Art

Ongoing-November: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit.  The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Keith Lacour in the Cabrini Gallery during the month of November. All art on display is for sale. Cost: Free. E-mail: [email protected]. www.artsandhealthcare.org

Ongoing-December 31: CARI Student Art Exhibition, Cane River Creole National Historical Park.  The exhibit features many different mediums of varying compositions completed by 313 student artists representing 15 schools from around Louisiana. The art exhibit will be on display at both Oakland and Magnolia Overseer’s Houses. Visitors to both Oakland and Magnolia will be able to vote for their favorite pieces. www.nps.gov/cari

November 13: Zentangle, Westside Regional Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Adults, learn the art of zentangle in this drawing class. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

November 15-February 5: 5x5x5 Show, River Oaks Sqauare Arts Center Bolton Gallery. What started as an annual feature of miniature works of art and has grown into a nationally acclaimed, adjudicated show with entries from all over the United States. The aim for entries is to stick to 5-inch square dimensions for two-dimensional works and 5x5x5 inches for the three-dimensional. The judge for 2019 is American painter and author Alex Beard, who is probably best known for his elaborate wildlife compositions created in his signature style of gestural painting. Beard will also showcase his own recent work entitled “From Orleans to Rapides: Drawing and Paintings from the Sportsman’s Paradise” in the Stokes Harris Gallery. An Opening Reception scheduled for Friday, November 15th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Call: 318-473-2670.

November 15: Adult Painting Class, Westside Regional Library, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Be artistic! Learn to paint with acrylic on canvas. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

December 3: Drop-In Sculpture Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:45pm-7:00pm. This on-going series for adults offers instruction, experience with other dry mediums, constructive critique, and inspiration from exhibitions. December’s medium will be sculpture. All materials are provided. No registration required. Cost: $10.00; AMoA Members Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

December 7: 2019 Annual Porch Sale, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 9:00am-3:00pm. This one-day artwork sale features original works from over 100 regional and local artists/fine craftsmen! Local and regional artists will be on on hand for demonstrations and art sales, and shoppers can enjoy Mark & Anita Rosenthal’s Signature Porch Sale Chili from noon to 1:00pm. Call: 318-473-2670.

Music

November 21: Handel In Love, St. James Episcopal Church, 7:00pm. The St. James Episcopal Church Concert Series continues its 2019-2020 season with a presentation by the Houston-based early music ensemble, Ars Lyrica Houston. The consort will perform an amorous tribute to the Baroque era’s finest musical dramatist, George Frederick Handel, with a collection of his music that is rarely performed and highly virtuosic. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-9845.

November 22: Christmas on the Hill, Louisiana College Martin Performing Arts Center, 5:30pm & 7:30pm.  This event serves as the Department of Music at Louisiana College’s annual Christmas production! From soloists and narrators to choral and instrumental ensembles, this is sure to be a wonderful way to kickoff the Christmas season! All ages welcome as we will be visited by a special red-suited guest! Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-7336.

December 3: J.S. Bach “Chaconne”, Sylvan Learning Center, 7:00pm.  Lin He will present Sonata No. 1 BWV 1001 and Partita No. 2 BWV 1004. This is the fourth concert in the Fourth Nachtmusik Season, featuring a total of eight monthly chamber music concerts. Can’t afford a ticket? Come anyway; everyone is welcome! Cost: $12.00 adults; $6.00 students.  www.sugarmillmusic.org/nachtmusik.

December 10: Red River Chorale Celebrating Christmas Concert, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 7:30pm.  Following presentation of a variety of Christmas selections by favorite composers, accompanied by organ, piano, and a string quartet, the Chorale will give the audience a beautiful Christmas gift—a performance of the breathtaking “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi! Cost: $15.00 adults; $5.00 students. Cost: 318-484-4463.

Theatre

November 7-10: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre.  In 1879, Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” became an immediate sensation, telling the story of Nora, a woman married to a domineering husband after being raised by a domineering father.  Though their marriage seems happy on the surface, Nora has had to sacrifice her honor and personhood. In 1879, a woman couldn’t vote, couldn’t conduct business without her husband’s permission, and could not refuse her husband’s sexual advances.  SSP’s production of “A Doll’s House” is set in 1959, when a woman could vote, but was otherwise still subject to her husband’s control. A blackmailer threatens to reveal a crime Nora committed to save her husband’s life. Disillusioned by her husband’s response, Nora realizes she has to change her life—to grow up and be a reasonable human being with a mind of her own—or end her life. Her decision shocked audiences in 1879 and will make current audiences think about what it means to be a human being and what it means to love one.  Performances begin nightly, Thursday through Saturday, at 7:30pm.  Sunday’s matinee is set for 2:30pm.  Cost: $10.00.

November 8, 9, 11: LBM Productions Frozen Jr. Auditions, Rapides Foundation Building. Announcing auditions for the February production of Disney’s Frozen Jr.  Director Laine Berry Miller, Musical Director Michael Sterne, Assistant Director Jan Reich and Choreographers Kathy Richey and Stephanie McQuain will cast leads and ensembles from auditioners ages 8 to 18 and a special Snow Chorus for younger performers. Register for your time slot at www.LBMProductions.net. Bring a filled out Audition Form (available online) and Photo to Auditions.  Audition time details are available online. The production will run January 17th-21st. www.LBMProductions.net

November 14, 15 & 17: Into The Woods, Bolton High School.  The Bolton Conservatory for the Performing and Visual Arts will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved Tone award winning musical “Into the Woods” featuring all your favorite fairy tale characters woven into one story! Performances begin nightly Thursday and Friday at 7:00pm with a Sunday matinee set for 2:00pm. Tickets are available online at www.boltonconservatory.com. Cost: $5.00-$13.50.

November 30-December 1: The Nutcracker, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Red River Dance brings you The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. Performed by both professional and local ballet dancers, this Central Louisiana tradition is the perfect way to start the holiday season.  Performances begin Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Cost: $18.00 adult; $15.00 senior; $13.00 children. redriverdance.org

December 5: A Very Electric Christmas, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Brighten your holidays with LightWire Theatre’s “A Very Electric Christmas”! Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. This delightful holiday production will make children wide-eyed with delight and warm even the smallest of hearts! Cost: $18.00 adults, $15.00 seniors, $10.00 students and children, and $45.00 family package (includes 2 adults and 2 children). Call: 318-443-4718.

December 7: Point of Grace-A Christmas Story, Calvary Baptist Church, 7:00pm-9:00pm.  Point of Grace is bringing A Christmas Story Tour to Alexandria, LA for one night only! Featuring Point of Grace, Aaron Shust and with special guest, Mallary Hope. Don’t miss this evening of Christmas Favorites as we celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth. Cost: $15.00-$30.00. Call: 318-445-5640.

December 8: Rapides Symphony Orchestra Holiday Traditions Concert, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 2:30pm.  The concert will be full of traditional holiday music including music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Christmas carols, and an audience sing-along.  The RSO is also pleased to present a world premiere performance of a charming piece entitled “Bayou Suzette” Overture by one of the only orchestral music composers in our area, Avoyelles’s Nettie Chenevert. Cost: $10.00-$25.00.  Call: 318-442-9709.

Events

Ongoing-November: New Hope Al-Anon Group, Horseshoe Drive Methodist Church in Alexandria, 7:00pm.  The New Hope Al-Anon Group meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening. Al-Anon is a mutual support group for anyone having experienced a problem with someone else’s drinking or addiction. You are free to ask questions or to talk about your situation or just listen. Every meeting is different. Each meeting has the autonomy to be run as its members choose, within guidelines designed to promote Al-Anon unity. Cost: Free.

Ongoing-November: balance Meetings. balance – A group of people working on individual goals with emphasis on substance and alcohol abuse prevention meets each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm and Wednesday at 12:00pm.  Meetings take place each Monday and Wednesday at the CLASS Office, 1785 Jackson Street in Alexandria. Tuesday meetings are held at the Rapides Parish Main Library, 411 Washington Street in downtown Alexandria. Thursday meetings are held at the King Branch library, 1115 Broadway Avenue in Alexandria.  Call: 318-442-1010.

November 8-9: Christmas in the Pines, Southern Forest Heritage Museum.  Join the Southern Forest Heritage Museum and Junkin’ on Main for two days of holiday shopping with Christmas decor, gift galore and so much more! Food vendors will be on site with seating available. Gates will be open Friday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Cost: $5.00. Call: 318-748-8404.

November 8-10: Cenla Sobermania, Best Western of Alexandria. Cenla SoberMania is a yearly convention held in Central Louisiana to help spread the word of Alcoholics Anonymous and reach out to the still sick and suffering alcoholics in search for a way out. Cost: $25.00. www.sobermania.org

November 9: 26th Annual Sugar Day Festival, Kent Plantation House, 9:00am-5:00pm.  Come learn how sugar is made in our reproduction 1840s sugar mill.  There will be live folk music, demonstrations, dancing, children’s activities, handmade arts and crafts, and more. Cost: $5.00; children 3 and under Free. Call: 318-487-5998.

November 9: Train Day, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 10:00am-2:00pm.  View Several Model Railroads from Rockwell Railroad and The Cenla Model Railroad Club. Cost: Regular admission. Call: 318-619-9394.

November 9: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us to watch The Incredibles 2 (PG).  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 9: Buffalo Soldiers Historic Presentation, Robertson Branch Library, 1:00pm–2:00pm. In honor of Veterans Day, there will be a historic presentation on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and other African-American soldiers. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

November 9: Civil War Veterans Presentation, Mansfield State Historic Site, 2:00pm.  Mansfield State Historic Site will examine the fate of soldiers who returned home after the Civil War, in particular those of the Red River Campaign, and what their lives were like after the war ended. What happened to them? How did they transition into their new lives? The program will look at those who returned home to settle as well as those who sought to make a new life for themselves in the vastness of the American West. Cost: $4.00.  Call: 318-872-1474 or 888-677-6267.

November 11: Good Mourning Widowed Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:00pm. This is an ongoing 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 those who are newly grieving.  The Mourning Widowed Support Group meets on the second Monday of each month and is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.  Check our Face Book page: CHRISTUS Widowed and Widowers. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

November 12: Anime Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Teens and adults will discuss the Dragon Ball. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

November 12: LSUA Cavanaugh Lecture Series, Alexandria Museum of Art, 5:30pm. David G. Baker, DVM, PhD, DACLAM, and LSU’s Attending Veterinarian will be the featured speaker for the November edition of the Cavanaugh Lecture Series. Dr. Baker is the author of numerous journal articles and one book, Mike the Tiger: The Roar of LSU, published in 2013. Cost: Free. Contact: [email protected].

November 13: Diabetes Group Class, HP Long Classroom in Pineville, 9:00am-12:00pm.  Rapides Regional Medical Center is offering 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 a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. Please pre-register. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.

November 13: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 90 Harold Miles Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm. Christine Baker will present “From One Women’s Heart to Another”. We will also have our annual fundraiser titled “Baskets and Baked Goods” Silent auction and bake sale; so bring home a sweet treat or basket of goodies. We are honoring our Lady Veterans at this event, so free lunch for all Lady Vets but please RSVP to let us know you are coming! Bring a friend for a delicious lunch and great message. Please RSVP by Friday, November 8th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: [email protected].

November 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 install the car seat. The car seat check process takes between 15-25 minutes, depending on how many car seats are in the vehicle. The seat checks normally are held the second Wednesday of each month. Cost: Free.

November 13: Teens’ Corner Virtual Reality Experience, Robertson Branch Library, 2:00pm–5:00pm.Join us after school for Virtual Reality with the library’s own Oculus Rift! Signed waivers are required before playing. Forms are available at circulation. Cost: Free. Call: 318-640-3098. www.rpl.org

November 13: Fall Wreath, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:00pm–4:00pm. Children will make a simple fall wreath to help decorate their home for fall. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

November 14: Heritage Seeker’s Club, Boyce Branch Library, 1:30pm-2:30pm. A self-guided exploration of your families heritage. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

November 14: Crayons Take Me Away, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Adults, come to relax and enjoy some coloring. Registration by phone require.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 15: As Young as You Feel Day, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. If you’re 50+, come join us for games, and fellowship. Registration by phone preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

November 15: Teen Bingo, Johnson Branch Library, 3:30pm–4:30pm. Teens, join us for a game of bingo! Registration Preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-776-5153. www.rpl.org

November 15: Turkey-Time Story Walk, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. This Thanksgiving themed story-walk will be outside with page stations to visit. Refreshments will be served at the end of the walk. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

November 15: Teen Craft, Martin Branch Library, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Teens, join us to recycle an old book into a mouse.  Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

November 16: Astro Camp Workshop, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 9:00am-12:00pm. Join us as we learn about the International Space Station! We’ll watch an interview with a real Astronaut that lived aboard the space station, discover how to track it and build our model space stations out of recycled materials! Pre-registration required. Cost: $20.00. Call: 318-619-9394.

November 16: Paws for Kids, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children build confidence in reading with Luke the Confidence Dog. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

November 16: Crafts with Ms. Sophia, Rapides Main Library, 11:00am-12:00pm. Children, visit Ms. Sophia to make handprint turkeys and turkey headbands. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1022. www.rpl.org

November 16: Thanksgiving Feast, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 11:00am–12:30pm. Guests show off their culinary skills with various dishes to enjoy. Enjoy great food with great company! Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

November 16: Santa Stop, Pineville Convention Center, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Join Rapides Regional Medical Center as we help welcome Santa Claus to town. Take home a photo, goodie bags, snacks and more. Cost: Free.

November 18: Gardening Meetup, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:00am. Gardening series dedicated to answering your questions about plants! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 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.

November 19: MasterCraft Cookie Decorating, Rapides Main Library, 12:00pm-2:00pm. Adults, join us for holiday cookie decorating! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 19: Craft Cheese Ball Appetizers, Martin Branch Library, 2:30pm-4:30pm. Adults, join us to make turkey cheeseball appetizers! Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-7575. www.rpl.org

November 19: Craig’s Corner, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Patrons will learn basic financial skills, such as working with bank accounts, introductions to stocks, bonds, taxes, and more. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org

November 19: Makerspace with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Children ages 10+ will learn how to make a light bot in this electronics class. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 19: Family Cook Nook, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Families will learn how to cook mini pumpkin-pies, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

November 19: Introduction to Crafting with Cricut, Martin Branch & Westside Regional Library, 5:00pm-6:30pm. Learn how to make crafts with the library’s Cricut machine. Registration Preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org

November 20: Well Groomed Screening, Hearn Stage, 7:00pm. Competitive creative dog grooming is the most colorful competition in America. “Well Groomed” poignantly captures the creative process and traveling with four women at the center of the competition as they enrich their lives through this fascinating intersection of art and animals. Q&A with the Director Rebecca Stern will follow the screening. This film is part of the 2019–2020 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.  Cost: $10.00 adults; $5.00 students. Call: 318-443-4718.

November 21: As Young as You Feel Day, Rapides Main Library, 10:00am-12:30pm. If you’re 50+, join us for games, lunch, and fellowship. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 21: Parkinson’s Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-12:30pm. The Parkinson’s support group meets on the 3rd 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. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

November 21: Makerspace with Mr. David Sproles, Libuse Branch Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Children ages 10+ will learn how to make a light bot in this electronics class. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org

November 22: Gathering of Gratitude, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Patrons will take part in a meal and discuss the things they are thankful for. Cost: Free. Call: 318-709-8184. www.rpl.org

November 22: DIY Leaf Bowl Craft, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm-5:00pm. Adults, join us to make your own leaf bowl. All supplies will be provide. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org

November 25: Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 11:00am-1:00pm. 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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

November 25: Alzheimer’s Activity Group, Cabrini Mediplex, 11:00am-12:30pm. The staff from Brookdale Assisted Living will offer appropriate activities with a fun, hands-on approach for those with Alzheimer’s disease.  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. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

November 26: Safe Sitter Training, RRMC Education Department, 7:45am-4:30pm.  Boys and girls, ages 11 to 13, can learn the basic skills needed 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. Registration includes lunch and supplies. Class size is limited; please pre-register. Cost: $45.00. Call: 318-769-4440.

November 26: Come Write In!, Rapides Main Library, 5:30pm-6:30pm. Come “write” in to enhance your creative writing skills. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org

November 26: Healing Hearts Memorial Christmas Tree, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Atrium, 6:00pm. A memorial tree sponsored by the Healing Hearts Perinatal Loss Support Group. Participants will have the opportunity to make two ornaments, one to decorate the Memory Tree, and one to bring home Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-7569.

November 29: Madeleine L’ Engle’s Birthday Movie, Boyce Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Celebrate Madeleine L’Engle’s birthday by enjoying a movie based on the timeless classic A Wrinkle in Time. Cost: Free. Call: 318-793-2182. www.rpl.org

November 30: 5th Saturday Market on Main Street, Main Street in Pineville, 9:00am-2:00pm.  Make plans to come out to our Christmas Edition of the 5th Saturday Market! Do your holiday shopping from local vendors featuring Holiday decor! Cost: Free.

November 30: Build a Cigar Box Guitar, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Hey Kids! Have you ever wanted to build a musical instrument? Learn how to build a Cigar Box guitar. Professional musician Mike Snowden will be the special guest for the event. Participants will build cigar box guitars that you take home. Mike will be performing on his personal cigar box guitars as part of the event. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.

December 1: Tasty Tuesday Senior’s Luncheon, Martin Center, 1:30pm.  Cenla seniors gather for a devotional message, table games, fellowship and a delicious lunch. Call: 318-613-1119.

December 2: Bereaved Parents Support Group BPUSA, Cabrini Mediplex Serenity Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents and grandparents whose child has died. Bereaved Parents Support Group has trained outreach volunteers who are available to the newly grieving parent, grandparent or adult sibling. This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month. Pre-registration is required. Check out our Facebook page at The Bereaved Parents Of Cenla-BPUSA. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 2: Miscarriage/Stillbirth Support Group, Cabrini Mediplex Kincaid Room, 6:00pm-7:00pm. This is an on-going support group for parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth of a baby.  This group is sponsored by CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and meets on the first Monday of every month.  Pre-registration is required. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

December 3: Christmas at the Nest, Holy Savior Menard Central High School, 5:30pm-7:00pm. The evening will start in the school gymnasium with storytime with award-winning storyteller, Sylvia Davis. After storytime the fun will continue in the school mall area with Christmas crafts and games, light refreshments, and pictures with Santa. Students PreK3-6th grade are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana as part of the Christmas Cheer Food Drive. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-8233.

December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28: Holiday Light Safari, Alexandria Zoo, 6:00pm.  Alexandria Zoo is lighting up the season with Holiday Light Safari each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening in December! Create wonderful holiday memories with a casual stroll through the Zoo’s colorful environment sparkling with thousands of lights and whimsical lighted animal figures. Holiday Light Safari features hundreds of thousands of lights, holiday train rides, Santa, kids’ activities, and more! Cost: $8.00 Ages 4+; $6.00 FOTAZ member; Ages 3 & under Free. Call: 318-441-6810. thealexandriazoo.com

December 6: Candyland Christmas, T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum, 6:00pm-9:00pm.  Join us as we make Christmas ornaments, write letters to Santa, Enjoy special Candyland treats! Part of the Alexandria 12 Night of Christmas. Cost: $10.00; Members and children under 2 Free. Call: 318-619-9394.

December 7: Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In Breakfast, Buhlow Lake Airport Clubhouse, 7:30am-10:00am.  Fly (or drive) to Buhlow Lake Airport to join the EAA for an all-you-want-to-eat, hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, grits, potatoes, OJ, milk and more! Everyone is welcome to enjoy breakfast, visit with pilots and have a good time. Cost: $7.00 donation.

Sports

Ongoing-November: Yoga Class, Cabrini Mediplex Yoga Rx Room, 4:00pm-5:00pm.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat.  Come make new friends, get flexible and enjoy the health benefits of Yoga!  Classes are on-going and meet every Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Led by Kripalu trained Yoga Teacher, Becky Watkins. Call Becky Watkins: 318-448-6938.

November 6, 13, 20, 27 & December 4: Tai Chi Chih Classes, Cabrini Mediplex, 9:30am-10:30am. .  If you are a former Tai Chi student or brand new, come join us as we learn the 19 movements and 1 pose of Tai Chi Chih.  This beautiful soothing practice is meditation in motion.  Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  Classes will be held every Wednesday morning in November. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-48-6938.

November 9, 16, 23, 30 & December 7: Saturday Morning Qi Gong, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. Paul Nettles of The Levee Tai Chi School leads a class in Qi Gong, which is an ancient system of coordinated body postures and movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. It is used to stimulate good health, spirituality, and a state of calm mindfulness. Call: 318-443-3458.

November 9: Kids Yoga, Alexandria Museum of Art, 10:30am. The Alexandria Museum of Art and Rapides Regional Medical Center have partnered to present Healthy Living @AMoA. On the second Saturday of each month, Shannon Brewer of Lux Studios–Lotus Vibes present free Kids Yoga class at the Museum. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458.

November 16: Walk for your DogGone Diabetes, HP Long Clinic, 8:00am-10:00am.  Bring your favorite furry friend and join in to raise awareness about diabetes.  There will be a 1- and 2-mile path option available. Enjoy a snack and receive lots of information on how to manage diabetes. There will also be plenty of treats for your pup!  Don’t have a dog? That’s okay! Come and walk anyway!  Cost: $5.00.  Call: 318-769-3445.