Arts
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.
Ongoing–May 25: “Questionable Issue: Currency of the Holocaust”, Alexandria Museum of Art. 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. Presented as part of our nation’s 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.
May 11 – May 31: 2013 Louisiana Dragon Boat Races Juried Photography Contest, Alexandria Museum of Art. Bring your camera and find those perfect shots that express the revelry of the day! Enter your work for an opportunity to exhibit at the Museum and receive awards. Three categories: Action, People, Place. Age groups eligible: Students 1st–6th Grade, Students 7th–12th Grade, Adults. Check or money order should be made payable to: Alexandria Museum of Art, P.O. Box 1028, Alexandria, LA, 71309-1028. Enclose CD or email images to: [email protected]. Cost: $20 for up to three images in each category. Call: (318) 443-3458. www.themuseum.org
May 25: Fleur de Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show, NatchitochesEventsCenter, 9a.m.-5p.m. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over 110 booths will showcase jewelry, woodworking, mosaics, clothing, soaps, lotions, bird houses, yard art, jellies and more. Cost: Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
May 31: Exhibit Reception, 1330 Second St., 5-7p.m. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter. Featuring artists Nippy Blair, Tony Martin and Barry Owen. Exhibit runs May 28-July 6. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
June 3-14: Summer Art Studio – Session I, 1330 Second St., time: TBA. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter. Ages 5-13. Two week program. Intensive studies of visual art mediums. Cost: TBA. Call Aubrey Bolen: 473-2670.
Dance
May 4: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Dance Performances, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 10a.m.-Noon. Costumed dancers ages 9 and up. Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical and more! Fun family entertainment. Cost: Admission free. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
May 18: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Dance Recitals, Tioga High School Auditorium, 1p.m., 4p.m. and 7p.m. Dancers of all ages perform Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and more. Great family entertainment. Tickets at www.vickisdancecenters.com. Cost: $6. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623.
Music
May 4: Little Walter Music Festival, downtown Alexandria Amphitheater, 5:00pm. Join us for an evening of Blues on the Red River as we celebrate the man behind the harmonica–known as “Little Walter”. Performances by Bobby Rhodes & the Ministry of Blues, Josh Hyde & the Hitchhikers, the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame “Little Walter Legends”, Liz Neville and more! Call: (800) 551-9546. www.theheartoflouisiana.com
May 4: Rapides Symphony Concert “A Heroic Finale”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The RSO’s final concert of 2012-13 featuring the orchestra along with guest pianist Antonio Di Christofano. Mozart – Overture to La Clemenza di Tito, Mozart – Concerto in C Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 467 and Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, “Eroica.” Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students, $50 family. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
May 11: Alexandria Youth Orchestra Outdoor Fundraiser, Sam’s Club in Alexandria, 9:30am – 6:00pm. Orchestra members will play for donations as well as sell plate lunches featuring pulled pork or chopped beef sandwiches from Porky’s, baked beans, slice of cake and a drink.
May 11: Transit Vocal Band, Downtown Amphitheatre, Noon. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Transit Vocal will be performing at the Dragon Boat Races. Cost: Admission free. Call Matt Henry: 484-4470.
June 3: Sunday In The Park Concert, Kees Park, 3:30 p.m. The Red River New Horizons Band presents a concert to benefit Rapides CASA, kicking off the CASA school supplies/backpack drive. Family oriented program includes medleys of stage and screen music, Latin rhythms and children’s songs. Cost: Free (Suggested donation which goes to the CASA children: School backpacks and/or school supplies of any kind).
Events
May 3-4: MAYFEST, Downtown Leesville. Join in the fun at the 2012 Louisiana Festival of the Year! The festival includes live music by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Mia Borders, Cody Cooke & the Bayou Outlaws, Josh Hyde & the Hitchhikers, gospel choirs and many, many more! Explore the traveling exhibit from SciPort, enjoy pancakes by the Leesville Lions club and Chalk-a-Block with Leesville Rotary. Call: (800) 238-0783. www.venturevernon.com
May 3: NAMI Educational Event 2013, Alexander Fulton Hotel, time: TBA. Sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Join us as guest speakers Kelley Pears Ph.D. Psychologist and Wilfred Gallien, LPC talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CEU’s available. Must call for fee schedule. Call Shu Yang: 542-2092.
May 4: Good Food Project Pest and Weed Management Workshop, Food Bank of Central Louisiana, 9:00am. If you’ve ever struggled with cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs or any other pest, disease, or weed, this workshop will cover basic identification and sustainable control strategies to help vegetable growers manage some of their biggest challenges. “Weeds can quickly turn a beautiful garden into an unproductive mess,” says Eric Pawlowski, director. “Managing weeds sustainably requires both long-term strategies and everyday vigilance. I’ll help you identify and stay on top of those weeds in your beds.” Pre-registration is required. Cost: $5.00 donation. Call: 318-787-6893.
May 4: Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Intended for women wanting to breastfeed their infants, this one-day 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. Lunch is included. Call: 877-801-8441.
May 4: Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 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. Please pre-register. Cost: $20. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 6, 13, 20, 27: Strike Out Stroke, 10:45 a.m. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Rapides Senior Citizens Centers has partnered with Rapides Regional Medical Center to provide tips on what to do if you think you or a loved one might be having a stroke. Rapides Regional will provide guest speakers. May 6: Woodworth Senior Center; May 13: Pineville Senior Center, May 20: Ball Senior Center; May 27: Forest Hill Senior Center. RSCC provides health and wellness education and activities to senior citizens in 17 Senior Citizens Centers throughout Rapides Parish. Call Rapides Seniors Citizens Centers: (318) 487-1561.
May 6: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Power Center, 6:30-7:30pm. 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. Brown bag lunch begins at 6:00pm. Pre-registration is required. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 8: 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.
May 9: Summer Splash – What’s Hot for Summer?, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Local organizations will gather in Alexandria Mall to showcase their summer educational, recreational, and social programs. A great opportunity for parents, grandparents and guardians to meet camp directors, instructors and counselors and register their children for summer activities. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5225.
May 11: Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Downtown Amphitheatre, 7a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art. AMoA is proud to bring the 3rd Annual Louisiana Dragon Boat Races back to Rapides Parish. This exciting family event makes for a great day of good, spirited racing, and a great time on and off the water. Cost: Admission free on race day. Call Catherine M. Pears: 443-3458.
May 11: Pirate Party, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 1-3p.m. Sponsored by the Alexandria Mall. Batten down the hatches! Pirate-themed crafts, games, Peter Pan the movie and more. Kids, gather your best pirate costume and come ready to set sail! Cost: Admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227.
May 13: 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.
May 13: 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 13: Sweet & Low, 6:00pm. Christus Cabrini Diabetes Support Group. Information on the Diabetes Camp for Children will be given to those in attendance. The camp is located in Leesville and is free to children with diabetes. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 14: 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.
May 15: CenLa Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00noon. The speaker for this month’s luncheon will be Deb Cercovnik, presenting “The 3 C’s of Curiosity, Crisis and Control”. Special guests will be the Toastmasters. Please pre-register by May 10th. Nursery by request. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-445-2154.
May 16: 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.
May 16: Better Breathers Club, Rapides Health and Lifestyles Center, Noon. 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 16: 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.
May 16: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 17: The Naked Truth: A Poetic Expressions Spoken Word Event, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Re-contextualizing safe sex through spoken word performances and open mic on the theme of emotionally safe and physically healthy relationships. Education and awareness allows people of all ages to make better life choices. Free confindential HIV testing from 5:00pm-8:30pm. Call: (318) 443-3458. www.themuseum.org
May 18: 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.
May 18: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 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. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 18: Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, 1330 Second St., 6:30-9:30p.m. Sponsored by RiverOaksSquareArtsCenter and BancorpSouth. Men of the community prepare their special recipes for tasting. Cost: $50 per person per ticket or $500 reserved table of 10. Tickets and Reserved tables are limited. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 18: Wild Side of the Arts, Alexandria Zoo, time: TBA. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Local and regional artists will display and sell art, children can create their own art at stations set up around Zoo. Live entertainment and food vendors. Cost: TBA. Call Zoo Office: 441-6814.
May 20: 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.
May 20: 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.
May 20: 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.
May 20: 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. Call: 877-801-8441.
May 21: Happiest Baby On The Block, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference 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 23: 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.
May 24: Don’t Fry Day, RRMC Main Hallway, 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 25: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 28-August: YWCA Summer Day Camp,5912 James Street, behind ASH, 7a.m.-5:30p.m. Camp is geared for children 4(completed Pre-K)-13. Children participate in daily activities including arts and crafts, indoor games, outdoor games and recreational swimming. Cost: $80 weekly, $55 one-time registration and membership fee. Call Katie Vanderlick: 442-3397. www.ywcaalex.org
May 28-August: YMCA Summer Camp, 1801 Sylvester St., 7a.m.-6p.m. Each week will include recreational activities, arts and crafts, swimming, off-site field trips and much more. Open to ages 5-12. Financial assistance available. Cost: $45 per child registration fee, $65 weekly for first child, $55 for second child and $50 for third child. Call Courtney Paige: 449-4686. www.ymcacenla.com
May 29: Senior Olympic Games Health and Fitness Day, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, 7:30 a.m.-Noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center will offer free 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. Call: 769-3445.
June – August: Summer Safari Camp & Classes, AlexandriaZooEducationCenter, time: TBA. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Visit www.thealexandriazoo.com for fees and more information. Call Zoo Office: 441-6814.
June 1-2: Children’s Miracle Network Telecast, CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital Women’s and Children’s Atrium, 7-10p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. Sun. Sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Telecast will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at CabriniHospital. Money will also benefit children’s healthcare programs throughout Central Louisiana. Call Theresa Slater: 448-6580.
June 3-21: Summer Camp, MartinCommunity Center, 7:30a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Half day camp for children ages 5-10. Participants will engage in arts and crafts, recreational activities and educational and cultural lessons. Breakfast and lunch provided. Cost: $10 per child registration fee, $5 for each additional child per family. Call: 449-5225.
June 3-August 2: Swim Lessons, 5912 James St. behind ASH, 8-11a.m. Sponsored by YWCA. All swim classes are taught by certified instructors. Children must be at least 3 years to participate. Cost: $65 level I, $75 levels II-V. Call Katie Vanderlick: 442-3397. www.ywcaalex.org.
June 3 – July 29: Summer Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9:00am – 12:00 noon (ages 6-9) & 1:00-4:00pm (ages 10+). Weekly sessions hosted Monday through Friday exploring art in various media. Cost: $75/week for members; $100/week for non-members. Call: (318) 443-3458. www.themuseum.org
June 4-7: Art Camp, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 9a.m.-Noon. The camp will be full of experimenting with our creative juices. Each day we will talk about, as well as create, different types of art. The art forms explored will be sculpting, sketching, sand art, water colors, collage art and mixed media recycled art. We will also talk about famous artists throughout history. Cost: $10 deposit, $60 members, $70 non-members. Call T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum: 619-9394.
June 4: Family Fun Movie Night, Alexandria Mall Center Court, 6p.m. Sponsored by the AlexandriaMuseum of Art. Family friendly movies shown for the first Tuesday during June, July and August. Visit www.alexandriamall.com for movie listings. Cost: Admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227.
June 8: World Oceans Day, Alexandria Zoo, time: TBA. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and FOTAZ. Through themed, water fun activities, visitors learn how our everyday actions impact oceans. Dr. Seuss materials will be given away. Cost: Regular Zoo admission. Call Zoo Office: 441-6814.
Sports
May 4-5: Racing Rapides Cycling Stage Race & Free Kids Bike Races, locations vary, time: TBA. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla. Saturday’s race will be held in Boyce and Sunday’s race will be held in Downtown Alexandria. Free kids bike races are family friendly. No training necessary. Spectators welcome. Visit www.fitfamiliesforcenla.org for fees and more information. Call Lori Martin: 729-1565.
May 6: Intermediate Yoga Class, Power Center, 4:00pm – 5:15pm. Some yoga experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. This class is on-going and meets every Monday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 7, 14, 21, 28 & June 4: 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.
May 11: Cenla Derby Dames vs. Cajun Roller Girls, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, doors open 6p.m., game &p.m. Alexandria’s Cenla Derby Dames takes on Cajun Roller Girls from Houma at the second bout of the season. Tickets can be purchased in advance from any of the skaters or you can pay at the door. Cost: $12 adults at door, $10 adult’s advance, $7 kids at door, $5 kid’s advance and under 5 free. Call Timberly Deville: 794-3848. www.cenladerbydames.com
May 18: OLPS Trek for Tech 5K Run, 420 21st St., 8a.m. Sponsored by Our Lady of Prompt Succor Home and School Association. Family friendly run or walk the 5K or the 1 mile. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers as well as the top 3 in each age group. All proceeds will support the OLPS Technology fund. Register online at www.imathlete.com. Cost: $10-$35. Call Tony Curcio: 449-9073 x 210 or Elizabeth Cassano: 445-9735.
