Art
Ongoing-October: Arts & Healthcare, Inc. Exhibit. The CHRISTUS Cabrini Gallery (Cabrini Outpatient Center, 1st floor across from Radiology) will feature the art of Barry Owen in the Cabrini Gallery during the month of October. All art on display is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to continue healing arts work in the community. Cost: Free. E-mail: judy@artsandhealthcare.org. www.artsandhealthcare.org
Ongoing-October 24: 32nd September Competition, Alexandria Museum of Art. The 32nd September Competition is an annual juried exhibition highlighting the work of contemporary artists in all media and styles created within the past two years. 50 artworks selected from over 450 international submissions are included in the exhibition and featured in a full-color print catalog. This year, the 49 selected artists represent 4 countries, 23 states, and 49 cities. AMoA welcomes Marilyn Laufer as the 2019 juror. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.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
October 11: Acrylic Painting Class, Westside Regional Library, 4:30pm-6:30pm. Adults, join us for a fun painting session using acrylic on canvas board. Registration required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
October 18: Art Walk Illuminated Luminary Procession, Alexandria Museum of Art, 7:30pm. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
October 26: Kinetic Sculpture Family Art Class, Alexandria Museum of Art, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Inspired by the kinetic sculpture of Lin Emery, displayed in the parking lot of AMoA, participants will learn how to create their own whirring and spinning sculptures. This class is appropriate for family and friends who are like family. Cost: Free AMoA member families; $20.00 non-member families (up to 5 individuals). Call: Call: 318-443-3458. www.themuseum.org
Music
October 8: Two Rivers Brass Trio, Sylvan Learning Center, 7:00pm. The Two Rivers Brass Trio, featuring Michael Scarlato, Thomas Hundemer and J. Mark Thompson, will present a concert in an intimate, friendly and fun environment. This is the second 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.
October 12: Hold the Line Benefit Concert, Alexandria Convention Center, 6:30pm-12:00am. The Hold the Line concert will feature headliners Dave Bray and Louisiana’s own Spank the Monkey. Proceeds benefit sending Central Louisiana Law Enforcement to Police Week in Washington DC, COPS Camp for children of Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty and the Gary Sinise Foundation for fallen soldiers. Cost: $20.00. Call John Dauzat: 318-452-0499.
October 19: RSO Presents Rach 2, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm. The Rapides Symphony Orchestra presents works by Borodin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, featuring pianist Ho-yeul Lim. Join the RSO for “Listen Up” pre-concert talk, beginning at 6:15pm. Call: 318-442-9709.
October 22: Louisiana Dancing, Guinn Auditorium at LC, 7:30pm. The Red River Wind Symphony is performing a program of folk, dance, jazz and other music rooted in Louisiana culture or written by Louisiana composers in its first concert with new Music Director Dr. Joshua Davis. Cost: Free. Call: 318-487-7316.
November 5: String Masterpieces of the Classical Era, Sylvan Learning Center, 7:00pm. Jonathan Andino and Sinae Baek on violin join Kerri Christopher on viola and Milovan Paz on cello to present a series of masterpieces by Haydn, Boccherini and Mozart. This is the third 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.
Theatre
Ongoing-October 6: Ken Ludwig’s “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. Get your deerstalker cap on—the play’s afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be. Directed by Kathy Richey, performances begin nightly Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. Cost: $5.00-$15.00. Call: 318-484-4478. cpptheatre.com
October 12: Oliver, Fox Theatre in Marksville. Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike. Directed by Kody Walker. Performances begin nightly Thursday through Saturday at 7:00pm; Sunday matinee at 2:00pm. Cost: $15.00. marksvillefox.com
October 13: TMJ Dance Presents Like a Tree, Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center, 3:00pm. “Like a Tree” will examine the themes of urban/economic development and displacement within historic and contemporary African American communities. Artists and participants will explore the idea of place by questioning facts and assumptions about land, home and cultural identity. Cost: $25.00 Adults; $10.00 Youth; Free Children (6 & under).
October 15: Red River Chorale Presents Celebrating America, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 7:30pm-9:30pm. The Red River Chorale opens its fifteenth season with a celebration of America and American music. This concert will include music by American composers, arrangements of American folk songs, and American hymns and spirituals. Cost: $15.00 Adults; $5.00 Kids. Call: 318-484-4463.
October 19: CPP Theatre Workshop, Rapides Foundation Building, 9:30am–12:30pm. The workshop will feature two sessions—the first session will explore Auditioning Tips and the second will cover Directing for the Stage. Pia Wyatt, Professor of Theatre and Dance and Associate Director of Theatre and Dance at Northwestern State University School of Creative and Performing Arts in Natchitoches, will present. Cost: Free. Contact: cityparkplayers@gmail.com.
October 24: Rioult Dance NY, Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm. Rioult Dance NY is committed to supporting the creation of new works by founder and choreographer Pascal Rioult; to communicating the essence and intensity of his artistic vision; to sustaining its company of dancers; and to educating & expanding audiences for modern dance at home and through touring, nationally and intentionally. Cost: General Admission $18.00; Senior $12.00; Student/Child (ages 3+) $10.00; Family (2 adults + 2 students) $40.00. Call: 318-484-4474.
November 7-10: A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre. Spectral Sisters Productions presents Ibsen’s three-act play about the awakening of a middle-class wife and mother, set in a 19th century Norwegian town. Performances begin nightly, Thursday through Saturday, at 7:30pm. Sunday’s matinee is set for 2:30pm. Cost: $10.00.
Events
Ongoing-October: 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-October: 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.
October 7: 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.
October 7 & November 4: 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.
October 7 & November 4: 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.
October 8: Making It Work, RRMC Gallery Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. A breastfeeding class for working moms, this class is designed to support working mothers who want to continue breastfeeding and need to know how to fit it into their daily schedule. The class will focus on management of milk supply and offer strategies to sustain pumping. Other topics include types of pumps, storage and handling of milk and strategies to prevent problems. Please pre-register. Call: 318-769-4440.
October 8, 15, 22 & 29: Geeks Who Drink, Good People Kitchen, 7:30pm. Geeks Who Drink brings the nation’s best live hosted pub quiz to Good People Kitchen every Tuesday. Join in for 8 rounds of audio, visual and live hosted trivia. The weekly quiz features prizes for answering bonus questions and gift cards for the top teams at the end of the night. Geeks Who Drink rules limit the total number of players on your team to 6, so gather your smartest friends and come down. Cost: Free. Call: 318-787-2785.
October 9-13: 59th Annual Rapides Parish Fair, Highway 71 South just past LSUA. The Rapides Parish Fair returns featuring 4-H and FFA Livestock Competitions, Spirits Spectacular Competition, Queen’s Pageant, Arts & Crafts, Barnyard Nursery, Food Vendors, Live Music on the LA Lottery stage, the Mighty Thomas Carnival and much more! Discount advance tickets are available. Special promotions each day. Visit www.therapidesparishfair.com for complete details.
October 9: 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.
October 9: 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.
October 10: Rapides Reads Discussion with Dr. Gina Crawford, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Discover the details and themes in “Frankenstein” as Dr. Gina Crawford discusses the novel. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
October 11-13: Mother-Child FUN Camp, Woodworth Outdoor Education Facility. The Families Understanding Nature (FUN) Camp is open to parents and children from 10-13 years old, and offers parents and children an opportunity to spend a weekend in the outdoors, re-establishing bonds and honing outdoor skills. The Mother-Child camp is generally held in the fall and the Father-Child weekend in the spring. Pre-registration is required. Registration covers meals, lodging and supplies, including tents, used during the weekend. Bed linens and sleeping bags are not provided. Cost: $50.00 per family (1 parent; 1 child); $25.00 per additional child (limit 2 children per adult). Contact Taylor Stevens: tdstevens@wlf.la.gov.
October 11-12: S.P.C. All Breeds Pigeon Show, Alexandria Mega Shelter. Specialty Meet-Ups at the Show include: American Archangel Club, American Giant Homer Association, Birmingham Rollers, German Mondena Association, Portuguese Tumbler Club of America, Texan Pioneers and the United Swallow Club. Call: 318-792-8693. www.southernpigeonclub.com
October 12: Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, 8:00am-11:00am. Don’t miss our annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday morning, October 12. Come and enjoy a great breakfast and then go to the polls and vote. Funds raised support the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria Foundation which awards scholarships to selected graduating Key Club members.
October 12-13: 65th Annual Fall Tour of Homes, Oakland Plantation, 10:00am-3:30pm. Oakland Plantation welcomed visitors long before the National Park Service acquired the property in 1997. Oakland has been featured in the Fall Tour since 1954. On a typical day park rangers provide guided tours, but during the Fall Tour, former plantation residents will be giving tours, and talking with the public. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.
October 12: Main Movie Mania, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Join us to watch Young Frankenstein (PG). Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
October 12: Rapides Reads Tea Party with Mary Shelley, Kent Plantation House, 2:00pm. Enjoy a regency period style tea party with author Mary Shelley on the beautiful grounds of the historic Kent Plantation House. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1906.
October 14: Craig’s Corner, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 3:00pm-4:00pm. We will be discussing the importance of knowing about mental health and disorders such bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and more. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
October 14: Veteran’s Support, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Veterans come together to live their best life after service with facilitator Anthony Eli. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
October 15: Makerspace with David Sproles, Rapides Main Library, 4:00pm-5:30pm. Learn wire to wire soldering as you build your own M&M flashlight to take home! Ages 10+. Supplies and tools will be provided. Registration by phone required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
October 16: Live Well–Die Well Workshops, CHRISTUS Cabrini Outpatient Center Rooms 3A and 3B, 7:30am or 12:00pm. CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital will host two workshops for continuing nursing education hours featuring Kimberly Paul, renowned author of “Bridging the Gap” and “Life Lessons from the Dying.” Kimberly has extensive hands-on experience in the hospice field and will present information from her “Live Well–Die Well” Tour. Pre-registration is required by calling Cathy Norris. Call: 318-448-6798.
October 16-19: Glenmora Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library. There will be gently used books for sale, homemade goodies, puzzles and games for little ones. All proceeds will be used at the McDonald Branch for children and teen programming. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
October 17: 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.
October 17: Rapides Reads Discussion with Dr. Lillian Purdy, Westside Regional Library, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Join Dr. Lillian Purdy to learn about Mary Shelley and her life that led up to her classic novel “Frankenstein”. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483. www.rpl.org
October 17: Girl Talk, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Rapides Regional Medical Center offers this two-hour class designed for girls between the ages of 9 and 13 – and their mothers. If mothers can’t attend, aunts and grandmothers are welcome. The class will explain some of the physical and emotional changes that occur to adolescents during puberty. The class is also designed to help parents open the lines of communication with their daughters. Cost: $20.00 per family. Call: 318-769-3445.
October 18: Gardening Meet Up, Rapides Main Library, 9:00am-10:30am. Gardening series dedicated to answering your questions about plants! Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
October 18: Fall Artwalk 2019, Downtown Alexandria, 4:00pm-9:00pm. Fall ArtWalk takes over the streets of the Alexandria Cultural District again, with music, dance, visual artists, and craft vendors as well as food and drink. Cost: Free. www.louisiana-arts.org
October 18-19 & 25-26: Zoo Boo, Alexandria Zoo, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Join in the fun at Central Louisiana’s Biggest Halloween extravaganza. This family-friendly Halloween experience is four nights of Spooktacular, Scare-Free fun! Enjoy Halloween activities for kids at the Festival Plaza, photo ops, and sweets and treats along the trick-or-treat trail through the Zoo. Treat bags are provided. FOTAZ memberships and other zoo passes are not valid during Zoo Boo. Cost: $7.00. Call: 318-441-6810.
October 19: 2nd Annual Reptile Day, Kent Plantation House, 9:00am-1:00pm. National Reptile Awareness Day is Monday, October 21st, so Kent House decided to get a head start! Reptiles are a vital part of a healthy environment, with common snakes helping to keep down bugs and rodents that would love to make a nest in your home. Reptile Day is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself on the wonders of the scaly world, and perhaps learn an appreciation for them. Help us get a jump start. Cost: $1.00. Call: 318-487-5998. www.kenthouse.org
October 19: Prepared Childbirth Class, RRMC Medical Terrace Gallery Room, 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: 318-769-4440.
October 19: Paws for Kids, Libuse Branch Library, 10:00am-11:00am. Children build confidence in reading with Luke the Dog. Registration preferred. Cost: Free. Call: 318-443-7259. www.rpl.org
October 19: The Joy Soiree–A Woman’s Faith-Based Self-Care Event, First Assembly Christian Academy, 10:00am-1:00pm. All women are invited to a fun filled, inspirational and educational event geared towards refreshing and rejuvenating the ladies of Leesville, New Llano, Rosepine, Deridder and the surrounding area. Guest Speakers include, Pastor Terresla Kraut of Forever Worship Ministries and First Lady Jeanette Clark of Rivers of Living Waters Church. Contact: naima@ministryofnaima.com.
October 21: Hero Program for Veterans, Rapides Main Library, 9:30am-11:00am. Come join us for an open discussion of the Hero Program with a Q&A session for veterans and their support on available and offered services. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
October 21: Family Cook Nook, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 4:30pm-5:30pm. We will be making Monster Fruit Tarts. Come enjoy an evening out as a family and learn how to cook together. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
October 21: Sibling Class, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital Cascade Room, 6:30pm-8:00pm. This class is offered to children expecting a little brother or sister. It helps them understand where mom is when the baby is being born and lets them know how important it is to become a big brother or sister. The ideal age for this class is 3-10. Registration is required. Cost: Free. Call: 318-769-4440.
October 23: Cenla Women’s Connection Luncheon, Conference Center at the Greens, 90 Harold Miles Park in Alexandria, 12:00pm. Latrelle Lindon will present “Good Riddance All Crazy Evidence.” Also including a special feature by Linda Hutson, Director of Development & Community Relations at the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Bring a friend for a delicious lunch and great message. Please RSVP by Friday, October 18th. Cost: $16.00. Call: 318-481-7880 or E-mail: cenlacwc@gmail.com.
October 23: The City That Sold America, Hearn Stage at Kress Theatre, 7:00pm. “The City That Sold America” brings audiences behind-the-scenes stories from Chicago’s advertising revolution and the untold tales of the creatives whose ingenuity and industry had the rest of the nation swooning to their rhythm. A Q&A with the Director Ky Dickens 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: 318-484-4474.
October 24-26: A Very Merry Market 2019, Randolph Riverfront Center. A Very Merry Market is a 3 day holiday shopping market filled with fabulous merchants showcasing home décor, women’s apparel, jewelry & accessories, children’s clothing & toys, gourmet food & drinks and much more…anything you need to help you get your holiday shopping done! Our Merry Market kicks off with Ladies Night on Thursday night, Friday is filled with special events (including Brunch on the Bayou), and Saturday is our Character Events-always a hit with the kiddos! The proceeds raised by A Very Merry Market goes toward our community outreach projects and programs right here in Central Louisiana. Call: 318-443-6975.
October 24: Lawyers in Libraries, Rapides Main Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Attorneys provide civil legal advice in recognition of Pro-Bono Awareness week, including preparation of simple wills, Powers of Attorney, and general advice on civil legal matters. First come, first serve. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-2411 x 1036. www.rpl.org
October 24: Family Movie Day, J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library, 3:30pm–5:00pm. Bring the family out to enjoy a Halloween favorite, “Hocus Pocus” (PG). Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Call: 318-748-4848. www.rpl.org
October 25: Tales Along the Bayou, Kent Plantation House, 6:00pm-8:30pm. Come in costumes and join Rapides Parish Library for ghostly tales and ghoulish fun at the annual Tales Along the Bayou spooky family storytelling event. This year storytellers Oba William King, and Sylvia Davis will spook you while Brian and Teri Kinder will provide children’s entertainment. Cost: Free. Call: 318-442-2483 x 1904.
October 26: Cane River Creole National Historical Park Fall Festival, 9:00am-2:00pm. Come celebrate the agricultural heritage of Cane River, with kid friendly games, and activities. Join us for birthday cake as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area. Cost: Free. Call: 318-352-0383 ext. 316.
October 26: Movie Matinee, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Families join us to watch seasonal movies such as “Thriller”, “Wolf-man” and enjoy popcorn. Cost: Free. Call: 318-445-3912. www.rpl.org
October 28: 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.
October 28: 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.
October 29: 14th Annual Fall Festival, Kees Park, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy family fun with hot dogs, candy, popcorn, soft drinks, face painting, jumpers, music and more! Sponsored by the City of Pineville. Cost: $1.00.
October 29: 6th Annual Ball Boo Walk, Ball Walking Track, 6:00pm-8:30pm. The communities of Ball and Tioga are invited to bring the kids to show off their Halloween costumes as they walk the track. Community businesses will distribute candy at this family-friendly event. Open to children up to age 13. Cost: Free. Call: 318-466-4690 or 318-664-4691.
October 31: Monsteria Annual Fall Festival, Rapides Parish Libraries, 4:00pm-5:00pm. Have a monstrously fun time at any Rapides Parish Library location. Come in costume to enjoy friendly monster-themed story times, candy, games, crafts and more! Each location has a variety of different activities planned. Cost: Free. www.rpl.org
October 31-November 2: Louisiana Early Childhood Association Conference, Randolph Riverfront Center. Hourly sessions will be presented to help teachers and paraprofessionals meet the needs of children birth to 8 years of age. Experts from across the state will conduct the workshops. Child care professionals will be able to earn up to 12 hours of certified training. Teachers in public and private schools can earn continuing education credits. Call Mary Lou Maples: 318-443-1562.
November 2: 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.
November 2: Wingapalooza, Rapides Parish Coliseum, 12:00pm-3:00pm. Do you love chicken wings? Then you don’t want to miss Wingapalooza at Rapides Parish Coliseum! The Coliseum and Cenla Broadcasting are proud to present this event that allows area restaurants to go head to head to see who makes the best chicken wings in Cenla! You can also enjoy games, a beer garden, and music on the Jena Choctaw Pines Casino Stage! Cost: $15.00 Advance; $20.00 General Admission. Call: 318-442-9581. www.rpclive.org
November 2: Historic Cemetery Tour, Historic Rapides Cemetery, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Tours begin every fifteen minutes and include presentations by five costumed cemetery “residents”, who will share their stories from years gone by. Kent Plantation House will present a special exhibit, Mourning in the 1800s. Cost: $10.00 Adults; $5.00 Children. Call: 318-442-8629 or 318-448-3952.
November 2: 30th Annual Van Gogh Gala, River Oaks Square Arts Center, 7:00pm. Prepare to evoke the spirit of van Gogh for this year’s theme. Additional details will be announced closer to the date of the event. If you love to don festive costumes, attend live art auctions, and immerse yourself in the culture of a community—this event is for you! Cost: $65.00 Advance; $75 Door (if available). Call: 318-473-2670.
Sports
Ongoing-October 31: No Man’s Land Free For All Bass Tournament. Unlike most bass tournaments, fish length rather than weight will determine the winners. Another unique aspect of this tournament is its Catch-Photo-Release format. Instead of securing fish in aerated live wells for transport to far-off weigh-ins, each bass is laid on an approved, standardized measuring board beside an event identifier card, and a digital photograph is taken and uploaded for scoring. Anglers who want to compete in this free tournament must register for a free account at TourneyX—sportfishing’s leading online tournament management system. An event overview and complete contest rules can be found at www.kayakbassfishing.com/no-mans-land-free-for-all/ Cost: Free.
Ongoing-October: 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.
October 9, 16, 23, 30: 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 October. Cost: Free. Call Becky Watkins: 318-48-6938.
October 11-13: 2019 NBRA Fall Race, Buhlow Lake, 10:00am. This event will be the last race on the 2019 calendar but will count as the first race credited toward the 2020 NBRA season. Come wind down from an awesome 2019 season with us in good ole central Louisiana on the world’s fastest water!
October 12, 19, 26 & November 2: 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.
October 12: 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.
October 19: Into The Light 5K Awareness Walk/Run, Marksville Courthouse Square. Suicide Prevention is a serious topic, but the day will also be filled with fun and excitement. Bubbles, balloons, cotton candy, popcorn, jambalaya, ice cream, testimonies, VFW salute, fun jump for the little ones, face painting, singing, roses, music, dancing if you please, race/walk, crafts, memory board, story board, Butterfly Release, and so much more. A $5,000 Vacation Raffle will offer a chance to win either a dream vacation! Drawing will be held after the walk/race concludes; no need to be present to win. Sign up as an individual or team; as a runner, walker, or observer. Cost: Free; Donations gladly accepted.
October 19: Gleaux for the Girls 5K, Walker Toyota, 6:00pm. The 2nd Annual Breast Race in Cenla will begin with a Survivor’s Happy Hour at 6:00pm followed by the race start at 7:30pm. The evening will consist of fun-filled family activities, food trucks and a night-time “glowing” 5K race through the Lakes District. All proceeds stay local benefitting the patients of the CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center. Walker Toyota will once again be raffling a pink car this year!
November 1-3: 2nd Annual Play It Forward Tennis Tournament, Alexandria Tennis Complex. Proceeds from the Play It Forward Tournament benefit the Children’s Miracle Network to continue providing important services to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Registration includes T-shirt, food, drinks and awards for the winners. All ages and skill levels welcome. Cost: $40.00 Singles; $60.00 Doubles Team. Call: 318-449-8919.
November 2: Be A Saint Adopt 5K & 1/2 Mile Hound Hike, Fort Randolph State Historic Site, 3:00pm-8:00pm. BARK’s first 5K and 1/2 mile hound hike will feature live music by Papa’s Axe, food vendors, and both a pre-pawty and after pawty. This is a family friendly event, that not only includes your human family but also your canine companions. Not a runner? No worries! You can opt to hike along Fort Randolph’s 1/2 mile trail. All proceeds go towards homeless or neglected animals and their needs through Boudreaux’s Animal Rescue Krewe. Details on Facebook @barkanimalrescue.