Board members who ‘quit’ could return
Darlene Denstorff
AROUND LIVINGSTON
Back to school for students, traffic
Livingston and Tangipahoa parish public school students return to class Aug. 8. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution when approaching school zones and at stopped buses For more information, visit school websites.
Assess the Need
The Livingston Parish Assess the Need school supplies drive is underway Volunteers will be at Livingston Parish Associated Groceries from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 and Aug. 9. Drop off locations include Carter’s Supermarkets in Denham Springs and Walker; Cain’s Family Supermarkets in Livingston, Albany and Springfield; Oak Point Fresh Market in Watson; and Village Markets in Port Vincent and Head of Island. Checks or money orders can be mailed to: Assess the Need, P. O Box 1802, Denham Springs, LA 70727-180 Women’s Leadership Conference, Expo date set
The Livingston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Conference and Expo is set for 10:45 a.m. Sept. 18 at Abundant Life Outreach Center in Denham Springs. The event brings together women from across the region for a day of connection, inspiration and growth. The event features an expo with a variety of vendors showcasing products and services tailored to women, plus speakers covering topics like personal development, wellness, leadership and more. For more information, visit https://www.livingstonparishchamber.org/womens-leadership-event/.
Classes planned in Walker
The Southeastern Livingston Center in Walker is hosting several classes in August. Check out the Walker site’s ACT prep class Aug. 19 and Aug. 26. The classes are $195. Interested in learning about a sound bath? A one-hour class is designed to move energy gently and prepare the body and mind for a relaxing journey into sound. The session is from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Aug. 20. The session is $25. For a complete schedule or to register for any program, visit southeastern.nbsstore.net/lifelong-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.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Four Livingston Parish library board members announced that they quit the board and walked out after the library director was ousted during a tumultuous board meeting July 15. But the people who walked out could be walking back to their seats the next time the parish library system’s governing body meets as active board members. A verbal “I quit” isn’t
LIVINGSTON PARISH LIBRARY
more than likely that those same library board members would be returning. One parish council member even confirmed his appointee was going back. This development marks the latest political twist on a board that recently forced out its library director a fallout from a yearslong battle sparked by complaints about youth ac-
cess to sex and gender related books. At a meeting earlier this month, library board members Jennifer Dorhauer, then-board president, Becky Morgan, then-board vice president, Rodlyn Hammond and Patricia Wilson all verbally quit the library board. This move was directly after Parish President Randy Delatte and the rest of the board voted to not renew Michelle Parrish’s library director contract. During the allocated time to vote on and discuss board appointments and resignations item at the parish council meeting Thursday,
FEAST
Author draws on family experiences for latest horror novel
BY RICHARD MEEK
Contributing writer
Sam Cuti was looking forward to horror-genre author Corvina Sweeney’s paganistic Yule dinner this past December
As it turns out, he was the entree.
Fortunately for the Amite native, it was only in the literary but perhaps a bit uncomfortable, sense.
“I have had a lot of experiences in my life, but I can’t say that has been one,” Cuti, a native of Amite, said July 19 during the release party and book signing of Sweeny’s latest novel, aptly named “Sam for Dinner,” in Hammond.
“I went blank at first; I did not know, say or what to think. I was kind of yea but no,” the unsuspecting Cuti said of being today’s special for the holiday feast.
The idea for Sam’s alleged “cooking” came from Sweeney’s
FOR THE IMAGINATION
to vape detectors: Opioid settlement funds get direction
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Livingston Parish school officials have plans to expand counseling services for students, install more vape detectors and fund drug tests once they receive opioid settlement funds from the Livingston Parish Council. The Livingston Parish Council voted Thursday to allow the parish to
Corvina Sweeney and her husband, Sean Sweeney, in front of a poster of the cover of her book during a reception July 19 in Hammond.
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Author Corvina Sweeney, left works the room, spending time with family and friends attending a book-signing party
Football returning to Doyle
Volunteers gather Thursday at Doyle High school to cook jambalaya to raise money for the school’s new junior high football team.
Community news report
Football is returning to Doyle schools.
Friday night lights will return this fall when Doyle Junior High suits up for the first time since 1986. Eventually, football will return to the high school
NOVEL
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daughter Skyler Sivori. Sweeney had mentioned to her daughter that Sweeney’s close friend was bringing her new boyfriend to the dinner who turned out to be Cuti.
“My daughter tells me we are going to cook Sam and then I said barbecue would probably best to do it,” Sweeney, who spent her childhood years in LaPlace and Chalmette, chuckled as she recalled the conversation with Sivori.
“It was a joke, and I took it a little bit too far is what happened,” she said. In short order, Sweeney used the serving up of Sam as the ending in a novel that had yet to be developed. She posted the ending on X and stunned by the rave reviews, realized she had to
write the book but in an unconventional back-to-front style.
“It was actually kind of amazing,” Sweeney said. “Once we had met Sam a couple of weeks after I had actually started writing the book, I realized I captured his personality quite well even though we had not met him yet.
“I almost hated to kill him off at the end, but I had to. Sort of.”
And that “sort of” now includes another equally sordid ending.
“What is really neat about this book, and I have not seen it done in the horror novel genre before, there is an alternative ending under ‘Twist of the Night’ (at the end of the book),” Sweeney said.
She explained that in the original ending, Sam is killed and eaten but in the alternative ending, he turns the table on his girlfriend
with junior varsity and varsity programs.
To pay for equipment, uniforms and other team necessities, team members held their first fundraiser on July 24 by selling jambalaya dinners, said coach Blane Westmoreland More fundraisers are planned
who had been plotting to kill him. In the alternative ending, it is revealed Sam had been conspiring with his own group of friends to kill his girlfriend, which they ultimately do and then share her across the dinner table. It was only at the book signing in Hammond when Cuti learned of the alternative ending, perhaps making his dinner a bit tastier
“It definitely helped out, but I was still a little worried because you never
know,” Sweeney said with his hearty laugh. “I had fun with it and am still enjoying it.
“It’s definitely still unbelievable.”
The book is available online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart and IngramSpark, a self-publishing book company
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com.
Corvina Sweeney’s daughter Skyler Sivori and son-in-law Louis Sivori shared a laugh while enjoying dinner at a recent book-signing event.
Author Corvina Sweeney, left, shares a laugh with friend Kim Lecumberri and her boyfriend, Sam Cuti, who is the subject of Sweeney’s latest novel, ‘Having Sam for Dinner.’
Even the cook had a bit of a spooky feel during a recent dinner and book signing party for author Corvina Sweeney’s new book.
Trace Sharp, a member of the new Doyle Junior High football team, cooks for a jambalaya fundraiser
PROVIDED PHOTOS
North Oaks Surgical Associates add Deville
Community news report
General surgeon Dr Paige Deville has joined North Oaks Surgical Associates.
A Baton Rouge native and LSUtrained surgeon, Deville brings a patient-focused, research-informed approach to general surgery, with special interests in surgical efficiency and innovation, wound healing and patient education, according to a news release. Deville is trained in minimally invasive interventions like da Vinci robotics surgical techniques. She specializes in surgical intervention for health conditions like breast and colon cancers, melanoma and other skin cancers, cysts, appendicitis, bowel obstructions, gallbladder disease and hernia issues.
Excellence in Teaching Awards.
“Staying in Louisiana to serve my community has always been important to me,” Deville said. “North Oaks offers the opportunity to practice high-quality, patient-centered health care in a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.”
Deville earned her undergraduate degree in biological sciences from LSU in Baton Rouge and her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed her general surgery internship and residency through LSU Health Sciences Center, during which time she received the Gold Humanism Honor Society, Resident Teacher of the Year and Aesculapian
“My training exposed me to a wide range of surgical experiences and patient needs, which helped shape my flexible and wellrounded approach to care. I also completed a dedicated year of research working in both basic sciences and clinical research areas that gave me tools to critically evaluate and improve the way we deliver surgical care,” explains Dr Deville. “What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to help patients recover and return to their lives. I focus on clear communication, collaboration and personalized care. It’s my priority to understand each patient’s needs and educate them about their options and empower them to take an active role in their recovery.”
She belongs to numerous professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association and Academic Surgical Congress.
North Oaks Surgical Associates has locations in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes The Hammond clinic is in Suite 108B of North Oaks Office Plaza at 15770 Paul Vega, MD, Drive. The Livingston office is in Suite 210 of North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex, 17199 Spring Ranch Road. Clinic hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. To make an appointment, call (985) 230-2778.
Air Products donates $3,000 for Ponchatoula inclusive playground
Community news report
Pictured are some of the books in the Parenting Shelf section inside the Livingston
branch. The Livingston Parish Library Board of Control voted to create a Parenting Shelf during its July
houses
The
BOARD
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materials and covers topics that can be considered sensitive, challenging or difficult for children.
Mr Scott is very far-fetched from what we’re actually dealing with.”
Council member Dean Coates wanted to include the library board‘s resignations to get them finalized. His library board member appointee was not one of the people who were involved in the resignations.
However, Parish Attorney Brad Cascio said the resignations must be submitted in writing and are not effective until the council receives and accepts them. Cascio recognized their intent to resign when they quit at the July 15 meeting, but said it wasn’t valid without proper procedure.
“Until that happens, those board members who expressed their intent to resign, technically have not,” he said.
Coates doubled down, insisting they had resigned, and Cascio responded that “them getting up and saying, ‘I resign,’ is kind of like that episode of ‘The Office’ whenever Michael Scott walked out and said, ‘I declare bankruptcy.’ He didn’t do what he needed to do to get it done.”
Coates then made a motion to lift the agenda with intention to accept resignations, saying, “the comparison to
Council Member Erin Sandefur originally seconded the motion but later withdrew wanting to follow Cascio’s guidance. Like Coates, her library board appointee also did not threaten to resign. Both council members have publicly supported the move to get a new director
Council Member Ricky Goff said his appointment, Patricia Wilson, had reached out to him, telling him she was not resigning.
“Her upsetness wasn’t the removal of the individual, it was the way it took place. That’s what upset her more than anything,” Goff said. “Since then, I explained to her how important her work has been.”
Goff said there have been efforts to turn all of the library board members’ emails back on. Coates later withdrew his motion and said he did not know what happened behind the scenes, but said those board members shouldn’t have “thrown in the towel.”
“I can tell you they should be removed because they what they did was an embarrassment to this parish,” Coates said.
Council Members John Wascom
and Lonnie Watts, whose appointees walked out from that library board meeting, both directly called out Coates, ultimately telling him he was out of line.
“None of those four were yours. You’re taking the job of these other council members,” Wascom said “I think you’re out of line by doing that.” If the board members had officially resigned, it would’ve added to the growing tally of members who resigned or removed by parish council. Since last July, the board has had over 10 member shakeups. The board changes are a result of the commotion that is the years of on-again, off-again turmoil over the library’s budget, which was cut and then eventually restored, and restricting minors’ access to sexually explicit content.
The library board not renewing Parrish’s director contract is also a cost of these yearslong debates.
Parrish had been the director for a little over two years after her predecessor, Giovanni Tairov, resigned following months of controversy surrounding content restrictions for minors.
Email Claire Grunewald at claire. grunewald@theadvocate.com.
Dr. Paige Deville North Oaks Surgical Associates welcomes
“We are excited to see this park become a reality for everyone, and with the public’s help, it will,” said the Ponchatoula Jaycees in a news release. The Ponchatoula Jaycees have raised nearly half of the funding for the playground equipment and hope to break ground early next year
To donate and learn more about the playground, visit unlimitedplay.org/ inclusive-playgrounds/inclusive-playground-examples/ponchatoula-inclusiveplayground/
Air Products has donated $3,000 to the Ponchatoula Jaycees for its inclusive playground at the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District Park, which will sponsor a Sail Climber at the facility “Making sure that all children in Tangipahoa Parish can access safe and fun playground equipment is an important goal and Air Products is proud to support the Ponchatoula Jaycees in this impactful work,” said Danna Leblanc, commercial executive director of Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex.
OPIOD
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This person would work directly with students and provide additional supervision and support, Purvis said.
“When we’re continuing to have those touch points with students, it truly helps,” he said.
Multiple parish council members and officials commended the alternative program’s work.
“For the last eight years, I’ve been a juvenile prosecutor in Ward 2 in Den-
ham Springs. And when I see these kids come in and they go to Pine Ridge, when I see them a few months later, it’s like a different kid,” said Parish Attorney Brad Cascio. “I wish more parishes would enact something like Pine Ridge.”
The parish school board still has to approve the agreement for the use of funds. But it will likely move forward easily, considering the support from the superintendent, parish president and council. The board has not set a date yet for when it will vote on the approval.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Paige Deville to North Oaks Surgical Associates! General surgeon Paige Deville is an expert in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures Her specialties include treatment for:
• Breast and colon cancers
• Melanoma and other skin cancers
• Gallbladder disease and appendicitis Hernias, bowel obstructions and cysts
To learn more about Dr Deville, visit northoaks org/deville To schedule an appointment, call (985) 230-2778
FILE PHOTO BY DAVID NORMAND
Parish Library’s Denham Springs-Walker
18, 2024 meeting
shelf
juvenile
Deville
PROVIDED PHOTO Gathering, from left, are Shelley Matherne, Macie and Hadley Williams from the Ponchatoula Jaycees; Mark Verbois, director of Ponchatoula Area Recreation District; Jeff Bellelo and Christina Stephens, from Air Products
North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology graduates 56th class
Community news report
The 56th graduating class of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology was honored July 1 with a commencement ceremony Program Director Heather Koepp shared that the 2025 class has a 100% retention and job placement rate.
The 15 graduates include Ashlyn Betzer, from Ponchatoula; Kaelyn Connella, Pearl River; Alexis Easlic, Slidell; Timothy Flanagan, Hammond; Brennen Gaudet, Houma; Mallory Guillie, Covington; Jonathan Kreamer, Hammond; Kamryn Michel, Covington; Katelyn Newman, Hammond; Kara Odinet, Hammond; Heaven Phillips, Thibodaux; Alleigh Raborn, Ponchatoula; Ashton Siebert, Ethel; Austin Smith, Hammond; and Olivia Watkins from Covington Connella, Easlic, Flanagan,
Gaudet, Guillie, Kreamer, Michel, Newman, Odinet, Phillips, Raborn, Siebert, Smith and Watkins graduated with honors as members of Lambda Nu, a national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. Membership requires that students maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average out of a possible 4.0. The commencement was held at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center at North Oaks Diagnostic Center on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. North Oaks Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau presided over the ceremony that concluded two years of study for the students involving 2,000 clinical hours and more than 1,200 classroom hours.
North Oaks Pastoral Care Director Keith Kincaid delivered the invocation, and
Connella led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The commencement address was delivered by Suzanne Smith, a 1994 alumna of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology and 31-year employee of North Oaks Health System. Smith currently serves as the health system’s Clinical Operations Manager for Radiology
“Never forget that behind every image is a person who is counting on you do your best,” Smith reminded the graduates — highlighting the vital role radiologic technologists play in compassionate, diagnostic patient care.
Smith went on to encourage the graduates to evolve with their profession, “Embrace the challenges that come your way, for they are opportunities to grow, learn and make a difference.”
Before the presenta-
SLU names provost, vice president
Community news report
G. Eric Skipper is the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southeastern Louisiana University, the university recently announced.
His appointment follows a nationwide search and has been approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
In his new position, Skipper will serve as the chief academic officer of the university, overseeing all academic departments, enrollment services, Sims Memorial Library and various other divisions on campus. He will participate in formulating and administering the university’s policies and in developing long-range goals and objectives, as well as ensuring the academic integrity and accreditation of all programs.
“Dr Skipper joins us with a wealth of experience in higher education,” said Southeastern President William S Wainwright.
“His experience builds on previous academic roles, including nine years as provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, dean of graduate studies at UNG, and as president of the Georgia Council of Graduate Schools.”
“My leadership philosophy centers on empowering faculty and staff to generate bold ideas and pursue use-inspired research, positioning the university for sustained impact and long-term success,” he said “Universities must be intensely collaborative, fostering innovation while maintaining academic excellence.”
A professor of Spanish literature, Skipper is the author of numerous articles and presentations related to higher education, leadership roles and his academic discipline. He holds a doctorate from Florida State University and an undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Miller joins North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond
Community news report
Beginning in August, Dr C. Bryan Miller joins North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond.
Miller is a board-certified family medicine physician with more than two decades of experience in preventive care, managing chronic conditions and patient education, a news release said.
Miller
“The practice of medicine is both a calling and a privilege,” Miller said. “Getting to know my patients and their families and giving them the time and space to share their concerns is, by far, the most important ingredient in my practice. It is the cornerstone of what I consider quality care ” In addition to his medical background, he has held leadership roles working to redesign clinic operations, introduce new care models, and make health care delivery more effective and focused on better pa-
tient outcomes. An alumnus of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Miller practiced family medicine primarily in the Slidell community and stepped into his first leadership role in 2010. Since then, he has continued his health care leadership career by working for multiple health systems before joining the North Oaks family, the release added Professionally, Miller belongs to the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians. North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond is in Suite 201 of the North Oaks Clinic Building at 15813 Paul Vega, MD Drive on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. Miller is accepting patients ages 12 and older To schedule an appointment, call (985) 230-2778.
Amite student named to honor roll at the University of Mississippi
Community news report
Brooks Berner, of Amite, was named to the University of Mississippi’s Spring 2025 honor roll lists. Berner, majoring in exercise science, was named to the chancellor’s honor roll which is reserved for stu-
tion of diplomas by Koepp, outstanding achievement awards were given. North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology Didactic Instructor Ben Raney presented the Academic Award to Easlic for obtaining the highest overall scholastic average.
Guillie received the Dannye Young Taylor “Always Remembering Others” award, presented by Didactic Instructor Kenneth E. Travis, in recognition of selfless assistance to others and teamwork. Now retired, Taylor was a longtime patient representative for North Oaks Health System Her husband, Dr. Rodney Taylor, established the award in tribute to her and her motto “always remember others.”
The Performance and Attitude Award for exceptional performance in the clinical setting was presented to Kreamer by Stephanie A.
McKenzie, the school’s clinical coordinator Kreamer also received the CARE Award from Koepp in recognition of his commitment, good attitude, respect for others and perfect effort.
North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology students swept the LSRT essay competition with Watkins placing first, Odinet placing second and Easlic placing third. Gaudet, who represented the school on the 2024-25 LSRT Student Council, also was selected as LSRT Student of the Year for 2024.
Easlic, Michel and Phillips completed the LSRT Student to Leadership Development Program, and Michel was chosen as the recipient of the 2024 LSRT Joe Schwartz Memorial Scholarship.
On the national stage, Michel and Phillips joined 109 students chosen nationwide
to take part in the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program. They were two of three students selected from Louisiana and the fourth and fifth students ever from North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology to participate. They also traveled to Reno, Nevada, before graduation to represent North Oaks and the LSRT at the 2025 ASRT Educational Symposium and Annual Governance and House of Delegates meeting. Rounding out the class of 2025’s accolades, Betzer, Easlic, Gaudet, Michel, Phillips and Watkins received ASRT Foundation Sponsor a Student Grants. Koepp concluded her remarks by noting that Watkins will continue her education in nuclear medicine starting in August through Weber State University based in Ogden, Utah.
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.
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: Aug. 1and Aug. 8, 3pm-7pm SATURDAYS: Aug. 2and Aug. 9, 8am-4pm
Locations: AssociatedGroceries in Livingston Parish -Carter's SupermarketsinDSand Walker,Cain's Family Supermarkets in Livingston, Albany and Springfield, OakPoint Fresh Market in Watson, Village Markets in HeadofIsland, Maurepasand Port Vincent Mail acheck or moneyorder to: ASSESS the NEED P. O. Box1802 Denham Springs, LA 70727-1802
dents who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. “We are very proud of the students earning the Chancellor’s Honor Roll designation,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “This reflection of their academic excellence and achievements exemplifies the hard work, commitment and dedication that defines our university community.”
To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester
North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology graduates for 2025, seated from left, include Kaelyn Connella, Mallory Guillie, Kara Odinet, Alexis Easlic, Ashton Siebert, Ashlyn Betzer and Katelyn Newman and standing, Heaven Phillips, Alleigh Raborn, Brennen Gaudet, Jonathan Kreamer, Timothy Flanagan, Austin Smith, Kamryn Michel and Olivia Watkins
Skipper