Celebrate Christmastime on Dec. 14 at an open house at the Historic Carter House.
The event, from 1:30 p m to 4:30 p.m., is hosted by members of the Historic Carter House Society Inc., a nonprofit organization. Guests can learn some of the history of the plantation during tours. Santa Claus will be there to hear the children’s Christmas wishes, and parents and grandparents, are invited to take pictures. Refreshments will be served in the dining room. Shop for stocking stuffers and gifts during your visit Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $5 for adults, with children under the age of 12 admitted free. Proceeds from the open house go toward restoration work to the Carter House. Each ticket will be entered in a drawing for a door prize.
PROVIDED PHOTO
a game against Tara.
Albany basketball gets important early win
DSHS swimmer signs to compete at next level
As always, the early schedule for basketball season is a time to win games, but identifying weak points is a key component The Albany High boys team managed to do that last week while also securing an important win. The Hornets picked up a 58-57 win at Tara, a victory that will be a help in the power rankings since it came over a program one classification above Albany Perhaps the biggest takeaway was that the Hornets need to take better care of the basketball. It was a point that resonated with Hornets coach Chris Beckman after his team lost most of a 13-point second-half lead in the fourth quarter “If we don’t turn the ball over
like that, we probably win by 15 points,” Beckman said. “That’s been our Achilles’ heel so far, even though we’ve only lost one game. We’re turning the ball over and making it even harder.” Albany will look to protect the ball better as it prepares to compete in this week’s Livingston Parish basketball tournament. The Hornets went 2-1 at last year’s tournament on their way to 25 regular-season wins. The lone senior on the team, Scott Meyers, led Albany with 15 points against Tara. Waylon
Chef’s night serves up tasty holiday treats in Denham Springs
Businesses in Denham Springs’ Antique District served up shopping, food and wine
Thursday night as part of the 24th annual Main Street Holiday Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting.
Twenty-nine businesses served food and wine from area restaurants.
Santa, Grinch arrive in Walker with Kiwanis parade
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in Walker Saturday in a horse drawn carriage during the annual Kiwanis Club of Walker Christmas parade.
The parade included marching units, floats and the Grinch.
After the parade, the city celebrated the holiday season with a party in Sidney Hutchinson Park.
Albany coach Chris Beckman on court with his team during
PHOTO BY DAVID NORMAND
Averie Hirschey, center, pours Marie Brock a sample of wine as Hollie Landry watches during the 24th annual Main Street Holiday Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting on Thursday in the Antique District in downtown Denham Springs
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Santa, Mrs. Claus and a helper wave to the crowd as their horse drawn carriage ends the parade. ä More photos from the parade. PAGE 3G
The Grinch and a helper ride in the back of a truck during the annual Kiwanis Club of Walker Christmas parade Saturday.
ä More photos. PAGE 2G
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The light display is open everyday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 13325 Florida Blvd, Livingston. For tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/7fyhzsxt. Holiday deadlines set Submissions for the Christmas Eve editions of The Advocate LivingstonTangipahoa Section are due by Dec. 18. Submissions for the New Year’s Eve editions is due Dec. 26. Please share your holiday lights, party and celebration photos with us at livingston@theadvocate.com. Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 3880731.
Off The Hook employees Katlyn Queen, left, and Amanda Maher, prepare samples of chicken and sausage gumbo.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Brandi Hoch, left, Melissa Varnado, Jennifer Stewart and Randee Rousseau enjoy samples of Walk-On’s Voodoo shrimp and grits during the 24th annual Main Street Holiday Chef’s Evening and Wine Tasting held in the Antique District in downtown Denham Springs on Thursday.
Brandi Dispenire, left, and Danielle Bossom playfully toast each other with their sample sushi.
The Lanford 10 members Nicole Lanford, left, Rachel Lanford, Anna Joy Lanford, and Sarah Lanford along with other family members performed and sang Christmas music during the event.
Theresa Forrester, left, shows her husband, Steven Forrester, a Christmas sweater
annual
the signing ceremony on Friday.
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Ponder, who had five steals in the first half, finished with 14 points and Connor LaCoste added 12
“It’s a work in progress,” Beckman said “We’ve got to get everybody playing together I don’t want to be great in December I want to be great in March.” Denham Springs swimmer signs with Oklahoma Christian
Last week was a busy one for many local athletes as they took advantage of the NCAA early signing period, and it was certainly the case for Denham Springs’ swimmer Berkley May
As part of the school’s signing day on Dec. 5, May signed with Oklahoma
Christian, where she will be tutored by coach Josh Davis. If the name of the school doesn’t jump out, then Davis’ name should.
A former collegiate swimmer at the University of Texas, Davis went on to have a notable international career winning three gold medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and two silvers at the 2000 games in Sydney, May swam in four events at last month’s LHSAA state meet, and helped the Denham Springs’ girls team earn a ninth place finish. May was coached by her mother, Margot May, at Denham Springs, and is the Yellow Jackets’ first female swimmer to sign a college.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA ADVOCATE
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PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/
EDITOR Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
PROVIDED PHOTO Berkley May, seated center, with her parents and brother at the Denham Springs gym for
A float walker blows bubbles as she walks the parade route during the
Kiwanis Club of Walker Christmas parade Saturday
A girl waves to the crowd.
A float rider throws candy to the crowd.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Members of The Dance Connection dance down the parade route.
Spectators along the parade route wait for throws from a passing float.
Riders throw beads and treats to the crowd.
SLU moves up in US News and World Report rankings
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University earned four rankings from U.S. News and World Report, being named among the top universities in the region, with the university moving up in three areas.
The university was listed as one of the top 50 public schools and one of the top 100 universities (private or public) in the South.
Southeastern was also named as one of the top national performers for the social mobility of its students, and the Nursing Program was nationally ranked as well.
Southeastern rose from 82nd to 74th for Regional Universities in the South, from 118th to 100th in social mobility, and from 455th to 294th for the Nursing Program. The ranking for Top Public Schools remained steady at 37th.
“These accolades are yet another testament to the tremendous support Southeastern students receive from our faculty and staff,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “We are wholly committed to the academic success of every student.”
Every year, U.S. News and World Report publishes college rankings in the United States. Colleges and universities are reviewed based on academic quality and measures, such as graduation rates, retention rates and social mobility
“Although the methodology is the product of years of research, we continuously refine our approach based on user feedback, literature reviews, trends in our own data and availability of new data. We also regularly engage with institutional researchers and high-ranking academic officials, including presenting at higher education forums and conducting interactive webinars,” U.S. News said. “Our detailed methodology is transparent in part for use by schools and academics, but mostly because we believe prospective students will find our rankings more useful if they know what the rankings measure.”
SLU student receives Hanigan Scholarship
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University student Aidan Hidalgo has been named the 2025 John J Hanigan Scholarship recipient Hidalgo, a native of Luling majoring in health sciences, has committed himself to more than academic excellence on campus — he set out to shape the student experience through leadership and service, said Honors Program Director Amber Narro. Hidalgo’s journey began with the Honors Living Learning Community, where he says he found a network of peers and mentors. Since then, he has served as an honors ambassador and a member of the Honors Student Association, earning Sophomore Honors Distinction and working toward Senior Honors Distinction and the Honors Diploma—all while maintaining a 4.0 gpa.
“Aidan’s leadership extends across campus,” Narro said. “As president of the Interfraternity Council, he has championed unity, accountability and philanthropy among Greek organizations, implementing initiatives that promote transparency and inclusivity In student government, his role as pro-tempore has empowered him to advocate for student needs, from housing and dining to campus resources, ensuring that student voices are heard and acted upon.”
Hidalgo has held officer roles in Tau Kappa Epsilon and the Spanish Club, led fundraising efforts, and supported community events. In the past year alone, he has recorded over 70 hours of service through programs like Camp Avondale, LifeShare Blood Drives and the Catholic Student Association.
As the 2025 recipient of the John J. Hanigan Student Scholarship, Hidalgo will represent Southeastern at the NCHC Conference, where he will engage with honors students and faculty from across the country
Amite Arts Council dedicates Christmas tree sculpture
PROVIDED PHOTO
TVFC President Gloria Messenger, Deputy Suzie Cambre, WVFC President Donnoa Bouterie met for a check presentation.
TVFC members donate to sheriff’s Sticker Community Foundation
Community news report
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community President Gloria Messenger and Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community president Donna Bouterie on Nov 25 met with Deputy Susie Cambre from
Tangipahoa’s Sheriff’s Office to present her with donation checks from each group for the Sheriff Gerald Sticker Community Foundation. The two clubs have donated to the sheriff’s office fundraisers each year for the last several years.
TVFC is an all-volunteer arm of the LSU Research Center that includes two clubs, Wednesday Volunteers and Sunshine Ladies. To become a member of TVFC, email Membership Chairman Sue Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo. com or Messenger, at ggmessenger1@gmail.com.
SLU professor named president ofichthyologists, herpetologists organization
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Schlieder Professor of Biological Sciences Kyle Piller has been elected to serve as the next president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.
The ASIH president oversees all activities of the society Founded in 1916, the ASIH is the oldest and largest group of scientists dedicated to the study of fishes, reptiles and amphibians, a news release said. It publishes the scientific journal Ichthyology & Herpetology, has over 1,000 members from over 30 countries, and coordinates an annual scientific conference. The 2026 conference is scheduled in New Orleans and will host 1,500 attendees. Dean of Research and Innovation Dan McCarthy said Piller’s service to the ASIH and his reputation as an important ichthyologist have not gone unnoticed at Southeastern.
“This is a tremendous honor for Dr Piller and for Southeastern,” McCarthy said. “Over the past two decades, Dr. Piller has distinguished himself as an internationally recognized ichthyologist, and not just for the quality and impact of his research, but also for the dozens of students that he has mentored and who have gone on to successful scientific careers themselves.”
A resident of Loranger, Piller will begin his four year term Jan. 1.
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Nursing Program has been named among the Top 10 Accelerated BSN programs in the country for 2026 by RegisteredNursing. org.
Southeastern was ranked seventh in the nation in the Top 10 with schools such as Georgetown University and Ohio State University Southeastern was the only university from Louisiana included in the Top 25.
“This distinction is more than just a ranking,” said RegisteredNursing.org Outreach Coordinator Sally Worthington. “It reflects the daily work your faculty, staff, and students put into creating a strong academic experience, one that prepares graduates to step into nursing careers with confidence.”
“Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a long-standing history of producing skilled, industry prepared graduates, with over 5,600 nursing alumni since 1964,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright.
PROVIDED PHOTO Southeastern Louisiana University’s Nursing Program has been named among the Top 10 Accelerated BSN programs in the country for 2026 by RegisteredNursing.org, an organization that provides nursing resources for students and current nurses, including licensure and certi
and resume
“We are proud the program is getting national recognition for its proven history of success in talent development.” RegisteredNursing.org is an or-
and more.
ganization that provides nursing resources for students and cur-
rent nurses, including licensure and certification information, job and resume information, salary data, and more.
“Our students enrolled in the accelerated program are consistently successful on the NCLEX-RN exam because they come to us having been successful in another degree, are more seasoned with life experiences, and adapt well to a rigorous curriculum,” said College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Ann Carruth. “Our program has been in existence long before many others in the state, and we are proud of our track record. Graduates are sought from a multitude of health systems and rise in ranks within organizations.”
“We are particularly proud of our partnership with St. Tammany Parish Health System in offering a dedicated north shore cohort for our students,” added School of Nursing Department Head Lindsay Domiano.
Southeastern’s Nursing Program recently received its seventh Nightingale Award for the Nursing School of the Year from the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. For more information about the program, go to southeastern.edu/nursing.
Hidalgo
PROVIDED PHOTO BY LUTHER TOLLIVER
Standing in front of a new sculpture Christmas tree, fron row from left, are Mose Guzzardo, Rose Sumrall, Kay Moser Reed, Rowanna Currier, Kellli Richardson Patti, Becky Smith and Charley Vance; and second row, Luther Tolliver, Shirley Jo Core and Austin Lanier
