Cajun Country Jam kicks off Friday
The Cajun Country Jam Memorial Day Festival is kicks off Friday at North Park in Denham Springs.
The event, hosted by Chase Tyler, will feature performances by Frank Foster, Craig Moran, Dylan Scott Wayne Toups, Parish County Line, Lauren Lee, Kendall Shaffer, Sam L. Smith, Thomas Cain, Nashville South and Conner Martin.
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Several ticket packages are offered, including a general admission three-day pass for $75 and $300 All-Star Experience tickets. For details, visit www.thecajuncountryjam.com. Memorial Day closures
Most governmental offices are closed Monday for Memorial Day Check governmental websites for closure details
Leadership Livingston Class of 2026 accepting applications
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 local leaders.
Leadership Livingston is a 10-month experience that starts with a retreat in August and includes
monthly field trips from September to May Participants learn about key areas of the parish and work in teams on community improvement projects.
The program concludes with a graduation in June.
Graduates praise the program for deepening their understanding of the parish and helping them build lasting relationships. Over 30 projects have been completed through the program, benefiting veterans, children and schools.
“We welcome applicants from all backgrounds,” said Chamber President April Wehrs “This program brings together a diverse group of leaders ready to make a difference.” Applications are open through July 15. Apply at www.livingstonparishchamber.org or call (225) 665-8155 for more information.
Amite art, drams camps set
The Amite Arts Council is hosting summer visual art and drama camps this summer for students in fourth through eighth grades.
The drama camp, June 16-20, is presented by the children’s theater troupe The New Octavians in
Maurepas fights hard, but comes up short in championship tourney
Former Yankees catcher and Mets manager Yogi Berra may not have said things as clearly or succinctly as, well, almost anyone. Still, his numerous quotes have now outlived him and are still able to give clarity to the game of baseball.
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
I was reminded of this last week when Maurepas, making its first trip to the LHSAA championship tournament for the first time in 10 years, faced Harrisonburg in the Class C semifinals in Sulphur Berra was known for goofy malapropisms like, “Ninety percent of the game is half mental,” but there were also bits of sage wisdom. He was famously quoted as saying, “It ain’t over ‘til its over,” a truism that is part of the fabric of baseball. Unfortunately for Maurepas,
after a strong start, those words rang true against the Bulldogs.
The Wolves’ got a tworun single from Gibson Hopp to highlight a three-run first. In the second, Maurepas took advantage of Harrisonburg pitching mistakes as it added six runs to charge out to a 9-0 lead. After that, defensive woes took center stage. Still leading 9-0 through three innings, Maurepas committed seven errors over the final four as Harrisonburg scored 15 runs, nine that were unearned. Harrisonburg then held on to win the game 15-10. Third-seeded Maurepas, which defeated No. 14 Plainview 10-1 and No. 6 Hornbeck 10-7, ended its season with a 16-15 record after falling
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Library celebrates summer reading with kickoff party
Community news report
Visit any branch of the Livingston Parish Library during the system’s Summer Reading Program Kickoff Day on May 27. Sign up for Summer Reading on Kickoff Day — or stop by if you’re already registered — to claim a special kickoff prize, available only on this day. There will be
prizes for kids, teens and adults. During Kickoff Day, visitors will be able to unleash their inner artist by creating a masterpiece for the Library’s Tiny Art Show a news release said. All supplies will be provided to make a miniature work of art to display at the library through the end of June. The 2025 Summer Reading Program
theme is Color Our World, highlighting the power art has to transform, uplift and connect all Patrons of all ages are invited to participate in the Summer Reading Program by attending fun events hosted by the library and completing reading challenges. This year’s program consists of four age groups:
COACH FRED LONDON GYM DEDICATION
n Read-to-Me (Ages 0-5)
n Youth (Ages 6-12)
n Teens (Ages 13-18)
n Adults (Ages 18 and older)
All age groups began registering for the Summer Reading Program on Monday, May 19. The program runs through Aug. 3. For more information, visit www.mylpl. info/SummerReading.
Reese Forbes and Mason Grantham are named Louisiana
Youth B.A.S.S Nation Junior Anglers of The Year
Members of local fishing club honored at state tournament
Community news report
Two members of the Junior Southwest Bassmaster of Denham Springs were named Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation Junior Anglers of the Year Club member s R eese Forbes and Mason Grantham, of Holden, dominated the field and brought in fish at all nine events of the 2025 LYBN Junior Points Trail. There were 49 Junior Bassmaster teams from Louisiana who competed in the nine Qualifier Tournaments during 2024-2025 fishing season to get to the 2025
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to the second-seeded Bulldogs.
“I want to start by saying that I’m extremely proud of this team,” first-year Maurepas coach Louis Dugas said after the game.
“When we started, we returned three starters from last year’s team, so to make it here was unbelievable in itself. But the errors, when they started, they were hard to overcome. Credit to (Harrisonburg), they hit the ball. They took advantage of them, so credit to them.”
Yes, Maurepas came crashing back to earth
State Championship. The 2025 L.Y.B.N. State Championship was held May 2-4, 2025 on Lake D’arbonne in Farmerville. The 2025 L.Y.B.N. awards banquet was May 2 in the Monroe Civic Center The team will represent team Louisiana at the Junior Bassmaster National Championship on Clarks Hill Lake just outside Augusta Georgia in late July Fellow club members Cole Watkins and Luke Delaney, of Hammond took third place and Brantley Broussard and Rhett Henry, St, Francisville, won fourth place.
after an amazing start against Harrisonburg. Even so, it didn’t change what was a memorable season for the Wolves.
It also brings to mind one more saying from Berra who said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” At this time last year, the future of Maurepas baseball didn’t look like it would include a run at a state championship. Now, with most of the team returning for next season, its future looks like it is one that is in good hands.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Former students, teachers and friends of Fred London attend the Coach Fred London Gym dedication.
The Coach Fred London Gym at Live Oak Junior High in Watson, replaces the old gym, which was destroyed by a fire on July 22, 2022.
Livingston Parish School System Supervisor of Instruction Lee Hawkins speaks during the coach Fred London Gym dedication ceremony at Live Oak Junior High in Watson. Hawkins said he hit the trifecta because under London he was a student, athlete and teacher
Melissa Chemin, foreground, Emily Braclay and Melissa Williams sign a commemoration board for the London family
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Candance Odds, coach Fred London’s daughter cuts the ribbon during the Coach Fred London Gym dedication ceremony held at Live Oak Junior High in Watson on May 12. Watching are London family members, Livingston Parish School System members and friends.
Former teacher Kim Habhab, left, talks with Candance Odds during the coach Fred London Gym dedication ceremony held at Live Oak Junior High in Watson on May 12. Habhab and London taught together at Live Oak Middle School for many years.
Check out library activities
Community news report
Livingston Parish Libraries have lots of fun and education programming through the end of the month.
All branches of the Livingston Parish Library will be closed Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day. Here are some of the planned activities.
Main Branch in Livingston
Contact the Main Branch in Livingston at (225) 6864160 or visit www.mylpl.info for more details on any event at any library branch
Tuesday, May 27, 2 p.m.: Pop-Up Table: Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana, ages 18 and older Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana provides free one-on-one assistance with checking eligibility, applying and updating existing account information for Medicaid, LaCHIP and Marketplace Insurance Plans. The federally-funded program is supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Affordable Care Act
Albany-Springfield Branch
Contact the Albany-Springfield Branch at (225) 686-4130 for more details.
Thursday, May 29, 2 p.m.: Paint Party with Cathy Bond for ages 18 and older A guided painting session led by local artist Cathy Bond where you’ll create your own masterpiece a charming long-eared rabbit All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
Friday, May 30, 2 p.m.: Sharpie Tie-Dye T-shirts for ages 6-18. Show us your rocker style with Sharpies. Explore your creative side by tie-dyeing a T-shirt with sharpies and rubbing alcohol. Registration is required. Participants must provide their own T-shirt.
Denham Springs-Walker Branch
Call the Denham Springs-Walker Branch at (225) 686-4140 details on any event
Thursday, May 22, 10 a.m.: Adult Writers’ Club for ages 18 and older This group supports each other on the writing process. All genres and all levels, from novice to pro writers, are welcome. During each club meeting, the group will have troubleshooting discussions, writing time, and end the session with friendly feedback for those who want it. To find out how to join, contact Lee Cline at lcline@mylpl.info
Thursday, May 22, 6 p.m.: Sharpie Tie-Dye T-shirts for ages 6-18.
Thursday, May 29, 6 p.m.: Faux Stained Glass Suncatcher for ages 18 and older Make an art nouveauinspired stained glass suncatcher All supplies and the pattern will be included. Registration is required.
South Branch
Contact the South Branch at (225) 686-4170 for more details.
Thursday, May 29, 5:30 p.m.: Bookies Book Club for ages 18 and older The South Branch Bookies book club is a long-established book club that hosts a fun and friendly gathering of friends — old and new. Friendship, laughter and heartfelt opinions about the title of the month await everyone who joins in for this monthly South Branch tradition.
Watson Branch Call the Watson Branch at (225) 686-4180 for more details.
Thursday, May 22, 5:30 p.m.: Lego Club for ages 5-12. Legos are provided Friday, May 30 at 1 p.m.: Cut Out Earrings for ages 18 and older Create your own Op Art jewelry using scrapbook paper and your imagination Registration is required.
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Hammond. The students will learn acting and stage movement skills, which will be displayed in a short play staged on the last day of the camp. The camp will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Center The visual art camp is June 23-27. The camp will be taught by nationally recognized artist and book illustrator Marita Gentry
Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma
Phi
International elects new officers
Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International recently installed its 202526 officers.
Elected to office were Cheryl Foster, vice president; Lynda Smith, president; Pat Buturla, recording secretary; Linda Garafola, treasurer; Vonnie Brewer, corresponding secretary; and Darlene Poindexter, extension officer
Stepping into these vital roles within the sorority, “these women are entrusted with the opportunity to lead, inspire and uphold the values that bind us together,” a news relelase said.
The chapter has members from Gonzales, Baton Rouge and Denham Springs.
Community news report
Members of Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority recently donated bingo prizes to the residents of Landmark South Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Baton Rouge.
“When we met Dolores Dufour, the facility’s activity director, and heard the many things she had to say about
Landmark South, we could see that the residents are truly blessed with a caring staff who want their residents to feel safe, cared for, and loved,” a news release said.
An important part of the care Landmark South provides is through their belief in the healing power of a smile, the release added.
“Even though our sorority won’t
personally see the residents enjoying our various donated prizes, having seen the facility and met some of the staff, it is easy to imagine the smiles we will help to create and this makes our Chapter smile,” the release added. The sorority has members from Gonzales, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Watson and Walker
Campers will explore the styles of famous painters throughout history It will also be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Amite Community Center The last afternoon of the camp there will be an art show to display what the students have created.
Registration for each camp is $20. There will be a $10 refund if the student completes the camp. Registration begins Thursday, May 14. To register, visit Amite City Hall to register and pay the registration fee. Class size for both camps is limited to 15.
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com 225-388-0731
(225) 388-0371
MAIL: use address at left
Cruisin’ Da Bayou Car Show
Tickfaw River Village Campground is hosting its second Cruisin’ Da Bayou Car Show Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25.
The weekend will include car, truck and bike show with a $25 per vehicle entry Call the Campground for to book a camping spot
A Cruise Fun Run is set for May 23 by Bayhi’s Landing. Sign-up is $50 per team at 9 a.m. with stops at Black Lake Club, Manny’s, Boondocks Bar & Grill, Moonlight Inn, Daiquiri Shack and Bayhi’s Landing.
5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. — teams may return to the pavilion to complete the fun run, winners announced immediately after There will be food, live music and drinks available. The car show starts at 8 a.m. May 24 when the gates open. For information, visit livingstontourism. com/Events/Details/182.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Elected as Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International officer from left, are Cheryl Foster Lynda Smith, Pat Buturla, Linda Garafola, Vonnie Brewer and Darlene Poindexter
Get Out and Fish! Day held at Walker pond
Fishing enthusiasts gathered Saturday morning along the banks of the pond in Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker for Walker’s fourth annual Get Out & Fish! event.
The family-friendly fishing event was co-sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the city of Walker and the Walker High School Fishing Team, offering a fun and accessible introduction to fishing for residents of all ages.
The event featured a freshly stocked fishing pond loaded with catfish. Members of the Walker High Fishing Team assisted young anglers with tips and techniques.
People line the banks to fish in the city of Walker’s Get Out & Fish! event.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Walker High fishing team member Gavin Walterscheid works a line Saturday during the City of Walker’s Get Out & Fish! event at Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker
People use a walkway over the water to fish.
Brylen Guitreau, 14, cast a line while fishing with his dad.
Sylvia, 7, and her brother Bryson Kersey, 13, fish.
Kids line the banks to fish at Sidney Hutchinson Park.
Thirteen year-old Bryson Kersey holds up a fish he caught. Poles rest on the banks with lines cast.