Albany High culinary program receives $5,000 grant
Community news report
Albany High School’sculinary students will have anew hydronics garden system, chef coats, knife sets, sous vide cookers, blendersand utensil sets thanks to a$5,000 grantfrom the Rachael Ray Foundation and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Albany Highisone of 40 high schools nationwide selected for the grant, which will enhance the school’sProStartculinary arts and restaurant managementprogram with new equipment, curriculum and experiential learning opportunities.
Thefunds fromthe Rachael Ray ProStart GrowGrant Program also will fund afield trip to theNew OrleansCulinaryand HospitalityInstitute.
“Our students will also benefit from this grant by usingaportionofittoearnthe ServSafe Manager certification,” said Suzanne Fekete-Stilley,the ProStart teacher at Albany High School. “Our kitchenand culinaryclassroom are currently
ä See GRANT, page 3G
areception for arts participating
CREATIVE SPIRIT
Darlene Denstorff
AROUND LIVINGSTON
Blood donations needed
Judson Baptist Church is hosting ablood drive from 4p.m. to 9p.m. Wednesday at the church at 32470 Walker Road North, Walker Our Lady of the Lake will be on hand to collect blood. For more information, call (225) 765-8843.
Endofsummerbash
Cricket Wireless and Airborne’s End of summer Bash is plannedfor noon to 6p.m. July 31 at 730 S. Range Ave., Denham Springs. Free face-painting, school supplies, arcade-style basketball tournament and special guest appearances are planned Arts Councilplans class Art instructorDenaOlinde will teach childrento create
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Visual arts in variousmedia on display at HummellStreetgalleryinDenhamSprings
BY VIC COUVILLION Contributing writer
Ajuried exhibition of visual arts in various media is on display through the end of July at the Arts Council of Livingston Parish’sGalleryonHummell Street in Historic Downtown Denham Springs.
Artists showing their creations were honored at reception at the gallery July 20.
Theexhibition, which includes oil, water color and acrylic paintings,photography,resin geodes and pottery,was chosen by members of the council for this exhibit. Allpieces on display are for sale and the price of each is placed next to theart
Anannouncement for the show included this message, “a show to inspire, createand connect throughthe incredible power ofart.”
AmberHilbun,president of the council’sboardofdirectors, said theshow “is an opportunityfor our juried members to show their talent through the art that they have created. This show reflects the continuing efforts on the part of thearts
Amber Hilbun standsbyone of her paintings. Hilbun, whois presidentofthe council’sboard of directors, is aregular contributor to exhibits at the gallery.
council to bring great art to the people of Livingston Parish and the surrounding area. Overthe past year we have made some changestothe waythe council
servesour community. We continue to foster the work of local artists, to hold art classes forall ages, and to be the center of the creative arts in the parish.”
On entering the foyer of the gallery,visitors will notice a large painting by Kerry Curtin, an acclaimed artist and art teacher whofrequentlyshows his works at the council’sgallery and at other shows in the region. This painting is oneof twoonexhibitand both demonstrate Curtin’suse of vibrant colors and motion that are hallmarks of his creativity
In one corner of the gallery are paintingsofchickens by Janice Mann that commandattention. Mann said she paints chickens because she has aflock of them at her homeand considers them her pets. She paints in water colorsand acrylics and said that painting has been a part of her lifesince childhood.
“I grew up in Pittsburg and Istarted attending classes in juniorhigh school,” she said. “I had the opportunity to even study are at the Carnegie Museum. After moving down here Iattended LSU for at time,studied at the Baton Rouge Community College and attended the Louisiana Institute of Design.
ä See CREATIVE, page 4G
Beausoleil BooksinLafayette sold to Cavaliers
BY ADAM DAIGLE Acadiana business editor
It began with asimpleplea on social media. Earlier this year James Colvin, who co-ownsBeausoleil Booksindowntown Lafayette with his husband,Bryan Dupree, simply shared their issue at hand with others in aFacebook group: ajob was going to pull them away fromLafayette and something needed to be done about their bookstore.
John Cavalier,who co-owns Cavalier HouseBooks in Denham Springs with his wife, Michelle, responded
The two sides soon had adeal: the Cavaliers would buy the Lafayette bookstore. The deal was recently finalized, and now the small store at 302-A
Jefferson St.that opened in late 2020 will be rebrandedasCavalierHouse Books when it reopens next month Both sides announced the move this morning. “They didn’t know what theywere going to do,” Cavalier said. “They were just tryingtofigure it out.I mentioned to them that we’ve always wanted asecondlocation and we’ve always loved their store. Everything they did here wasquality.”
The sale allows the store to remain open after initial considerations to shut it down,Colvin said. He andDupree, whohad met with the Cavaliers before theyopened their store, were moving to Little Rock for Dupree’sposition with the Air Force. Now downtown Lafayette’sbook-
store can remain open. Cavalier said he would like to some way keep the Beausoleil brand as part of thestore.
“Wehad to make atough decision,” Colvin said. “Wewere in the process of goingtostart to closeand were searching around for people to take our inventory.They kind of fell in love withLafayette and what we managed to build in just three years.”
TheCavaliers closed thestore for renovations, which include removing thewall that separated the store from theold Whisper Room and significantly adding to the store’sinventory,Cavalier said.
It will also include moving the checkout station to the middle of the store
STAFF PHOTO BY BRAD BOWIE
Owners Michelle and John Cavalierare seen at Beausoleil Books on July9indowntown Lafayette.
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Marita Gentry startsa painting while visitors to the Arts Council of Livingston Parish’sGallerywatch during
in the council’scurrent exhibit of juried visual art. Gentrydiscussed painting withvisitors while she continued with her creation.
Public askedtotrack wild turkeys
Community news report
The Louisiana DepartmentofWildlife and Fisheries’ Wild TurkeyPopulation Survey,which debutedin2022, has added atool to the agency’seffort to track the speciesthroughoutthe state. The department asksthe public to continue to participate in the survey throughout the year to support wild turkey conservation efforts. It has tracked wild turkey reproduction since 1994 with asurvey conducted by volunteer participants during the summer It provides important trenddata with regard to reproductionand recruitment in Louisiana turkey flocks. However,over the years, thenumber of observations hasdeclined, result-
ing in less reliable data, anews release said. The new online reporting component has augmentedthe summer surveys, which will continue.
“We’ve been pleased with how this web-based tracking component has allowed us to expand our survey,”departmentsmall game/wild turkey program manager Cody Cedotal said.“Anyone is able to assist us in our effort to keep track of our state’s turkey populations. Thegoodthing aboutitisyou can report sightings to us at any time of theyear,not just in the summer or during turkey season. If you see one, we’d like to know.”
The data obtained allows managers tomonitor population trends and help make regulatory recommendations as necessary to sustain populations.
The survey can be accessed at www wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/turkey or at storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/81c2 0aa4e4524fbcbecc2c426d9d3e2a.
Once you have opened the portal to the survey,click the “LA Turkey Survey Data Entry” to review the specific instructions and log each separate wild turkey observation.
If you are interested in keeping up with observations as they come in,check outthe TurkeySurvey Dashboard” tab. Here you can view updatesonhow many observations have been reported so far during the year.You will be able to view reported observationsbyparishand track thenumber of birds seen by sex and age to an extent (poult, juvenile male, adult male).
members
72 4-H’ersattend summer camp
Community news report
Seventy-two 4-H members from across Livingston Parish participated June 3-6 in 4-H Camp at Grant Walker Educational Center in Pollock.
They had the opportunity toparticipateinalearning track during the morning session of camp. Some of the tracks included wetlands, gardening, outdoor adventures, food and fitness, general arts, SET
—science, engineering and technology,and water safety
During the afternoon sessions the campers had avariety of recreational activities to do and then at night had free time to try out the
Olympic size swimming pool, dance, movies, arts and crafts or go shopping at the camp store.
Volunteers included CatherineDucote, Lindsey Roshto, J.R. King and Matt Blakemore.
Kentwood teen wins pool championship
Community news report
Christopher Spears, of Kentwood,won the2024 APAJunior Pool Championship earlier this month in St. Louis.
The 13-year-old was one of 258 kids to compete in the pool championship conducted by the American Poolplayers Association, the governing body of amateur pool. The finals matchwas streamed and can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=N2k1AOi8dm8.
Spears is amember of the local APALeague in Kentwood where he plays pool regularly
Community news report
Working with many community businesses and organizations to help promote literacyinTangipahoaParish, the Tangipahoa Parish Library was presented a$9,000 donation from the Pray Family Sonic Restaurants. As part of themonthlong celebration of Dr.Seuss’sBirthday in March, the Sonic Restaurants in Amite, Hammond, Ponchatoula and Kentwood donated aportion of theirspeciallycreated Seussical Sorax Slush sales to help with the library’sSummer Reading Program.
“Weare thrilled by the generosity of the Pray Family Sonic Restaurants,” said Tangipahoa ParishLibrary Director Barry Bradford. “Sincewehave started teamingupwiththe Pray Family for our library literacy programs, we have been abletoexpandour literacy programs for young peoplein Tangipahoa Parish.” March is celebrated as Dr.Seuss’s Birthday Month andtokickoff the celebration, celebrityreaders visit each Sonic Restaurant to read their favorite Dr.Seuss book and give away free bookstothe children who attend. Sonic also helps and gives away many
Sonic gifts as well.
“The Tangipahoa Parish Library is doing afantastic job andaspart of our commitment to our community,the Pray Family Sonic Restaurants are proud to help increase and promote literacy in Tangipahoa Parish,” said Sonic Restaurants Director of Operations Lance Moresi.
In addition to Dr.Seuss Birthday Celebration, the Pray Family is part ofthe African AmericanHonorary Service Award and Young Woman of Excellence Ceremonies and the upcoming Booktoberfest, free book festival, in October
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, sanctionsthe world’slargest amateur pool league, known as the APAPool League throughout the United States, and as the Canadian Pool League in Canada.
More than 250,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9Ball League play The APAproduces four major tournaments —the APAWorld PoolChampionships, the APAPoolplayer Championships, the APA Junior Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship —that, together,pay out nearly $2 million in cash and prizes annually
The APAJunior Championships, held June 29 to July 1, featured children ages 7 to 18 from 32 states as well as Canada.
PROVIDED PHOTO Kevin Hood, of Louisiana SnakeID, with asnakefollowing his presentation at the Livingston Parish Library’sDenham Springs-Walker Branch on June 10. The presentation was partofthe Library’s2024 Summer Reading Program.
Hundreds of people learned about local snakes and even got to hold some during apopular presentation hosted by the Livingston Parish Library
Visitors of all ages packed meeting rooms at all five LPL branches during Louisiana Snake ID’stour of the system in June. Louisiana Snake ID educated attendees on snakes found in Louisiana and debunked common misconceptions about them. Following the presentation, visitors were allowed to hold snakes and pose for pictures. Based in Livingston Parish, Louisiana Snake ID aimstohelpidentifyand educate about the snakes of Louisiana in hopes of saving the lives of snakes thatare killed fornoreason, according to its website. Louisiana SnakeIDwas startedby Kevin Hood and his family, who are collectively known as “The Snake People.” Louisiana Snake ID’spresentation was part of the Livingston Parish Library’s 2024 Summer ReadingProgram. This year’stheme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” To viewthe library’sentire calendar of events for this summer,visit www.mylpl. info/SummerReading.
Pool Championship earlier this month in St. Louis.
PROVIDEDPHOTO
Seventy-two4-H
from across Livingston Parish participate in 4-HCamp at Grant Walker Educational Center in Pollock.
PROVIDEDPHOTO
Suzanne Fekete-Stilley, culinaryinstructoratAlbanyHigh School, second from left and representatives of the National Restaurant AssociationEducational Foundation, from left, Director AmySaltzman, Program Coordinator Alex Diachok,and Senior Manager Erica Garner gather to present a$5,000 grant tothe school’s culinaryprogram.
GRANT
Continued from page1G
beingrenovated from a1986 home economics kitchen design into amodernrestaurant-style, commercial kitchen that will better prepare our students to become leaders in the industry.”
Fekete-Stilley said more than 150 students enroll each year in the school’s culinary classes, which include abaking and pastry class. Of that count, about 60 are in the Pro-Start program. Superintendent Jody Purvis said the district’shigh schoolculinary programs have significantlyexpanded over the years,offering more students opportunities in the high-demand restaurant industry
“Providing Grow Grants is one of my favorite times
BOOKS
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and converting the northern corner of the store to a children’sarea. They also plan to usethe 500-squarefoot kitchen to do cookbook events, he said. The store will reopen Aug 3. The second store is asignificant milestone for the Cavaliers, who first opened in downtown Denham Springs in 2009 only ayear after graduating from college. Unlike Colvin and Dupree, who owned the store as asidehustleofsorts,the Cavaliers have workedin the book business since their days at the old Book Warehouse in Baton Rouge.
It’salso the latest in the upswing across the country of independent bookstores, which for years werewritten off in favor of the national chains and online booksellers. The op-
of theyear.The educators who invest their passion andenergy intotheirclassrooms are inspiring. Ilove to see the impact their work has on the students who graduate from ProStart with the knowledgeand excitement for the restaurant industry,” saidRachael Ray ProStart educators play apivotal role in the program’ssuccess in more than2,100 high schools nationwide, blending itscore curriculum with hands-on industry engagement activities, including special speakers, class mentors, and tours of local culinary facilities. The 2024 grant application was open to existing ProStart schools, or those looking to join the programinthe coming school year.The NRAEF anticipates that the grants will benefit more than 3,700 students and 42 teachers across 22 states. In the lastfive years, 153
posite has happened, and theAmerican Booksesllers Association’smembership numbers in 2021 were the group’shighest in 20 years.
In Louisiana, the association lists 23 indie bookstores, most of which are in the New Orleans area.
“Every dayyou see at least three or four bookstores that are openingupsomewhere in thecountry,” Cavaliersaid.
“More storesare expanding and doing interesting things. And they’restarting to be more in smaller towns. There’sone in Summit,Mississippi, that just openedup four or five monthsago Buzy BeezBookstore. That’s absolutely fantastic.”
The Cavaliers have found success with their book fairs andoff-site events. At Beausoleil Books, its success was offeringdiversityinits selection along with its book fairs, which theowners had done twice this year
“It’salabor of love,”Colvin said. “Toown abookstore, you have to be in the
ProStartGrow Grants have been awarded to schools showing astrong desire to engage students through ProStart’sindustry-leading career and technicaleducation program. In addition to classroom grants, The Rachael Ray Foundation andthe Yum-o! organization have sponsored more than 260 scholarships for students pursuing postsecondary degrees in the restaurant and hospitality industry
“ProStart Grow Grants are agamechanger for many ProStart classrooms, providing the support to add crucial curriculum, equipmentand experiences for students. We’re grateful for the partnershipofThe Rachael Ray Foundation, which is helping educators give their students afrontrow seat to all that acareer in therestaurant industry offers,” saidRob Gifford, president of the NRAEF
community and the community has to be involved. If the community doesn’tsupport the independent bookstore, then you can’tsucceed.”
Email Adam Daigleat adaigle@theadvocate.com.
AROUND
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their own visual art, including clay building and drawing apet. The classes are from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Arts Council gallery in downtown Denham Springs.Noexperience necessary.All supplies will be provided.
The program, for ages 8-11, is set for July 23-25. Cost is $35 and registration can be completed www artslivingston.org/productpage/visual-art.
July artexhibit underway
The Arts Council of Livingston Parish Gallery’s July art show is on display through July 31.
The art inspired works for sale include various mediums such as watercolor,acrylic, mixed-media, oil, photography and hand thrown pottery
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 2p.m.
Saturday
Pets lookingfor homes
The Denham Springs
Animal Shelter is looking for people to foster cats and dogs. The no-kill shelter,at 600 Bowman St., Denham Springs, also encourages residents to consider adopting apet; the fee is $60. More than 200 cats and dogs need homes or foster parents. For information on fostering or adopting, call (225) 664-4472.
Farmersmarket
The Four Seasons Farmers Market is open from 8a.m. to noon every Saturday at the city parking lot at Hummel Street and Railroad Avenue. Fresh vegetables and fruits are on sale from vendors.
At thelibrary
The Livingston Parish Library’scalendar is full this month with program and events for all ages.
Main Branch in Livingston
Thursday,July 25, 10 a.m.: Geebo the Clown (all ages) Catch Geebo the Clown in aprogram that promises fun for the whole family With his colorful costumes, wacky props, animal assistants, and boundless energy,Geebo will captivate
audiences of all ages from start to finish. Friday,July 26, 1p.m.: Suede Fringe Earrings (ages 18+), Add alittle fringe to your outfit with these super easy earrings. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. Albany-Springfield Branch
Wednesday,July 24, 2p.m.: End of Summer Spy Party (ages 6-12), Dodge lasers, send and receive secret messages, learn about fingerprints, and enjoy refreshments at this end of summer party.Registration is required.
Denham Springs-Walker Branch
Thursday,July 25, 5:30 p.m.: End of Summer Giant Clue Party (ages 1318), Come play agame of Clue in afancy way —Lifesize. Refreshments will be provided. Formal attire is encouraged but not necessary.Registration is required, call (225) 686-4140.
Sendnewsand events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4p.m Friday or call (225) 3880731.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOAADVOCATE 10291Hwy.190,Walker, LA 70785orP.O.Box 309, Walker,LA70785 (225) 388-0215
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com (225)388-0731
Send your news,photos or lettersby 4p.m.Friday. EMAIL: livingston@ theadvocate.com FAX: (225) 388-0371 MAIL: useaddress above
Darlene T. Denstorffddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL:(225) 603-1998 DISPLAYADVERTISING JUSTIN LEWIS CELL:(504) 615-1166 Justin.lewis@theadvocate.com M–F,8 A.M.–5 P.M. DEADLINE: 5p.m.Fridayprior to publication. SUBSCRIPTIONS
Heather Kinsel’sresin geode, ‘Opulence,’isamong several of her pieces on displayatthe juriedart exhibit now available for viewing of the ArtsCouncil of LivingstonParish’sGallery. Kinsel’sart is created startingwith afoam board baseonwhich colored liquid resin is poured. Thepiece is completed withthe additionofsmall rock and metallic objects that add ajewel-like finish.
just in general be an important part of thecommunity.”
Through all that, Icontinued to paint.” Even though painting has been a large part of her life, Mann worked as aparamedic before retiring. “I love to paint …this is ahobbythat means so much to me. When Ipaint Ilose myself, Iamrelaxed, Ieven lose what time it is. Painting isa great hobby,” she said.
Mann added that the Arts Council of Livingston Parish offers“a wonderful way to interact with other artists, to have avenue wherewecan show our art and
The works of Heather Kinsel are not to be missed. She is pioneering in an unusual field of visual art, resin geodes. Kinsel’sstriking creationsare based on foam board on which she pours liquid resin colored byspecial dry pigments
“I never know what my art is going to looklike,” Kinsel said. “I pour the resin on the foam and then Ilet gravity take over.The colors justsomehow come togetherand when it all dries, Ihave my art.”
Before the piece dries sheadds crystals, beads,bits of metal and other small, usually glittering objects that complete the whole.
Kinsel said that once the work
dries, it hardens to ashiny, glossy finish. “The art is tough and Idon’t careifpeople touch it,” shesaid. Kinsel has been making the resin geodes for about two years and she said she came upon her art almost accidentally.She and her husband are in the business of making resin countertops.
Hilbun has several of her paintings on display at the show and one of them features aflaming, flowerlike image in vivid red against a black background. She said she started the painting with acrylics but finished it with oils to give it more texture and depth.
KC Kuhnert, an accomplished photographer,has several of her photos on display.Her creations
Janis Mann enjoys painting pictures of the chickens she raises at her home and the results of her craft are on display at the exhibit hanging at the Arts Council of Livingston Parish’sGallery. Her paintings are among dozens of visual arts works on displayand for saleatthe juried show that will be open through the end of July
frequently reflect thebeauty of Southeast Louisiana.
Anew feature at the show was an artist exhibiting her craft. During theSaturday reception, Marita Gentry was busy painting apicture on canvas set on an easel in the lobby of the gallery.Gentry,known as the artist who painted the murals on the outside walls of the gallery and at some commercial buildings in Denham Springs, said she was invited to paint for the audience and agreed to give it atry
“I usually paint in my own studio but Idon’tmind painting when people arewatchingmeand Idon’t mind answering questions. Ijust enjoy art so much that Iwant to share with others,” she said. Other works were contributed by Virginia Berthelot, Donna Francisco, Michael Francisco, Mary Harris and Tessa Simmons. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. until noon Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. until 2p.m. Saturdays.
Amidst growing demand forSTEMGraduates,Shellpartnered with LSU, Our Lady of theLakeHealth, LCMC Healthand others to help bring a$148M science building to LSU.
theOur Lady of theLakeHealthInterdisciplinar Science Buildingwill preparestudents to solve themostimportant challengesfacingour world todayand fordecadestocome
Formoreinformation aboutthis newfacility or theinstitute,another outcomes-focused partnership betweenShell and LSU,visit lsu.edu
“Within this premier facility, we will preparethe next generation of doctors,datascientists,engineers, scientists andtechnologists to leadthe future of critical industrieslikehealthcareand energy ”
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Shellpersonnel at ground breaking from left to right; Jordan Tremblay, Katie Mitchell,Makesha Judson, Rochelle Touchard,BrennaMiguez, Joseph Hollins,David Mustain
