The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 12-03-2025

Denham Springs events

p.m. Dec 14, Train Station Park 198 E. Railroad Ave. SADD students organize a live Nativity scene.

n Grinchmas in the Village: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 along Range Avenue in the Antique Village Start at Heritage House Antiques, register for the Jingle Bell event and drop your tickets in the bowls at participating stores for a drawing for gift certificates. Join the Grinch costume contest from 5 pm. to 6 p.m. at MT Lockers.

Walker Christmas

The Walker Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. Saturday at Walker High School. After the parade, the city will host Christmas in the Park from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sidney Hutchinson Park. Christmas in the Park includes photos with Santa, crafts and stations where children can write letters to Santa and for hot chocolate. The park Christmas tree will be lit at 6 p.m. A movie will play beginning at 6:20 p.m and concessions will be available throughout the event. Christmas on the Bayou Santa Claus is coming to the Amite River at dusk Saturday for the Christmas on the Bayou Parade. Boats will line up at the first house on Chinquapin on the Black Lake Side. Santa will stop at Red’s and Manny’s in Maurepas to hand out stockings and take photos. Boats should pre-register at Manny’s from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225)

Lighting up

letters to Santa, carols were sung and bubbles were substituted for snow during the evening event.

Pavilion opens for Hammand farmers market

Vendors, patrons laud more comfort during heat and rain

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

An early morning sun provided the idyllic backdrop as a new chapter dawned for the popular Hammond Downtown Development District Farmers and Artisans Market. On Nov 22, the market moved into a recently com-

pleted pavilion in downtown Hammond, a block away from its previous Railroad Park home. The large pavilion provides a covered structure for vendors and customers, and ceiling fans to help mitigate those saucy summer mornings. Vendors and patrons appeared thrilled about the new digs.

“I think being in one cohesive spot where you can just walk straight back, I think it’s more of a hangout more than just come to the market,” said vendor Bethany Armstrong. “I think it presents the opportunity to

handle more (patrons) than the other way.” Armstrong is also appreciative of the fans, saying they will be great, especially in the summer

“I was wondering where this breeze was coming from and I looked up and saw the fans,” said Josh Dominguez, who drove in from Covington. “Especially where we live, fans are very nice.”

Hammond resident Rebecca Santiago, who typically visits the market at least once a month with her husband, Alexander Santiago,

ä See MARKET, page 2G

Denham Springs’ scrappy girls soccer team kicks off season

Area teams do well at bass tourney

Community news report

Louisiana High School

Bass Fishing held the North Pass, Manchac, East Division Tournament on Nov 1.

The Halloween weekend event included candy and costumes, including fish from Dr Seuss and some Ninja Turtles.

The turnout included 150 high school teams, families and volunteers

Logan Samaha and Callian Watkins, of Denham Springs High, finished first with 11.94 pounds.

St. Amant High School received the High School Team Award.

Other local top finishers include:

n Jackson Gomez and Jake Folse, of St. Amant High School, second place, 10.99 pounds

n Brae Babin and Mack Delaune, of St. Amant High School, fourth place, 9.26 pounds

n Reese Forbes and Mason Grantham, of Livingston Parish Bassmasters, fifth place, 9.02 pounds

The Louisiana Youth Bass Nation Junior included 31 teams at the same place and time.

Thomas Savoia and Cruz Couch, of Ascension Catholic Junior finished second with 5.19 pounds.

SALZER

Continued from page 1G

ute. Both times, Daisy Baio sent a kick into the goalkeeper box where Juju Williams put it into the goal.

“We’re nowhere near where we want to be, but the kids are working really hard,” Klug said. “This was definitely a step forward.”

Cross-country

The Denham Springs cross-country teams, both boys and girls, finished ninth in the Division I meet held last month at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. The top 10 placings capped what collectively may have been the best cross-country season ever for the Yellow Jackets.

The girls were led by a 10th place finish by freshman Lila Silk, who has since joined the Yellow Jackets girls soccer team. Following Silk were Carrington Sprouse, Kierstyn Wilkes, Starlie McLarty and Madison Allen. For the boys, senior Rowan Silk paced the Jackets. Rounding out the top five were Marcus Weir Jayden Henriquez, Briss Moss and Liam Calhoun.

Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.

MARKET

was thankful for the overhang in case of rain

“I think it looks so professional,” she said. “It makes me proud to bring people here and show them It’s a lot more put together and a lot more impressive.”

Downtown Development District Executive Director Michelle Kendall said the turnout was great and that patrons appeared generally excited.

“Their response was very positive and they all said it was classy, with some comparing it to the French Market in New Orleans,” she said. “Overall it was a success.”

She said 36 to 38 vendors were present and the majority were under the pavilion, though a nearby parking lot and green space were also utilized. The debut of the pavilion coincided with the 20th anniversary of Starry Saturday, which kicked off the Christmas season in downtown Hammond and featured local farmers, live music and kidfriendly activities.

“The DDD has long envisioned a

will attract more people.

pavilion in downtown Hammond,” Kendall said. “We are thrilled to finally have a covered space that supports the growth of the market and downtown events.”

Vendor Christal Mixon said the pavilion brings everybody closer together and out of the sun, which she said several patrons she spoke with appreciate. She also sees the new layout as a marketing tool, saying the pavilion

“I think it brings value to the community, and it will being more people and they spend money,” said Hammond resident Andrew Reyes. “When I came here last time, there were just tents and not that many people.”

Dominguez said he and his wife, Jennifer, will continue to make the trip to the relocated market.

“Here, it is very nice, and it is not a long drive,” Jennifer Dominguez said.

“It’s definitely better than what we

have in Abita (Springs) and Covington,” Josh Dominguez said.

The market operates from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, hosting more than 30 vendors, including farmers, ranchers, food makers and artisans.

The market accepts SNAP/EBT, offers SNAP Match, and many vendors accept Senior Vouchers through the Louisiana Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.

KLB doles out funds for trash receptacles

Community news report

Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser have awarded grants to fund 230 trash receptacles to 47 organizations in 31 parishes.

In Tangipahoa Parish, grants were awarded to Hammond Area Recreation District 1 and the village of Tangipahoa.

“According to litter scans, KLB found a reduction of litter by 78% in areas where trash receptacles were properly installed and maintained,” said Susan Russell, KLB executive director “It’s important to make available trash receptacles in public spaces to give people a way to do the right thing with their trash.” The KLB trash receptacle grant program is available to Louisiana parishes, municipalities, recreation districts and state agencies. Eligible applicants may request to receive up to five high-quality trash receptacles to be installed in outdoor public spaces owned by the applying government entity

Magnolia clinic adds 4 women’s health providers

Obstetrician/gynecologist

Dr Lisa Colón, family nurse practitioner Daraka Miles and Women’s Health nurse practitioners Marissa Griffin and Meredith Tittsworth have joined the Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic a department of North Oaks Medical Center

“Welcoming these outstanding providers to Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology strengthens our ability to care for the women of our community with compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. We’re proud to continue building a team that reflects the values and heart of our community,” Michele K. Sutton, president and CEO of North Oaks Health System, said in a statement.

Colón brings more than 25 years of obstetrics and gynecology patient care experience to North Oaks from south Louisiana hospitals and physician clinics. She earned her medical degree from the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, a post-baccalaureate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. She is an American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow and belongs to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Society of Robotic Surgery, Louisiana State Medical Board and the Jefferson Medical Society.

Miles holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in psychology from LSU and one in nursing from Loyola University New Orleans. She also earned her master’s degree in nursing, specializing in family medicine, from Loyola. Miles has more than a decade of experience as a family nurse

practitioner in southeast Louisiana physician practices and health clinics.

Griffin and Tittsworth both obtained bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and master’s degrees in nursing, specializing as women’s health nurse practitioners, from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

In addition, Griffin is an international board-certified lactation consultant and an adjunct nursing instructor at Northshore Technical Community College in Greensburg Tittsworth has more than 25 years of experience in women’s health care, having been a women’s health nurse practitioner for over 10 years in both private practice and hospital settings.

Magnolia, 15813 Paul Vega, MD, Drive, in Hammond is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. weekdays and on the second floor of North Oaks Clinic Building 2.

To learn more about each provider, visit northoaks. org/lcolon, northoaks.org/ dmiles, northoaks.org/griffin or northoaks.org/tittsworth.

Learn about services at northoaks.org/magnolia and call (985) 230-2778 to schedule an appointment

Southeast Community Health launches early childhood program

Community news report

Southeast Community Health Systems is launching its Early Childhood Supports and Services program to strengthen the mental and emotional well-being of Louisiana families. The program provides specialized support for children from birth to 5 who may be experiencing behavioral challenges, emotional stress, trauma or developmental delays, a news release said.

National data shows that nearly 1 in 6 young children experiences a developmental concern, yet many families face major barriers when seeking help, the release said. Early intervention has been proven to improve long-term outcomes, increase school readiness and reduce the impact of trauma. The Early Childhood Supports and Services program offers families comprehensive care that includes personalized family support plans, licensed mental health therapy, parenting education, coaching and referrals to local resources. Services are pro-

vided at no cost to eligible families through Louisiana Medicaid and partner support.

“Healthy development starts early, and families should never face these challenges alone,” said Dr Alecia Cyprian, CEO of Southeast Community Health Systems. “Our ECSS program ensures that parents and caregivers have access to the support they need to give their children the strongest foundation for a healthy future.

“We are proud to bring these resources to the communities we serve.”

The support program team works closely with parents, caregivers, early childhood educators and local partners to ensure children receive coordinated care that meets their needs.

The program is available at Southeast Community Health Systems locations across Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes. Families can self-refer or be referred by schools, child care centers, health care providers or community agencies.

For information, visit shchc.org/services/ecss.

Recipients of the trash receptacles will perform post-installation litter assessments to compare with their pre-install assessment data This data will be made available to the public once complete.

“Every cleaner park, trail, and main street in Louisiana starts with simple choices — like putting trash and recyclables where they belong,” Nungesser said in a statement. “Since 2022, we’ve awarded more than 2,000 receptacles in communities across the state, and we’re seeing real progress. These grants help reduce litter at the source, support local recycling efforts, and move us closer to the clean, beautiful Louisiana our people expect and deserve.”

TVFC donates comfort items to North Oaks

Community news report

On Nov. 4, Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members delivered 100 Raise-A-Reader packets to North Oaks Hospital

The hospital nursing secretary, Rachel Stanton, was on hand to receive the packets Stanton will deliver them to the hospital nursery, where they will be distributed to the parents of the infants in the nursery

Each packet contains a burp pad sewn by volunteers, a picture book and information on the importance of reading to

and with children. Members also donated items for the pediatric ward, including 20 Christmas stockings, seven stuffed animals, seven small toys, 10 coloring books, 10 packs of crayons, 10 packs of colored pencils and 68 pairs of socks.

The club is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service and consists of two groups, Wednesday Volunteers and Sunshine Ladies. For information, email the club president, Gloria Messenger, at ggmessenger1@gmail.com or membership chair, Sue Nelson, at suenelson41@yahoo. com.

Volunteer group meets for last time in 2025

Community news report

Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members met Nov 3 at the Tangipahoa Tourist Center for their last council meeting of the year

After the various officers and committee chairs gave their final reports and conducted club business, club President Gloria Messenger announced that the Ancient Order of Hibernians had donated $500 to assist with the club’s volunteer projects.

Hibernians is a philanthropic group of men who are of Irish descent. The main purpose of the organization is to help fund local volunteer groups providing needed services to the community

In addition, Scholarship Chair Jean Hebert, with an assist from the Tourist Center’s travel counselor Sharhonda Watts, drew the winning ticket for this year’s Scholarship Fundraiser Raffle. The prize was a $250 gift card, which was won by club member Cathy Vilardo.

Family and Community’s November meeting

Entergy Solutions donates

$129,760 to Southeastern

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University has updated campus buildings with obsolete global controllers and inefficient pneumatic controls equipment thanks to a $129,760 commitment from Entergy Solutions.

“Southeastern’s continued partnership with Entergy Louisiana has allowed the university to upgrade several build-

ing HVAC control systems this year,” Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said in a release. “These upgrades have improved the classroom learning environment for our faculty, staff and students, while also reducing electrical costs, reducing kWh consumption, and contributing to Southeastern’s sustainability efforts.”

The installation of new

direct digital control equip-

ment and strategic equipment scheduling will result in reduced energy consumption with an estimated 875,420 kWh saved annually, as well as $70,033 saved annually, the release said. The Entergy Solutions program offers incentives to Entergy Louisiana customers to undertake energy-saving upgrades in their facilities.

Columbia presents Holiday Extravaganza and Big Band show

Community news report

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond holds it Holiday Extravaganza on Thursday and Friday

This year’s two-night celebration features Southeastern Louisiana University’s Big Band Christmas Concert and a screening of Dr Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Performances start at 7 p.m. at 220 E. Thomas St.

The event will also include caroling, free hot cocoa and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Our holiday extravaganza has become an annual tradition in downtown Hammond,” said Jim Winter, theater artistic director “Who knows, there might even be a live Grinch roaming the lobby.”

Tickets for Southeastern’s Big Band Christmas Concert are $25 for adults and $15 for children and students. Tickets for the “Grinch” screening are $20 for adults and $15 for children and students, and include popcorn and holiday swag bags.

Tickets can be purchased at columbiatheatre.org or (985) 549-2787.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY RANDY BERGERON

A Southeastern Louisiana University student helps restock the shelves at Roomie’s Pride Pantry on campus. The food pantry was awarded a $10,000 grant through the 2025 Food Love Grant from the Popeyes Foundation to expand its services for students and staff experiencing food insecurity

SLU food pantry get boosts from Popeye’s Foundation

Community news report

Roomie’s Pride Pantry at Southeastern Louisiana University has received $10,000 through the 2025 Food Love Grant from the Popeyes Foundation to expand its services for students and staff experiencing food insecurity

Founded to address the growing need for basic food access on campus, Roomie’s Pride Pantry has become a cornerstone of support for the Southeastern community, a news release said. The pantry serves nearly 300 people each month, providing over 500 pantry visits.

In addition to monthly services, the pantry distributes emergency food bags for students who remain in Hammond during school breaks, when campus food services are limited. Through partnerships with community groups, the pantry also provides shared meals and fellowship opportunities, helping students feel supported and connected year-round.

“This grant allows us to strengthen our mission of promoting well-being and supporting every Lion who may be strug-

Denham

gling with food insecurity,” said Thais Lindemayer Gomes, pantry coordinator “We are deeply grateful to the Popeyes Foundation for investing in the success and wellbeing of our Southeastern community This work is not done alone — the pantry operates within the Office for Student Engagement, supported by dedicated professional staff, student workers, and volunteers whose contributions I deeply appreciate.”

Gomes recognized the contributions of intern Linh Khanh Truong and graduate assistant Patrick O’Neill, who both played key roles in preparing the grant application.

The Food Love Grant is part of the Popeyes Foundation’s commitment to supporting nonprofits that serve food to those in need. With this funding, Roomie’s Pride Pantry will improve resources for students and staff, and continue to foster a culture of care on campus, Gomes said.

For information about the pantry and to learn how to support the mission, contact foodpantry@ southeastern.edu, call (985) 5492248 or visit southeastern.edu/ foodpantry.

Springs’ Ayla Jones joins inaugural Global Scholars Program

Ayla

of

learning with global engagement, a news release said. Through leadership development, international study opportunities and specialized coursework, students gain the skills and perspective needed to succeed in graduate studies, professional careers and beyond.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Gathering for a check presentation, from left, are Patrick Torres, of Synergy Building Solutions; Southeastern Louisiana University Vice President of Finance Sam Domiano, Southeastern President William S Wainwright; Heather Leblanc and Bruce Wimberly, of Entergy Louisiana; and Alejandro Martinez and Michelle Krueger, of APTIM/Entergy Solutions.

SLU graduation ceremonies set

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University will celebrate its graduates at two commencement ceremonies Dec. 13 at the University Center

The first ceremony at 10 a.m. will honor the undergraduate and graduate students from the Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, and Science and Technology At 3 p.m., the second ceremony will honor

students from the Colleges of Business and Nursing and Health Sciences.

As Southeastern nears the conclusion of its centennial, guests are welcome for this year’s commencement celebrations. Commencement guests are asked to remember the following:

n The University Center has a clear bag policy

n The list of prohibited items includes all food and drink.

Exhibition highlights graduating seniors

Community news report

The Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery’s fall Senior Exhibition featuring artworks created by graduating students in the Department of Visual Art + Design is on display through Dec. 13.

Gallery Director Tabitha Nikolai said the “Senior Student Exhibition” celebrates the talent, creativity and hard work of art and design students who will graduate in December Multiple ranges of media, including painting, sculpture, animation, printmaking, graphic design and theater design are represented in the show

Each artwork reflects the artistic perspectives, interests and skills of the graduating students, she said.

“The exhibition gives the senior students a chance to show off their creations in a professional gallery setting and showcase their talent for the benefit of the local community faculty family, friends, and art enthusiasts,” Nikolai said. “It

also serves as a platform for students to engage with the public, create contacts, extend their resume and receive feedback on their artwork.”

Students exhibiting artwork include Kolby Adams, of Marrero; Cailey Aucoin and Madison Hopcraft, of Denham Springs; Emma Babin, of St Amant; Haleigh Babin and Roe Marsh, of Walker; Chelsea Emerson and Mia Gordon, of Hammond; Nicholas Fefee and Kaitlin Mars, of Baton Rouge; Lainey Gaubert, of Greenwell Springs; Connor Herrington, of Madisonville; Kayla Manning, of New Orleans; Rosemary Matthews, of Covington; Maison Moore and Caleb Robbins, of Prairieville; Chloe Schellinger, of Covington; Cameron Tompson, of Gretna; and Camille Ybarzabal, of Mandeville.

The campus gallery, inside East Strawberry Statium, 411 Ned McGehee Drive, is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday

n Standard security measures will be in place prior to guests entering the facility n Lion Traxx shuttles will be in use before and after each ceremony

n The approximate duration of each ceremony is 11/2 hours. For information, visit the FAQ commencement page at southeastern.edu/commencement/ faqs/#guest or email registrar@ southeastern.edu.

Phi Kappa Phi elects members

Community news report

Ten area Southeastern Louisiana University students recently were elected to membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Local honorees include:

n Ainsley OBrian, Hammond

n Fahim Muntasir Rabbi, Hammond

n Garrett Maggio, Denham Springs

n Hunter Arnold, Ponchatoula

n Mackenzie Bergeron, Ponchatoula

n Madalyn Gautreaux, Denham Springs

n Meghan Persick, Denham Springs

n Sara Cavalier, Livingston

n Ting Huang, Hammond

n Zakary Zanovec, Denham Springs

They are among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year

Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann, who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines Today, the society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States and its territories. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Sims

Sims named La. Academic Library of the Year

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Linus A Sims Memorial Library has been selected by The Louisiana Library Network as the Louisiana Academic Library of the Year The nomination focused on the library’s efforts to create a “third space” for students, its partnerships with other departments and the wider community, and efforts to retain student usage levels with several disruptions, a news release said.

Sims Library is the fourth University of Louisiana system li-

brary to win the award, following the University of New Orleans in 2023, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2020 and Nicholls State University in 2016. The award was presented in October at the LOUIS Users Conference at the Pennington Center in Baton Rouge.