DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND
ADVOCATE THE LIVINGSTON -TANGIPAHOA
T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Fireworks coming July 5
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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 2, 2025
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CHECKING OUT
VISITORS AT THE LIBRARY
Walker’s Celebration in the Park and Fireworks will be held from 5 p.m. to dark July 5 at Sidney Hutchinson Park. Walker leaders invite residents and neighbors to join in “a grand display of American pride and community spirit” at its free, family-friendly event. Activities include an art and farmers market showcasing local talent, corn hole tournament, an All-American Jeep Show, pie-baking contest and classic hot dog and watermelon eating contests, children’s activity area with family games and inflatables, a variety of food trucks, and live music from the I-10 Bound Band. A professionally choreographed fireworks display starts at dark. Free general parking is available at 13750 Ball Park Road, Walker.
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PARDS Soccer Club heads to national tournament
The Southeastern Livingston Center in Walker is hosting several classes in July. For a complete schedule or to register for any program, visit https:// southeastern.nbsstore.net/lifelong-learning-livingston-center. A Mahjong class for beginners is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4. Register online. Fee is $40. An intermediate digital photography class is set for 6 p.m. July 22. Fee is $75.
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Leadership Livingston Class of 2026. In its 13th year, the program has graduated nearly 300 leaders.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Leadership Livingston graduates 13th class
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This hedgehog was one of several animals that library visitors learned about during a series of wildlife presentations held at all five Livingston Parish Library branches June 10-12. The animal demonstrations were led by Tanee Janusz, of Nature on the Geaux.
Petting the animals a part of Nature on the Geaux visits
Community news report Animal experts brought a variety of exotic wildlife to the Livingston Parish Library as part of Summer Reading Program events. Nature on the Geaux, which aims to foster a deeper connection to wildlife and nature through engaging and educational programs, presented an “Animals Around the World” show at all five branches June 10-12. The hands-on adventure gave the public a chance to see exotic wildlife — includ-
Community news report The Leadership Livingston Class of 2025 celebrated its graduation June 1, at the Suma Hall Community Center, marking the completion of the program’s 13th year. A signature initiative of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Livingston has graduated 294 participants since its launch in 2012. This year’s class of 24 emerging and established leaders gathered with sponsors, alumni, chamber board members, and supporters to reflect on their journey through the program. Class representative Don McPherson, chosen by his peers, delivered remarks on behalf of the class. He spoke about the lessons learned, the strong connections formed, and the many memorable experiences shared
ä See CLASS, page 2G
SPORTS ROUNDUP
PARDS Soccer Club goalkeeper Tate Fuentes makes a move.
Classes planned at Southeastern Livingston Center
Leadership Livingston accepting applications
Charles Salzer
ing snakes, turtles, ferrets, hedgehogs and lizards — at their local library. The shows drew hundreds of audience members who got an up-close view of fascinating creatures from across the globe while learning about their habitats, behaviors and unique adaptations. The presentations were led by Tanee Janusz, an environmental educator and animal keeper for more than 25 years. Janusz provides a wide range of educational experiences for schools, universities,
ä See ANIMALS, page 3G
Zack Miller, director of the Parks and Recreation of Denham Springs Soccer Club, is quick to point out that it can be hard to find online information about U.S. youth soccer tournaments, but it doesn’t change the fact that his 18-under boys team has already had unprecedented success this summer. Operating as an outlet for Livingston Parish soccer players who want to play year-round, PSC had one of its girls teams qualify for a national region tournament two years ago. This year’s 18U boys team has done better than that by qualifying for the National President’s Cup championship, which will be staged July 11-15 in Tampa, Florida. Reaching the nationals is an accomplishment in itself. PSC will be one of eight teams competing in two brackets. There will be three guaranteed games in pool play before semifinals and a championship match conclude things. So how did this happen? For starters, the talent assembled represents the best athletes from Denham Springs, Live Oak and Walker or as Miller puts it, “It’s like the Livingston Parish dream team.” This year’s team barely qualified for the Louisiana President’s Cup championship, which only takes the top six
ä See SALZER, page 3G
Longtime area musician inducted into Louisiana Music Hall of Fame BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
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Charley Moran, 69, plays during his induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame’s spring induction included a bass player who began his musical journey at 8 years old. Charley Moran, 69, is known around southeast Louisiana as a talented bass player, as well as an encouraging mentor to other up-and-coming musicians. “Music is the only thing I’ve ever known all my life,” Moran said. “I was very overwhelmed being inducted into the Hall of Fame because there are a lot of great musicians in there.”
Moran, who lives in Maurepas, has two adult children and recently retired from being Picou Brothers Construction Company’s construction project manager. The induction ceremony was held March 16 at Manny’s Bar in Maurepas. “I’m not good at public speaking,” Moran laughed. “But it was emotional for me to see a lot of musicians that I had played with there for the ceremony.” Moran’s musician father, Charles Ray Moran Sr., introduced him to music and guitar strumming. “My first memories are sit-
ting on the bandstand with my dad while he played,” Charley Moran said. “I got my first sixstring steel guitar at 8 years old, but I couldn’t play it. My dad gave me one of his old basses. “He taught me a few things and then the bass became my instrument.” What followed was decades of playing guitar and keyboard with numerous bands, including Mike LeBlanc and the Dreamers, Southern Boogie Band, The Bac Trac Band and the Kenny Fife Band. His love and appreciation
ä See HALL, page 3G