PRESERVE | MAINTAIN | EDUCATE
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Join the Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs
The Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs are accepting members through the end of August. Rehearsals have begun The Apprentice level is for kindergarten through third grade. Rehearsals are from 4:30 p.m to 5:45 p.m at Healing Place Denham Springs.
The Chorus is for third through ninth grades. It meets Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Healing Place Denham Springs.
The Chorale is for fourth through 12th grades and is by audition only It meets 6 p.m to 8 p.m. on Mondays at Live Oak Church.
The Apprentice and Chorus levels are $200 a semester The Chorale is $250 a semester Register at www.lpccsing org. For information, contact info@lpccsing.org or call or text Barbara Walker at (225) 247-8555.
Drug awareness events
MO’s Movement, a drug awareness and prevention program in the area is hosting a series of meetings:
n Aug. 24 in Kentwood at First Baptist Church Kentwood, 310 Ave. E. Showcase starts at 4:30 p.m. and the presentation at 6 p.m. The evening of remembrance honors those who have lost their life to drug poisoning and raise awareness about the fentanyl epidemic. It will share the stories of three people through their mothers.
n Sept. 2 at the LSU Parade Grounds.
n Oct. 8 at the Southeastern Louisiana Student Union from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Student Union.
The Empty Chair Project will be set up at all three events. It is a visual of empty chairs signifying the number of overdose deaths in the parish from January to date of event. It includes
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Veterans
annual fundraiser Aug. 2 in the ballroom of the Southeastern Louisiana University student
Event recognizes Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
fundraiser of the year for the museum.
“The money we raise during this event supports us throughout the year, so it is very important,” museum Director Delmas Dunn said.
him as the first Black Tangipahoa Parish Schools superintendent, called the museum a “godsend.”
A diverse crowd of more than 200 gathered Aug. 2 in the ballroom at the Southeastern Louisiana University student union to show their support for the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Veterans Archives, which sits in the center of a predominantly Black Hammond neighborhood. The event, which featured lively music by the New Orleans Potholes brass band and, in true southeast Louisiana tradition, ended with a second-line, was the largest
The museum is dedicated to preserving, maintaining and educating the public on African American history in Louisiana, with a concentration on Tangipahoa Parish. Dunn said the museum details the history of African Americans from Africa to Hurricane Katrina.
“It’s a great thing for people to see and a great way to keep up with our history,” Joseph said. “I am very proud of it.”
Keynote speaker William Wainwright, president of Southeastern Louisiana University, praised the work of the museum and its impact on the community He stressed the importance of understanding the generational and transformational impact the museum has had through the
seven African tribes and 50% of the proceeds from the auction re being donated back to those tribes ä See MUSEUM, page 2G
Tangipahoa Parish council member Louis Joseph, who said he is honored to have his picture in the museum honoring
Money woes forced Killian disband police
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Recently elected Killian leadership has disbanded the town’s small police department for a one-year agreement with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to save money
The Killian Board of Aldermen this week approved moving forward with a cooperative endeavor agreement that would temporarily dissolve the three-person police department and have Sheriff’s Office deputies patrol the town.
The move came from Mayor Caleb Atwell, who was elected in March and took office in July The decision stemmed from serious budget issues.
When Atwell began his tenure, he said there was only $28,000 in the bank for the town, and nearly half of that was owed in invoices.
The agreement with the Sheriff’s Office would cost the town up to $100,000 a year Atwell said the police department spent $18,000 a month for the past six months.
“We were spending way too much money on the police department,” Atwell said. “We had to make a tough choice.”
The agreement between the two law enforcement agencies is already in transition, and LPSO won’t begin charging the town until the beginning of next year, the mayor said.
The town department had a police chief and two officers; a recently appointed interim police chief will stay on for administrative purposes.
During this temporary situation, the town is going to consult residents about creating a new sales tax to potentially fund the police and other departments.
It will also work on getting Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training certifications for police officers. The previous department did not have this, Atwell said. Atwell has faced backlash at the public meetings about the move, but he said he was in a tough spot financially “I’m in a no-win situation here,” he said.
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Is August’s annual furnace taking its toll?
Then perhaps it’s time to take a stroll, Hammond style. The 28th annual Hot August Stroll, scheduled Aug. 23 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Hammond, offers a bit of something for all ages, from
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Hammond streets are filled with shoppers during the annual Hot
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Archives supporters browse silent auction items during the museum’s
union. The auction items were donated by
Shaidaee named to National Institute for Excellence in Teaching’s Fellows Program
Community news report
National Institute for Excellence in Teaching unveiled the finalists for the 2026 NIET Fellows cohort
Candace Shaidaee of Southside Elementary in Denham Springs, is one of those selected.
The one-year program is designed to help selected educators deepen their knowledge of NIET’s systems of improvement to more effectively support the work taking place in their school and district, a press release said.
“I’m excited to invite Candace Shaidaee into our second cohort of the NIET Fellows Program,” said NIET CEO Joshua Barnett.
“For 25 years, we have seen the work of effective educators, like those joining us in this fellows program, be the driver of success within schools, districts and communities. We look forward to learning alongside Candace and this cohort by providing opportunities to elevate instructional practices and apply them within and beyond their classrooms.”
Shaidaee is one of 11 selected out of a competitive pool of applicants from across the country She was raised in Jarreau and earned a bachelor of arts in mass communication from LSU and a master’s in educational leadership from LSU-Shreveport.
“I’m thrilled to join the second cohort of the NIET Fellows Program and deepen my learning as an educator,” Shaidaee said.
“Teacher leadership empowers educators to be the
change they wish to see in our schools, directly shaping the culture of growth and perseverance within a school. Throughout my journey, I’ve strived to lead by example, hoping that one day, some of those I have helped to guide will look back and say, ‘Because of you, I didn’t give up.’ This mindset has deeply influenced my growth as a leader, pushing me to inspire, support, and uplift those around me every day.”
Over the years, she has taught high school French, speech and drama, as well as third and fourth grades. She spent six years as an instructional coach at Southside Elementary In 2025, Shaidaee accepted a position as a literacy mentor and will be supporting teachers in 12 Livingston Parish schools with high and growing English-language learners and special education populations.
“Congratulations to Candace, who represents Livingston Parish Public Schools’ commitment to ensuring the success of students,” said Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Jody W. Purvis.
“Her most recent role as literacy mentor will continue to drive achievement for a dozen schools within our district, and we look forward to implementing the strategies and skills she will bring back to her fellow educators here in Livingston Parish. We are proud to see her recognized as a part of the NIET Fellows Program.”
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members have been busy this summer holding craft workshops in their homes to make holiday themed craft items to sell at their annual fundraiser next month. Their Holiday Ideas Workshop and Bingo Event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1702 Pecan Court, Ponchatoula.
The event is open to the public, and activities will include bingo, parade of prizes, raffles, and hands-on craft activities and demonstrations. All proceeds will help fund the club’s many ongoing charitable projects for 2025 and 2026, which are geared toward helping the needy communities in Tangipahoa Parish.
For information, call club President Gloria Messenger at (419) 348-9674 or event chair Gwen Domiano at (985) 687-4229.
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. For more information about TVFC local groups, email Messenger at ggmesenger1@gmail.com or Membership Chair Sue Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo.com.
New Orleans
Southeastern
MUSEUM
and
Continued from page 1G
power of education.
bring
Wainwright said he was deeply moved by the chronology of the museum’s galleries and the challenge it presents for visitors to not only promote awareness but also lead them to action that strengthens humanity
“Everyone here tonight stands on the shoulders of those who laid the foundation to continue the important work of the museum,” he said, noting its 2007 opening.
Wainwright singled out African Americans who have played significant roles in the history of Southeastern, from Mildred Myles Crawford, the university’s first Black student to earn a degree, to popular TV host and former Lady Lion basketball player Robin Roberts Through original murals, original art and artifacts the museum brings to life
African American culture for visitors. Dunn said one of the museum’s main objectives is to educate everyone, regardless of ethnicity on the struggles of African Americans.
Southeastern Louisiana University President William Wainwright addresses a crowd of more than 200 supporters during the Tangipahoa
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
Shaidaee
Community news report
Gail Calderone and Jamie McDonald look at fabric needed for craft projects which are sold to support Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community project.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Gwen Domiano, Susan Melancon, Donna Bouterie and Jean Johnson work on crafts projects.
STROLL
Continued from page 1G
Hammond Downtown Development District, which hosts the event.
“It’s a good way for people to look at everything that has opened up over the past year and get to meet and greet our businesses,” she said.
The day kicks off at 8 a.m with the weekly Farmers Market at Railroad Park. One hour later, local musicians take to the park stage with live performances until 8 p.m. The popular Kids Zone will open at 10 a.m. at the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center with a petting zoo.
Yoga in the Park in nearby Cate Square Park is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will be hosted by a local yoga studio.
“It’s August and I know
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
memorial and educational posters, to save lives and shield families from the devastating consequences of addiction. Visit MO’s Movement on Facebook for information State of the Parish
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the Parish address by Parish President Randy Delatte.
The event is at noon Aug. 27 at Forrest Grove Registration and networking will start at 11:30 a.m. Women’s Leadership Conference, Expo
Registration is underway for the Livingston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s
it’s hot, so from noon to 1 (p.m.) nothing is scheduled, but a lot of businesses have scheduled sales, specials and other activities,” Kendall said. “People can go to lunch, shop.”
Activities start back up at 1 p.m. with Lion Palooza, featuring Southeastern Louisiana University athletes, spirit groups, beloved mascot Roomie and an expected appearance by Southeastern President Dr William Wainwright.
Kendall said SLU is celebrating its centennial in 2025, so the event is an opportunity to bring Lion pride into the downtown areas.
Bands will be performing at Cate Square Park from 1 p.m to 7 p.m The event’s signature wine and cheese stroll is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kendall said more than 30 businesses are expected to participate.
A $39 fare will allow pa-
Leadership 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 information, visit tinyurl.com/3tznu7ha.
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 thefourseasonsfarm-
Aug. 21, in the small multi-purpose room at the City of Hammond Recreation Center, 601 W. Coleman Ave. Follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/KeepHammondBeautiful Keep Hammond Beautiful sets meeting
trons to sample wine and cheese at 20 different stops.
“It continues to be one of our community’s favorite events but also a great opportunity to come into Hammond and be a part of the vibrancy going on,” Kendall said.
Partnering with the fun factor, the Hot August Stroll is a significant economic driver A year ago, an estimated 20,000 people crowded the downtown area.
“New people come and explore and see what Hammond is all about,” Kendall said. “It is such a good day for many of our businesses, and that is felt instantly because business had been slow the past two months during summer.”
For information on the Hot August Stroll, visit www downtownhammondla.com.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com.
ersmarket@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.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 3880731.
It’s August after all so one of the more popular spots is icy arts treats and cotton candy are given away to eager recipients.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
A popular spot in the Kids Zone is the table where Hammond firefighters are passing out red, plastic fire hats for youngsters.
Denham Springs football has players to replace graduates
There is plenty of hard work being put in at Denham Springs High these days. There is construction work as the school’s new fieldhouse moves toward completion. There also has been football work as the Yellow Jackets get ready to begin a new season
If past results under head coach Brett Beard are an indication, there likely will be plenty of excitement
Last season, after a 4-1 start, Denham Springs scrambled down the stretch before making the Division I nonselect playoffs as a No. 20 seed That brought up a road trip to No. 13 West Ouachita, where the Jackets rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
In go-for-broke fashion, something Beard never seems to shy away from, Denham Springs went for the game-winning two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in the first overtime. West Ouachita intercepted a pass in the end zone, and held on 42-41. Still, it was enough to leave the Jackets wanting more after a 6-5 campaign. Denham Springs will wait only a little longer as a new team and a new season are less than two weeks away. The Jackets will face a typically tough District 5-5A schedule that includes 2024 playoff teams Walker, Dutchtown and Live Oak. They will do so without graduates such as quarterback Jerry Horne and Rancher Miller, a defensive leader who always seemed to be in the right place.
On the other hand, there are athletes who have been waiting for their chance.
The Golmond twins, Da’Jean and Da’Sean, will have a chance to shine during their senior season. Da’Jean will step in at quarterback, where he has filled in at times during the past two seasons. While his running ability has never been a question, he will be counted on to produce in the passing game, as well.
Da’Sean will be one of his top targets at wide receiver Other receivers include Trey Seals and senior tight end Hayden Ray a transfer from Live Oak.
As for line play, the Jackets return experience on both sides of the ball The defense will feature ends Devan Mack and Darreyus Scott, and linebackers Jackson Seguin and Caden Allyn. Jayd’n Washington returns at defensive back after starting last season. On special teams, the Jackets return place kicker Jonathan Bravo, who made game-winning field goals in the closing minutes against Woodlawn and East Ascension last year
It all adds up to an outlook that has Denham Springs shooting for more than a first-round playoff appearance.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@theadvocate.com.
LEFT: Denham Springs’ Da Jean Golmond (13) will move into the starting quarterback slot.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON ABOVE: Denham Springs wide receiver Da’Sean Golmond (3) will be one of the players his twin brother will throw to in the 2025