Arts
Ongoing-May: Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare Exhibits. The Cabrini Gallery will feature works by members of the Natchitoches Art Guild. The gallery is located in the Outpatient Center on the 1st floor across from Radiology. The Rapides Gallery will feature the works of JoAnne Thompson. The Rapides Gallery is located in the South Tower of Rapides Regional Medical Center between the ER and the lobby. Most of the art is available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Cost: Free. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing – May 23: Chen Yuhua: The Dao of Nature, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. According to Laozi and the Daoist philosophy, “the way follows nature”. Self-taught Chinese artist Chen Yuhua embodies this philosophy with his watercolor paintings and pottery which focuses on the beauty of nature. Displayed in traditional Chinese style, these paintings and pottery provide a glimpse into Chinese art, nature and philosophy. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for members and children 4-13. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 23: Ellsworth and William Woodward: Impressions of the Southland, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10a.m.-5p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sat. Exhibit incorporates landscapes and cityscapes painted by Ellsworth and William Woodward which depict their view of the south during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Woodward brothers were influential in New Orleans and Southern art, instructing and inspiring young artists for years. Cost: $4 adults; $2 seniors/students/military; free for members and children 4-13. Call Megan Valentine: 443-3458.
Ongoing – May 23: Inaugural Dirty South Mug Competition, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sat. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Nationwide juried call for ceramics to compete for awards. Cost: $2.00 adults; $1 for children under 12 and seniors; members free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 23: Adult Art Workshop: Silk Mandalas, Alexandria Museum of Art. Creat hand-painted silk Mandalas with Wendy. Space is limited to 20 participants. All supplies are included in registration. Cost: $25 members; $35 non-members. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
May 26 – July 4: River Oaks Exhibit, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10a.m.-2p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Featuring artists Christine Sauer, Alison Delaney and Mary Clair Downs. Cost: $2 adults; $1 seniors and children under 12; members free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 27 – 28: Christine Sauer Workshop, 1330 Second St., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Mixed media workshop with the use of fabric. Cost: TBD. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 29: Exhibit Reception, 1330 Second St., 5-7p.m. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center and GAEDA. Featuring artists Christine Sauer, Alison Delaney and Mary Clair Downs. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Dance
May 16: Vicki’s Dance Centers’ Recitals, Tioga High School Auditorium, 2p.m., 4:30p.m. and 7p.m. Costumed dance performances featuring children ages two and up performing ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, pointe, lyrical and more. Fun, family entertainment. Each show is different. Tickets can be purchased on line. Cost: $7 per person. Call Vicki Armitage: 443-2623. www.vickisdancecenters.com
Music
May 9: Beyond Borders, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue, Rimsky-Korsakov – Capricio espagnol, Ravel – Bolero. Cost: $25 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
May 21: Acoustic Concert Series Presents: Peas & Cornbread and “Razzy”, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6:30-8:30pm. LLive music, food, and fun! Join us on Third Thursdays for AMoA’s most popular recurring social event. Enjoy lively conversation with friends, connect with art, listen to the live music of the foot stompin’ duo Peas & Cornbread, playing a Delta Blues, Texas Hill Country Blues, Outlaw Underground Country, Texas Swing, Jazz, Swamp Music styled show, and solo sounds of Razzy, a left-handed acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter influenced by all forms of musical experience. Cost: $4.00; Members: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
May 29: Rhythm & Rhymes: Spoken Word Performing Arts Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7:00pm-9:00pm. Musical and spoken word performances, including open mic and featured performers, are presented AMoA, promoting the art of spoken word and self-expression, and creating opportunities for poets. Hosted by Alexandria native and accomplished slam poet Sha’Condria Sibley. Cost: $4 (non-members); Free (members). Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Events
Ongoing–June 30: Rapides Parish Library 2015 Summer Reading Program, all Rapides Parish Libraries, time: normal hours of operation. The theme for children is “Every Hero has a Story.” Preparing children for success by developing early language skills. Fun programs and entertaining activities for all ages promoting the love of reading. Cost: Admission free. Call Tammy DiBartolo or Karla Kirby: 442-2483 x 1906.
May 7 – 10: Cochon de Lait Festival, Mansura, time: varies. Sponsored by Mansura Chamber of Commerce. Cost: Admission free; fees vary for activities. Call Nicky Bordelon: 964-2696.
May 9: Free Mother’s Day FITBOX Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 11:45a.m.-12:45p.m. For adults. Benefits are cardio, stress relief and self-defense workout. Class consists of boxing combos, hand and foot techniques on pads with a core component. A fun and exciting way to burn between 350-450 calories. Cost: Admission free. Call Master Rousseau: 443-8066.
May 9: Free Mother’s Day Self Defense, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 10-11:30a.m. For teens and adults that teaches safety tips along with defensive techniques to use against a predator. Register on Master Rousseau’s Facebook page. Cost: Admission free. Call Master Rousseau: 443-8066.
May 11: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am. 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 11: Look Good, Feel Better, Rapides Cancer Center, 11:30am-1:30pm. 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 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: 337-433-5131.
May 11 & 18: 3D Printing Demonstrations, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Come and see the MakerBot 3D printers in action and learn about how you can get started creating your own 3D items. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or x 1030. www.rpl.org.
May 12: 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. Please pre-register. Cost: $10.00 per family. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 13: Diabetes Group Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9 a.m.-Noon. This 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 and reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-3445.
May 13: Child Safety Seat Check, RRMC Medical Terrace Driveway, 2:00pm-5:00pm. A trained child passenger safety educator will take a look at your car seats, make sure they are not under recall, make sure the seat is installed properly and show you how to correctly install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. Cost: Free.
May 14: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 16 -17: DeRidder Gem and Mineral Show, Expo Hall, Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m. Sun. Sponsored by DeRidder Gem and Mineral Society and Cenla Gem and Mineral Society. Dealers from throughout Louisiana and the South will exhibit and sell. Cost: $2 adults; under 12 free. Call Jim Marler: 443-5184.
May 16: Cabrini Childbirth Class, 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: $30.00. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 16: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 9:00am – 2:00pm. 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 16: Men Who Cook and Men Who Mix, 1330 Second St., time: TBD. Sponsored by River Oaks Square Arts Center. Local men of the community prepare their special dishes and beverages for tasting. Must be 21 years old to attend. Tickets are limited. Cost: $50 per person. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
May 16-17: 20th Annual Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow, Earl J. Barbry, Sr. Convention Center at the Paragon Casino Resort. The event will feature Native American dance and drum competitions on Saturday and Sunday that include cash prizes. The Tunica-Biloxi Singers & Legend Keepers and dance “Specials” will be presented. Since 1995, the Pow Wows has given Tunica-Biloxi tribal and non-members opportunities to experience the history and traditions of the tribe. Cost: $5.00. Call: 800-946-1946 ext. 1923 or visit www.tunicapowwow.org.
May 17: Sunday Movie Matinee: The Dark Knight Rises, Rapides Main Library, 2:00pm-4:00pm. With the 2015 Summer Reading Program theme, “Every Hero Has A Story”, our Sunday matinee continues the exciting adventures of the caped crusader! Refreshments served. Cost: Free. Call Linda LaFever: 318-445-2411 ext. 1020. www.rpl.org.
May 18: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 18: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 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 18: 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: $30.00. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 18: Breathing and Relaxation, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:30pm. . 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 20: Car Seat Safety Program, Johnson Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. Dr. Claudia Glascock, Executive Director of the Hispanic Committee of the South conducts a car safety seat seminar (in English and Spanish). Participants should pre-register, participants are also eligible to receive a car seat. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org.
May 21: Hometown Heroes: Police and Fire Department, Martin Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. The Pineville Police Department will visit and introduce children to how they “Serve and Protect”. The Fire Department will have a fire safety presentation and the fire engine makes a visit! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org.
May 21: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 12:00pm. Janet Shrewsbury presents “Is There Life After Addiction?” Registration includes salad, entrée, dessert, and coffee/tea. Please pre-register by Friday, May 15th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 481-7880.
May 21: Summer Reading Program Bubble-Licious Celebration, Westside Regional Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Special 2-hour period for kids to pick up their 2015 reading logs. (Afterward, SRP materials may be picked up anytime during the day!) Weather permitting clerks will be outdoors with bubbles and will have candy to pass out with the reading logs. Should it rain, kids will head to the Children’s Tower. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org.
May 21: Pink Ribbon Club, Christus Cabrini Cancer 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 21: Thursday’s on Third, Downtown Alexandria, 6-9p.m. Sponsored by Downtown Alexandria Merchants and DARE. Fun, food and entertainment along Third St. in Downtown Alexandria. Cost: Varies. Visit www.downtownalexandria.org for more information.
May 21: 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: 337-234-0088.
May 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
May 22: My Hero!, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. It’s hot and humid day… there’s a distant song of the ice cream truck. It’s the Ice Cream Man! Celebrate a local hero of young and old alike and learn how to make ice cream in a bag! A family-friendly event. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org.
May 23: Fleur de Lis Memorial Day Weekend Craft Show, Natchitoches Events Center, 9a.m.-4:30p.m. Sponsored by Fleur de Lis Arts & Crafts. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over 100 booths. Cost: Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
May 23: Little Walter Music Festival, Downtown Amphitheatre, 11a.m.-11p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria – Pineville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Little Walter Foundation. A day of live music honoring blues harmonica great Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs. Artists include Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues, The Boogaloo Bolden Band, Mr. Sipp the Mississippi Blues Child, Chubby Carrier, Nacomi Tanaka & Blues Temple and many more! Cost: Admission free. Call APACVB: 442-9546.
May 23: Spoken Word Poetry Workshop, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Slam poetry artist Sha’Condria iCon Sibley presents a workshop for ages 13 to 18 years of age. Write for impact, sharpen your performance and create original work. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or x 1030. www.rpl.org.
May 26 – August 7: YWCA Summer Day Camp, 5912 St. James St., 7a.m.-5:30p.m. Mon.-Fri. Sponsored by YWCA of Alexandria-Pineville. Cost: $105 registration fee; $85 weekly tuition. Call LeeAnn Borrel: 442-3397.
May 26: A Touch of Everything, McDonald Branch Library, 2:00pm-3:00pm. Cool summertime crafts with Ms. Brenda Manning! Create a little bit of everything to make your little corner of summer sparkle! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org.
May 26: Natural Heroes: Trees, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Trees are the silent superheroes of the earth! Learn how these natural heroes use their superpowers and then make your own tree from everyday items. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org.
May 27: Movie Night at King, King Branch Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Following with the 2015 Summer Reading Program theme, movie goers will see Big Hero 6! Grab a friend and come and see a super movie! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org.
May 28: H2O – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness, Emmanuel Baptist Church Parking lot, 10a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by Volunteers of America. A monthly homeless street outreach that provides instant, on-site services such as housing resources, medical screenings, haircuts and more. Community partners provide a hot meal, clothing, food, water and hygiene kits. Cost: Admission free. Call Tracey Antee: 442-8026.
May 28: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 10:30am-12:30pm. Gerald Calegan, MD will be our speaker on the latest techniques for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinsons patients. Dr. Calegan is a Neurosurgeon from Baton Rouge and has great success with this procedure. Come hear this inspiring presentation and meet one of his patients. This group meets monthly 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 Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
May 29: Wild Night of Art, Convention Hall, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Raise a glass to the Alexandria Zoo. Join FOTAZ for an adults only event featuring art, music, wine and wildlife. Must be 21 or older to attend. Cost: TBA. Call LeeAnn Whitt or Angele Ehlers: 441-6810.
May 30 -31: Children’s Miracle Network Telecast, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Atrium, 7-10p.m. Sat., 10a.m.-5p.m. Sun. Sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. Benefits the Children’s Miracle Network at Cabrini Hospital. Money will also benefit children’s healthcare programs throughout Central Louisiana. Call: Theresa Slater: 448-6580.
May 31: St. Mary’s Greco Bowl, The Gem of Alexandria, 1014-A Third Street, 12:00pm-2:30pm. St. Mary’s will prevent an afternoon of cooking demonstrations, give-aways, silent auction and cash bar with renowned Chef John Folse. All proceeds benefit the children of St. Mary’s Residential Training School. Cost: $100. Call Megan Vets: 318-445-6443 ext. 2313.
June 4: Super Hero Training Camp, Westside Regional Library, 10:00am to 12:00pm. The children’s theme for 2015 is “Every Hero Has a Story” – Heroes come in different forms, everything from dogs, cats and horses to extraordinary human heroes in our community. Come and train with other super hero recruits. Use and develop your super powers as you complete the training and emerge victorious as a Super Kid in Super Hero Training Camp! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904. www.rpl.org.
June 6: Super Hero Celebration, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am to 12:00pm. The Main Library kicks-off the 2015 Summer Reading Program with a celebration of Super Heroes of every kind. From our favorite comic book or graphic novel to our local and community super heroes, we celebrate with imagination and fun! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036 or x 1030. www.rpl.org.
Sports
May 7-28: Yoga Classes, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 4:00pm – 5:15pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. These classes are on-going and meet every Monday and Thursday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 9: Bass Tournament presented by Despino Tire & Service and Jim’s South Tire & Propane, Grand Ecore Landing, Red River, Natchitoches, Safe-light-3p.m. Sponsored by Christus Cabrini Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network. Fundraiser benefitting Children’s Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. First place winner guaranteed $8,000 with additional 14 cash prizes based on 90 boat entries. Cost: $175 per two person boat/team. Call Randy Despino: 445-4561 or 447-0102.
May 9: Mother’s Self-Defense Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 10:00am-11:30am. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-8066.
May 9: Mother’s Day Fitbox Class, Master Rousseau’s Taekwondo, 11:45am-12:45pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-8066.
May 12, 19, 26 & June 2: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. 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. 18 and under require parental release form. Presented through a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Cost: Free. Call: (318)443-3458. www.themuseum.org
May 13, 20, 27 & June 3: Wake Up Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga RX Room, 9:30am-10:30am. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a Yoga mat. This is an on-going class and meets every Wednesday. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
May 16: OLPS Trek for Tech 5K Run, 420, 21st St., 8a.m. Sponsored by Our Lady of Prompt Succor School. A fitness and technology “fun’d” project initiated by OLPS parents and supported by its leadership team. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit OLPS Technology. Run or walk, just get outside and challenge yourself to cross the finish line of the 5k (3.1 miles) or the one mile fun run. Young athletes will run .3 of a mile, making the loop around OLPS. Sign up on line at www.promptsuccor.org. Cost: $25 until May 15th; $35 on race day. Call Tonya Curcio: 449-9073 x 209.
