Good morning, Monroe.

The Monroe Civic Center will host an ice skating night on December 5 from 5 PM to 9 PM, with 45-minute sessions offered at $20 for skate rental or $15 if guests bring their own skates.

A Zamboni reset will take place between sessions—ensuring smooth ice for all skaters.

The Bonekrusher Youth Program held a lunch fundraiser this weekend in Monroe to raise money that will cover tuition for kids whose families cannot pay.

The event served seafood gumbo, Cajun turkey wings, red beans, and Cajun pasta for $15 and organizers said the funds will help more children join the program.

LifeShare Blood Center and the Monroe Moccasins hosted a toy drive at the Monroe Civic Center to give new toys to local kids and allow families to meet Moccasins players (toy requests have doubled from past years).

The University of Louisiana-Monroe Campus Activities Board will kick off the holiday season by hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony on December 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Scott Plaza by the library — community members may also donate to support the Warhawks for Hope Christmas Project Drive for The Center for Children & Families’ annual project.

Pepper Christmas Tree Farm in West Monroe — with nearly 40 years of family care — stayed strong after a hot summer as its pond-based irrigation system and regular trimming kept the trees healthy.

The farm expects a strong opening weekend and is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 14.

The ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts will host Kaleidoscope: A Global Holiday Celebration at Brown Theatre, 4001 DeSiard St. in Monroe on December 2, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the program starting at 7:00 p.m. The event will feature live music, dance, and visual art while offering $20 general admission, $15 for faculty and staff with ID, and free entry for students with ID — all proceeds support the school’s programs.

A local dietitian at Union General Hospital said adding pumpkin to upcoming Thanksgiving meals can help make them healthier because it is low in calories and rich in vitamin A, zinc, and fiber.

She warned that using pumpkin in sugary recipes lessens its benefits—so trying it in smoothies, oatmeal, or savory dishes may be a better choice.

Glenwood Regional Medical Center announced on Nov.

24 that it sold its behavioral health unit to Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Monroe to ensure long-term quality psychiatric services in Northeast Louisiana — the deal keeps nearly all current employees on board with their benefits.

Movement Monday returned as Wellness Center instructor Amy Moore led a dynamic workout that used compound movements to work many muscles and boost brain power.

Participants did lunges with bicep curls and overhead presses — a routine that improved strength and balance.

ULM football lost to Texas State on November 22 in San Marcos by a score of 31-14 as the Bobcats took a lead in the third quarter and kept it in the second half—ULM dropped to 3-8 overall and 1-6 in Sun Belt play while Texas State improved to 5-6 overall.

The Warhawks will face Lafayette's Ragin’ Cajuns on November 29 at 2 p.m. CT.

TCB Nutcracker Tea & Matinee

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Monroe Civic Center — Children 2 and under are free — Enjoy breakfast with Clara and the Nutcracker cast followed by a delightful matinee performance.

Monroe Jingle Bell Run

7-11 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the season with a festive 5K and Half-Marathon while promoting community fitness.

Newsong Christmas Volunteer Event

3:30-7 p.m. — Ouachita Parish High School — Free entry — Spread some holiday cheer by volunteering at this community-driven Christmas event.

The Nutcracker - World Ballet Company Performance

6-7:30 p.m. — WL Jack Howard Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas with this enchanting ballet filled with beautifully choreographed performances and a whimsical storyline.