Arts
Ongoing-November: Paint Pink Art Exhibit, Christus Cabrini Art Gallery, Outpatient Center, 1st floor andRapidesRegionalArtGallery,SouthTower between the Lobby and ER, time: 24/7. Sponsored by Arts & Healthcare, Inc. James Greer of Pineville, La. will be featured in the Christus Gallery for Reflection and Healing located in the Outpatient Center (1st Floor). William Kevin Petty of Alexandria, La. will be featured in the Cabrini Cancer Center. Claudia Troll of Glenmora, La. will be featured in the Rapides Regional Gallery located between the South Tower Lobby and ER. All art is for sale and proceeds go to continue arts programming in our local cancer centers. Cost: Admission free. Call: 769-7602. www.artsandhealthcare.org.
November 16: Southern Circuit of Independent Filmmakers: Bag It, Hearn Stage, time: TBA. Sponsored by the Arts Council ofCentral Louisiana. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its affect on our waterways, oceans and even our bodies. Made possible by a grant from South Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cost: $5. Call Roy Rosenthal: 484-4477.
November 30: Annual Miniature Exhibit Opening Reception, 1330 Second St., 5-7p.m. Sponsored byRiverOaksSquareArtsCenter. Exhibit featuring local, regional and resident artists. Cost: admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
December 1: Gingerbread House Workshop, 1403 Third St., 9:30-11:30a.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Child can create his or her own gingerbread house to take home. Parental accompaniment is not required. Registration is required. Email kidstreehouse@bellsouth.net to register. Cost: $20 per child. Call Kara Edwards: 619-9394.
December 1: Porch Sale at Bolton House, 1330 Second St., 9a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored byRiverOaksSquareArtsCenter. Great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Music
November 24: Boogie for the Bayou, Paragon Casino Mari Showroom, 3:00pm. Featuring a Swamp Pop show with Louisiana Express, Johnnie Allan, T.K. Hulin, Tommy McLain; and a Zydeco show featuring Travis Matte and Chris Ardoin. Cost: $15 per show; $25 for both. Call: 800-745-3000.
December 1, 8, 15 and 22: Holiday Concert Series, Alexandria Mall Center Court, time: varies. Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with musical and dance performances each Saturday in December. Visit www.alexandriamall.com for a list of times and performers. Cost: admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0.
December 2: “A Holiday Spectacular” Rapides Symphony Orchestra Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m. Carrying on the Symphony’s holiday concert tradition in spectacular fashion. A fun event for the whole family. Cost: $25 general, $15 seniors, $10 students and children. Call James Owens: 442-9709 ext. 2.
Theatre
November 10: ONSTAGE2012 Awards Gala, Convention Hall, 7-11p.m. Sponsored by City Park Players-Central Louisiana Community Theatre. Join City Park Players as the casts and crews of the 2012 Shows celebrate the conclusion of the 64th Season. Snippets of the shows and music by the 2nd Street Band will accompany the festive evening which will feature food, a silent auction and dancing. Cost: $50 per person. Call: 484-4478.
November 15-18: Steel Magnolias, Coughlin-Saunders PerformingArtsCenter, Thurs.-Sat. 7p.m., Sun. 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Same story as the hilarious and heartwarming movie filmed inNatchitoches, these fiery Southern ladies are ready to talk marriage, husbands and hair in this Southern fried classic. Perfect for a family night out! Cost: $10-$15. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE.
December 8: Cenla Christmas Spectacular, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Lagniappe Theatre Company. Back for its 5th year, this Christmas variety show, like Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC, features dance groups, choirs, bands, theatre groups and much more! Bring the whole family for this Christmas treat. Cost: $10-$15. Call Karen Burns: 48-STAGE.
Events
November 9: Story Time and Book Signing: “Steamduck Learns to Fly”,1403 Third St., 11a.m. Sponsored by T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum. Meet the author and illustrator of this fantastic steampunk themed book for kids. Escape into this delightful story as it is told; get your own signed copy and a Steamduck t-shirt too! Cost: $4 per person, children 2 and younger free. Call Kara Edwards: 619-9394.
November 9: LSUA Foundation Scholarship Gala, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 6:30p.m. Sponsored by LSUA Foundation. This 3rd annual event raises money for the Scholarship Program for deserving students at LSUA. The black tie affair will include dinner, cocktails, speaker John Barry, author of Rising Tide and the big band sounds of Bulletproof Brass Band fromDallas,TX. Cost: $100 per person or table sponsorships available. Call: Melinda F. Anderson: 619-2916.
November 9-10: LifeShare 24 Hour Blood Drive, 2051 North Mall Drive, Noon-Noon. Sponsored by LifeShare Blood Centers. 24 hour event complete with prizes and give-a-ways for donors. The need for blood never sleeps and during this event, neither do we! Cost: admission free. Call Lisa Hickman: 445-7439.
November 10: Scouting for Food Drive, throughout Central Louisiana, mornings. Sponsored by Louisiana Purchase Council and the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts will place bags on porches on the morning of the 3rd and pick up bags filled with nonperishable items on the morning of the 10th. Call Darren Gantt: 443-0482.
November 10: Sugar Day Festival, KentPlantation House, 9a.m.-5p.m. Come out and enjoy arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, demonstrations of life in the 1800’s, live music and much more. There will be complimentary tours of the house and food available for purchase. Cost: $5 general, children 6 and younger free. Call: 487-5998.
November 10: 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.
November 10: MDA’s Cenla Muscle Walk, Louisiana Athletic Club, 9:30-11:30a.m. Sponsored by Muscular Dystrophy Association. The walk is family-oriented and anyone can join, including children, adults, grandparents, students, corporate teams and more. Held to pay tribute and raise funds for children and adults served by MDA. Cost: admission free, but fundraising goal is $74 per person on a team. Call Christina Griffin: 388-3252.
November 10-11: A Merry Cenla Christmas Festival, Rapides Parish Coliseum Exhibition Hall, Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 11a.m.-4p.m. Sponsored by TheRed River Arts & Crafts Guild. Partners with the Food Bank. Gratefully accepting all donations of canned food items or cash. Cost: admission free. Call Donna Fontenot: 443-1785.
November 10: Hodges Gardens Fall Art Fest, Hodges Gardens State Park, 10:00am-4:00pm. Featuring live music, yoga & reiki demonstrations, local artists, art auction, belly dancers and much more!
November 12: 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.
November 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. Cost: Free. Call: 1-800-ACS-2345.
November 12: Sweet & Low Diabetes Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Atrium, 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is requested. Call: 866-581-3627.
November 13: Happiest Baby On The Block, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st floor 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. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-36270.
November 14: Diabetes Group Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Medical Terrace Auditorium, 9 a.m. – Noon. Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering this 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. Reservations are required. Cost: Free. Call: 769-3106.
November 14: LDR Sales Tax Seminar, 900 Murray Street, Alexandria, 1:00pm. The Louisiana Department of Revenue will host a free seminar to help business operators understand sales tax and other important business issues. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 487 5333.
November 15: 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: 866-581-3627.
November 15: 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.
November 15: 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.
November 15: Blessings of Life, Bolton Chapel at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6 p.m. The sixth Blessings of Life service is designed for cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends across Central Louisiana. This event is open to anyone who’s lost a loved one to cancer, is currently undergoing treatment or is a cancer survivor. The family, friends and caregivers of those touched by cancer are also invited to attend. It is sponsored by Rapides Cancer Center. Refreshments will be served following the program. Pre-registration is encouraged. Call: 769-4440.
November 15: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Louisiana Athletic Club Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
November 15: March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction, Alexandria Riverfront Center, 6:30pm. Each chef is preparing a mouth watering signature dish as well as putting together a fantastic Live Auction Package for your bidding pleasure. Participating restaurants include: Diamond Grill, Bake Me A Cake, Bellino’s, Tunk’s, Paragon Casino and more! Call: (318) 448-8294.
November 17: TBIPAC Fall BBQ Throw Down & Trade Days, Paragon Casino RV Resort, 8a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by TBIPAC. IBCA BBQ Contest: ribs, brisket, chicken, sauce, margaritas, soup/gumbo and anything over rice. Trade Days booth: $50. Cost: admission free. Call Amy Sampson: 240-6414.
November 17: Childbirth Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital 1st floor 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. Please pre-register. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-3627.
November 17: Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 9:30a.m. Share breakfast with a cast of costumed characters as Alexandria Mall welcomes the arrival of Santa in grand holiday style. Treats and goody bags for children 12 and younger. Cost: $2 for breakfast with proceeds benefitting the Salvation Army. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0.
November 18: Introduction to Zen Practice, Unitarian Fellowship House, 1245 Elliott St., 2:00pm. A brief overview of Zen practice will be presented followed by instruction on seated meditation. An open mind and comfortable clothes for sitting on floor cushions are the only requirements. Anyone who has physical limitations and cannot sit on the floor may use a chair. E-mail: zenuufa@gmail.com.
November 18: Inglewood Farm Harvest Barn Grand Opening, 3:00pm-7:00pm. An afternoon of food and fun will herald the opening of Inglewood Farm’s on-site market at our New Harvest Barn. Join us for live music by The Dots, farm tours, hay rides, healthy, local food, horse & pony rides and more! Bring the family for Thomson Grazers beef sliders and Inglewood’s own organic salad mix. Register at www.inglewoodharvestbarn.eventbrite.com online or day-of for 10% off of your market purchases! Call: 318-442-6398. www.inglewoodfarm.com
November 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.
November 19-20: Holiday Art Camp, BoltonAvenueCommunity Center, 9a.m.-Noon. Sponsored by City ofAlexandria Division of Community Services. Art camp for children ages 5-12. Cost: admission free. Call Krystal Wimbley: 449-5108.
November 20: Safe Sitter Class, Education Department at Rapides Regional Medical Center, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For boys and girls ages 11 to 13. Learn the basic skills you need to be a safe and successful babysitter. This medically-accurate, hands-on class teaches sitters how to entertain children and keep them safe, how to perform basic child care skills, how to call for emergency help, what to do when a child chokes, how to keep themselves safe and how to start a successful babysitting business. Class size is limited. Please pre-register. Cost: $40.00 per child (includes lunch and supplies). Call: 769-3445.
November 24: Fleur de Lis Christmas Craft Market, NatchitochesEventsCenter, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Fleur De Lis. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over 100 booths will showcase jewelry, woodworking, mosaics, clothing, soaps, lotions, birdhouses, jellies and much more. Cost: admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
November 25: Bereaved Parents Butterfly Garden Memorial Service, Alexandria Zoo Butterfly Garden, 2-3 p.m. Bring the whole family to the Butterfly Garden in the Zoo for this beautiful moving tribute to our children who have died too soon. Bring a butterfly ornament with your child’s name and dates on it to place on the tree during the service. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.
November 26: 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.
November 26: 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.
November 27: Head to Toe Clinic, Rapides Wound Healing Center at Rapides Regional Medical Center, 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. Rapides Regional Medical Center, the Rapides Wound Healing Center and Alexandria Eye and Laser will offer a special “Head to Toe” clinic for people with diabetes. Eye screenings, foot exams, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c tests and nutrition education will be offered free of charge to individuals diagnosed with diabetes. . You must make appointment to take place in the screening. Call early. Space is limited! Cost: Free. Call: (318) 769-4400.
November 29: Holiday Magic DownTown, AlexanderFultonMiniPark, 5p.m. Sponsored by the City ofAlexandria Division of Community Services. Annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, community caroling, school choirs and a visit from Santa! Cost: admission free. Call: 449-5051.
November 30: Follow the Star, Louisiana College Campus, 6p.m. Sponsored by Louisiana College. Follow the Star takes the audience on a journey of the birth of Jesus Christ. During Follow the Star, at the Martin Performing Arts Center participants can watch a musical special called “Christmas on the Hill.” This is the 2nd Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call: 487-7194.
December 1: An Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Enjoy crafts, snacks, a visit from Papa Noel and take part in a holiday bell choir as you listen to the sounds of the holidays. The 3rd Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call Kent Plantation House: 487-5998.
December 2: The Live Nativity, 2727 Jackson St., 6-8p.m. Sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. Relive the story of the first Christmas during this drive through nativity, which features Christmas music, candlelight and live animals. It takes 10-15 minutes to drive through. The 4th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call Clara Woolf: 443-5696 ext. 104. www.fumca.org
December 3: Frosted: An Evening of Sweets and Treats, 1125 MacArthur Drive, 5:30-7p.m. Sponsored by Atwood’s Bakery. Join us for a fun filled evening for the young and young at heart. Children will be able to assemble and decorate their very own mini gingerbread house with all the holiday sweets and goodies that their imaginations can hold. While the kids are playing, adults can step inside Atwood’s Winter Wonderland. There they can enjoy a sampling of holiday goodies and beverages, while listening to festive music. The 5th Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call Atwood’s Bakery: 445-5134.
December 3 and 17: Pet Pics with Santa, JC Penney Court, 5-7p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mall. Pet owners are invited to bring their favorite furry friend for a memorable visit with Santa. Cost: regular photography fees apply. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext. 0.
December 6: Storytelling at the Museum, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Visit with Luz Maria Lopez and stay for refreshments and a book signing and reading of “How the Gods Created the Finger People.” The 6th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call AMoA: 443-3458.
December 6: The Shepherd Center Holiday High Tea, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 10:30a.m., 1:30p.m. and 4p.m. Sponsored by The Shepherd Center. What better way to commemorate the holidays than by attending the 15th traditional celebration of holiday high tea! Cost: $40 per person. Call TheShepherdCenter: 448-3752.
December 7: Pineville Christmas Parade, Main St., Pineville, line-up 5p.m., parade 7p.m. The 7th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call Madonna LeBlanc: 449-5660.
December 7: KAPB Avoyelles Holiday Blood Drive, location: TBA, 6a.m.-6p.m. Sponsored by LifeShare Blood Centers. Annual blood drive event held to ensure an adequate blood supply for the holiday season. Cost: admission free. Call Lisa Hickman: 445-7439.
December 8: Cookie Decorating with Rudolph, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 3-5p.m.Holiday cookie decorating with Great American Cookies and Rudolph. Cost: admission free. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227 ext 0.
December 9: Through the Eyes of a Child, Main Sanctuary of the Pentecostals of Alexandria, 6p.m. Sponsored by the Pentecostals of Alexandria. Join us for our annual Christmas Concert featuring a unique blend of drama and music celebrating the Christmas season. Young and old alike will enjoy the experience as we share the Christmas story interpreted in song. The 8th Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: admission free. Call: 427-6608.
December 9: Alexandria Christmas Parade, Jackson St. Extension, 2p.m. Sponsored by theAlexandria Mardi Gras Association. Cost: $75 parade entry. CallChris Chelette: 623-7359.
Sports
November 10: Disc Golf Tournament, Lake Buhlow, 7:30am. The Red River Rendezvous, the first disc golf tournament to be held in Central Louisiana, is sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association and is a Southern Nationals Disc Golf Championship qualifier. Call David Roberts: (225) 330-9094 or Alan Byrd: (318) 250-5630. www.pdgasignup.com
November 6, 13, 20 and 27: Yoga in the Gallery, AlexandriaMuseum of Art, 5:30-6:30p.m. Made possible by a grant from the Rapides Foundation. Cost: admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
December 8: Kick Start to Healing Kickball Tournament, Alexandria Youth Baseball Complex (across from Cabrini Hospital and the Aces’ Field), 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. To raise money for Tiffany Lester and Allison Valentine; two members of the community recently involved in serious automobile accidents. Cost: $10/participant; $1/spectator. Call Courtney Hamilton: 318-229-8760. E-mai: kickstarttohealing@aol.com.