Jambalaya

Nutrition Myths and Eating on the Run

If you’re worried about nutrition and wonder what to believe, here’s the scoop on nutrition myths and how to eat healthy while maintaining an on-the-go lifestyle. Linda Greco is a registered and licensed dietitian and serves as a Program Account Manager with the Southeast Dairy Association. At the Dairy Association Linda is responsible for implementing nutrition programs for health professionals, educators, and consumer leaders for the state of Louisiana.

Ebonite Sr. Tour

The Ebonite Sr. Tour (professional bowling) arrives in Alexandria May 16-18 at the Four Seasons Bowling Center, 3510 North Blvd.
The schedule of events:
Friday, May 16
Practice Session and Sweeper Tournament Noon-5 pm
“Bowl with the Pros” Pro-Am 7 pm

Saturday, May 17
“A” Squad qualifying ( 8 games ) 8:45 am-1 pm
“B” Squad qualifying ( 8 games ) 1:45 pm-6 pm

Sunday, May 18
Lower half qualifying ( 4 games ) 8:45 am-11 am
Upper half qualifying ( 4 games ) 11:30 am-1 pm
Finals (Match Play) 1 pm

All sessions are free and open to the public for spectating.  The Pro-Am is open to any bowlers with an established league average from the 2007-08 season.  Entry fee is $35.  Entry forms will be available at Four Seasons Bowling Center.  All pre-paid entries will be eligible to win a free bowling ball from Ebonite.

Avoyelles Tourism Commission

The Avoyelles Commission on Tourism invites the public to attend the numerous events scheduled for Avoyelles Parish through May.  For example:  Saturday, May 24 the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce and the city are sponsoring an Art Market and Farmer’s Market; The weekend of May 16-18 the Tunica Biloxi Pow Wow will be held on the Tunica Biloxi Reservation in Marksville. 

LSU Tiger Tour 2008

The LSU Tiger Tour 2008 hits the road this year traveling to 12 cities across the southern region.  Wednesday, May 7 at 7pm the tour begins at the Alexandria Riverfront Center. This year’s tour will feature National Championship Football Coach Les Miles along with appearances by other LSU personalities including Women’s Basketball Coach Van Chancellor, Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri, Director of Athletics Skip Bertman and many more.  Child Ticket (12 & Under) - $25& Individual Ticket - $50.  Doors open at 6:00pm

Tasty Tuesday Broccoli Salad

Here is the recipe for broccoli salad from Gary Perkins of Lee J’s Restaurant.

Raw Broccoli, Water Chestnuts, White Onions, Pecans, Raisins and Coleslaw Dressing. 

Chop the onions and pecans, mix together with the broccoli, water chestnuts, raisins and then toss together.  After tossing dry ingredients, add the dressing and toss to coat.  You can use varying amounts of the ingredients to suit individual taste.

Cochon de Lait Festival

Mansura has a new addition this year to the Cochon de Lait Festival.  The festival is held in Mansura on May 8, 9, 10, 11.  In conjunction with the festival is a free antique car show Saturday May 10 at the Avoyelles Tire Center on Highway 1.  For more festival information call (318) 964-5966.

Summer Splash 2008

What’s hot for summer is “Summer Splash 2008.” The City of Alexandria Division of Community Services is sponsoring a summer program fair showcasing educational, recreational and social youth programs for the summer.  The event is Thursday, May 8 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Alexandria Convention Hall.  For more information call (318) 449-5228.

Free Women’s Self Defense

A recently re-opened business offers women a chance to learn life saving skills. Karate Kicks located at 4732 Jackson Street, Pavilion Shopping Center is offering a Women’s Self Defense Class.  The free lessons are an ideal opportunity for mother and daughter to share a Mother’s Day gift that weekend that will leave both feeling more secure. The class is Saturday, May 10 from 10am -12pm. For more information call (318) 541-6078.

Market at the Greens

Market at the Greens is showing support this month for the Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare Program. The market opens on Saturday, May 3 from 8am - 5pm and Sunday, May 4 from 10am -4pm. The market is located off Hwy 1, 1/2 mile past Union Tank Car (old Rapides Golf & Country Club).  Proceeds from the market’s $1 parking fee benefits the Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare. Their mission is to “provide innovative arts programming in healthcare settings to promote healing for patients, respite for family members and stress relief for medical personnel.”

Great American Cleanup

The City of Alexandria and Keep Cenla Beautiful will coordinate a citywide cleanup Saturday, May 3 at 8:00am. Volunteers are being asked to meet on the steps of Alexandria City Hall, downtown. Lunch will be served. The effort is in conjunction with the Cleanest City Contest. Volunteers are needed to plant flowers, pressure wash public areas, mow, trim, and pickup litter in public areas. For more information or to volunteer, call Bettye Jones at (318) 613-1298.

All Night! Scrapbooking Class

May is being observed for the arts & crafts lover as National Scrapbooking Month. Friday, May 23 an overnight scrapbooking class will be held at Trinity United Methodist located at 5752 Bayou Rapides, Alexandria. The sponsor is Tammy Littleton of Creative Memories. The class begins at 6pm - 10am. The cost is $35 in advance. You will need to bring your scrapbooking materials.  Or you can purchase items at the class.  For more information call (318) 715-5457.

YMCA Women Self-Defense

A Self-Defense class is being offered to women and young ladies at the Gamburg YMCA located at 724 Scott Street, Alexandria. The class consists of a mixture of discussions, demonstrations, and lots of hands-on practice. Participants will learn escape and self-defense techniques, situation control and how to avoid being targeted as a victim. For more information call (318) 487-4722.