May 2014 Calendar

133

Arts

Ongoing – May: Arts & Helathcare Art Exhibits.  The works of Ernest Green will be featured in the Gallery for Reflection and Healing in St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, on the first floor and the works of Charles Ward in the Rapides Regional Art Gallery.  Many of the works on display are available for purchase.  Call: 318-769-7602.

 

Ongoing – May 24:  Dueling Visions of Liberty:  Depictions of the American Civil War, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  Exhibit presents the diverse political, regional and racial viewpoints expressed during the American Civil War through art.  Cost:  $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

Ongoing – May 24:  Theo Tobiasse:  Textural Emergence, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  This selection of works from the permanent collection represents the later years of this Holocaust survivor’s prolific and innovative career.  Cost:  $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

Ongoing – May 31:  Art Shapes the World:  10th Annual Youth Art Month Juried Exhibition, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  Youth Art Month is an annual observance every March to emphasize the value of art education for all youth and to encourage support for quality school art programs.  Artworks created and submitted by area students, from Kindergarten through the 12th grade, are on display.   Cost:  $4 adults, $3 seniors, military and students, $2 youth 4-13 and under 4 free.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

May 9 -10:  Interactive Art Exhibition and the Muse Yarn Bombing Outdoor Spaces, Alexandria Museum of Art.  Call for more info.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

May 24:  Fleur de Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show, Natchitoches Events Center, 9a.m.-5p.m.  Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over 100 booths will showcase jewelry, woodworking, home décor, clothing, soaps, birdhouses, jellies and more.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Cheryl Gianforte:  352-6068.

 

May 27 – July 5:  Exhibit Opening and Reception, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat.  Sponsored by River Oaks Arts Center.  Exhibit featuring artists Jacob Broussard, Jane Crowell and Chris King.  Exhibit Reception May 30, 5-7p.m. Cost:  Reception free.  All other times regular admission.  Call Rachael Dauzat:  473-2670.

 

May 31: Spanish Language Exhibition Tour and Art Talk, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-3:30pm.  Have fun talking in Spanish and learning about the art of Spanish-speaking cultures. Conversation, cultural exchange, and fun! Facilitated by Carlos Villaseñor Anaya (bilingual), International Consultant and expert in Cultural Development and Cultural Policy.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

June 7:  The Muse Photography Workshop with Sean K, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1-5p.m.  Cost:  TBA.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

Dance

May 17:  Dance Recital 2014, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 11a.m., 3p.m., 7p.m.  Sponsored by Cindy Seaton Dance Academy.  For pre-show sales, please call.  Cost:  TBA.  Call Cindy Seaton:  664-1945.

 

May 31:  2014 Just Dance Review, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 9a.m., 12:30p.m., 4p.m., 7:30p.m.  Sponsored by Just Dance.  For pre-show ticket info, please call.  Cost:  TBA.  Call Jennifer Rachal:  443-1398.

 

Music

May 3:  Carmina Burana, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m.  Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra.  The RSO performs Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana as the orchestra is joined by the Red River Chorale and choirs of Northwestern State University.  Cost:  $25 general admission, $14 seniors 65+, $10 students.  To purchase tickets visit: www.ticket-central.org.  Call James Owens:  484-4469.

 

May 14:  Finale 2014, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 6p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Country Day School.  Cost:  TBD.  Call Laine Miller:  448-1475.

 

May 16:  Acoustic Concert Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30p.m.  Live music, food and fun.  Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to music hosted by John Wakefield and snack on tasty food and drink every third Thursday.  Cost:  Free for AMoA members, $4 for nonmembers.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

May 30:  Rhythm & Rhymes:  Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8:30p.m.  Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers are presented by Mosaic Dialect, a collective of Alexandria “poets in motion,” promoting the art of spoken word, self-expression and creating opportunities for poets.  Cost:  Free for AMoA members, $4 for nonmembers.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

Theatre

May 8 – 11 and 15 – 18:  Sentimental Journey, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Thur.-Sat., 2:30p.m. Sun.  Sponsored by City Park Players.  “Those Who Waited Also Served.”  Written by the play’s director, Wanda Schenk, this show invites the audience to reminisce as stories of life in Cenla during WWII are recalled by characters representing people who lived here and knew it best.  Cost:  $15 general admission, $12 seniors 60+, $7 students.  Call Theresa Louviere:  484-4478.

 

Events

Ongoing – June 28 (every Tue. and Sat.):  Inglewood Harvest Barn Market, Inglewood Harvest Barn, 3-6p.m. Tues., 9a.m.-1p.m. Sat.  Inglewood Farm’s full offering of organic fruits and vegetables, organic pecans and pecan oil, Berkshire pork and pastured chicken eggs.  Saturdays also offer a generous line-up of local vendors, refreshments, wagon rides/farm tours and more!  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Lee Weeks:  442-6398.

 

May 3:  7th Annual Getting Buggy at Kent House, Kent Plantation House, 8a.m.-1p.m.  Sponsored by USDA Forestry Service – Southern Research Station.  Come learn about the world of bugs, the good, the bad and the buggy!  Complete bug crafts and get up close and personal with various bugs and reptiles both local and exotic.  Have your picture taken holding a giant cockroach!  Take part in the Bug Olympics.  Local pest control companies will be on hand to answer questions about pests in your home.  There is something for everyone ages 1-101.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Kent Plantation House:  487-5998.

 

May 3: Breastfeeding Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 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. Please pre-register. Cost: $20 Call: 866-581-3627.

 

May 3: Walk From Obesity, LSU of Alexandria, 9:15 a.m. The Walk from Obesity is the nation’s largest gathering of individuals affected by obesity. In cities all across the country, those focused on addressing obesity will join forces and walk to raise money for research, education, prevention and treatment of obesity. Online pre-registration is available through www.walkfromobesity.com.On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. the morning of the walk. Cost: $25 (online), $35 (on site).

 

May 3:  Breastfeeding Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 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. Please pre-register.  Call: 877-801-8441.

 

May 3:  Holi:  The Festival of Colors, Downtown Alexandria, 11a.m.-3p.m.  An Indian Festival of Colors and music promoting Indian culture and heritage in Cenla.  3K walk/run followed by plate lunches.  Come experience the music, dance and food of India.  All proceeds will benefit Rapides CASA and Children’s Advocacy Center.  Cost:  $35.  Call Amy Pillarisetti:  792-1147.

 

May 3:  Mad Hatter Tea, Center Court, Alexandria Mall, 1-3p.m.  Meet the royal cast of Wonderland characters along with tea time, crafts and photo opportunities.  Children are invited to come in their most enchanting attire.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Mall Office:  448-0227.  www.alexandriamall.com.

 

May 5:  Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future:  AMoA Sponsor/VIP Party, Murray Street Pavilion, 5p.m.  A gathering of Dragon Boat sponsors and AMoA Sponsor-level members and above will meet to watch the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races first practice runs for this year’s race.  Cost:  Admission free for AMoA and Dragon Boat Sponsors.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

May 5: Bereaved Parents Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:30pm – 7:30pm.  Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive.  This is an on-going support group for parents, grandparents whose child has died that meets on the first Monday of every month.  Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent or grandparent.  Brown bag supper begins at 6:00pm. Pre-registration is required.  Find us on Facebook at Bereaved Parents of Cenla.  Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

 

May 6: Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trellis Room, 6 p.m.   The group helps parents who have lost babies. Call: 769-7569.

 

May 8:  Dinner on the Bricks, Third St., Downtown, 6-8p.m.  Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services.  Come enjoy dinner and drinks in the lovely outdoors as the City of Alexandria and numerous Central Louisiana Restaurants and Caterers host Dinner on the Bricks.  Music provided by the Gary Cathey Band.  No reservations required.  Cost:  Admission free; menu prices vary.  Call:  449-5225.

 

May 8-11: 40th Annual Cochon De Lait Festival, L’Eglise Street in Mansura, 5:00pm.  Presented by the Mansura Chamber of Commerce, the festival features live music, carnival rides, a 5k/1 mile fun run/walk, street dance and plenty of cochon!  Call: (318) 964-2152.

 

May 9 – 10:  ArtWalk, Cultural Arts District, Downtown Alexandria, 4-8p.m. Fri., 9a.m.-4p.m. Sat.  Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana.  Family-oriented, self-guided walking tour of over 75 participating artists, vendors and live entertainment.  Sidewalks, green spaces and the alleys come alive as local artists demonstrate and sell their works of art. Vendor and artist participant fees listed at www.louisiana-arts.org.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Anna Brooks:  484-4471.

 

May 10:  4th Annual Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, Downtown Amphitheatre, 8a.m.-4p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Museum of Art.  AMoA’s signature fundraiser features races on the river, art and food vendors, entertainment by Taiko Drummers of Houston and interactive art exhibitions.  Contests for best team area, most spirited team and best dressed drummer.  All proceeds go to benefit AMoA, its exhibitions and educational programs.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

May 10: Prepared Childbirth Class, Rapides Regional Medical Center 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.  Call: 318-769-4440.

 

 

May 10: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9 a.m. Please pre-register.  Call: 866-581-3627.

 

May 12: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am.  Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive.  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 12: 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 12: 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: 318-769-4440.

 

May 13: Sibling Class, 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: 866-581-3627.

 

May 14: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering a free program 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, please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3106.

 

May 15: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm.  Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive.  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 15: Better Breathers Club, Rapides Health and Lifestyles Center, 724 Scott Street, 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 15: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Women’s Life Center, 5:30pm. This breast cancer support group is for education, advocacy and support of breast cancer patients and survivors.   Call: 866-581-3627.

 

May 15: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.

 

May 16: Tunica Biloxi Pow Wow, Chief Joseph “Alcide” Pierite Pow Wow Grounds, 5:00pm.  The Pow Wow features over 40 food and craft vendors, traditional Native American dance, costumes, music, storytelling and more.  Cost: $5.00 (adults); $3.00 (children under 3).  Call: (800) 946-1946, ext. 1923.

 

May 17: Childbirth Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hopsital 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. Please pre-register.  Cost: $30.  Call: 866-581-3627.

 

May 17:  Men Who Cook & Men Who Mix, 1330 Second St., 6-9p.m.  Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and BanCorp South.  Fundraiser benefiting River Oaks.  Local gentlemen of the community prepare their specialty food or beverage for tasting.  Cost:  $50 per ticket; tickets limited.  Call Rachael Dauzat:  473-2670.

 

May 19: 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: 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. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-36270.

 

May 20:  2014 ACDS Graduation, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria Country Day School.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call ACDS:  448-1475 ext 214.

 

May 21: CenLa Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center on the Greens, 12:00p.m.  Program features Delta Interiors and gifts, vocalist Lisa Campo and “The Search for Happiness” presented by Nancy Briggs. Please pre-register by Friday, May 16th.  Cost:  $16 (includes salad, entrée, dessert, coffee/tea).  Call: 445-2154.

 

May 22:  H2O – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church parking lot, 10a.m.-1p.m.  Sponsored by Volunteers of America.  Volunteers of America Homeless Outreach Program along with other community partners provide instant, on-site services to the homeless or imminently homeless population.  Food, clothing, housing options, haircuts and medical screenings are available at no charge.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Tracey Colson Antee:  442-8026.

 

May 22: Muscular Dystrophy Support Group, Rapides Regional Medical Center 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 22: The Rape of Europa Film Screening,  Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:00pm.  The Rape of Europa is a feature documentary film that tells the story of the systematic theft, deliberate destruction, and miraculous survival of Europe’s art treasures in the Third Reich and Second World War. Today, more than sixty years later, the legacy of this tragic history continues to play out as families of looted collectors recover major works of art, conservators repair battle damage, and nations fight over the fate of ill-gotten spoils of war. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

May 23: Don’t Fry Day, Rapides Regional Medical Center Main Hallway near The Gift Shop, 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 24:  Little Walter Music Festival, Downtown Amphitheatre, 11a.m.  Sponsored by Alexandria – Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority.  Live music celebration of Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs, blues harp player who was raised in Alexandria.  The annual festival features regional and local acts performing blues, gospel, soul and zydeco.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call CVB Office:  442-9546 or 800-551-9546.

 

May 26: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive. 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 26: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Note the new location across the street from the hospital at 3351 Masonic Drive.  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 28: Senior Olympics Games “Health and Fitness Day,” Alexandria Convention 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 2014 Central District Senior Olympic Games. Call: 769-3445 or 487-1561.

 

May 31 – June 1:  Children’s Miracle Network Telecast, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium, 7-10p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. Sun.  Sponsored by Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  The telecast will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Cabrini Hospital.  Money will also benefit children’s healthcare programs throughout Central Louisiana.  Interested donors are encouraged to call.  Call Teresa Slater:  448-6580.

 

May 31 – June 1:  Gem and Mineral Show, Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sun.  Sponsored by Cenla Rock and Gem Club and DeRidder Rock and Gem Club.  Dealers from throughout the South will exhibit and sell gemstones, cabochons, minerals, artifacts and fossils.  Demos of gemstone cutting, cabochon cutting, beading, arrowhead knapping and wire wrapping.  Cost:  $2 adults, children under 12 free.  Call Jim Marler:  443-5184 or Adam Valin:  337-585-3693.

 

June 2 – 6:  Buddy Camp #1, 2727 Jackson St., time:  TBA.  Sponsored by First United Methodist Church, Alexandria.  Community-wide project that allows children in grades 1st-5th, both with and without developmental challenges, to participate in a week long summer day camp.  Cost:  Admission free.  Call Julie Bacon:  443-5696.  www.fumca.org/buddycamp.

 

June 7:  Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Alexandria Museum of Art, 11a.m.-1p.m.  AMoA invites all of its volunteers to a special appreciation luncheon in thanks and recognition for the services they provide throughout the year.  Special awards and honors will be presented, including Volunteer of the Year.  Cost:  Admission free for AMoA volunteers.  Call AMoA:  443-3458.

 

Sports

May 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00p.m.-5:15 p.m.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.  This classes are sponsored by Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital and are on-going, meeting every Monday and Thursday.   Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.

 

May 6, 13, 20, 27 & June 3: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm.  Yoga is offered every Tuesday at Alexandria Museum of Art, thanks to a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with fourteen years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org

 

May 11: Great Mother’s Day Canoe Race, Burr’s Ferry Bridge, 3:00pm.  The 2nd annual Great Mother’s Day Canoe Race will be held on the Sabine River.  Every contestant will get a T-shirt and trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places with cash prizes based on a percentage of the entry fees.   Cost: $60.  Call Wesley Smith: (337) 378-5054 or (337) 286-9455.