9p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Provides information on the home ownership process. Details the entire process from determining if you are ready for a home to closing on a home loan. Both classes must be attended. Cost: Admission free. Call Rodney Smetak: 918-8259 or Krystal Johnson: 449-5108.
May 11: 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].
May 11: Sibling Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. his class is a fun, interactive class designed specifically for young siblings who are expecting a new baby in the home. Cost: $10/family. Call: 448-6970.
May 12 – June 30: Tai Chi Class, Power Center, 4:00pm – 5:00pm. This eight-week class will meet each Wednesday and will focus on “Meditation in Motion” and is open to new and returning students alike. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $75 (includes workbook). Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970.
May 13: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Trellis Room, 9:00a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Program for adults with newly diagnosed diabetes and those needing a refresher course in diabetes management. No physician referral required. Taught by registered dietitian and registered nurse. Space is limited. Cost: Admission free. Call: 887-801-8441 or www.rapidesregional.com.
May 13: 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.
May 14 – 17: 15th Annual Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite Pow Wow Grounds. Open to the general public, the Pow Wow features traditional singers and dancers in magnificent regalia will gather in a large dance circle that represents the circle of life and the ever-constant evolution of native culture. Grand Entries will be held throughout the three-day event. Selected as one of the top festivals in the state, the event has categories of Native American dance and drum competitions that are popular features of the pow wows across America. Guests will enjoy not only the performance but a wide variety of art, crafts and food unique to this event. Featured performers will include Aztec dancers: Cuicani in Xochitl and Tunica-Biloxi Singers & Legend Keepers. Cost: $5.00 adults; $3.00 seniors; $2.00 children. Call: 800-946-1946. www.tunicapowwow.org.
May 14-15: Scrappin’ for Babies, Kees Park Community Center, 5:00pm – midnight (Friday), 9:00am – 8:00pm (Saturday). Registration reserves your table for 18 hours and includes four meals, snacks and door prizes. Vendors will be on hand. All proceeds benefit March of Dimes. Seating is limited; pre-registration is required. Cost: $75. Call Stephanie Kidd: 792-6982 or Denise Cross: 769-7569.
May 15: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 2nd floor, 9a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Certified childbirth instructor helps prepare couples for actual delivery. A tour of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital and light lunch will be provided. Cost: $30 per family, waived if delivering at RW&CH. Call: 887-801-8441 or www.rapidesregional.com.
May 15: Childbirth Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 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. Cost: $30.
May 15: Family Fun Day, Bringhurst Park, 10:00am – 6:00pm. Join the Family Counseling Agency for a fun-filled day to celebrate family and friends, and to help support the programs offered by the Family Counseling Agency. The day include a yard sale, silent auction, games for children, sack races, jumpers & slides, great food, entertainment and more. Call: 318-448-0284.
May 16-19: Avoyelles Council on Aging Branson Trip, Branson, Missouri. Sponsored by Avoyelles Council on Aging-Avoyelles Senior Group. Package includes four shows, motor coach transportation, three dinners, three breakfasts, lodging at Lodge of Ozarks and shopping trip to outlet malls. Cost: $499 double occupancy with $100 deposit ASAP. Call: 318-876-2236, 318-264-2679 or 318-305-3404.
May 16, June 2: La DSS Adoption and Foster Care Information Session, State Office Building, 900 Murray St, Alexandria, 6:00pm. There is a critical need in our area for certified foster and adoptive families. There are 393 children in our region in need of a safe, stable, nurturing environment. This information session will provide information on how families can make a real difference through caring and compassion for these deserving children. DSS invites everyone interested in learning more to attend. Cost: Free. Call DSS: 318-487-5921 or 800-814-1585 or www.dss.la.gov.
May 17: Cancer Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center’s Clinical Nutrition Manger Sandy Couvillon, MS, LDN, RN, will present, “Health and Healing Through Nutrition – Eat What’s Good for You!” A question and answer session will allow participants to receive more individualized information. 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. Pre-registration required. Call: 769-7200.
May 17: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 2nd floor, 6:30-8:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Certified childbirth instructor offers opportunity to practice breathing and relaxation techniques for labor and delivery. Bring a pillow. Support partner/father is encouraged to attend. Cost: $15, waived if delivering at RW&CH. Call: 887-801-8441 or www.rapidesregional.com.
May 18: Happiest Baby On The Block, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 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.
May 19: 2010 Women of Excellence Awards Gala, Baton Rouge Marriott, 7:00pm. The Women of Excellence Awards Gala recognizes and honors extraordinary women of outstanding professional excellence. This event is hosted by the women legislators of Louisiana. Guest speaker is Mignon Faget of Mignon Faget, Ltd. Cost: $100. Call: 225-342-0334.
May 20: 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. Our special guest speaker will be Paula Houston who works with Dr. Richard Zwieg in Shreveport at the Parkinson’s Center. We offer educational handouts and programs plus a chance to share with others. Lunch is provided by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 20: Movies in the Park, various locations, 6:00pm. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services and Fox 48. Popular movies will be shown in local parks. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and family out to enjoy the show! Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5108.
May 21: Senior Health and Fitness Day, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center will offer blood pressure and blood sugar screenings as well as a variety of other health information. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3512.
May 21: Workplace Safety with Adult CPR and AED, Central Louisiana Red Cross, 8:30a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Central Louisiana Red Cross. Cost: $50. Call Susan Singleton: 442-6621 ext. 211.
May 24-August 6: Summer Day Camp, YWCA, 7a.m.-6p.m. Sponsored by YWCA. Ages 4-13. Indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, fun field trips and daily swimming. Cost: $75 per week and registration fees. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
May 24-August 6: Swim Lessons, YWCA, times vary. Sponsored by YWCA. Cost: $65 for level 1 and $75 for level 2 and up. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
May 24: 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. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 24: 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.
May 24: Jazz Master Class / Workshop, Cenla Music, 6:00pm. Improv and Jazz Chord Concepts will be demonstrated including a live Jazz Band featuring Jazz Educator/Virtuoso Sutu Forte. Seating is limited; pre-registration is required. Sponsored by the Central La Association of Music Makers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-9010.
May 27: Tax Basics for Small Businesses, Cenla Chamber of Commerce, 8:00am. The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, will present a workshop on tax laws and incentives for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The presentation is designed to provide small business owners basic knowledge of federal tax laws. Specifically, the seminar will highlight tax cuts often overlooked or misunderstood, including energy tax credits featuring guest speaker, Krystal Brumfield. Pre-registration suggested. Call: 318- 484-2123.
May 27: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Gallery Room at RRMC, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: 800-644-9730.
June 3: AARP Driver Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace Auditorium, 8:30am. These one day, four-hour classes are open to those 50 and older. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Bring AARP membership card and check or money order payable to AARP to cover cost. Cost: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Call: 769-3106.
June 4-6: 6th Annual Opelousas Spice and Music Festival, Downtown Opelousas. This three-day celebration serves up an authentic Cajun & Zydeco experience though food, music and dance. The 2010 festival features performers such as Chris Ardoin, Geno Delafose, Pine Leaf Boys, Roddie Romero, Curley Taylor, Lil Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers, Step Rideau and more! Sponsored by the City of Opelousas. For more information, visit www.opelousasspiceandmusicfestival.com. Call: 800-424-5442.
June, July and August: Summer Safari, Alexandria Zoo. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. The wildest, week-long summer camp for children kindergarten through 8th grades. Animal encounters, crafts, visits with zoo staff, refreshments and more. Cost: TBA. Call Education Department: 441-6818 or www.thealexandriazoo.com.
June 1-30: Summer Day Camp, Martin Community Center, 8a.m.-3:30p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Educational and recreational activities, field trips and much more. Ages 6-12 invited. Cost: TBA. Call: 449-5228
June 1-30: Summer Day Camp, Bolton Avenue Community Center, 1-6p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Educational and recreational activities, field trips and much more. Ages 6-12 invited. Cost: TBA. Call: 449-5228.
June 3: AARP Drivers Safety Program, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 2nd floor, 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. Bring AARP membership card and check or money order payable to AARP to cover cost. Ages 50 and older. Cost: $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Call Karen Hathorn: 769-3106.
June 3: Cenla Coastal Conservation Association Banquet, Convention Hall, 5:30p.m. Sponsored by Cenla Chapter of CCA. Raffles, silent auction, live auction, great food and $10 bottomless cup. Come join your fishing buddies! Cost: $480 corporate tables, $90 couples, $60 adult and $25 youth. Call Robert Alexander: 715-8855.
June 5-6: CMN Telecast, Cabrini Hospital Outpatient Center. Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Telecast to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Cabrini Hospital. Money will also benefit children’s healthcare programs throughout Central Louisiana. Donors are encouraged to call. Cost: N/A. Call Jacqueline Wallace: 448-4952.
June 5: One Day Breastfeeding Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 2nd floor, 9a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Regional Medical Center. For women wanting to breastfeed their infants. Focuses on advantages, preparation and troubleshooting techniques. The support partner/father is welcome to attend. Light lunch provided. Cost: $30 per family, waived if delivering at RW&CH. Call: 887-801-8441 or www.rapidesregional.com.
June 9: Safe Sitter Class, 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; pre-registration is required. Cost: $40. Call: 769-3106.
Sports
May 7-8: 8 and Under Swim Meet, ASH Gym. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Swim Team (COAST). Call Wally Fall: 443-3688.
May 7-8: 4th Mom’s Day Classic Tourney, Johnny Downs Sports Complex. Sponsored by Cenla Baseball. Call Fred Ruggles: 730-9690.
May 8-9, 15-16 and 29-30: United States Fast-pitch Association, Alexandria Youth Complex. Sponsored by United States Fast-pitch Association. Call D.D. Edwards: 715-2256.
May 14-16: Class B&C State Baseball Tournament, Bringhurst. Sponsored by LHSAA B&C State Baseball. Call Alfred Rachal: 451-0374.
May 15: 5th Annual Mda Golf Tournament, Tamahka Trails Golf Club, 8:00am. Procedes from the 18-hole, 4-man scramble golf tournament will go towards sending children to MDA Summer Camp in Louisiana, as well as help continue valuable medical research to find a cure for this disease. Cost: $150/player; $500/team. Call Ava Hebert: 337-234-0088.
May 21-23: Senior Boxing Tournament, Ringside Fitness Center. Sponsored by Ringside Boxing. Call John Scott: 448-8644.
May 22-23: Racing Rapides Omnium, downtown Alexandria. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla, Inc. Cycling road race, time trail held in Boyce with race in downtown Alexandria. Call John Smith: 717-371-1149 or Stacey McMickens: 308-6146.
May 28-29: All-Star Baseball Tournament, Bringhurst. Sponsored by LHSCA-LA High School Coaches Association. Call Alfred Rachal: 473-1130.
May 29: CMN Fish for Kids Bass Tournament, Red River, Natchitoches. Sponsored by Children’s Miracle Network. 11th annual fishing tournament that is a fundraiser for CMN. Cash prizes are guaranteed to winners. Cost: $250 per boat/two person team. Call Cabrini Foundation: 448-4952.
June 5: Boys & Girls Clubs of Cenla Bass Tournament, Red River-Midway Marina, Daylight – 3:00pm. Catch and Release Tournament to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Louisiana featuring a guaranteed $5,000 1st place prize. Free food for all participants and door prizes will be awarded to participating fishermen. Cost: $150 per boat; $10 Big Bass. Call: 318-445-4561 or 318-447-0102.
June 5: We Walk Fitness, A.S.H. Stadium, 9a.m. Sponsored by We Walk Fitness. A program that takes the hard work out of exercising. First Saturday of every month. Cost: $25 registration. Call Jolynn Shaw: 308-7122 or www.wewalkfitness.websiteworks.com.
