The Southeastern Livingston Center in Walker is hosting several classes in July and August. For a complete schedule or to register for any program, visit southeastern. nbsstore.net/life-long-learning-livingston-center
Farmers Market Saturday
Four Seasons Farmers Market opens every Saturday morning at 116 North Range Ave., Denham Springs. The event includes fresh produce and crafts items. For more information, call (225) 366-7241 or email thefourseasonsfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Walker disc golf park open
The city of 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%20 Golf%20app.jpg.
At the library
The Livingston Parish Library offers a long list of classes and activities throughout the summer Denham Springs-Walker Branch Contact the Denham Springs-Walker Branch at (225) 686-4140 or visit www mylpl.info for more details on any event.
n Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m., Adult Writers’ Club (ages 18+)
Are you looking for a friendly writer’s atmosphere? People to share ideas with? Feedback for your latest writing project? This writing group focuses on support, helping each other, and having fun. During each club meeting, writers participate in troubleshooting discussions, enjoy some 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.
n Thursday, July 24, 6 p.m., Stained Glass-Inspired Insect Art (ages 13-18). This watercolor project of insects, done in a stained-glass style, is reminiscent of art nouveau. It uses oil pastel as a resistance technique along the edges. Registration is required
n Friday, July 25, 1 p.m., Screen Printing with the Cricut (ages 18+). Have you ever wanted to learn how to use your Cricut to create custom screen prints? Well, join library staffers as they review some Cricut basics and learn how to use this cutting machine to make screen prints. Basic computer skills are required. Registration is required.
n Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m., 1,000 Books Bash (ages 0-5) Bring the whole family to celebrate your child’s achievements in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at this bash Celebrate the love of reading with party refreshments and Pete the Catthemed games.
n Tuesday July 29, 6 p.m Cupcake Liner Wreath (ages 18+). Create a simple colorful seasonal decor out of cupcake liners and a foam wreath. Registration is required.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Rougarou players looking for second chances, ways to improve during summer league CHASING DREAMS
BY RICHARD MEEK
Contributing writer
They are dream seekers, spending sultry summer evenings barnstorming across south Louisiana and southern Texas, searching for that magical elixir, a game-changing fix.
College players from around the country flock to the region during the summer to participate in the premium baseball Texas Collegiate League, a midsummer port for collegiate players, typically those who are from small colleges or those who have played at a higher level but have not necessary been successful, to work on developing their skills to play at a higher level.
For two months teams play 48 games in 56 days in matchbox stadiums from Baton Rouge to Lafayette to Lake Charles and into the Lone Star State.
“Everybody here has a dream of playing professional baseball, and this league simulates what that might look like in the minor leagues,” said Ronnie Rantz, owner of the Baton Rouge Rougarous, which feature several southeast Louisiana players.
“And so you are finding out if you love it, if you are built for it and if you can be a professional and bring a workmanlike mentality to it every day,” he said. “All of
Watching the third round of The Open Championship last week, a round that is also known as “moving day” in a professional golf tournament, it was easy to appreciate the perseverance
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
Mathew Kelly safely slides into third base while Dalton Wilson, of Greenwell Springs, advances to second base.
Baton Rouge catcher Blaise Priester of Denham Springs, directs on-field during a recent Baton Rouge Rougarous game.
Community news report
Six Livingston Parish educators have been included in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2025-2026 cohort of Aspiring Principal Fellows.
Those local Aspiring Principal Fellows are:
n Angela Caccamo, EL coordinator
n Jessica Haynes, Assistant Principal, Live Oak High School
n Dane’ Long, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator
n Erik Patterson, Assistant Principal, Livingston Oak High School
n Louis Sansovich, Assistant Principal, Albany High School
n Desaree’ Strikmiller, Assistant Principal, Southside Elementary
“Congratulations to these outstanding educators who have been selected by the state to further develop their skills so as to be prepared to step into leadership roles across our district in the future,” Superintendent Jody Purvis said.
The fellowship program aims to equip aspiring school leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently step into the principal role and effectively support students and teachers a news release said Fellowship participants will engage in four immersive full-day school visits, where they will collaborate closely with exemplary practicing principals from across the state. In addition, they will attend three full-day professional learning meetings that align with current state initiatives. Each fellowship candidate will receive a $1,000 tuition payment. All content of the program is designed to align with Louisiana’s education priorities and the Louisiana Leader Rubric, emphasizing the principal’s role in instructional leadership that drives student achievement
DREAMS
Continued from page 1G
these players can get better and have something to play for, their own individual goals, whether it’s a pitcher working on his sinker or throwing more strikes or a hitter working on increasing his average.”
Making the most of opportunity
Rougarou catcher and Denham Springs native Blaise Priester, who played at Live Oak High School, has embraced the opportunity, understanding what it could mean for his future.
Priester has experienced the summit of college baseball, having played this past season, albeit sparingly, for LSU.
Priester was limited to 13 innings and was hitless in seven at-bats, and, before the regional playoffs, was informed by Tigers coach Jay Johnson that playing time next year would be sparse.
Priester entered the transfer portal before the playoffs and was not a member of the Tigers during their national championship run. Since, he has signed with Southeastern Louisiana University, looking to jump-start his career and perhaps once again reach the elite level of college baseball.
Columbia Theatre hosting music by John Williams
Community news report
The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts/Southeastern Louisiana University kicks off its 2025-26 season with a performance by the Northlake Community Band, as they perform some of legendary film composer John Williams’ greatest hits.
“I feel like I made the best decision where I can go and play the most,” Priester said. “This opportunity (with the Rougarous) means a lot, having the coaches here to help me achieve to get to the next level.”
He said the summer is also helping him reflect on this past spring.
“Mentally, this has helped me a lot,” he said. “During the season, I was trying to figure out why I was not playing. I just could not get an answer.”
But he said being a part of the Rougarous has helped him understand that playing every day is critical in his development.
Mississippi bound
As Priester is entering the doors of the Lions’ locker room, pitcher Jimmy Johnson is headed the opposite way, likely taking his talent along Interstate 59 north to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and William Carey College
Similar to Priester, Johnson, who is from Zachary and played at Central High School in Baton Rouge, is looking for playing time
He played his first two years at SLU, although he rarely saw the field. He was redshirted his freshman year and then the following year underwent surgery and sat out the entire season
This past year he pitched two innings, so with three years of eligibility remaining he
on a play where he would eventually score during a recent Rougarou game.
is hoping for a reset with his goal of one day returning to Hammond.
“I want to play a few more years, and if I do end up developing a little bit, maybe I can get back to SLU,” said Johnson, who has changed his throwing motion to more of a drop approach.
“I have been feeling very comfortable I am starting to get more confidence with the new motion,” he said. “I feel like I am gaining confidence on the mound.”
Several other players from the areas are donning the iconic green of the Rougarous, including Casey Artigues, of Hammond (University of Lafayette); Mathew Keller, of Zachary (Northwest Florida State); Ben Robichaux, of Plaquemine (SLU); Taylor Walters, of Greenwell Springs (John Melvin University); Dalton Wilson, of Greenwell Springs (Tyler Junior College); Larson of Fabre, of Denham Springs (SLU); and Patrick Vienne of Natchitoches (SLU).
All players chasing their lifetime dreams, hoping the dusk of a summer afternoon shadowing home plate is not an omen of their diamond futures.
The team finishes its season schedule July 27 at Goldsby Field, when fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four beverages for $40. For more information on the team, visit https://brrougarou.com/.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 at The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 East Thomas St., Hammond.
SALZER
Continued from page 1G
Southeastern Louisiana University runner, Silk worked with hurdlers and middle distance runners with the Jackets last season. The Live Oak volleyball team is preparing for the upcoming fall season with a new leader, Kenedi Stephens. Still an active beach volleyball competitor Stephens has previously coached in the Zachary
Under the direction of Robert Schwartz, the Northlake Community Band will perform music from John Williams’ catalog, which includes his memorable scores for films including the “Star Wars” series, “Harry Potter” series, “Superman: The Motion
school system. She takes over a program that will be looking for its first playoff berth since 2018. Another recent change took place at Maurepas, where Mike Stephens was named the Wolves’ boys basketball coach. Similar to other coaching changes, the hire won’t require Stephens to move far since he was previously an assistant with the Denham Springs girls team He takes over a program that went 19-16 last season and reached the second round of the Class B playoffs.
Picture,” “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Schindler’s List” and many more.
Tickets for John Williams Strikes Back are $20 for adults and $15 for children and students.
Tickets are available and can be purchased through the website www.columbiatheatre.org or by calling (985) 549-2787.
Golf analogies don’t always carry over to other sports, but Scottie Scheffler probably had the best moving day last Saturday at The Open. He built a four-shot lead going into Sunday’s final round and put himself in position to win. That’s exactly where Livingston’s new crop of coaches wants to be.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA ADVOCATE 10291 Hwy 190, Walker, LA 70785 or P.O Box 309, Walker, LA 70785. (225) 388-0215 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
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EMAIL: weeklylegals@theadvocate.com
1. Link to VENMO by using the camera on your cell phone or mobile device. Focus the lens on the camera tothe preferred QR code totheright.
2.
Drop off your donation at theLivingston Parish Assessor’s OfficeMonday-Thursday, 7:30am -5:30pm.Moneycontributions and donated schoolsupplieswill be accepted.
Donate Locally outside local grocers on FRIDAYS:
1and Aug. 8, 3pm-7pm
2and Aug.
Casey Artigues, of Hammond, eyes third base
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
North Oaks Medical Center welcomes 17 residents
Community news report
North Oaks has welcomed 17 physicians in training to North Oaks Medical Center’s Graduate Medical Education program, according to the health system’s Vice President and Designated Institutional Official Kiley Cedotal.
Nine physicians have joined the GME program’s Internal Medicine Residency now in its second year. At the same time, eight physicians have joined the GME program’s new Transitional Year Residency The residents hail from 11 states and three countries.
The internal medicine residents are: Dr Eric Bayman, from University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora; Dr Irina Cavdar, from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock; Dr. Grant Collins, from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans; Nicholas Jameson, D.O., from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; George Montanio, D.O., from Edward Via College of Osteopathic MedicineLouisiana Campus in Monroe; Dr Lexina Patel, from University of Louisville
School of Medicine in Kentucky; Shaichi Sen, D.O from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Dr Alwin Thomas, from Ross University School of Medicine in Bridgetown, Barbados.
In addition to these program year one internal medicine residents, the program also welcomes Erin Simon, D.O., who transferred to the program from St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana, and will be starting as a program year two internal medicine resident.
The transitional year residents are: Jumoke Cadmus, D.O., from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia in Suwanee, Georgia; Shannon Deckert, D.O., and Janson Nguyen, D.O., from Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith; Dr Navid Hasani, University of Queensland School of Medicine in Australia; Dr Ming Huo, from Shanxi Medical University in Taiyuan, China; Dr Ololade Omole, from Trinity School of Medicine in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Jacob Seabaugh, D.O., from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Louisiana Campus in Monroe;
Air Products donates $11,000 to Songs of Survivors through Blind River 300 Poker Run
Air Products has donated $11,000 from its Lake Maurepas Community Fund to Songs
ucts
and Reen Varghese, D.O., from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Led by Program Director Dr John Wuthrich, the Internal Medicine Residency is a three-year program training physicians in managing a wide range of common and complex medical
conditions for patients.
The Transitional Year Residency is a one-year program for medical graduates seeking broad clinical training experience before pursuing specialty residency or further training. Dr. Abir Abdo serves as program director Participants will gain a well-rounded foundation through rotations in key medical specialties such as cardiovascular disease, emergency medicine, general surgery, gerontology, internal medicine and urgent care. The residents will train at North Oaks Medical Center and other facilities within the health system, gaining vital experience and learning from physicians on the North Oaks medical staff. By 2030, North Oaks Medical Center Graduate Medical Education plans to train up to 48 physicians at any given time. To learn more about residencies at North Oaks Medical Center, visit northoaks.
We are welcoming Dr. Robert Derenbecker back to his hometown of Hammond! Dr Derenbecker is a highly skilled, fellowship-trained and board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist who diagnoses and treats complex heart rhythm disorders such as arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation.
To learn more about Dr Derenbecker or schedule an appointment, call or visit northoaks.org/derenbecker
North Oaks Medical Center leaders welcome nine internal medicine residents. Gathering from left Mark Anderson, chief financial officer; Kiley Cedotal, LCSW-BACS, MBA, FACHE, vice president, designated institutional official; George Montanio, DO; Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, president and CEO; Shaichi Sen, DO; Erin Simon, DO, Dr. Irina Cavdar; Dr. Lexina Patel; Nicholas Jameson, DO; Dr Grant Collins; Dr. Alwin Thomas; Dr. Eric Bayman; and John Wuthrich, DO, internal medicine residency program director
PROVIDED PHOTOS
North Oaks Medical Center leaders welcome eight transitional year residents, during a recent ceremony Gathering from left, are Mark Anderson, chief financial officer; Michele K. Sutton,
president and CEO; Dr Ming Huo; Reen Varghese DO; Jumoke Cadmus, DO; Shannon Deckert, DO; Dr. Ololade Omole; Dr. Navid Hasani; Janson Nguyen, DO; Jacob Seabaugh DO; Dr Abir Abdo, transitional year residency program director; and Kiley Cedotal, vice president, designated institutional official
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Marketing and Communications was recognized for graphic design by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts with two Communicator Awards. The office was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the General — Education Website category and an Award of Distinction in the Design Features — Overall Design category for the university’s Centennial logo.
SLU wins award for graphic design of centennial logo
Community news report
The Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Marketing and Communications recently was recognized for graphic design by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts with two Communicator Awards
The office was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the General Education website category and an Award of Distinction in the Design Features — Overall Design category for the university’s Centennial logo.
The Award of Excellence, the highest honor, is given to those entrants whose ability to communicate positions them as the best in the field, while the Award of Distinction is presented to projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement, a news release said.
This year’s Award of Excellence recipients include standouts such as Netflix, NASA, Oliver Wyman, George P. Johnson Experience Marketing, Getty Museum, Apple, PepsiCo, McKesson, Savannah College of Art and Design,
The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, Zeta Global, Bank of America and many others.
“In a year where our theme was ‘Communication is Connection,’ it was moving to see how this idea came to life in the work ” said AIVA Managing Director Lauren Angeloni. “Whether centered around emotionally resonant storytelling or marketing effectiveness case studies, the entries reflected the power of communication to bridge gaps between people, platforms, and perspectives. We’re proud to celebrate such a dynamic group of honorees. And we’re deeply grateful to our jurors, who, as always, brought care, curiosity and deep insight to every review.”
The awards are judged by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts, an invitation-only body of over 500 industry leaders from top brands and agencies.
The Communicator Awards is an annual competition recognizing the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and design
Mississippi College announces honors lists
Community news report
The Mississippi College Office of Academic Affairs releases the dean’s and president’s lists after the close of fall and spring semesters each academic year To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must maintain a 3.5 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system. The student must take a full course load of at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with all academic courses impacting their grade point average. Named to the dean’s list were Raegan White, of Denham Springs; Colby Chadwick, of Amite; and Catherine Duckworth of Denham Springs
To be eligible for the
president’s list, a student must maintain a 4.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system The student must take a full course load of at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate credit with all academic courses impacting their grade point average. Making the president’s list were Luke Pemberton, of Denham Springs; Brady Brown, of Tickfaw; John White, of Amite; Bryan Doan, of Hammond and Abigail Guin, of Amite. Mississippi College, affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is a private, co-educational, Christian university of liberal arts and sciences serving more than 4,100 students from approximately 35 states and more then three dozen countries.
Rhodes College honors Hammond student
Community news report
Shannen Alack, of Hammond, was named to Rhodes College’s Spring 2025 Honor Roll.
To qualify for the honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credits of academic work and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better Those students who choose to take a course under the Pass/Fail option must have a minimum of 12 additional graded cred-
its of work to be considered for this honor Students who are enrolled in the Honors Program or independent Research and receive a grade of IP for that work will have their qualifying grade point average determined on all other graded work Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences college in Memphis, Tennessee, and one of the few liberal arts colleges located in an urban setting.
Assess the Need kicks off school supply drive
Community news report
A Livingston Parish school supply drive is underway, with several ways for residents to help provide the necessities needed by area students on the first day of school.
Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor said he and local volunteers will once again provide school supplies to families in need through the Assess the Need campaign, in its 25th year Assess the Need is a notfor-profit program providing supplies for Livingston Parish students in need of assistance. This year’s campaign anticipates meeting the needs of some 3,200 students
in all the district’s 43 public schools, including Pre-K and Head Start programs.
“We are so thankful to our community for the continued support of this program,” Taylor said “This year marks the 25th year of our efforts — that’s a significant milestone for this program, and a testament to our community’s love and generosity
“Each year we are faced with the challenge of providing our children with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom, and each year that challenge is met with resounding support across our parish. We are looking forward to another year of making a
positive impact in the lives of our students,” Taylor said.
Taylor said volunteers will be at the parish’s local Associated Grocers stores on Aug. 1 and 2, and then again on Aug. 8 and 9, taking donations. The participating stores include Cain’s Family Markets in Albany, Livingston and Springfield; Carter’s Supermarkets at Hatchell Lane in Denham Springs, Vincent Road in Denham Springs and Walker; Oak Point Fresh Market in Watson; Village Markets in Port Vincent, White Hall and Head of Island.
Volunteers will be at the stores from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the two Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the two
Saturdays. Donations can be given directly to volunteers at the stores or through Venmo. Links to the Assess the Need Venmo account are available in print and web ads in local newspapers, on signs across the parish, and on cards at local businesses. Donations can also be dropped off at the Livingston Parish Assessor’s Office, Government Boulevard in Livingston, Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or mailed to Assess the Need, P.O. Box 1802, Denham Springs, LA 70727-1802. The supplies will be distributed to the school before the first day of classes, which begin Aug. 8.
We are pleased to welcome C. Bryan Miller, MD, to North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond!
Dr Miller is a long-time family medicine physician and healthcare leader with over twenty years of experience
To learn more about Dr Miller, visit northoaks org/miller
To schedule an appointment, call (985) 230-2778.
He treats and manages:
• Common illnesses
• Chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
• Preventive care and wellness visits
FILE PHOTO BY DAVID NORMAND
Assess The Need coordinator Bobbi Jo Guerin, left, and Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor go
