Arts
May 4-28: Gallery One Ellleven Spring Group Exhibit, Gallery One Ellleven, 111 Third St., Leesville, Wed.-Fri. 11a.m.-4p.m., Sat. 11a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven. Group exhibit of Artist Members of Gallery One Ellleven to coincide with the MAYFEST celebration. Traditional and contemporary art and sculpture. Event reception May 6 at 7p.m. Cost: Admission free. Contact: [email protected].
May 5-6: MAYFEST, Leesville Main Street District, time: TBA. Sponsored by Gallery One Ellleven, Vernon Parish Tourism and Vernon Arts Council. One of the last free music, art and food festivals in Louisiana. New interactive children’s art area, art, crafts and live performances. Cost: Admission free. Call Vernon Parish Tourism Commission: 337-238-0783.
May 13: Opening Reception for Exhibits: “Copley to Warhol: 250 Years of American Art Celebrating the Centennial of New Orleans Museum of Art,” plus “LSUA Faculty & Friends” and “George Rodrigue Foundation 2011 Art Contest,” Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Cost: Admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
May 21: Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, 1330 Main St., 6p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Fundraiser benefitting River Oaks. Men of the community prepare their special recipes for tasting. Cost: Call for ticket information. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 28: Fleur de Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show, Natchitoches Events Center, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Fleur de Lis Arts and Crafts Shows. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items at this indoor show. One hundred booths will offer items such as jewelry, children’s clothing, mosaics, soaps, birdhouses, ironwork, jellies, pecans, photography and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
June 3: Exhibit Reception, 1330 Main St., 5-7p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Exhibit featuring artists Lynn Sanders, Veretta Garrison Moller and Janet Ahrens and Friends. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Music
May 3: Songs of America, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Red River Chorale. Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors. Call Red River Chorale: 484-4463.
Theatre
May 20-22 and 27-29: CPP Presents “The Subject was Roses,” Hearn Stage, Fri.-Sat. 7:30p.m. Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by City Park Players. Ed Reed directs the Pulitzer Prize winning drama about changes in a family brought about by the passage of time and the experiences of war as written by Frank D. Gilroy. Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
May 21: Auditions for Willie Wonka, Lagniappe Theatre Company, 7:00pm. seeking Second Graders through Adult actors to fill the roles. Also anyone interested in helping on the technical side or backstage is welcome to contact Lagniappe! Please have a monologue prepared for the audition. Call: 48-STAGE.
May 23 and 28: Auditions for Ain’t Misbehavin’, Hearn Stage, Mon. 5:30p.m., Sat. 12p.m. Sponsored by City Park Players. Auditions for musical which will be presented in July. Cost: Admission free. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
May 31-June 26: Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum (aka Jack and the Beanstalk), 2700 Lee St., weekdays 8a.m.-12p.m. Sponsored by Family Playhouse. Grades K-3, tuition assistance available. All day care available at additional charge. Performance dates: June 24-26. Cost: $250 tuition, $25 per family registration fee. Call Lisa Rozas: 442-6500.
May 31-June 26: Law & Order: Nursery Rhyme Unit, 2700 Lee St., weekdays 1-5p.m. Sponsored by Family Playhouse. Grades 4-8, tuition assistance available. All day care available at additional charge. Performance dates: June 24-26. Cost: $250 tuition, $25 per family registration fee. Call Lisa Rozas: 442-6500.
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: Louisiana History Museum Historical Exhibit, Louisiana History Museum, Tue.-Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by Louisiana History Museum. Alexandria’s best kept secret. Come take the hour and a half tour and explore the history of Louisiana. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-8556.
May 6-7: 18th Annual Arna Bontemps African American Heritage Quiz Bowl, LSUA Campus, Coughlin Auditorium, 9a.m.-5:30p.m. Sponsored by Arna Bontemps African American Museum, LSUA Multicultural Affairs Committee and City of Alexandria. Open to teams of three, Division One: grades 3-5, Division Two: grades 6-8 and Division Three grades 9-12. Prizes awarded include U.S. Savings Bonds. Please call the museum for registration information. Cost: Admission free. Call Renisha Beaudion: 473-4692.
May 6: ACS Relay for Life – Rapides Regional Medical Center’s “Club Rapides,” Menard High School football field, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center travels back to the 80s with this decade-inspired “karaoke and dance club” tent – where $1 gets you your favorite song or a shot at the karaoke spotlight. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Call: 769-7200.
May 7: Breastfeeding Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s and Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:00am – 1:00pm. The Breastfeeding 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.
May 7: One Day Breastfeeding Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Medical Terrace, Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this class is taught by lactation educator 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: Free. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com
May 7: Wild Side of the Arts, Alexandria Zoo, 10a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Learn about animals at this wild arts festival featuring performing arts throughout the zoo. Many interactive art stations for kids, and an art show and sale featuring local and regional artists. Concessions available. Artists may get additional information for the show/sale by visiting the zoo’s website. Cost: Regular zoo admission. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 441-6810. www.thealexandriazoo.com
May 7: Circle of Support, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, noon. Patients, survivors and caregivers of any cancer diagnosis are welcome. The purpose of this group is to provide support and education. Call Janet Bonnette: 318-466-6074.
May 7: Mother’s Day Gift Making, TREE House Children’s Museum, 2:00pm. Cost: $4. Call: 619-9394. www.kidstreehouse.org
May 9: 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: The Birds of La, with Roger Breedlove. 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 9: Look Good, Feel Better, Cascade Room, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 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. Cost: Free. Call: 800-ACS-2345.
May 9: Juvenile Diabetes Support & Activity Group, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. The Juvenile Diabetes Support & Activity Group will support children with diabetes (Type 1) and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call Shelly Barton: 318-448-4964 or E-mail: [email protected].
May 9: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Regional Medical Center Medical Terrace, Gallery 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. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com
May 10: Senior Lifestyles Heart Health, Rapides Parish Senior Citizens’ Center, Wilda, 75 St. Clair Road, Boyce, 10:30 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center teams up with Rapides Senior Citizens Centers to offer on-site health screenings and information on heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. Ccall Rapides Senior Citizens’ Centers: 487-1561 or Rapides Regional Medical Center: 769-3512.
May 10: Sibling Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 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.
May 10: 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: Re-entry Job Fair, Alexandria Convention Hall, 8a.m.-12p.m. Sponsored by Re-Entry Solutions and Louisiana Workforce Commission. All people looking for a job, please (if you have one) bring a laptop computer with wireless connection. You may have to apply for a job online. Cost: admission free. Call Victor Carstarphen or Dara Antee: 443-0189 or 767-6044.
May 12: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrance 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. The course is taught by Sandy Couvillon, Registered Dietitian and Amie Starks, Registered Nurse. Cost: Free.
May 12: ALS Support Group, Gallery Room, second floor RRMC Medical Terrace Building, 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. 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: Louisiana Dragon Boat Races & Second Saturday Market, Red River Bank between Alexandria Museum of Art and the Downtown Amphitheatre, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Local art and food market, plus fun, family friendly community event to benefit AMoA. For information on becoming a Dragon Boat Team (22 per boat) call or visit www.themuseum.org. Cost: Admission free for spectators and market shoppers. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
May 14: Bug Day, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-12p.m. Sponsored by USDA Forest Service and Kent Plantation House. A variety of bug related activities are planned. Cost: Admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
May 14: Prepared Childbirth Class (One Day), RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. This 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. Cost: Free. Call: 877-801-8441.
May 14: Science Saturday: Dry Ice, TREE House Children’s Museum, 2:00pm. Cost: $4. Call: 619-9394. www.kidstreehouse.org
May 16: Rapides Cancer Center 25th Anniversary Reunion, Cascade Room, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Rapides Cancer Center by hosting a reunion for all former Cancer Center patients. This event will take the place of the Cancer Support Group meeting in May. Call: 769-7200.
May 17: Happiest Baby On The Block, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This 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: 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. Call Pam Hataway: 448-6970 or Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 20-22: 16th Annual Tunica Biloxi Pow Wow Celebration, Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite Pow Wow Grounds on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation. Native American dancers and artisans from across the nation will gather for the 16th annual Pow Wow celebration featuring authentic dance, chant, drums, singing and Memphis artist Butch Mudbone. Cost: $5 adults; $3 seniors; $2 children under 5. Call: (800) 946-1946. www.tunicapowwow.org
May 20: Senior Olympic Games “Health and Fitness Day”, Rapides Parish Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, 7:30 a.m.-Noon. 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: Habitat Home Build – Clean Home Interior and Work Site, 106 CL Bradford, Pineville, 8a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Habitat for Humanity. Must be 17 years old to work on a construction site and 18 to operate power tools. All volunteers must complete and submit a volunteer form, which can be downloaded at www.habitat4humanity.us. No experience necessary, training provided on site. Must pre-register. Cost: Admission free. Call Connie R. Cooper, Executive Director: 449-9804.
May 21: 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.
May 21: Armed Forces Day, TREE House Children’s Museum, 2:00pm. Cost: $4. Call: 619-9394. www.kidstreehouse.org
May 22: Introduction to Zen Practice, Unitarian Fellowship, 2:00pm. Zen Fellowship of Alexandria will present an Introduction to Zen Practice that will include a brief overview of Zen practice with instruction on seated meditation to follow. An open mind and comfortable clothes for sitting on floor cushions are the only requirements. Anyone who has physical limitations and cannot sit on the floor may use a chair. E-mail: [email protected].
May 23: 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.
May 23: 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 25: 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 encourages you to relax and enjoy Store it Right – Home Food Preservation presented by retired Home Economist, Lou Altazan-Brown.. Cost: Free Admission; $6.00 (for optional lunch). Pre-registration is required. Call: 767-3969. E-mail: [email protected].
May 26: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6 p.m. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
May 28: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st Floor Conference Room, 9:00am. Please pre-register. Call: 448-4900.
May 28-August 6: Zoo Cubs, Alexandria Zoo, every Saturday 9:30-11:30a.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Pre-school ages 4-5 can enjoy story time, crafts, refreshments, a special animal encounter, train ride and visit the zoo. Each class follows a different animal theme. Pre-registration required. Cost: $15 non-members, $12 FOTAZ members. Call Lee Ann Whitt: 441-6810. www.thealexandriazoo.com
May 28: Eat Lunch With A Fireman, TREE House Children’s Museum, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Call: 619-9394. www.kidstreehouse.org
May 31- August: YWCA Summer Day Camp, 5912 James St., 7a.m.-6p.m. Sponsored by YWCA. Cost: $55 registration and membership fee, $50 activity fee, $80 per week with $5 discount per child. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
June 3: NAUW Ebony Pageant, Alexandria Convention Hall, 7p.m. Sponsored by NAUW-Alexandria Branch. Contestants’ ages pre-school through 12th grade. Cost: $5. Call Paulette Perry: 792-4892 or 442-5041.
Sports
May 13-14: LHSAA B&C State Baseball Tournament, Bringhurst. Sponsored by LHSAA. Call Alfred Rachal: 451-0374.
May 21: 2nd Annual ALBC/LSUA Scholarship Bass Tournament on the Red, Red River Park, Colfax, 5a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs (ALBC) and LSUA. Food and drinks provided with cash prizes for contestant teams. Cost: $150 per team. Call Larry Williams: 729-6341 or LSUA: 473-6540.
