Rescue Rehome Repeat of South Louisiana is launching a free pet food pantry throughout November to support pet owners in the Livingston and Baton Rouge areas who are facing financial hardship.
Pet food and essential supplies will be distributed during scheduled adoption events this month.
The initiative is designed to help families keep their pets healthy and at home during times of financial instability.
Supplies are available while they last and offered on a firstcome first-served basis.
To ensure orderly distribution, numbered tickets will be provided at the start of each event.
“Our goal is to make sure pets stay with the people who love them,” said Terri Dunlap, president of Rescue Rehome Repeat. “By assisting families experiencing a temporary setback, we can prevent animals from entering shelters and help keep pets where they belong at home.” Full adoption event dates and pantry distribution times can be found at www.RescueRehomeRepeat.com.
Veterans’ Appreciation Day set in Denham Springs
A Veterans program is set for 10 a.m. Nov 22 at Oaks Pavilion Park on Government Street in Denham Springs.
“Veterans’ Appreciation Day isn’t just a ceremony — it’s a sacred moment of remembrance, gratitude and unity,” organizers said in a news release.
This year’s theme, “Thanksgiving of Praise,” is to remind residents “that freedom is never free and gratitude is more than a feeling.”
The event is dedicated to veterans who served, active military, Gold Star families and first responders.
Live music by Dennis Calmes and his daughter, Jennifer, will join a guest speaker
A free meal will be served
At the library
The Denham Springs-Walker Branch of the Livingston Parish Library has a packed schedule throughout November For more information, call (225) 686-4140 or visit www.mylpl. info.
Check out these events: n Wednesday, Nov 12,
ä See AROUND, page 2G
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
lives in the Washington D.C. and was communicating with Ernst by phone at the
hundreds of members of the Hungarian community have been visiting the Hungarian
most of their lives.
Hungarian cemetery keeps
Nov. 1 traditions alive
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
As dusk began to escort the fall sun into darkness, family members, with lawn chairs and decades of memories in tow, began to gather at the Hungarian cemetery in Albany where so many of their relatives are buried and a culture lives on
As nightfall settled in, the candles were lit and placed on the graves, with each flicker representing a chapter of family history
“A lot of people are here,” said Livingston Parish resident Patsy Huszar as she stood near the grave of her husband, with whom she was married for 54 years. “It’s like a family; we just get together and remember everybody.”
The tradition of placing candles on the graves of family members dates to the 4th century when on “All Saints Day,” or what was then known as “Mindenszentek,” in Hungary families would gather to honor loved ones who had passed away as well as saints and martyrs.
Hundreds of years later, Hungarians settled in Albany, moving from Ohio and other northern areas, seeking jobs at the old Breckenridge Lumber Company But those original immigrants also found the Florida Parishes soil fertile for strawberry planting, a tradition that remains today
St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Catholic Church and the Hungarian Presbyterian Church were soon established, and the cemetery celebration would follow,
Holden girls basketball team starts season with win
With football season building up to the LHSAA playoffs, which begin this week, it can be easy to forget about the start of basketball season That wasn’t the case last week at Holden, where the Rockets girls’ basketball team opened with a strong showing against Phoenix.
Last season, in a close game, Holden lost its opener at Phoenix but the results were much more favorable this time at the Rockets’ gym. Led by Blaize Foster and Maggie Hughes, Holden took a 17-point lead into halftime and went on to defeat the Spartans 65-39.
Foster and Hughes were the clear leaders, with each taking the spotlight for a half. Foster scored 15 of her 19 points in the
Charles
first half, while Hughes scored a game-high 20 points with 16 coming after halftime. Phoenix never led in the game. In the opening minutes, Foster scored twice off of inbound plays, helping Holden take an 8-0 lead. Effective inbounds passing was a theme for Holden, which got layups off of inbounds plays three
See SALZER, page 2G
“All of our relatives will come pray over our loved ones and pray for the souls of others who have gone before us,” Ernst said. “My mom was literally raised across the road.”
DARLENE ERNST who has attended the All Saints’ Day tradition at the Albany Hungarian cemetery since childhood
more than 80 years ago according to local lore.
“This has been a Hungarian tradition since the church has been here,” said Darlene Ernst, who has spent every All Saints Day evening at the cemetery for more than 30 years, since she was a child.
“All of our relatives will come pray over our loved ones and pray for the souls of others who have gone before us,” Ernst said. “My mom was literally raised across the road.”
Even from afar, relatives remain part of the tradition Ernst’s sister, Cynthia Brasseux, a Maryland resident, attended the event via a cellphone hookup with her sister And Ernst even lit a virtual candle for Brasseux.
“Since I was a little girl, this is what you do on All Saints’ Day,” Brasseux said, adding the event was especially meaningful to the family because of the death of their father earlier this year
“It’s a way to show respect for the people we lost, and it’s a joyful gathering of
family and reminiscing,” Brasseux said.
She recalls that after placing candles on the graves of relatives her family would then place candles on graves where there were none.
“It’s important for me to be here (via modern technology) tonight,” added Brasseux, who has lived in the Washington D.C area for the past 30 years.
Ernst’s and Brasseux’s grandmother, Julia Vege Ourso, said she is 82 years old and remembers coming to the cemetery for at least 70 years, if not longer She recalled how her mother would make a wreath by coloring crepe paper, putting a rose in it and tying it all together with a wire and green tape.
“The memories are so important,” Ourso said. “I’ve seen a lot of people that I have not seen in a long time.
“It’s very important to the community because of the tradition and the families getting together.”
She said her grandmother was the first woman to be buried in the cemetery but the tombstone reads “Mrs. Steve Vege,” using only her husband’s first name. And Vega’s husband was the first person to be buried in the cemetery
“It is really important to the Hungarian people to keep the culture alive,” Frank Vepke said, who finds encouragement in the way his nieces and great-niece are carrying on the tradition.
“They come out and they know what it is all about,” he said. “It is a tight community and everybody knows everybody,
ä See CEMETERY, page 2G
A veteran waves an American flag during the annual city of Walker Veterans parade Saturday.
ä More photos of the parade. PAGE 4G
Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
PHOTO BY DAVID NORMAND
Darlene Ernst lights a candle for her sister, Cynthia Brasseux, who
Hungarian cemetery on Nov. 1 Ernst and Brasseux, along with
cemetery with their parents to place candles on the family members for
CEMETERY
Continued from page 1G
and it is not always like that in the big cities.
“But this is a small Hungarian settlement, and we watch out for each other.”
“We are living off the benefits of their hard work,” he said.
“It’s important because you don’t want to lose where our roots are,” Ernst said “We have a lot of pride where we came from, and as each generation gets older, it falls on the next generation to keep it up.”
He said the night is more about remembering those who preceded them and what they did for the later generations. Vepke said the early settlers at the Hungarian settlement endured tougher times and said life was difficult.
Email Richard Meek at livingston@ theadvocate.com
AROUND
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11 a.m., Beginning Spanish (ages 18+): Ready to learn Spanish? Join this beginner Spanish class for adults Registration is required
n Wednesday Nov 12, 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 made once a month during this sewing club. Please register if this is your first time joining us. All participants provide their own supplies.
n Thursday, Nov 13, 10:30 a.m., Bilingual Storytime: La hora del cuento bilingue (ages 0-8): Interactive bilingual storytime. For children and caretakers, this program combines stories, songs and activities in both Spanish and English Kids and caretakers will enjoy the vibrant tales and learn new words in two languages, fostering a love for reading and cultural exchange.
Save the dates
The Denham Springs Lighting of Old City Hall is Nov 28 and the city’s Antique Village Christmas Open House is Nov 29. The holiday festivities continue on Dec. 6 when the Kiwanis Club of Walker’s Christmas parade rolls. The Christmas on the Bayou Parade on the Amite River is Dec. 6. The Denham Springs Kiwanis Club’s Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 13.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Denham Springs running back Tanner Koerner races upfield
second quarter on Friday in Denham Springs.
Denham Springs wide receiver Da’Sean Golmond races up the sideline for the second quarter touchdown against St. Amant
SALZER
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more times in the first half Hughes went to work in the second half and was a force in the lane. For the half, she made six field goals and was 4-for-4 at the foul line. Overall, Holden made 23 of 54 shots, good for 43%, but the biggest statistic came from the Rockets’ defense. Holden forced 33 turnovers and never let the Spartans’ offense develop any rhythm. Holden has virtually its entire season left to play, but the ultimate goal is a deep playoff run. Holden, which won the last of its six state championships in 2018, finished 14-11 last season after a regional round loss to Pitkin.
Denham Springs football gets a piece of district title
The Denham Springs boys basketball team may have to wait a few weeks before two of its top players, twins Da’jean and Da’sean Golmond, join the team. The pair has been busy on the football field, helping the Yellow Jackets earn a share of the District 5-5A title.
Da’jean Golmond is the team’s quarterback, while Da’Sean is one of the team’s top receivers. Last Friday, Da’jean Golmond threw for 209 yards and four touchdowns, two to Da’sean Golmond, as the Yellow Jackets ended the regular season with a 54-26 win over St. Amant.
Denham Springs has a six-game winning streak as it prepares for the Division I nonselect playoffs. The Yellow Jackets moved up to fourth in the LHSAA power ratings and set themselves up for a first-round bye.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@theadvocate.com.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
on a kick return against St. Amant in the
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
Members of the Vege family, including Julia Vege Ourso, who is in her 80s
Hungarian cemetery in Albany on Nov. 1.
Guarantee Restoration Services donates to schools
Community news report
Guarantee Restoration Services recently donated school supplies to multiple schools across its branch locations.
The effort followed the company’s annual Pack-the-Back fundraiser in May, where employees raised over $3,000. GRS matched the amount, helping provide classroom necessities for children in the communities it serves.
This year’s donations supported:
n Livingston Parish Schools and Walker Elementary (Baton Rouge Branch)
n Thibodaux Elementary and Manning Family Children’s Back
to School Boogaloo (New Orleans Branch)
n Western Heights Elementary School (Lafayette Branch)
n Luther Branson Elementary (Jackson Branch)
n Crossroads Elementary and Bel-Aire Elementary (Gulfport Branch)
“Our mission has always been about more than restoration. It is about restoring lives,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of GRS. “Supporting students with school supplies ensures they are better equipped to succeed, and it is one way we can show our commitment to the communities we proudly serve.”
The fundraiser featured GRS executives and managers stepping into dunking tanks, encour-
aging team participation and adding a lighthearted element to an important cause. Over the past month, GRS employees delivered the supplies to local schools, a news release reported. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to invest in the communities where it operates, the release said. In addition to community outreach, GRS provides 24/7 emergency restoration services, ensuring property owners have reliable support when disaster strikes. Founded in 1974 as a familyowned business in Baton Rouge, GRS has grown to six locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with national reach through association partners.
Bank of Zachary hires Amy Williams as assistant
Community news report
The Bank of Zachary announced Amy Williams has joined the organization as assistant vice president and human resources manager Williams brings more than 12 years of experience in human resources leadership, with experience in benefits administration, talent acquisition, ADA and leave compliance, and overall HR operations. For the past decade, she has served in a variety of human resources roles at H&E Equipment Services Inc., where she developed a reputation for strategic insight and team development. She will oversee all HR functions
for the bank
manager Williams
“Amy’s expertise and strong work ethic will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Mark Marionneaux, president and CEO of Bank of Zachary “We are confident that her leadership will have a positive and lasting impact on our team and the communities we serve for years to come.” Williams is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor of science in business management with a concentration in human resources strategy. She lives in Zachary with her husband, Chase, and their two daughters.
Tangipahoa Parish sheriff asks voters to approve tax swap
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
The Tangipahoa Parish sheriff is once again asking voters to approve a tax swap to fill as many as 50 new law enforcement positions.
The Sheriff’s Office in recent years has dealt with noncompetitive deputy pay rates, longer response times and a history of inmate escapes all stemming from not being able to hire and pay enough deputies.
The department is now hoping to solve those employee recruitment and retention issues through an initiative on the November ballot that would replace its current property millage tax with a sales tax to generate more revenue.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker said that if the ballot initiative is approved, the department could create and fill dozens of positions.
Right now, a 10-mill property tax generates about $9 million annually The threequarter-cent sales tax, if approved, would get rid of the property tax and generate over $24 million, said the
BY VICKI FERSTEL Staff writer
Nov
(other than military and overseas voters) for the Nov 15 election. You can request an absentee ballot online through the secretary of state’s voter portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office. The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is Nov 15 at 4:30 p.m (except for military and overseas voters).
On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The secretary of state’s elections hotline number is (800) 883-2805.
Sheriff’s Office.
“It will take us from the Flintstones to the Jetsons,” Sticker said about the difference in tax revenue.
The ballot question was shot down by voters in March, with 53% voting no, but Sticker said the department still needs more money
Sticker said that since he took office a little over a year ago, the department has been able to increase deputy starting pay from $14 to $18 due to a property tax reassessment and by cutting higher-up staff positions.
‘We knew it still wasn’t enough. When we looked at several other law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s departments that are similarly situated, we were at the bottom of the barrel as far as pay,” he said.
The sheriff said the tax revenue would ultimately improve public and employee safety
‘A public safety issue’
If the sales tax is approved it would noticeably increase the profile of local law enforcement, Sticker
ON THE BALLOT
ELECTION 2025 NOV.15VOTE
Below are the propositions on the ballot. Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 5 property tax
To levy a 5-mill property tax, generating $950,000 a year for 20 years beginning in 2026 for fire protection services, facilities and equipment. Fire Protection District 8 property tax renewal
To renew the 15-mill property tax, generating $299,000 a year, for 10 years beginning in 2028, for fire
said, with 20 additional patrol positions, 10 corrections deputies, seven school resource officers, six detectives and more.
“Deputies aren’t safe because they are working shorthanded and they’re working overtime,” he said.
“I don’t want to get one of these men and women hurt, because I can’t afford to pay for reinforcements to come.”
He said the goal of all of this is to decrease response times and focus on proactive policing in the parish.
“We spend the majority of our days being reactive, responding to calls, rather than proactive stuff it’s a public safety issue ” Sticker said.
The parish jail, which has a history of jailbreaks, would also be impacted by the tax swap.
While the parish jail is owned by the parish government, the Sheriff’s Office pays for corrections deputies to staff it. The sheriff said the tax would fund the hiring of at least 10 additional corrections deputies.
Sticker said the department is short 10 to 14 depu-
district operations, facilities and equipment.
ties at the jail right now, causing the deputies already employed in the jail to have to constantly move from post to post.
“When you have movement inside of a jail, that creates opportunities to escape,” he said. “All
that movement with the minimum amount of bodies creates opportunities where these deputies get sidetracked, they get overwhelmed, and that’s when mistakes happen.”
The sheriff said that if the initiative does not pass again, the Sheriff’s Office will have “no choice” but to continue working with the funds it has. “Response
Veterans saluted during Walker parade
Spectators waved American flags as float riders tossed candy and trinkets Saturday during the Walker Veterans parade.
Included in the parade were members of the Patriot Guard Riders and other area veterans.
Members of Twirl Force group dance and twirl along Burgess Avenue.
Members of the U.S Naval Sea Cadets of Baton Rouge and Walker High Marine Corp Junior ROTC carry the colors.
Shane Ware, left, and Scott Tubb hang a banner on a float.
Senn Green, left, Ava Green, Caleb Kucer and Maria Kucer wave American flags.
Float riders toss throws to the crowd.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders roll down Burgess Avenue.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND Float riders toss candy to the crowd during the annual city of Walker Veterans parade Saturday.
Bill Pedmeau, left, Jim Stell and Stuart Depre, members of the Baton Rouge Submarine group, talk before the start of the parade.
