Arts
Ongoing – November 23: Stephen Knapp: New Light, Alexandria Museum of Art. Stephen Knapp creates his cut-glass illuminated lightpaintings by using a special glass treated with layers of metallic coatings that act as a selective prism to separate focused light into different frequencies of the spectrum. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
November 8: The Guitar Project: Art for a Cause, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7:00-10.00p.m. Come join the party as we celebrate our talented local artists! Dance, eat, drink and bid on one-of-a-kind guitars reconstructed into dramatic pieces of art to benefit non-profit organizations of each artist’s choice. Though the night is centered on a great cause, it’s going to be a great party! For more information call: (318) 445-4491.
November 14: “Art of Glass” by William Warmus, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6p.m. Join glass expert William Warmus to explore the history of glass from its beginnings to its modern development by artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and contemporary masters like Dale Chihuly. In conjunction with the exhibition, “Stephen Knapp: New Light,” Warmus will also discuss Knapp’s illuminated cut glass sculpture installations at AMoA. Cost: Admission free. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458.
November 19: “Harvest”, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Arts Council of Central Louisiana. This film follows a handful of wineries throughout Sonoma County wine harvest of 2011- what would later be remembered as the worst harvest of their lifetimes. Cost: $9 general admission; $7 student and youth. Call Matt Henry: 443-4718.
November 23-24: A Holiday Extravaganza, Kees Park, Pineville, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat., 11a.m.-4p.m. Sun. Sponsored by the Red River Arts and Crafts Guild. A wide variety of handmade arts and crafts including woodwork, jewelry, pencil art, ceramics, painting, watercolor, Christmas décor, jams and jellies and many other unique items. Call for vendor info. Cost: Admission free. Call Donna: 443-1785.
November 25-26: “Feature Creature Animation” Holiday Art Camp, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-Noon. Campers will create small creatures out of found objects and animate them in short videos. For children 6-12. Cost: $25 AMoA member child; $50 non-member child. Call Cindy Blair: 443-3458.
November 30: Fleur De Lis Christmas Craft Market, Natchitoches Events Center, 9a.m.-5p.m. Sponsored by Fleur De Lis Arts & Crafts. Artists and craftsmen from a four state area will feature handcrafted items. Over 100 booths will showcase jewelry, woodworking, clothing, pottery, birdhouses, jellies, mosaics, body soaps and lotions and much more. Cost: Admission free. Call Cheryl Gianforte: 352-6068.
Theatre
November 14-17 and 21-24: The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, LSUA Black Box Theatre, MPAC 105, 7:30p.m. Thur.-Sat.; 2:30p.m. Sun. Sponsored by LSUA Empty Space Players. Love, adventure and magic are in the air as LSUA Empty Space Players present the longest running show in Broadway history. This musical allegory tells of a young couple falling in love, their meddling fathers and the mysterious El Gallo, and will be dedicated to the memory of Richard Gwartney. Cost: $10 general admission; $5 students and seniors. Call Robert Harper: 473-6473.
November 30 and December 1: Nutcracker, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sat.; 2p.m. Sun. Sponsored by Red River Dance Theater Company. Cost: $15 adult; $12 seniors 65+; $10 students. Call Bob Levy: 792-1699.
December 6: Exhibit Reception, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 5-7p.m. Exhibit reception featuring New Orleans artist Alex Beard, local artist Rhonda R. Curiel and students of John Eskew Training Center. Cost: Admission free. Call Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
December 6: Member Preview Reception and Curator’s Tour, Alexandria Museum of Art, 6-8p.m. Learn more about the artists and artwork on display on Curator’s Tour of the new exhibitions. Not a member? Join today and receive free admission, discounts on classes and invitations to preview receptions and other special events. Cost: Free for AMoA members. Call Alyssa Fridgen: 443-3458. www.themuseum.org/AboutUs/Membership.aspx
December 6-7: Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Musical, Presented by Alexandria Country Day School and directed by Laine Berry Miller. Times are as follows: Friday 7:00p.m. and Saturday 11:00a.m., 3:00p.m., and 7:00p.m. LSUA’s MPAC Black Box Theatre is selling tickets for $10. For more information: call (318) 448-1475, www. ACDSonline.tix.com.
December 7: Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9a.m.-3p.m. Great opportunity to purchase unique gifts for Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: Rachael Dauzat: 473-2670.
Music
November 10: Ken Cowan in Concert, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:00pm. St. James Episcopal Church will present vituoso organist Ken Cowan as part of its 2013-2014 Concert Series. Widely regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists, Cowan is praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming. Sponsored by The McCormick-Smith Fund, Inc. Cost: Free. Call: (318) 445-9845.
December 8: Home for the Holidays, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30p.m. Sponsored by Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The RSO will perform all the holiday classics of the yuletide season joined by a special guest artist – a concert the whole family can enjoy. Cost: $25 adult; $15 seniors; $10 students. Call James Owens: 484-4469.
Events
Ongoing-December 25: Hope House Christmas Adopt a Family Project, 24 Bolton Ave. Sponsored by Hope House of Central Louisiana. Join us in the spirit of giving by participating in our Adopt a Family Project, for more information please call. Call Angela Staples: 487-2061 ext. 202.
November 9, 16, 23, 25-27 and 30: T.R.E.E. House, A Children’s Museum Events.
Grand opening of KID TV Exhibit, all day. The Discoveries of Marie Curie, 1:00p.m. Pumpkin Carving Workshop, $20 nonmembers and $15 members, reservations required 9:00a.m.-12:00a.m. The History of Thanksgiving 1:00p.m. and Thanksgiving Crafts. For more information call (318) 619-9394 or email [email protected].
November 9: Sugar Day Festival, Kent Plantation House, 9a.m.-5p.m. Come see how sugar was made in the early 1800s and watch various period demonstrations and craftsmen. Free tours of the house and outbuildings all day as well as free entertainment. Food and beverages for sale and many local arts and crafts vendors will be displaying their works from around the region. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-5998.
November 9: Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Muscle Walk, Run and Ride, Louisiana Athletic Club, Pineville, 7:30a.m. Join us for the first MDA Muscle Walk, Run and Ride. 5K Fun Run, the traditional non-competitive MDA Muscle Walk and a Poker Run hosted by the Red Horse Foundation. Decide how you want to get involved and then sign up! The common thread is raising money for MDA. Call Christina Griffin: 388-3221.
November 9: Second Saturday Market and Community Table, Alexandria Museum of Art, 9a.m.-1p.m. Sponsored by AMoA. Free admission to AMoA every Second Saturday with arts activities for kids, live music, exhibition tours, local produce and original local art. A different theme each time means there’s always something new to explore. Home gardeners and local farmers are invited to sell extra produce and plants at the Community Table. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
November 9: Holiday Market at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pollock, 9:00am – 4:00pm. Featuring local artisans. Call: (318) 765-3548.
November 9: Taking it 2 the Street, 933 Main St., 10a.m. Sponsored by Sayes Office Supply and Greg Walker Law.com. This free walking tour of Alexandria’s cultural district begins at AMoA and is guided by local media celebrities and makes frequent stops at scenic street corners all along the route for performances by local family friendly entertainers. Cost: Admission free. Call Rich Joyce: 445-1234 ext. 242.
November 10: Alexandria Holocaust Memorial Dedication, 2:00p.m., Holocaust Memorial Park at the corner of Elliott and Fourth Streets in downtown Alexandria. The Alexandria Holocaust Memorial will be unveiled, followed by a community service and reception at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
November 11: The Morning Widowed Persons Support Group, Power Center, 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.
November 11: Look Good…Feel Better, Cascade Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 12p.m. 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. To register call 1-800-ACS-2345.
November 12: Sibling Class, Christus 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.
November 13: 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.
November 13: Cancer Survivors Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 12:00noon. The guest speaker will be Miranda Martin, LCSW, MSW, and she will be speaking on “Don’t stress holidays and special occasions.” Call Miranda: 318-466-6074.
November 14: Diabetes Head to Toe Clinic, 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Rapides Wound Healing Center at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Rapides Regional Medical Center, Rapides Wound Healing Center and Alexandria Eye & 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. To schedule an appointment call: (318) 769-4400.
November 15-16: Miss Black Louisiana USA 2014 Pageant, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7p.m. Sponsored by Miss Black Louisiana Scholarship Pageant. Talented Teen and Miss Pageant. Cost: $10 general admission; $5 4-12 years and 3 and under free. Call Nakia Nelson: 225-317-9274. www.missblacklouisiana.com
November 16: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery, 9:00am-2:30pm. 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.
November 16: Childbirth Class, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9:30a.m. – 4:00p.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.
November 16: Mountain Dulcimer Workshop, Rebel State Historic Site, 10:00am. Learn the basics of the mountain dulcimer as Ms. Daryle Stephenson of Shreveport leads the workshop. Rebel State Historic Site is located approximately 25 miles west of Natchitoches, LA on LA Hwy. 1221 N. Pre-reigstration is required. Cost: $2.00. Call: 888-677-3600 or 318-472-6255. www.LaStateParks.com
November 16: Farm to Table Dinner, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:00-8:30p.m. Celebrate Fall Harvest and discover local seasonal produce and delicious wines through the Alexandria Museum of Art’s Farm to Table Dinner series. Cost: TBA. Call: 443-3458.
November 17: Jewish Food Festival, 2021 Turner St., 11a.m.-3p.m. Sponsored by the Jewish Temple. New York style Jewish deli cuisine. Klezmer Band, Israeli Marketplace, corned beef sandwiches, beef brisket, kosher hot dogs, chopped liver, bagels and lox spread, specialty bakery items, matzo ball soup, challah, noodle kugel, Italian ices and art. Cost: $15 per person. Call Mimi Kirzner: 794-3173.
November 18: Amputee Support Group, Power Center, 11:00am. This on-going group meets the 3rd Monday of each month and is open to anyone who is an amputee. We will offer educational handouts, programs, community resources and a chance to share with others. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
November 18: Breathing and Relaxation, Cascade Room in Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 6:30p.m.- 8:30p.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. To register, call 877-801-8441.
November 19: LaPine Chapter IAAP Membership Drive, The Rapides Foundation Building, time: TBA. Sponsored by LaPine Chapter International Association of Administrative Professionals. Anyone interested in learning more about IAAP and our local chapter is invited to attend this informational meeting. Cost: Admission free. Call Crystal Watts: 767-3025.
November 19: 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. Please pre-register. Cost: $30. Call: 866-581-36270.
November 19: Diabetes Education Class, Christus Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 7:00pm. Steve Wille will be delivering a free educational program to share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and his personal experience living with diabetes.
November 20-21: SafeAlex Clinic, Central Louisiana Business Incubator. SafeAlex is designed to enable citizens to become involved in making Alexandria safer through the education, empowerment and actions of the individuals who live the city’s neighborhoods. The clinic will be led by Greg Saville, an internationally known expert in helping to facilitate the creation of safe growth communities throughout the world. Size is limited; pre-registration is required. Call: (318) 449-5038.
November 21: 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.
November 21: Thanksgiving Harvest Feast at LSUA, LSUA Alexandria, Noon-1:30p.m. Sponsored by Student Life and Student Support. Students, faculty, staff, their families and community friends fellowship over a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast. Tickets available for purchase Nov. 1st at LSUA Auxiliary Services: 473-6579. Cost: $10. Call Kyra Turner: 427-4403.
November 21: Better Breathers Club, Rapides Health and Lifestyles Center, 724 Scott Street. 12:00p.m. 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 by calling (318) 769-3776.
November 21: 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 21: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 6:00pm. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
November 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: (800) 644-9730.
November 21: Blessings of Life, Bolton Chapel at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 6:00 p.m. The annual 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. Please call 769-4440, or register online at www.rapidesregional.com.
November 22-23: TBIPAC Fall BBQ Throwdown and Trade Days, Paragon Casino and Resort and RV, 5-9p.m. Fri.; 9a.m.-5p.m. Sat. IBCA Categories of chicken, ribs, brisket, Kids BBQ Competition, Ancillary Categories, Trade Days, Classic Car Show and a Christmas Extravaganza. Cost: $150 BBQ Contest entry. Call Amy Sampson: 240-6414.
November 22: Oak Hill Lady Ram Softball Live Auction, Oak Hill High School Auditorium, 6:00pm. Proceeds benefit the Lady Rams softball team, which has been State Champions 7 times and State Runner-up 3 times. Auction items are donated by businesses and individuals all over Central Louisiana. Jambalaya dinners will also be available for purchase. Call Charlotte Carroll: 318-715-2494.
November 23: BBQ Cook off, Classic Car Show and Shopping Extravaganza, Paragon Casino Resort is hosting an all day even starting at 8:00a.m. For more information call: (318) 253-2045 or visit: www.paragoncasinoresort.com
November 23: Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, Cabrini Women’s & Children’s Hospital Conference Room, 9am. Please pre-register. Call: 866-581-3627.
November 23: Breakfast with Santa!, Alexandria Mall Food Court, 9:30a.m. Sponsored by the Alexandria Mall. Breakfast with a cast of holiday characters. Goody bags for kids 12 and younger. Ticket includes buttered biscuit, jelly and juice from Chick-Fil-A. Presale tickets available through Mall Office. Cost: $2. Call Missy McKnight: 448-0227.
November 25: The Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Power Center, 10:30am-1:30pm. 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. Special presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Keller, Director of Pennington Research Institute, LSU Medical Center, Baton Rouge. The Alzheimer Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 448-6938.
November 25: The Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Power Center, 10:30am-1:30pm. 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.
November 26: Healing Hearts ‘Christmas Memorial Tree,’ 6:00p.m., Atrium, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A memorial tree sponsored by the Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group. Participants will decorate the Memory Tree. For information call Denise Cross at 769-7569.
November 26: Safe Sitters 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. Cost is $40 per child and includes lunch and supplies. For information or to register your child, grandchild or babysitter, call (318) 769-3445.
December 2: Frosted: An Evening of Sweets and Treats, Atwood’s Bakery, 5:30-7p.m. Children can assemble and decorate their own mini gingerbread house, while adults shop and sample at the Atwood’s Christmas Market. Cost: Admission free. Call Jennifer Atwood: 445-9561.
December 3: Pet Pics with Santa, Santa Set at the JC Penney Court, 5-7p.m. Pet owners and their four-legged friends are invited to pose for a keepsake with Santa. Cost: Regular portrait fees apply. Call Alexandria Mall Office: 448-0227.
December 5: Holiday Magic Downtown, Alexander Fulton Mini Park, 5p.m. Sponsored by the City of Alexandria Division of Community Services. Annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, community and school groups and choirs and a visit from Santa. 1st Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 449-5051.
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 and 27-30: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30p.m. Sponsored by City of Alexandria and Friends of the Alexandria Zoo. Hundreds of thousands of lights will adorn the zoo and highlight the new “Land of the Jaguar” exhibit. Train rides, Santa, and food. Entertainment on special evenings. Zoo will be open regular Zoo hours but will close at 4p.m. to reopen at 5:30p.m. for these nights. December 6th is the 2nd Night of the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: $6 per person 4 and up. Call: 441-6810.
December 7: An Old Fashioned Christmas, Kent Plantation House, 4-6p.m. Sponsored by Kent Plantation House. Participate in caroling and decorating the Kent House Christmas tree. Make crafts for your tree at home and enjoy snacks while you listen to the live entertainment. 3rd Night in the 12 Nights of Christmas. Cost: Admission free. Call: 487-5998.
December 8: Christmas de la Louisiane – Alexandria Christmas Parade, starts at the intersection of Metro Dr. and Gus Kaplan Dr., 2p.m. Sponsored by Alexandria Mardi Gras Association. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne will be Grand Marshal. 4th Night of Christmas in the 12 Nights of Christmas. For float information visit www.alexmardigras.com. Cost: Free. Call Becky Deville: 442-7668.
Sports
November 12, 19, 26 & December 3: Yoga in the Gallery, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30p.m. Yoga is offered free of charge every Tuesday, thanks to a grant from The Rapides Foundation. Yoga instructor, b. Hedrick is an ascetic Taoist yogi with 14 years of yoga practice. Yoga Tao is for all experience levels, incorporating spirit-mind-body techniques. Cost: Admission free. Call Jenny Gallent: 443-3458.
November 16: The Half Festival-Half Marathon-10K-5K, Indian Creek, 8a.m. Sponsored by Fit Families for Cenla, Inc. Online registration only. www.fitfamiliesforcenla.org or Facebook page: Fit Families for Cenla. Cost: varies. Call Teresa: 447-7219.
November 22: Oak Hill Lady Ram Softball Team Auction, Oak Hill High School, Elmer Louisiana, 6:00p.m. The auction will be held in the school’s auditorium, and Jambalaya plates will be served at 5:30p.m. All proceeds goes to the Oak Hill Lady Ram softball team to offset equipment, maintenance, and travel expenses. For more information or to make donations please contact Charlotte Carroll (318) 715-2494.
