The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 03-04-2026

Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON

Denham SpringsWalker library hosts events

It’s always busy at the Livingston Parish Library’s Denham Springs-Walker Branch. For more information, call (225) 686-4140 or visit www. mylpl.info.

Check out these events:

Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m., Clothespin Rocker (ages 18+): This tiny rocking chair from clothespins will charm your spring flowers into blooming Join the library staff to make your own desk-top planter Registration is required.

Thursday, March 5, 6 p.m., No-Sew Bunnies (ages 8-12): Can’t sew, no problem. Learn how to make a no-sew bunny during this library program. Registration is required.

Saturday, March 7, 10, a.m., Craft & Go Saturday (all Ages): Kickstart your creativity for the month ahead by joining us on the first Saturday of every month for a fun, hands-on craft. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the library has something for everyone. Each month features a new project, and the library has all the supplies you need, so you can just drop in anytime between 10 a.m and 2 p.m., craft, and go.

Wednesday March 11, 2 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 at the library’s sewing club. All participants provide their own supplies. Registration is required for new attendees.

Food Truck Festival March 28

Denham Springs Main Street Association is hosting another Food Truck Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28 on Mattie Street in the Denham Springs Historic Downtown District. Serving up food and treats for the event are a variety of food trucks and vendors For more information, email info@ denhamspringsmainstreet org, bontempstix.com, or check out the Facebook page at @ Facebook.com/DenhamSpringsMainStreet.

Casting for a Cause planned

A bass fishing tournament benefiting Child Advocacy Services is set for March 7 at Boopalous Bar and Grill in Springfield.

The East Livingston Kiwanis’ inaugural Casting for a Cause starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. The tournament starts at day break and ends at 2:30 p.m Entry fee is $125 per team.

Boil & Berries Crawfish Cook-off in Springfield

Boil & Berries Crawfish Cook-Off Fundraiser coming to Springfield from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 at Fayard Field. Bracelets for the event are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Kids 3 and under are free. You’ll get to sample from all the crawfish pots and strawberry desserts.

The day includes crawfish cook-off, strawberry dessert bake-off, strawberry patch contest, Hungarian treats and cultural performances, strawberry-eating contest for kids, music, vendors and inflatables. Fayard Field is at 32127 Church St., Springfield. All proceeds benefit the Árpádhon Hungarian Settlement

Reimer’s Auditorium new director plans for future, honors the past

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

Nestled in the hub of a historic downtown area, Reimer’s Auditorium has been the cultural soul of the Hammond community for threequarters of a century

From monthly jam sessions to theatrical productions or just simply a community gathering place, Reimers has been a popular venue for performers and audiences, a place where the arts are celebrated. For new director

Callie Hines, her role is the delicate balancing of planning for the future while honoring the past.

“I want to make sure the stages highlight the talent we have in Hammond, in Tangipahoa Parish,” she said.

“Having a place for our local folks to be able to share what they are already doing but that is accessible and affordable.”

Six months into her 10-houra-week job, Hines, a Buras native who moved to Hammond fulltime five years ago, said the learning curve has been significant, asking “What haven’t I learned?”

But she eagerly embraces her role as the liaison between the community and the space she is managing, with a rich history serving as a backdrop

“What I have learned about the community is we need more spaces for artists to present their own music, their original works and not music that they are good at covering,” she said. “And continuing to make connections and bring things to the space that people are wanting and needed in this area.”

There are many places we can go and do three hours’ worth of cover songs and that’s great, it’s entertaining and it’s fun but what’s also great, entertaining and fun is music that people play, plays that people write and presen-

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

The pink food truck parked in Albany, known for its retro dinerinspired look and menu items, has found a permanent home in another part of Livingston Parish.

Natalie Moore, owner of Moore to Love food truck, said her first brick-and-mortar diner is officially coming to Walker in mid-April. The permanent location is 9993 Florida Blvd. The food truck will also be at this location while the building goes through renovations to achieve the business’s signature look, Moore said. Moor said securing the location “truly feels like a real-life Cinderella story.” Moore, of Albany, worked in the cafeteria and as a custodian at Holden School for years while she sold baked goods at markets on the side.

After seeing success at the markets, Moore left the school system and began operating the food truck with her husband, Caleb, in May 2024 with the goal of one day owning her own restaurant

“(Owning a physical location) was the main goal, but the food truck was the easiest way to get my foot in the door,” Moore said. Running the bright pink

are invited to play.

can

tations people spend their entire lives researching.”

She said working at Reimer’s has taught her that in the past Hammond has been a celebrator of the arts in total, a staple in the artistic community for 75 yeas.

“I hear people all of the time tell me some of their best memories were made in that space and the (adjourning) fellowship hall,” she said. “Dances were held in the past, and it has been home to many workshops, fundraisers and gathering events.”

She cited the monthly jam sessions, which on a recent Tuesday night five bands showed up and were able to play at lease a couple of songs and also joined in with collaborative performances, as the essence of the of music community

“If somebody wants to get

cultural scene for 75 years.

up there with them the band lets them play,” Hines said. “The whole spirit is creating community and having a place to play and where other artists can meet each other.”

AROUND

Cultural Association to help preserve our Hungarian heritage. Interested in participating in crawfish cook-off or dessert bakeoff, call (225) 278-3770 or (985) 9746883. Interested in being a vendor, call (225) 955-8239.

Livingston schools kindergarten registration underway

Livingston Parish Public Schools is accepting online registrations for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-27 school year

A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to register for kindergarten.

Online registration is available at https://www.lpsb.org/parent_resources/registration_info/register_for_kindergarten_2026-2027.

Parents will be asked to provide the following child’s birth certificate, Social Security Card, immunization records, parent/guardian ID and proof of residency

Currently enrolled Pre-K students are automatically rolled over and do not need to register

Once a child is registered schools will contact parents regarding kindergarten screening and a parent meeting.

More information about the registration process visit https://www lpsb.org/parent_resources/registration_info.

Pre-K application open in Livingston Parish

Livingston Parish Public Schools is accepting applications for prekindergarten enrollment for the 2026-27 school year across the district.

A child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30 to qualify Round 1 of the online Pre-K application period opened Feb. 1, and runs through May 1. The online application can be accessed at http:// applytolppsearlychild.schoolmint. com.

Documents needed to complete the application include the child’s birth certificate, the child’s social security card, immunization records, the parent’s or guardian’s ID, proof of residency (which must be verified through current utility bills), and proof of income (which must be verified with two current consecutive paycheck stubs) for every working adult 18 and older or proof of SNAP benefits for the child

Anyone needing assistance completing the online application can visit district staff members on Friday, April 17, at the Livingston Parish Public Schools Professional Development Center, at 17457 Wes McLin Road, Suite F, Livingston, 70754. Staff members will be available with laptops to assist from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day Parents or guardians who attend this help session should bring copies of the required documents.

More information about the application process is available as www.lppsearlychildhood com or on Facebook at Livingston Parish Early Childhood.

Sicilian festival seeks vendors

The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival is March 13-15. The festival is looking for food and craft vendors. Visit indysicilianfest.com to see forms.

Learn something new

Be sure to visit southeastern nbsstore.net/life-long-learning-livingston-center to find and register for classes such as chair yoga and Zumba, watercolor, stained glass and technology subjects.

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

SALZER

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REIMER’S

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She proudly boasted that during a recent jam session, two connections were made, with people who were looking for musicians connecting with those were seeking gigs.

“We have such a strong tie to music because of Southeastern (Louisiana University) and the artists that come from here,” she said. “Even restaurants in downtown Hammond have music every night.”

“I don’t think this is anything new to Hammond; I think it just defined by people in this area,” she added. “This is who we are.

“That and the fact this community has been a creative community; they always made something from noting and prospered from that.”

Reimers is owned by the Disciples of Christ, a denomination Hines said focuses on the community and the connection to people of all kinds because that is what it takes.

Future plans, Hines said, include adding interactive exhibits, including graphic arts exhibits that could be put onto a screen or in an elaborate light display, poetry and the potential of bringing back live theatre.

“There are so many possibili-

A piano concert is just one of many available uses for

ties,” she said. “This is for everyone; it’s a community effort and incredible to see.”

Reimers is hosting Swing into

Ville Platte ousted 12th-seeded Doyle, 63-57, in overtime in the regional round. In the quarterfinals, Ville Platte played at No. 4 Springfield where they ended the Bulldogs season with a 52-46 win. For Springfield, which finished 24-8, the home loss was tough to absorb with a trip to the semifinals on the line. It was the final game for Bulldogs seniors Mi’ya Fletcher Bryelle Wheat and Niciaiya Martin, who led her team with 29 points. There were two other squads with championship tournament aspirations, Albany and Denham Springs, but both saw their playoff runs end in the quarterfinals after picking up two early-round wins. Seventh-seeded Albany took to the road for its quarterfinal game against No. 2 LaGrange, where it fell to the Gators 55-36. LaGrange held Albany (23-10) without a fourth-quarter field goal as it avenged a 2024 quarterfinal loss to the Hornets. Denham Springs, also a No. 7 seed, traveled to face secondseeded Slidell. Each team made long runs in the first half, but

Spring, its annual fundraiser, on March 22. The event will include a concert and silent auction. The cost is $20 person. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, visit fcchammond.org.

Slidell’s came last. The run helped the Tigers take a fivepoint halftime lead, and they went on to post a 56-38 win, ending the Jackets season at 22-10 The boys playoffs, a week behind the girls, will finish up next week with its championship round tournament at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. Seven parish squads made the playoffs, but the best chances for playoff success will be with Denham Springs in Division I non select, and Doyle of Division III non select. The Yellow Jackets and Tigers have been among the top teams in their respective divisions all season. Both are No 4 seeds, and if that seeding plays out, they will finish out their seasons in Lake Charles.

Email Charles Salzer at livingston@theadvocate.com.

SLU sees historic growth in spring enrollment

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University’s spring semester has shown historic enrollment growth, exceeding 15,000 students for the first time in the last 10 years and reaching its highest spring enrollment With an overall enrollment increase of 4.3% at 15,436 students, Southeastern experienced growth in several student categories including undergraduate, full time graduate and dual enrollment

Southeastern has also seen an

SLU hosting Louisiana Recovery Conference

Community news report

increase in total student hours enrolled.

“In recent years, Southeastern embarked on developing and executing a strategic enrollment management plan that addresses all student categories,” said Chief Enrollment Management Officer Kay Maurin. “This continued enrollment success comes significantly because of the results of enacting the comprehensive campus-wide plan, the efforts of faculty and staff focusing on student enrollment, and the entire team of enrollment management profes-

Southeastern Louisiana University is hosting a two-day conference for mental health professionals March 5-6.

The conference supports recovery communities across the state through education, collaborations and advocacy, a news release said.

“This year the conference will host a variety of topics, including substance use and young people, eating disorders and substance use, family dynamics after treatment, and a holistic approach to strengthening families, to name a few,” said Assistant Director of LION UP Recovery CRP and Intervention Annette Baldwin.

Community mental health professionals, faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to engage with more than 20 treatment providers for substance misuse and eating disorders at the conference expo, Baldwin added

The Louisiana Recovery Conference offers 12 continuing education hours for licensed professional counselors and organizers have also applied for continuing education approval for social workers. For more information, visit southeastern.edu/lionup-recovery/crc/.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ to be staged at Columbia Theatre

Community news report

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in partnership with Southeastern Theatre and the SLU Department of Music and Performing Arts is staging “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on March 13 and March 20, and at 2 pm on March 14 and March 21 All performances are at The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 East Thomas St., Hammond. Originally a surprise, Off-Broadway sensation, this bizarre musical based on a Roger Corman B-movie has spawned multiple revivals and even a 1986 movie starring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray

“This promises to be the event of the season at the Columbia Theatre. We have an outstanding live cast, band, and design team. I cannot wait for people to see this show,” said Jim Winter, artistic director of the Columbia Theatre.

Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors are $45 for adults and $25 for children and students. Tickets are available now and can be purchased through the website www.columbiatheatre.org or by calling (985) 549-2787.

sionals at Southeastern.”

A key component of the growth came in dual enrollment students — high school students taking college credit classes. The Board of Regents calls for increasing student access to college credit while still in high school Southeastern is leading in this effort, which has a significant impact on the region.

“The continued growth of dual enrollment opportunities at Southeastern reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school,” said Livingston Parish Superintendent

Jody Purvis. “By earning college credit while still in high school, our students are gaining confidence, accelerating their academic progress, and developing the skills necessary for both college and career pathways. Dual enrollment at Southeastern is more than an academic option, it is a powerful investment in our students’ futures and in the long-term strength of our community.”

President William S. Wainwright noted the importance of Southeastern’s continued growth as the state focuses on economic development.

“As our region continues to grow, so should Southeastern,” he said. “In addition to the fact that students with a university education are better prepared for life in a dynamic economy, it is also vital that we continue to graduate a strong workforce to strengthen families, communities and economies.” With over a $1 billion economic impact on the region, Southeastern currently offers over 150 programs of study including many that are regionally and nationally ranked. To apply, visit southeastern.edu.

Denham Springs student crowned Miss Southeastern

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University senior music education major Miranda Sensat, of Denham Springs, has been chosen Miss Southeastern 2026.

She also won the Evening Gown Award.

Sensat received her crown from Miss Southeastern 2025 Eva Delatte, of Ponchatoula, at the annual pageant Jan. 30 at Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the Office for Student Engagement, the pageant is affiliated with the Miss America Pageant System.

The top three contestants for the pageant were Sensat Mia Calais, of Cecila, and Kiley Angelle Posey, of New Sarpy First runner-up was Calais, a biological sciences major, who also won the Talent and People’s Choice awards, and second runner-up was Posey, a biological sciences major, who also received the Miss Congeniality Award and the Passion for Performing Arts Essay Award.

Additional award winners included strategic communications major Sara Cavalier of French Settlement, who won the Student Government Association Academic Award; criminal justice major Taniece Delestre, of Houma, who received the Alumni Chapter Legacy Scholarship Award and the Health and Wellness Essay Award; and communication sciences and disorders major Patrixa Kim Flores, of Baton Rouge, who received the Four Points Essay Award.

Sensat will advance to the Miss Louisiana Pageant that will be held in Monroe in June.

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University partnered with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center to bring a real-world electronic medical record platform experience to Southeastern nursing students through the “Epic” program.

Southeastern College of Nursing and Health Sciences Assistant Dean Ken Tillman said that “through the Epic Community Extension Academic-Use Program, Our Lady of the Lake has provided remote access to its Epic training environment, allowing our students to work within a secure system popu-

lated with fictional patients and designed specifically for educational purposes.”

Over a two-week period, Southeastern students enrolled in the Nursing Lab 3150 class successfully completed their first round of skills returns, which included documenting assessment findings in Epic, explained School of Nursing Dean Lindsay Domiano.

“This initiative involved 14 course sections and 11 instructors. I would like to thank all NLAB 3150 instructors for their efforts in implementing this new opportunity and offer a special thank-you to Dr. Summer Bunch for coordinating these

‘Curtain Up, Livingston!’ brings theater experience to students

Community news report

“Curtain Up, Livingston!, a new collaborative initiative, is set to bring professional grade theater technology to the Livingston Parish Public Schools multi-purpose building in Albany The project aims to provide K-12 students, particularly those in the Talented Arts Program, with a performance-ready venue designed to foster creativity and confidence, a news release said.

“Curtain Up, Livingston!” is the community improvement project of the current Leadership Livingston class, a program of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. Class members are divided into groups and tasked with initiating a project that fills a need and is impactful in Livingston Parish. By partnering with the school system and local donors, the team is working to outfit the facility with essential theater equipment that will serve both student productions and a wide range of community activities.

Transforming the student experience

The project focuses on installing quality infrastructure necessary for modern stage productions, including:

n Sound: Powered speakers, mixers and a suite of wired and wireless microphones and headsets n Lighting: Professional LED fixtures, controllers and safety certified truss and cabling systems n Stagecraft: Front traveler curtains and legs made from industrial grade fabrics, alongside modular risers and organized storage

Once complete, the venue will serve the Talented Arts Program while also providing an equipped space for LPPS professional development, meetings and conferences.

A collaborative community partnership

The initiative is bolstered by a significant partnership with the Arts Council of Livingston Parish, which has committed to matching every dollar contributed to the project up to the first $10,000 This matching opportunity doubles the community’s investment in the local arts.

Curtain Up, Livingston! reflects the mission of the Livingston Parish Chamber Foundation and Leadership Livingston to identify and address critical community needs through sustainable projects

efforts,” she said.

To help streamline the experience, Bunch and her faculty team developed a comprehensive, 37-step instructional manual. Domiano said the guide significantly reduced troubleshooting, simplified workflow navigation, and allowed students to focus their attention where it belongs: on clinical reasoning and patient care.

“We believe that introducing the Epic electronic medical record platform in the firstsemester lab will meaningfully reduce one of the most common stressors students encounter during their initial clinical rotations—navigating electronic

health record documentation in real time,” Domiano said. “Early exposure helps build familiarity and confidence, enabling students to prioritize patientcentered care during what can otherwise be an overwhelming transition into clinical practice. In fact, nursing students from previous cohorts, who were not introduced to the Epic platform in their first semester, have already expressed a bit of ‘healthy envy’ upon hearing about this opportunity.”

For more information about Southeastern’s Nursing program, visit southeastern.edu/ school-of-nursing/ or email nursing@southeastern.edu.

Iota Master Chapter donates to Landmark South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Community news report

The Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International recently delivered a donation of resident gifts and bingo prizes to Landmark South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Baton Rouge.

The items were received by Delores Dufour, activities director, who thanked the chapter on behalf of the center

These gifts will be used for daily enjoyment and for one of the residents’ favorite activities

bingo. The chapter’s contribution helps brighten the atmosphere at Landmark South and supports the staff’s efforts to keep residents engaged, active and smiling, chapter members said.

The Iota Master Chapter continues its tradition of community service by reaching out to local seniors and offering kindness in meaningful ways.

Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International has members living in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Walker and Watson.

start on their college courses.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS:

The University of Arkansas named the students earning a place on its fall 2025 chancellor’s list, the university’s highest semester academic honor for undergraduates.

Thelma Toussant, of French Settlement, joins a select group of students who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours of coursework required for graduation.

“Earning a place on the Chancellor’s List reflects not only a perfect GPA, but also the hard work and sustained commitment to excellence required to achieve it while balancing coursework with life’s many responsibilities,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “Students like these strengthen the University of Arkansas in significant ways, from elevating the classroom

experience of their peers and professors to reinforcing our reputation for developing some of the nation’s brightest and most capable graduates. I congratulate them on this achievement and look forward to the great things they’ll accomplish in the years ahead.”

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: Pippa Cornett, of Maurepas, was selected to University of Alabama’s Early College fall 2025 director’s list Cornett was among a total of 595 students enrolled in UA Early College during Fall Semester 2025 at The University of Alabama. The director’s list includes students with an academic record of 3.6 or higher. The director’s list recognizes students enrolled in classes through the UA Early College program, which allows high school students to get a head

BISMARCK STATE: Choya Durning, of Maurepas, has been named to the president’s honor roll for the Fall 2025 semester at Bismarck State College.

“Making the BSC President’s Honor Roll reflects more than just strong grades. It reflects focus, commitment and prioritization of competing demands,” says BSC Interim President Dan Leingang. “These are the same traits that will define these students as professionals and future leaders in the workforce.”

Students must maintain at least a 3.50 grade point on a 4.00 scale while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of classes to qualify for the BSC President’s Honor Roll.

Bismarck State College is North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: Three area students were among the nearly 1,400 who graduated from Mississippi State University in the fall. Recent graduates include:

n Adam Bird, of Walker, who received the Bachelor of Applied Science from MSU’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

n Malerie Partain, of Ponchatoula, who received the Master of Science from MSU’s College of Education.

n D’Andre Taylor, of Denham Springs, who earned a Master of Science from MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum congratulated graduates as the December ceremony’s keynote speaker.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

GLOBAL CAMPUS: Three local students graduated in the fall 2025 term from University

of Maryland Global Campus graduated more than 6,400 students worldwide in the fall 2025 term.

Among the 6,400 worldwide graduates were Ben Thornton of Walker, Master of Science in Information Technology: Systems Engineering; Steven Jackson, of Ponchatoula, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; and Shelby Cogley, of Tickfaw, Associate of Arts.

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY: Alayna Daigrepont, of Denham Springs, has been named to the fall 2025 president’s list at Delta State University Majoring in Sport and Human Performance, Daigrepont is among 337 students named to the fall dean’s list. Each semester, Delta State University undergraduate students who have earned at least 12 credits and a

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY: Two Livingston Parish students were among the Upper Iowa University fall graduates. Fionn Paul, of Walker, and Robyne Thomas, of Denham Springs, graduated from the university during fall commencement.