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: Jeremy Simmons, art professor at LSUA at the Christus Cabrini Gallery for Reflection and Healing; Works by Earnest Green of Alexandria at the Cabrini Cancer Center; and Works by Artquest Studios at the Rapides Regional Medical Center Gallery. For more information on the exhibits, visit www.artsandhealthcare.org; or Call: 769-7602.
Ongoing-June 2: Will Henry Stevens Exhibition, 933 Second Street, Tues.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored byAlexandriaMuseum of Art. Cost: AMoA members free and general admission all others. Call Sara: 443-3458.
May 5: The Wild Side of the Arts, Alexandria Zoo, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Kids can create wild and crazy art at interactive stations throughout the zoo. An Art Show and Sale will feature the works of local and regional artists. Enjoy rocking music and art demonstrations throughout the day. Call: 441-6810.
May 5: Family Art Class: Monotype – Printing Dragons, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 10a.m.-Noon. Cost: AMoA members free; non-members $20 per family. Call Natalie: 443-3458 or [email protected]
May 19: Silk Painting as Community Builder, Alexandria Museum of Art, Art Room, 2nd floor, 1-4p.m. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc. and AMoA. JoinMassachusetts based fiber artist, Nancy Katz in a hands-on collaborative workshop using silk painting to create community art. Participants will be taken through a series of activities culminating in the creation of a communal wall hanging. Especially for artists and art educators. Cost: $20. Call Anne: 443-3458.
May 21: The Power of the Arts to Heal: Creating Healing Scarves, CabriniCancerCenter, 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc. andCHRISTUSCabriniCancerCenter. JoinMassachusetts based fiber artist, Nancy Katz in creating and painting a set of silk scarves forCHRISTUSCabriniCancerCenter. Stop by and paint. No experience necessary. Event made possible by a grant from the Roy O. Martin Foundation. Cost: Admission free. Call Janet Bonnette: 466-6074.
May 22: The Power of the Arts to Heal: Creating Healing Scarves, RapidesCancerCenter, 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc. andRapidesCancerCenter. JoinMassachusetts based fiber artist, Nancy Katz in creating and painting a set of silk scarves forRapidesCancerCenter. Stop by and paint. No experience necessary. Event made possible by a grant from the Roy O. Martin Foundation. Cost: Admission free. Call Karen Hathorn: 769-7150.
Dance
May 19: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Dance Recitals, Tioga High School Auditorium, 1p.m., 3p.m., 5p.m. and 7p.m. Dancers of all ages performing Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and more! Great family entertainment. Tickets on line at www.vickisdancecenters.com. Cost: $6. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
Music
May 5: “I Pagliacci”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. By popular demand, the RSO will close their season with a semi-staged opera, Lenocavallo’s I Pagliacci. Jealousy, love and murder are the driving forces behind this opera that has all the drama and melodrama that you expect from Italian opera. Cost: $50 family; $25 adult; $15 senior; $10 student. Call James Owens: 442-9709.
May 8: Choir on Stage: The Dramatic Roles of Chorus, First UnitedMethodistChurch,2727 Jackson St., 7:30p.m. Sponsored byRed River Chorale. The Red River Chorale closes its seventh season with a concert of music showcasing the role of the chorus in the world of opera. Cost: $10 adult; $5 student. Call Roy Rosenthal: 484-4463.
May 12: Kaminari Taiko of Houston, Downtown Amphitheatre, Noon. Sponsored by Arts Council ofCentral Louisiana. Combining rhythm, theatre and dance, Taiko drumming is an important Japanese tradition. This event is held in conjunction with the 2012 Dragon Boat Races. Cost: Admission free. Call: 443-4718.
May 17: Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy live music in a casual coffeehouse atmosphere in our café, where various local and regional musical guests join host, John Wakefield on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Theatre
May 3-6 and 10-13: CPP Presents Twelve Angry Jurors, Hearn Stage, 7:30p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:30p.m. Sun. Sponsored byCityPark Players. A play in three acts by Sherman L. Sergel. Adapted from the Television Show by Reginald Rose. Cost: $15 general; $12 seniors over 60; $7 student. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
May 7 and 12: Auditions for “Forever Plaid”, Hearn Stage, 5:30p.m. Mon., Noon Sat. Sponsored byCityPark Players. A musical of nostalgic hits from the 1950s. Need four male singers plus accompanists. Cost: Admission free. Call Jean Holliday: 484-4478.
May 19: Auditions for Annie, Lagniappe Theatre Office in Alexandria Mall, 12:00pm – 3:00pm. Open auditions for Lagniappe Theatre Group’s production of Annie. Ages 7+. Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
June 3: Auditions for Not Now Darling, Lagniappe Theatre Office in Alexandria Mall, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Open auditions for Lagniappe Theatre Group’s production of Not Now Darling. Ages 16+. Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
Events
Ongoing Tuesdays: Yoga in the Gallery, on the Red River behind theAlexandriaMuseum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Sponsored by AMoA with instructor B. Hedrick. Yoga Tao is an all-level opportunity incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Event made possible by a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Cost: Free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
May 4-5: American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Holy Savior Menard High School Track, 6p.m.-6 a.m. Join Rapides Cancer Center as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo a few hours early. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Call: (318) 769-7200.
May 5: Getting Buggy at Kent House, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-Noon. Sponsored byUSDAForest Service and Kent Plantation House. Come learn all about bugs! Good bugs, bad bugs, the bugs that help us, the bugs that can hurt us and everything in between. This family friendly event allows children to touch and learn about bugs with buggy snacks and crafts to take home as well. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-5998.
May 5: 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. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com
May 5: Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Outpatient Center 2nd Floor Board 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: 866-581-3627.
May 5: YMCA Poker Run, Renegade Harley Davidson, 9a.m. Sponsored by YMCA ofCentral Louisiana and Renegade Harley Davidson. Draw your first card at Renegade Harley Davidson and draw your next three cards on the road. Ride back to Renegade Harley Davidson for lunch and your fifth card. Prizes include free year membership to the YMCA of Central Louisiana, swim lessons and Renegade gift cards. Cost: $25 per motorcycle and $10 for passenger. Call Becky Stafford: 445-8261.
May 7, 14, 21, 28: Yoga Class, Power Center, 4-5:15pm. Come join us and de-stress your life! Wear comfortable clothing and bring yoga mat. If you have an eye pillow, blanket, block or strap, that is welcome, too. This class meets every Monday. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 7: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 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 unless it is a holiday. Pre-registration is required. Brown bag supper at 6 p.m. Check out our Face Book page: Bereaved Parents of Cenla. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 8: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Trellis Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 6 p.m. The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 769-7569.
May 8: Sibling Class, Cabrini Outpatient Center 2nd Floor Board 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 per family. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 10: Summer Splash, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by City ofAlexandria Division of Community Services and Alexandria Mall. A programs fair showcasing educational, recreational and youth programs for summer 2012. Entertainment and door prizes provided. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5108.
May 10-13: Cochon De Lait Festival, Mansura, time: varies. Sponsored by Mansura Chamber of Commerce. Arts and crafts booths, food booths, street dances on Friday and Saturday nights, parade, carnival, contests and a Cochon de Lait Dinner. Cost: TBA, street dances only. Call Nicky Bordelon: 964-2887.
May 11: Free FITBOX Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 6-7p.m. Master Rousseau’s Mother’s Day gift to Cenla for teens and ladies. Cost: Admission free. Call Carol Rousseau: 443-8066.
May 12: Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, on the Red River behind theAlexandriaMuseum of Art, 8a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Friends of theAlexandriaMuseum of Art. The AMoA is proud to bring this unique experience toCentral Louisiana for spectators of all ages. Join us for a day of fun, laughter, exciting racing on the water, delicious food, good art, and Arts Council Kaminari Taiko Concert and great entertainment for the whole family. Cost: Admission free. Call Natalie Walker: 443-3458.
May 12: Free Self Defense Seminar, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 10-11:30a.m. Mother’s Day gift to women and teens of our community. Participants receive tips and techniques in the event they are approached by an attacker. Cost: Admission free. Call Carol Rousseau: 443-8066.
May 12: Melrose Plantation Jazz Brunch, Melrose Plantation, 10:00am – 12:00pm. This delicious brunch event is held in honor of National Preservation Month and to celebrate the restoration of Yucca House. The brunch will showcase Chef Ben Fidelak and Maison Louisiane Catering and feature delights such as BBQ Shrimp & Smoked Gouda Grits with Banana’s Foster French Toast. Cost: $50. Call: 318-581-8042. www.aphnatchitoches.net
May 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. 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. For more information, please call 866-581-3627.
May 14: 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: 1-800-ACS-2345.
May 14-August 11: Group Swim Lessons, YMCA,1801 Turner St., 4-6:30p.m. Open to ages 6 months to adult. Babies must be accompanied by a parent. Cost: $45 members; $55 non-members. Call Becky Stafford: 445-8261.
May 14: Sweet & Low Diabetes Support Group, Cabrini Outpatient Center Conference Room 3A, 6:00pm. This month our special guest speaker will be Scott Cochran, Director, Louisiana Athletic Club. He will be speaking on exercise and programs that LAC offers for the summer and the benefits exercise provides to diabetic patients. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call: 866-581-3627. www.cabrini.org
May 15: Happiest Baby On The Block, Cabrini Outpatient Center 2ndn Floor Board Room, 6 p.m. – 8 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. Call: 866-581-36270.
May 17: LSUA Commencement, AlexandriaRiverfrontCenter, 10a.m. Call Laurie Tanner: 473-6444.
May 17: Parkinson’s Support Group, Power Center, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 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: 866-581-3627.
May 17: 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.
May 17: 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. Guest speaker will be Nancy Robinson, MD, Pathologist, Delta Pathology and she will be speaking on “Understanding Your Pathology Report for Breast Cancer Survivors.” Call: 866-581-3627.
May 17: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Louisiana Athletic Club Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 18: Senior Olympics 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 on the final day of the 2012 Central District Senior Olympic Games. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3445.
May 18-19: Love and Respect Video Conference, 5:30pm. St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda, LA will host a Love and Respect video conference. Saturday’s event kicks off at 7:00am with a conference breakfast. Cost: $15. Call Annie Green: 318-72-5657.
May 19: OLPS “Trek for Tech” Run, OLPS Campus, 420 21st St., 8a.m. Sponsored by Our Lady ofPromptSuccorSchool. All proceeds to benefit OPLS School Technology Fund. Additional registration info at www.promptsuccor.org. Cost: $25 for 5K and 1 Mile run; $10 for under 6 block run. Call Tonya Curcio: 449-9073 x 210.
May 19: 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. Call: 877-801-8441.
May 19: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Outpatient Center 2nd Floor Board 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. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-3627. www.cabrini.org
May 21: 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: 866-581-3627.
May 21: 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: 866-581-3627.
May 21: Cancer Support Group, Cascade Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 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.
May 21: Breathing & Relaxation (Comfort Techniques for Labor), Rapides Regional Medical Center, 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. Call: 877-801-8441. www.rapidesregional.com
May 24: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 6:00pm. Meetings include guest speakers and access to staff from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Call: (800) 644-9730.
May 25: Don’t Fry Day, Outside Courtyard Cafeteria at Rapides Regional Medical Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. To raise awareness about the dangers of sun cancer, Rapides Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society will be handing out sun-safety tips and will have a drawing for a free “Fun Sun Safety” basket. To find out more about “Don’t Fry Day” and other sun safety guidelines, go to www.rapidesregional.com.
May 26: Fleur De Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show, NatchitochesEventCenter, 9a.m.-5p.m. Artists and craftsman from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over a hundred booths will showcase jewelry, clothing, mosaics, soaps, lotions, birdhouses, jellies and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
May 26: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Outpatient Center 2nd Floor Board Room, 9:00am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 26: 3rd Annual Ferriday Soul Survivors Festival, Downtown Ferriday, 11:00am – 9:30pm. A celebration of African American contributions to the development of Boogie Woogie, Rockabilly and Rock & Roll music, including those who played at the famous Haney’s Big House, such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Irma Thomas. Special appearance by the Killer himself, Jerry Lee Lewis. Cost: Free. Call Tommy Polk: 601-431-6149.
May 26: Reader’s Theatre, 1403 3rd St., 2p.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Rapides Parish Library will join us for this program. Cost: $4 per person; under 2 free. Call Kara Edwards: 619-9394.
May 28 – June 1: Showstoppers Drama Camp, Lagniappe Theatre Building in the Alexandria Mall, 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Ages 16+. Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
May 29-August 16: YWCA Summer Day Camp, YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville, 7a.m.-6p.m. Designed for children 4-13 yrs. Weekly activities include games, arts and crafts, field trips, swimming and Friday Finales. Cost: $105 registration, membership and activity fees plus $80 weekly. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
May 29-August 10: YMCA Summer Day Camp, CityPark YMCA,1801 Sylvester St., 7a.m.-6p.m. Open to youth ages 5-14 offering recreational activities, arts and crafts and educational enrichment. Satellite feeding site for month of June. Cost: $25 registration free; $65 per child per week. Call Frederick McNeal: 449-4686.
June – July: YWCA Swimming Lessons, 5912 James St., mornings. For more info please visit www.ywcaalex.org. Cost: $65 level 1; $75 levels 2 and up. Call Marle Chapman: 442-3397.
June 1-3: AMAZE Journey Overnight Camp, Camp Bon Temps in Breaux Bridge. This overnight camp is for Girl Scout Cadettes. Cost: $60 camper/$40 aide. Call: 800-960-2093.
June 2-3: Children’s Miracle Network Telecast, St. Frances Cabrini Hospital Women’s and Children’s Atrium, 7-10p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. Sun. Sponsored byCHRISTUS St.Frances Cabrini Hospital. Money to benefit children’s healthcare programs throughoutCentral Louisiana. Interested donors are encouraged to call: 448-6580.
June 3-8: Girl Scouts Go Global, Indian Creek Camp. Overnight camp sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf. Cost: $100 camper/$60 aide. Call: 800-960-2093.
June 4-8 Nature Camp, PPG Nature Lab, Sulphur, Louisiana. A nature day camp sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Louisiana – Pines to the Gulf. Cost: $50 camper/$25 aide. Call: 800-960-2093.
June 4-8: Drama Rama Camp, Lagniappe Theatre Building in the Alexandria Mall, 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Ages 12-14. Call: 318-48-STAGE. www.lagniappetheatre.com
Sports
May 19: 5th Annual Blake McKay Fight for Life Softball Bash, Ward 9 Sportsplex, 8:00am – 9:00pm. The Blake McKay Fight For Life Foundation presents its annual men’s and co-ed softball tournament, with separate brackets for all men’s teams and co-ed teams. Food and drinks for purchase, along with raffles for other prizes. Winning teams will receive cash and prize packages. All proceeds go to the Blake McKay Fight for Life Foundation which is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of terminally ill children. Cost: $200/team. Call Brett Arceneaux: 225-317-3353. www.BlakesFight.org
May 28 – June 1: Courtyard Tennis & Swim Camp, Courtyard Health & Racquet Club, 9:00am – 12:00pm. 5 Time ITF World Champion Tennis Pro Pat Serret will teach a tennis camp for kids 9-16 years old. Cost: $120 Member; $30 Non-member. Call Pat: 318-730-0359.
