The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 08-06-2025

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Walker volleyball returns to court knowing value of perseverance

Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP

Walker High volleyball coach Jennifer Rivero knows the value of perseverance, particularly when it has previously been in short supply In just a couple of weeks, she will begin her second season as head coach of the Walker volleyball program. Interestingly, with Denham Springs and Live Oak each making offseason moves, Rivero is the only returning coach among Livingston’s three Division I teams, and that’s just fine for the Wildcats.

Prior to hiring Rivero before last season, for various reasons, Walker had been a bit of a revolving door with three head coaches in the previous three years. Winning on the court was the ultimate goal, but winning over the team had to happen before anything else could follow Late in the season, it became apparent that Rivero had done that Instead of a late season collapse like it had in 2023, Walker won eight of 15 matches to close the regular season. Included in that run were District 5-I wins over St. Amant and Denham Springs, a pair of teams that would make the playoffs along with Walker Last week, Rivero took a minute to reflect on her team’s late-season run last week.

“We were just trying to find a comfort level because we were new and they had been through so many coaches,” she said “We had a run of beating some people that were big on our list, and that was exciting. As the season went on, we got stronger.” Building off of last season’s finish and staying strong will be the theme for this year’s team Rivero has had the Wildcats working in the weight room during spring

ä See SALZER, page 2G

EXPLORING A NEW MEDIUM

Artist explains how to paint with alcohol ink at new exhibit

Brilliant colors popped as Livingston Parish artist Alice Downing introduced several individuals to the medium of painting with good, old-fashioned household alcohol ink.

As she went through the process, vibrant reds began to marry oranges, seemingly awaiting the partner of neon blue. The result was a stunning kaleidoscope of colors that had come together as one to create a piece that might be considered nontraditional, which suits Downing just fine.

“Once you get the hang of it, it is not so bad,” Downing told patrons who visited her art exhibit July 19 at the Livingston Parish Arts Council during a reception for the council’s latest show

Paying close attention was artist/photographer Jennifer Bauer, feeling the inspiration growing as Downing continued her piece. Bauer has been eager to attempt painting with alcohol ink and even has some of the paints at home, which have been dust collectors.

“I was afraid to use (the alcohol ink),” Bauer, a talented photographer whose pictures are liberally sprinkled throughout much of the tabletop book ‘Preserving the Culture of Livingston Parish,’” said. “This has made me want to do it, and I can do it easily “I learned how to do it and now I want to do it and it will fit in with what I do.”

Downing, who was raised in the New Orleans area and lived in other southern states before settling in the town of Livingston three years ago, said a friend from her church introduced her to painting with alcohol ink a year ago. They still get together once a week to paint. Downing admitted she is drawn to the abstract style of painting, sheepishly saying she could never “draw to save her life.

“I found my niche to be abstract because you can’t mess up an abstract unless you muddle colors,” Downing joked. “I was attracted to it because it was something new and it was colorful and it looked pretty easy to do.” Downing walked patrons through the process, beginning with the use of

See MEDIUM, page 2G

PHOTO BY DAVID NORMAND Bobbi Jo Guerin, second from left, with the
Assessor’s Of
Darlene Denstorff
PROVIDED PHOTO
Artist Alice Downing’s enthusiasm was evident throughout her presentation of paining with alcohol ink at the Livingston Parish Arts Center in Denham Springs on July 19.
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Tiles painted by artist Alice Downing using alcohol ink were on sale at the Livingston Parish Arts Center on July 19 during an exhibit featuring Downing’s works.
Jennifer Rivero

household alcohol ink and a slick surface. She said the next step is to spray the alcohol ink on a piece of tile and then used what she called a “puffer” to take the air out of the bubbles Downing urged those in attendance to follow their creativity and not limit themselves, which Bauer readily embraced.

“I like to do different things and put my own spin on them,” she said, already planning a shopping spree to purchase the additional supplies needed to start her tile.

Downing has lost track of the amount of tiles she has painted during the past year, but said they are available for purchase, although she has yet to sell any A new exhibit including a variety of mediums, photography mixed media, acrylics, pottery, oils, watercolors and fiber arts runs through Aug. 23 at the Denham Springs gallery.

For more information on upcoming exhibits or other events at the arts center, visit artslivingston.org.

Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com

Walker’s Reese Blue receives the ball in a match during a 2023 match. She returns for her senior season.

SALZER

Continued from page 1G

and summer workouts. They have also put in some time on sand courts.

“The girls know they are ready,” Rivero said. “Last year, they weren’t as believing but now they know they can play with and beat the teams on our schedule.”

The top returner for the Wildcats is senior Reese Blue, who will move to the outside after playing in the middle last season. Blue had nine kills and one block in Walker’s 3-0 playoff loss to Archbishop

Chapelle, a match that was closer than the straight set score would indicate.

There will be three other seniors that Walker will rely on — libero Lily Vetter, setter Emily Gately and her sister, defensive specialist Lexi Gately Juniors Alexis Pitre and Olivia Nall are also expected to be factors.

Rivero summed up her team’s outlook this way “We had a fantastic summer, and we’re excited about coming back.”

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

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

Conference and Expo, 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 tinyurl.com/3tznu7ha.

Classes planned at Southeastern Livingston Center

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 onehour 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 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/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%20Golf%20app.jpg.

At the library

Check out the activities planned at the Livingston Parish Library’s Denham

Springs-Walker branch. for more details, call the branch at (225) 686-4140 or visit www.mylpl.info.

Wednesday Aug. 13, 1 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 created once a month at this sewing club. First time club members should register Participants provide their own supplies. Thursday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m., Bilingual Storytime: La hora del cuento bilingue (ages 0-8). For children and caretakers, this program combines stories, songs and activities in both Spanish and English. Kids and caretakers will enjoy the tales and learn new words in two languages, fostering a love for reading and cultural exchange. Whether fluent or just curious, everyone is welcome to discover the joy of bilingual storytelling.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 3880731.

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PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Livingston artist Alice Downing discusses her technique for painting with alcohol during an exhibit featuring her work at the Livingston Parish Arts Center in Denham Springs on July 19
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK

AAA provides tips for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

Traffic patterns change with start of school

Community news report

Louisiana roads are about to get more crowded — and hazardous — as thousands of students and teachers return to school.

MostschoolsinLivingston and Tangipahoa parishes start Aug. 8.

This time of year is particularly dangerous due to the combination of young inexperienced drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who will all share the road in the early morning and afternoon hours.

“Drivers have to recondition themselves to busier roadwaysandincreasetheir senseofawarenessfromthe moment they pull out of the driveway,” said Don Redman, spokesman, AAA-Louisiana. “They have to be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists in neighborhoods and along city streets. Children may cross the road unexpectedly or ride their bicycles in the wrong direction, so it’s important as a drivertoconstantlyscanthe roadforpeopleandbeready to stop at a moment’s notice.

“You can reduce risk of injury by slowing down and avoidingdistractionslikeusing your cellphone or eating while driving, he said.” AAA reminds motorists that in Louisiana, it is illegal to use your handheld mobile device while driving.

“Local and state law enforcement officials will be extra vigilant in the coming weeks looking for violators in hands-free school zones,” Redman said. “The fines are quite hefty, but every driver’s primary concern should be the safety of everyone trying to get to school.”

Top safety tips for drivers AAA-Louisiana reminds motorists to:

n Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-

Devonda WhittingtonWarren

thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struckbyavehicletraveling just 10 mph faster n Cometoacompletestop.

Research shows that more thanone-thirdofdriversroll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

n Eliminate distractions Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

n Share the road with bicyclists. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist.

n Talk to your teen. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occurs during the afterschool hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at teendriving.aaa.com.

Safety tips for students

For pedestrians

n Pay attention at all times. Avoid texting or wearing headphones so you can detect nearby traffic.

n Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.

n Make yourself easier to be seen by wearing reflective, bright colored clothing or vest if your school requires uniforms.

For bicyclists

n Wear a helmet and neon or bright colored clothes or vest.

n Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes when you can

n Do not wear headphones so you can detect approaching traffic.

n Cross the street at intersections. Do not pull into the roadway from between parked cars.

Justin Wax

Principal, early childhood education leader honored

Community news report

A Livingston Parish principal and an early childhood leader from Tangipahoa Parish were honored during the 19th annual Cecil J. Picarad Educator Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans.

Justin Wax, who is in his fourth year as principal of Denham Springs Junior High, was honored for his leadership, which led to the school earning state and national recognition, including designation as a 2024 Top Gains Honoree and inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Middle Schools lists for both 2024 and 2025. Wax holds a Bachelor of Scienceinbusinessadministration with a minor in leadership development from LSU. He earned a Master of Education in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University after entering the field through an alternative certification pathway

DedicatedtoSTEMeducation, Wax leads the development of an aquaponics lab at his school, giving students

Time to turn the page for August book club selections at Livingston Parish libraries

Community news report

If you need a new book for your summer reading list, check out the Livingston Parish Library book club selections for August. All branches host monthly book clubs for adults, and each club features a different “Book of the Month.” For more information on a particular book club, call the branch.

Joyful Reads

10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5, South Branch. August selection: “Shelterwood” by Lisa Wingate. A sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.

Sunny Side Up

10 a.m., Tuesday Aug. 12, Watson Branch August selection: “The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater” by Jaime Jo

Wright. In this atmospheric dual-time tale, two women — separated by a century yet bound by the ghosts of the past — pursue light in the face of darkness.

Spine Tinglers

6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 12, Watson Branch. August selection: “The House at the End of the World” by Dean Koontz. No one on Earth will have a place to hide in this novel about fears known and unknown by bestselling suspense writer Dean Koontz.

Box of Chocolates

2 p.m., Thursday Aug. 21, Denham Springs-Walker Branch. August selection: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. This debut novel is an exploration of friendship, reckoning and hope, following a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.

ASB

10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Albany-Springfield Branch. August

selection: “Yellowface” by R.F Kuang. Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is she didn’t write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel.

Main Branch

10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug 26, at the Main Branch in Livingston. August selection: “The Recovery Agent” by Janet Evanovich. This bestselling author returns with a new series blending wild adventure, hugely appealing characters and pitch-perfect humor

South Branch

5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug 28, at the South Branch August selection: “The Beautiful and the Wild” by Peggy Townsend. In this 2023 survival story, the dangers of Alaska aren’t limited to storms, starvation, and grizzly bears. Sometimes the most dangerous thing is the person you love.

SLU’s Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies awards scholarship

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies recently announced that history graduate student Ricky J. Lips Jr., of Loranger, has been awarded the 2025 Nicholas Cefalu Graduate Research Assistantship.

Sponsored by the Center for Southeast Louisiana

Studies at Southeastern and funded by a grant from Dr Ann Kay Logarbo, Cefalu’s daughter, the competitive award honors the life and memory of the longtime Louisiana legislator and businessman.

“The Cefalu Award is one of the most important resources we have to support regional research on Southeastern’s home territory,” said Center for Southeast

‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ screening planned at Columbia Theatre

Community news report

The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts/Southeastern Louisiana University continues its annual back-to-school tradition with “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” on the big screen.

The screening is at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond.

Free popcorn and Harry Potter swag bag included with each ticket. Come in costume for a chance at a special surprise.

Louisiana Studies Director Samuel Hyde. “Ricky Lips is working on an important study that highlights the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on the civilian population of the Florida Parishes. We are delighted that he has received this means to continue his research.”

The renewable award includes a package of benefits totaling nearly $21,000 and is awarded each summer by the center The award competition is open to students conducting research in all fields with a special emphasis on Cefalu’s personal interests, including regional politics, agriculture and business. Interested students can contact the center for more information at selahistory@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-2151.

Mississippi State University lists honor roll

Community news report

“This year, we’re going even bigger for our screening of the second film of the franchise,” said Jim Winter, artistic director ofTheColumbiaTheatre.“We’re expecting lots of costumed charactersinourlobbyandlotsoffun photo ops!” Tickets are $20. Tickets are available at www.columbiatheatre.org or by calling (985) 5492787. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.columbiatheatre.org or call (985) 549-2787.

Mississippi State University has released its spring president’s and dean’s lists.

Students of the president’s list achieved a 3.80 gpa, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C. Named to the president’s list were Emily Donaldson, of Denham Springs; Abigail Potrament, of Hammond; Cody Schexnaydre, of Ponchatoula; and Lorna Russell, of Denham Springs.

Students named to the dean’s list must have between 3.5 and 3.79 gpa, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C Local honorees include Julia Wyble, of Tickfaw; Kaitlyn Potrament, of Hammond; Ashleigh Vielee, of Kentwood; and Haley Roberson, of Walker

hands-on opportunities to conserve endangered Louisianaplantspeciesandlearn sustainable produce cultivation.

Devonda WhittingtonWarren, of Explore and Learn Early Learning Center in Tangipahoa Parish, received the Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year award.

Whittington-Warren has more than 30 years of service, including over a decadeinleadershiproles.Her work is rooted in the belief that early childhood education can help lay the foundation for lifelong success, a news release said. The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with Dream Teachers, honored the state’s most outstanding educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala tonight at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The evening featured the announcement of the 2026 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year, as well as theEarlyChildhoodTeacher and Leader of the Year and New Teacher of the Year

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church donates

over 50 fans to Hammond Council on Aging

Community news report

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church recently collected and distributed 50 fans for the Hammond Council on Aging.

“With rising temperatures and high utility bills, the need for cooling support among seniors becomes more urgent every year,” said Laura Freeze, who coordinated the drive. “This is one of those ministries that makes a real, tangible difference in people’s daily lives.”

Each summer, Grace Memorial partners with the Council on Aging to collect and distribute fans to elderly residents in need. Congregation members and friends of the church are invited to purchase

a fan or make a monetary donation, with the church facilitating delivery directly to the Council’s local office.

This year’s drive ran from June 15 through July 20 and surpassed last year’s total.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed,” said the Rev Liz Embler-Beazley, rector of Grace Memorial. “It’s a beautiful expression of our faith in action — serving and loving our neighbors.”

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church has served the Hammond community since 1876 and continues to offer outreach, worship and fellowship for all.

Worship services are from 8 a.m. and 10 a.m on Sundays.

Nurse practitioner joins North Oaks Primary Care

Community news report

Nurse practitioner Jenna Anzalone Morgan has joined the team of providers at North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond, a clinic of North Oaks Health System.

She is accepting new patients, ages 12 and up. To schedule an appointment, call (985) 230-2778

Morgan

“North Oaks has always felt like home to me — a place where I’ve found purpose, support and a deep connection to the community I serve,” Anzalone Morgan said. “Over the years, providing hands-on care deepened my passion for nursing and inspired me to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner

“I was drawn to family practice because it allows me to care for individuals at every stage of life and form meaningful, ongoing relationships with patients,” she continues “My approach to patient care focuses on creating an open, honest space where patients feel comfortable discussing their overall health, understanding how I can support them as their provider and collaborating with them to achieve positive health outcomes.”

Anzalone Morgan specializes in comprehensive care for families, from preventive

screenings and annual checkups to treating illnesses and managing chronic health conditions.

Anzalone Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and her master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. She is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Nurse practitioners are nationally certified, state-licensed medical professionals who can practice independently, working in close collaboration with their supervising physician.

North Oaks Primary Care in Hammond is located in Suite 201 of the North Oaks Clinic Building at 15813 Paul Vega, MD, Drive on the North Oaks Medical Center campus. Clinic hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Anzalone Morgan began her professional career in the emergency department at North Oaks Medical Center, where she worked for five years as a registered nurse providing specialized triage and emergency nursing care to critically ill patients, a news release said.

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church volunteers donate more than 50 fans to the Hammond Council on Aging
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Gathering during a fan collection drive, from left, are Laura Freeze, the Rev. Liz Embler-Beazley, Angie Tyrone and Beverly Brazil.

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