Jambalaya

Country Singer/Songwriter

Jason Matthews grew up in Harrells Store, North Caroline. Jason says he has has songs cut by Julie Robers and Trace Adkins ("Break Down Here"), Travis Tritt ("Honky Tonk History"), Kevin Denney ("That’s Just Jesse"), Tammy Cochran ("Life Happened"), and many more.  Jason is ready to sing his own songs to the world with his first release, “That’s What Mamas Do.” To hear more from Jason Matthews log onto http://www.myspace.com or itunes.

Central Louisiana Star Search

Central Louisiana Star Search is looking for several additional entries for the Saturday, May 10th competition.  The competition will be held at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center at 6pm.  So far, 26 contestants are registered to compete.  The event has several openings for R&B or Gospel performers.  The Grand Prize is a $25,000 recording contract.  For more information call: (318) 730-3887.

Pet Adoptathon 2008

Every year, the Alexandria Animal Shelter joins the North Shore Animal League America and the rest of the shelters worldwide in finding loving and caring homes for homeless pets. This year, the City of Pineville Animal Shelter, for the first time will be joining with other guest vendors and veterinary clinics: Alexandria Pet Inn, Bargain Hound and Pet Supplies; Friends, Farm and Garden, Cenla Animal Clinic, Haas Animal Clinic, Rapides Animal Clinic.  Saturday, May 5, 12pm -4pm the Adoptathon held at the Alexandria Animal Shelter will feature raffles, prizes, and free picture taking for family adopting pets. Food and drinks will be sold for fund-raising!

Tasty Tuesday

Southern Bar-B-Que of Jennings, Louisiana introduces their new Southern Cajun Basting Spray. Pick up some Southern Cajun Basting Spray at local grocery stores including Wal-Mart and Market Basket. If you don’t see it at your favorite grocery store, ask for it.

Southern Barbeque Chicken Breasts
- Per chicken breast, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Southern All Purpose Seasoning.
- Baste grill with Southern Cajun Basting Spray Original Barbeque Flavor.
- Put chicken on the pit.
- Rotate and spray chicken with Basting Spray, every 15 minutes until cooked to perfection.
- Smother with Southern Bar B Que Sauce 15 minutes before taking chicken off the grill

Southern Hot & Spicy Pork Steaks
- Per pork steak, sprinkle 1.5 tablespoon of Southern All Purpose Seasoning.
- Baste grill with Southern Cajun Basting Spray Original Barbeque Flavor.
- Put steaks on the pit.
- Rotate and spray steaks with Basting Spray, every 15 minutes until cooked to perfection.
- Smother with Southern Bar B Que Sauce 15 minutes before taking steaks off the grill.

“Back The Badge”

On Sunday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m., the Sanctuary of Praise will host the 10th annual “Back The Badge” service. The purpose for this service is to honor local law enforcement officers and firefighters. Officers and firefighters that will be honored will be the PPD, APD, RPSO, Louisiana State Police Troop-E, GPSD, AFD, PFD, and surrounding officers and firefighters.  Mayor Roy, Mayor Fields and District Attorney James “Jam” Downs are scheduled to speak. There will be special music by the choir, men’s trios, multi-media presentation and a very special presentation made by our children to the officers and firefighters.

Rickey Smiley & Fantasia

Comedian Rickey Smiley and national recording artist Fantasia will perform at the Alexandria Riverfront Center, Saturday May 3.  Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com or call (318) 229-2387.  Fantasia received 3 Grammy nominations for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and nominated for an American Music Award for favorite female artist soul/R&B. Smiley is best known as the former host of the 2000 season of BET’s “ComicView.” BET then quickly signed him to host “The Way We Do It” during the 2001-2002 season

Summer Learning Registration

Residents of Rapides Parish should watch their mailboxes during the week of April 28 for the Learning Center’s Summer 2008 Academic Schedule. The full schedule can also be found online now at http://www.TheLCRP.net. The Summer 2008 Registration and Information Session is set for May 15, 2008, from 4-6 p.m. at the Learning Center, which is located at 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd. on England Airpark. Several of the Learning Center’s partner institutions will be available to assist students who are either interested in enrolling in the courses this summer or are making plans for Fall 2008.

Motorcycle Safety Month

Motorcycle Safety Month offers experienced and new drivers the chance to brush-up on their safety riding skills.  One safety tip that’s being highly published is the fact that some riders don’t wear helmets or failure to wear their helmets properly.  The Renegade-Harley Davidson Dealership, located at North Mall Drive, is offering “Rider’s Edge Skills” courses. 

Country Dance Hayride

The 1st Annual Louisiana Country Dance Hayride kicks-off Friday and continues into Sunday.  The event will be held at the Best Western Inn and Suites of Alexandria, located at 2720 N. MacArthur Drive.  To make reservations call (318) 445-5530 and ask for the “Hayride” rates.  There will be plenty of dancing, food and workshops.

Cash For Schools

Community Coffee is asking area schools to get ready for the Cash For Schools program. The program helps area schools earn funds by collecting UPCs from Community products. These product UPCs can be redeemed for cash that each school can spend at its discretion. Last year over 50 schools earned $1,000 or more, and the highest earned amount was over $5,000.

Commissary Trade Days

In Tioga, the 3rd Annual Commissary Trade Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  There will be handmade arts, crafts, and flea market collectibles. 

Youth Health Fair

Lecompte focuses on getting children to live health lives.  Saturday, April 26 in Lecompte at Walnut Street Park, located at St. Charles and Holly Streets, there will be a “Healthy Kids, Health Home” Youth Health Fair.  The event is free and open to the public.  The sponsor is Crescent City Community Development Corporation.  The fair begins at 9am - 2pm.