The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 11-05-2025

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Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON

Events planned at the library

The Denham Springs-Walker Branch of the Livingston Parish Library has a packed scheduled throughout November For more information, call (225) 686-4140 or visit www.mylpl. info. Check out these events:

n Wednesday, Nov 5, 11 a.m., Beginning Spanish (ages 18+): Ready to learn Spanish? Join this beginner Spanish class for adults. No experience needed Build conversation skills, learn essential vocabulary, and explore Spanish culture in a supportive, pressure-free setting. Registration is required.

n Thursday, Nov 6, 6 p.m., Marble Madness (ages 8-12: Love puzzles, games and fidgets? Make all in one at Marble Madness, where you can make a fun, portable marble puzzle toy Registration is required

n Saturday Nov 8, 9 a.m., Safe and In Charge: Sitter Superstars (ages 10-14): This course offered at no charge by the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation teaches valuable lessons in babysitting Participants will learn basic child care, life safety, business skills, and essential first aid techniques, including CPR and choking response. Registration is required. Visit louisianafirefighters.com/community/safesitter to register for this stellar event.

n Monday, Nov 10, 5:30 p.m., Spanish II (ages 18+): This Spanish II course builds on foundational language skills to help returning adult learners gain greater fluency and confidence in Spanish communication. Students will expand their vocabulary, master more complex grammatical structures, and develop stronger conversational abilities through practical, real-world scenarios. Registration is required.

n Wednesday, Nov 12, 11 a.m., Beginning Spanish (ages 18+): Ready to learn Spanish? Join this beginner Spanish class for adults Registration is required.

n Wednesday Nov 12, 1 p.m., Seaux Easy (ages 18+) Whether you’re an experienced needleworker or just want to learn to sew, you’ll enjoy the fun projects made once a month during this sewing club. Please register if this is your first time joining us. All participants provide

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BOOK

Livingston book-lovers come together for annual Library Book Festival in the

Baton Rouge’s Stan Masinter spreads a Celtic vibe with his bagpipes during the Livingston Parish Library Book Festival in Livingston on Oct 25.

Livingston library board settles lawsuit over open meetings law

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

The Livingston Parish Library Board has opted to settle a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Liz Murrill alleging the board violated the state’s open meetings law when it ousted its library director in July

The board and Parish President Randy Delatte voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a settlement that requires all library board members to complete training on the open meetings law The agreement also nullified the removal of the director but because it was later ratified, the removal is still in place.

There is no financial burden to the library board from the settlement, said District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, who represented the li-

brary board. “I think it’s a good settlement for the board. It dismisses all the board members from the lawsuit and ends the litigation completely with minimal burden on the board,” Perrilloux said. “It doesn’t hurt any public body to get the training.”

The AG’s Office filed the lawsuit in September alleging the board, which includes Delatte as an ex officio member violated mandatory agenda requirements, misled the public and suppressed participation in public comment at its July 15 meeting

During the meeting, Delatte and a majority of board members voted not to renew the contract of library director Michelle Parrish. The vote followed a two-hour executive session for Parrish’s annual evaluation, which the public

initially was told would not result in any action. The meeting’s agenda also did not originally have an item to renew, or not renew, Parrish’s contract. Several parish residents filed a formal complaint to the AG’s Office after that meeting.

“We have worked cooperatively with the board’s representatives and hope that we have arrived at a solution that satisfies all concerns,” Murrill wrote in a statement. Perrilloux said he has not previously handled a case specifically like this one before.

“I think it’s highly unusual for the attorney general to file a suit like this,” he said.

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@theadvocate. com.

Doyle High heads to volleyball playoffs

When Doyle High started its varsity volleyball program four years ago, there might have been a question about whether it could live up to the standard of excellence that had already been established by the school’s other athletic programs.

Two weeks ago, as Doyle put the finishing touch on its second consecutive district title with a win over St. Helena, the answer was clear Doyle has again shown it has the athletes to compete at state levels of competition.

Turning athletes into volleyball players might have sounded like a multi-year task, but Doyle made the playoffs in its first year, and hasn’t missed them yet. Credit goes to head coach Ashlie Byrnes and assistant Angela Edwards. Doyle’s first four-year class of seniors — Faith Bridges, Mandy Cade, Rorie Calais, Bonnie Henderson, Allie Lebourgeois, Harley Lovell and Kenzie Smith also deserve recognition.

“It’s been a great journey,” Lovell said after her team’s late-season win over district rival St. Thomas Aquinas. “I started here in eighth grade and then just kept going. We’ve all grown together as a team, even coach Ashlie, and I’m really glad we’ve made it this far.”

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

As a young adult, Baton Rouge resident Stan Masinter first heard the “call of the pipes.”

And he quickly answered.

Thirty-five years later, he continues to play the bagpipes, introducing people to Celtic music throughout the area as an active member of Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums, the city’s oldest pipe band.

“I knew I wanted to make those sounds,” he said of his first introduction to what would become his passion.

Masinter’s bagpipes appeared to be the appropriate welcome to the Livingston Parish Festival on Oct. 25 at the parish library in Livingston, which for its 10th anniversary, had a Renaissance theme. He spent what turned

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Being a close-knit group has made team chemistry a natural thing.

“We’ve grown up together inside and outside of volleyball,” Lebourgeois said. “That’s helped develop our team and our friendship. It’s really affected us on the court and how we play.”

This year, Doyle’s play on the court was good enough to produce wins over every other team in Livingston Parish, a program first. Notable in that achievement were wins over Live Oak, Denham Springs and Walker, the parish’s three Division I teams, and they have helped set the table for the playoffs, which begin this week.

Doyle will have an experienced group of seniors to rely on.

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DOTD renames part of La. 3002 for officer who died in line of duty

Community news report

Family former co-workers and friends gathered last week to watch as DOTD erected two signs on La. 3002, known as South Range Avenue, to U.S. Highway 190 in the memory of the late Denham Springs Police Cpl. Shawn Kelly, who was shot in the line of duty May 11, 2023. Kelly died from his injuries on June 2, 2023. In early June, Gov. Jeff Landry signed a proclamation dedicating the Corporal Shawn Kelly Memorial Boulevard. Police initially responded to calls about an argument between a man and a woman in the parking lot outside Petco, law enforcement officials have said. Once officers arrived, the suspect, identified by authorities as 30-year-old Justin Roberts of Denham Springs, began

DOTD erects two signs on La. 3002 to Highway 190 in the memory of the late Denham Springs Police Cpl Shawn Kelly who was shot in the line of duty May 11, 2023. Corporal Kelly died from his injuries on June 2, 2023. Gathering for a ceremony, from left, are Cooper Ruby, Kelly’s grandson; Brandon Kelly, Kelly’s brother; Elizabeth Ruby, Kelly’s daughter; Addison Kelly Kelly’s daughter; Megan Kelly Kelly’s wife; Liam Kelly Kelly’s son; Ashley Kelly Kelly’s daughter-in-law; Jordan Kelly Kelly’s nephew; Jaxon Kelly Kelley’s nephew; and Roger Wilder La. State Rep. District 71.

OFFICER

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to fire at them, striking one officer multiple times, officials said

Reports indicate Roberts attempted to flee the scene toward Highway 190 but was quickly stopped by Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputies, who shot him, the sheriff said. LPSO spokeswoman Lori Steele said Roberts had ap-

proached deputies while brandishing a gun when he was shot. Roberts was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but died of his injuries a few hours later, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

Doyle High seniors after their win over St. Thomas Aquinas two weeks ago, from left, are

Lebourgeois Harley Lovell, Bonnie Henderson, Rorie Calhoun, Kenzie Smith and Faith Bridges.

SALZER

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“(Playoff experience) helps because we know how it feels to lose in the second round. We know how it feels to lose in the first round. We don’t want to feel that again,” said Henderson, who also talked about what it means to represent Doyle.

“Our community does expect a lot from us We have a saying in the locker room, ‘Champions are expected at Doyle High School,’ so we want to do well for our community It’s our senior year.” Byrnes referenced her team’s experience when asked about avenging an early-season loss with its win over St. Thomas.

“This is a team that’s been together a long, long time,” she said. “In earlier years, we would strug-

gle with finishing out a match. We’ve grown and learned how to push through those hard points.”

If Doyle pushes through two playoff matches week, it will make its first appearance in the state championship tournament Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the LivingstonTangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.

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their own supplies.

n Thursday, Nov 13, 10:30 a.m., Bilingual Storytime: La hora del cuento bilingue (ages 0-8): Interactive bilingual storytime. For children and caretakers, this program combines stories, songs and activities in both Spanish and English. Kids and caretakers will enjoy the vibrant tales and learn new words in two languages, fostering a love for reading and cultural exchange.

Disc Golf Park opens

The Walker Disc Golf Park is open daily at 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall. Parking is at City Hall. To download the city’s disc golf app, visit walker la.us/sites/default/files// Disc%20Golf%20app.jpg.

Play cornhole in Walker

Play cornhole every Friday at the Walker Community Center

The weekly tournaments are $10 for the lower division and $20 for the upper division. For information, call (225) 305-7183.

Save the dates

The Denham Springs Lighting of Old City Hall is Nov 28 and the city’s Antique Village Christmas Open House is Nov 29. The holiday festivities continue on Dec. 6 when the Kiwanis Club of Walker’s Christmas parade rolls. The Christmas on the Bayou Parade on the Amite River also is Dec. 6. The Denham Springs Kiwanis Club’s Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 13.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.

DEMCO invites 9th and 10th graders to apply for ambassador program

Community news report

DEMCO invites ninth and 10th grade students to apply for the Class of 2026 Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program. Applications are due by Nov 15 at DEMCO.org/YCAP Applicants will be notified of their status by Dec. 5.

YCAP is an all-expense-paid leadership and educational program organized and sponsored by DEMCO, a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative. The program introduces students to the cooperative business model and its guiding principles while building leadership, communication and team-building skills.

“This program reflects the heart of what makes cooperatives unique,” said Randy Pierce, CEO and general manager “As a member-owned utility we are committed to investing in our young people, empowering future leaders, and strengthening the communities we serve.”

Through hands-on learning, students will explore the history, structure and purpose of cooperatives and gain insight into realworld career paths.

“YCAP isn’t just about learning what a cooperative is,” says Chanon Martin, member and community engagement manager “It’s about helping students see their potential, understand their impact, and feel connected to something bigger than themselves.”

Students will be selected from DEMCO’s seven-parish service area — Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana — and will collaborate throughout the five-month program. Sessions will be held at DEMCO Headquarters, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739, at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, and April 1. Students will also complete a community service project. The program concludes with a banquet April 29.

Community news report

Veterans Day lecture planned for SLU Honoré

relief efforts in postKatrina New Orleans. The annual Veterans Day Lecture is part of Veterans Week at Southeastern, which will also feature numerous activities sponsored by the Office of Military and Veterans Success, headed by Captain Emily Anthony Activities include a military banquet on the evening of Nov 11, during which the featured speaker will be U.S. Air Force General Amy Bumgarner, a Southeastern alumna.

The Ponchatoula Volunteer Fire Department’s high school emergency training and education recently received an $18,000 donation from the Lake Maurepas Community Fund. The money, supported by Air Products Foundation, supports a scholarship fund for 10 students to participate in the Louisiana High School Firefighter Training Program. These students will have the opportunity to start

The History and Political Science Department at Southeastern Louisiana University has scheduled the annual Veterans Day Lecture at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov 11, in the Student Union Theatre Retired U.S. Army Lt Gen. Russel L. Honoré will present “A Veterans Day Address by the Category 5 General,” during which he will share his experiences and views. The event is free and open to the public A decorated 37-year veteran, a global authority on leadership, and an expert on climate change and disaster preparedness, Honoré led the U.S. Capitol security review after the Jan 6 attack and became known as the “Category 5 General” for his leadership in coordinating military

Imagination Library deliver books to area Community news report

Community news report

DEMCO has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to make free, high-quality books available to local children from birth to age 5. Children who enroll at birth can receive up to 60 books by the time they graduate from the program at age 5. Through the program, children receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month, personally addressed to them Families do not need to be DEMCO members to participate, and there is no cost or obligation.

History and Political Science Department head Bill Robison will also deliver brief remarks on Southeastern’s 100-year history of involvement with America’s military forces.

For more information, contact the History and Political Science Department at (985) 549-2109

“DEMCO is proud to partner with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to help local families give their children the gift of books — and a head start on a brighter future,” said Randy Pierce, CEO and general manager of DEMCO. Each month, a book is mailed directly to the home, addressed to the child Caregivers can choose from English books or bilingual (English and Spanish) books when they enroll the child in the Imagination Library Braille Tails is the Imagination Library partnership with American Printing House.

were necessary accessories as rain fell throughout much of the Livingston Parish Library Book Festival in Livingston on Oct 25.

with the weather, you can’t predict it,” he said, adding nearly 300 people showed up for the 11 a.m. opening.

“It is unfortunate, but you are in south Louisiana,” he said.

out to be a rainy day playing in the main library as festivalgoers entered or entertaining in the outdoor tents, popular spots that shelter from the unpleasant elements.

Despite the elements and a diminished crowd, enthusiasm was high as children of all ages eagerly scooted from face painting to balloon twirling to temporary tattoos, before spending time to collect their free books.

“(My children) love books and they love coming to the library,” said Denham Springs resident Jinci Taylor, who was with her husband and children. “We could be at home in the rain or we could be here in the rain.”

“So here we are,” she said, adding that it was the first time they had attended the event.

The festival was hampered by weather for the second consecutive year A year ago, the outdoor activities were canceled because of the potential threat of Hurricane Francine, but the day eventually turned sunny

“You plan these events no matter what the weather is going to be,” Gray said. “You put in a lot of time.”

Typically, the book festival attracts more than 1,000 people, but rainy conditions left an impact, as Gray conceded.

“That is the unfortunate thing

The festival’s special anniversary gave it extra meaning and the staff responded. For the first time, they were allowed to dress in period-appropriate costumes, so there was clearly a Renaissance feel to the day.

Many children and even a few adults also sported similar costumes.

Staff members also made and hung all of the Renaissancethemed decorations, including nifty paper torches that reflected the era.

Royalty was even chosen, with library board president Steve Bernard and his wife, Shannon, serving as king and queen, all smiles as they settled into their “thrones” in the center of the library

“If the weather had not done this, you would have seen how it would have flowed perfect,” Gray said.

Many of the outdoor activities, such as the bouncy joust area, were canceled, but Author’s Row and the craft booths remained open, appealing to patrons seeking to stay dry

“I know the people who are here are having fun,” Gray said.

“They have come up to me to tell me how grateful they are that we have this, that it’s safe and something they can bring their kids to.

“And the kids get to meet authors and that leaves an impression, which is important to the library to give them that experi-

King Steve Bernard and his wife, Queen Shannon Bernard, served as royalty during the festival.

ence they may not ordinarily get.” The smiles plastered on the Taylor family youngsters were

testimony to the joy others shared, as young people proudly pranced with their free books, enjoying a new twist from a place they often visit.

“For us, it is a family thing and this parish is big on family,” Gray said. “There was a lot of effort put into it, but absolutely it was all worth it.”

The book festival featured New York Times bestselling author Mari Mancus, who has written more than 30 science fiction/ fantasy books in addition to being an Emmy Award-winning former television news producer; Baptiste Paul, a Caribbean-born speaker, environmentalist, activist and award-winning author of multiple children’s books; and Baton Rouge native Rachel Marsh, who brought her family’s Cajun folk tales to life in “Rougarou Magic.”

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.

warmth of autumn. Our seasonal floral arrangements are the perfect gift forany occasion this fall.

Area drop-off points coming for Operation Christmas Child

Community news report

Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov 17-24, a press release said.

Participants pack shoeboxes with items that are sent to children around the world. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox at tinyurl.com/ bddx8yma.

Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination

Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. Visit tinyurl.com/4vamu8zy to find a drop off location. The online lookup tool is searchable by city or ZIP code.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse said it seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Area drop-off sites include:

Ascension Parish

Ascension Baptist Church 13432 Airline Highway, Gonzales

Nov 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nov 18: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov 19: 2 p.m.-5 p.m Nov 20: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hammond Cultural District selected for state pilot program

Community news report

Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts, has announced the selection of three Louisiana Cultural Districts for the Partners In Place pilot program, a new technical assistance initiative administered by the Louisiana Cultural Districts Program. Partners In Place is designed to assist in the revitalization of public spaces through arts and culture by pairing communities with specialized consulting services. The program will focus on three Louisiana Cultural Districts, each representing urban, suburban and rural or small-town environments.

“Louisiana’s greatest strength has always been our culture, and when we invest in revitalizing public spaces through the arts, we are investing in the very soul of our communities. Programs like Partners in Place show how creativity, history and local traditions can transform neighborhoods into places of pride and opportunity By reimagining these spaces, we are not only honoring the past but building a future where culture drives connection, economic growth, and a stronger sense of identity for generations to come,” said Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser Through a competitive application process, the Hammond Cultural District was selected. The Tremé/7th Ward Cultural District in New Orleans and the Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District in Jeanerette were also selected for the program. Each district will work closely with consultants, dedicating a minimum of 100 hours to a collaborative planning process. Services will be tailored to reflect each community’s strengths, cultural history, creativity, and unique challenges, culminating in strategies and deliverables that will strengthen the role of arts and culture in shaping the participating Cultural Districts.

A planning workshop for the Hammond project is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov 1 at First Christian Church, 305 E. Charles St., Hammond.

Established in 2007, the Louisiana Cultural Districts program is considered a “place-based” initiative The program provides incentives in designated Cultural Districts that contribute to increased business opportunities; new markets for cultural products; increased artistic production; renovations of historic buildings; increased cultural activity; and a greater sense of community identity

Livingston Parish Luke 10:27 Church 536 Centerville St. NE, Denham Springs Nov 17-20: 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Nov 21: noon-5 p.m.

Nov 22-23: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nov 24: 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Christ’s Community Church 26574 Juban Road, Denham Springs Nov. 17-21: 4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

Nov 24: 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Judson Baptist Church 32470 Walker North Road, Walker

Nov 17-18: 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Nov 19: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Nov 20: 4 p.m.-7

Cozy up with these LPL book club selections

Community news report

With fall in full swing, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a good book and gather with fellow book lovers at a local library’s book club.

All Livingston Parish Library branches host monthly book clubs for adults and each club features a different Book of the Month For more information on a particular book club, call the branch.

Box of Chocolates Book Club

2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov 20, Denham Springs-Walker Branch. “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden A bestseller and addictive psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist, McFadden’s “The Housemaid” has sold more than 2 million copies and is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell and “Verity.”

ASB Book Club

PROVIDED PHOTO

‘Don’t You Cry’ is a November book club selection for members of a Livingston Parish book group.

Main Branch in Livingston. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah is a stay-upall-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature.

Tangipahoa Parish

Teel

10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, at the Albany-Springfield. “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll is a gripping thriller following two women’s pursuit of justice against a notorious serial killer exploring society’s obsession with true crime.

Main Branch Book Club

10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov 25, at the

South Branch Bookies

5:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, at the South Branch. “The Midnight Feast” by Lucy Foley has secrets and lies unravel at a luxurious resort’s opening night, where an ancient forest harbors dark mysteries and deadly consequences ensue.

Sock drive underway at Livingston Parish libraries

Community news report

The Livingston Parish Library is par-

ticipating in the 21st annual Sock It To Me! Holiday Sock Drive, organized by Family Resource Group Foundation.

Held every year during the holiday season, the Sock It to Me! Holiday Sock Drive takes place in the Greater Baton Rouge area and allows people to drop off new, unused socks at participating businesses, libraries, schools, churches or child care centers.

Socks are the most requested items at homeless shelters, according to Family Resource Group Foundation.

This year’s sock drive runs through Dec. 12. The 2025 goal for the entire sock

drive is to collect 51,000 pairs of socks.

Socks collected by the Livingston Parish Library will be donated to The Family Village, a Livingston Parish-based nonprofit organization.

Founded in 2018, The Family Village provides necessities to children who have been separated from their homes in a traumatic event. The items are provided free of charge to children of all ages, ranging from newborns to teenagers and young adults.

Those wishing to donate socks to The Family Village can bring new, unused socks to any branch of the Livingston Parish Library through Dec. 12. The Family Village is requesting socks for infants to young children.

2 students named to Louisiana Christian University Homecoming Court

Christian University’s Homecoming Queen and Court was presented during half-

of the football game against Nelson University The senior Court included Camille Allgood, a history major from Denham Springs; and Claire Cullen, exercise science: clinical wellness major from Livingston. Lexi Broussard, of Maurice, was crowned queen.

North Oaks accepting applications for Medical Career Shadowing Program

Community news report

North Oaks Health System is accepting applications for its 2025 Medical Career Shadowing Program, designed to give students ages 14 to 20 the opportunity to explore a range of health care careers through firsthand observation and professional development interactions.

Program benefits include real-world observation of health care teams in action, exposure to a variety of direct patient care and supporting roles, networking opportunities with experienced professionals and an experience that may enhance college and scholarship applications, according to a news release.

Applications must be submitted by Nov 12. To request an application, contact North Oaks Vol-

Community news report

Area children can send letters to Santa Claus thanks to the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa. The program, now in its 113th year, connects letter writers with generous individuals and organizations who help fulfill their holiday wishes.

As of Sept. 15, individuals and families can submit letters following program guidelines available at USPSOperationSanta. com. Letters must be postmarked by Dec. 6 to be eligible for adoption and fulfillment.

This year, participants now have the option to fulfill wishes from multiple people within a single household by adopting a family letter

unteer Services Manager Malissa Gonzalez at (985) 230-6811.

Held during school holidays, the Medical Career Shadowing Program offers students a look at what it’s like to work in various medical environments throughout North Oaks’ facilities. A highlight of the program will be a Medical Career Fair, where students will hear from health care professionals about their career paths, day-to-day responsibilities and what it takes to succeed.

“This program gives students an authentic and inspiring glimpse into health care careers at a pivotal time in planning their futures,” Gonzalez said. To learn more about volunteer and career development opportunities at North Oaks, visit northoaks.org.

“For more than a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought communities together to make the holidays brighter,” said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. “Each year, we receive far more letters than we have adopters, and this year we want to change that — especially by encouraging participants to adopt family letters, which makes it possible to fulfill the wishes of an entire household at once.” The Postal Service is also making it easier than ever for participants to fulfill holiday wishes. The USPS Operation Santa online gift catalog — introduced last year to streamline the fulfillment and shipping experience — will feature an expanded selection with thousands of items. When letter adoption opens on Nov 17, adopters will be able to shop and ship conveniently and directly from the online catalog. For more information and full program guidelines, including important dates and details on how to write a letter or participate by fulfilling a letter, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.