9thLivingstonParishBookFestival set
free to attend and open to all ages.
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
It’s
back-toschool time
It’stime to open the classrooms and fire up the computers as Livingston Parish Students return Aug. 8. Tangipahoa public schools start on Aug. 9. That means buses are rolling and traffic will be heavy around campuses. Slow down when driving near schools and watch out forthose children who walk or ridebicycles to campus
The first holiday of the new school year is Sept. 2whenwe celebrate Labor Day Breast imagingavailable Woman’sHospital brings breast imaging to Livingston Parish with its mobilemammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessiblethan ever offering advanced 3D mammogram technology at convenienttimes and locations acrossLouisiana. Physician’sorders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged.
The mammography coach is stopping in Walker Aug. 7at Sage Specialty Hospital,8375 Florida Blvd., Walker Call (225) 396-5367 to schedule. Astop is planned for Aug.15 at RKMPrimary Care, 27124 Highway 42, Springfield. Call (225)395-8022 to schedule.
The coach will stop: n Aug. 19, Mandy’sPrimary Health, 35701 La. 16, Denham Springs. Call (225) 791-2400 to schedule
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Walker golfer turnsinstrong outing at LGA tournament
With students taking their annualacademic break, summer is always aslow time for local athletics, but that doesn’t mean the athletes are taking time off. Junior golfer Evelynn Artieta, asophomore-to-be at Walker High, is agood example of that Twoweeks ago, Artieta turned in astrong outing at the Louisiana Golf Association’s 59th Girls JuniorAmateur tournament. Competing at Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, she had achance at awireto-wire win after openingthe three-round tournament witha 2-under-par 70. That opener was followed by rounds of 75 and 72, but Artieta ultimately came up shortina playoff and finished second.
Jade Neves of New Orleans trailedbythree shots going to the final round, and carded a 69 to tie Artieta’sthree-round total of 1-over 217. In the ensuing sudden-death playoff, both golfersmade par at HoleNo. 1 before Neveswon the title with apar at Hole2 Still, there was no denying the improvement for Artieta, who finished fifth in the 2023 junior tournament.That onewas
ä See SALZER, page 4G
Community news report
Plans are underway for the Livingston Parish Library’sBook Festival, the parish’slargest celebration of books and literacy, The Ninth Annual Livingston Parish Book Festival will be held from 11 a.m.—4 p.m.Nov.9at theMainBranch in Livingston, at 20390 Iowa St. This family-friendly eventis
All other branchesofthe Livingston Parish Library will be closed on Nov.9
“Last year’sBook Festival was the biggest one we’ve ever had, and our goal is to top that this year,” saidLivingston Parish Library DirectorMichelle Parrish. “Wehavebeen planning this year’s Book Festivalfor several months, and we can’t wait for the communi-
ty to see what we’ve got in store.” First heldin2013, the Livingston Parish Book Festival is the Library’sbiggest single-day event, drawing visitors from Livingston Parishand beyond. The Book Festival featuresauthordiscussions, booksignings, live music, face painting, games, food trucks, and other library activities.
Last year’sBook Festival drew more than 2,200visitors, arecord
forthe system
TheLibrarywillannounceits headlining authorsand special guests in the coming weeks. Those wishing to secure aspot on Authors RoworCommunity Row can submit an online application by visiting www.mylpl.info/ BookFestival. Applying does not guaranteeacceptance; applicants will be contacted to confirm participation.
CALLINGTHE GAME
BY SERENA PUANG Staff writer
Many 5-year-old boys want to be athletes or superheroes for Halloween. When Lathan Williams was 5, he went as a referee. The following Christmas,heasked Santafor umpire gear
“Once he got his umpire gear,” hisfather Josh Williams said, “He would just go to the baseball fields andstand behind the fence and mimic the umpire.”
“He (Lathan Williams) makes all the calls correct. Mechanically,he’spretty awesome. Iguarantee he makes more mistakesplayingbaseballthan he does umpiring.”
WAYNE GRENFELL, president/directorofbaseball operationsfor Ascension Parish
After awhile, theumpires invitedhim ontothe field. Now Lathan, 9,isumpiring baseball games. He umpired his first official game for Ascension ParishLittle League when he was 7. Lathan has alsobeen playing baseball since he was 5. He’s currently excited to play travel ball, but between playing and umpiring, he doesn’thesitate to pick afavorite.
”They’re bothfun,” he said. “But I’d rather umpire.
In recent years, Lathan, from Hammond, has become an online personality and umpired games forSavannah Bananas, the Baton Rouge Rougarou, andalaundry list of travel tournaments.
On Wednesday,the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,unveiled anew
bobblehead madeinLathan’s image to celebrate his workon the field.
According to Wayne Grenfell, president/director of baseball operations forAscension Parish, good umpires are in short supply these days, and Lathan’swork wasso good it “kind of embarrasses” the adults that umpire in the league.
“He makes all the calls correct. Mechanically,he’spretty awesome,” said Grenfell. “I guarantee he makes moremistakes playing baseball than he
See CALLING, page 4G
Magician brings laughter to Tangipahoa libraries
BY VIC COUVILLION Contributing writer
The Tangipahoa Parish Library System’sSummer Reading Program has featured live performances attracting large crowds of children accompanied by their parents andother family members.
One of the latest entertainers to fill abill at the system’sbranches, Jo Jo the Magician, continued the trend of bringing inmany laughing,clappingchildren to the library branches. At his performance at theHammond Branch of thesystem, Jo Jo kept hisaudience entertained with his stock magic tricks, some clowning and his peppy presentation. Jo Jo, who calls New Orleans home, has been bringing his show
to groups of all sizesfor 40 years andhis ability to commandthe attention of his audience wasevident, once again,during hisHammondperformance. Jo Jo opened his act by instructing his young charges to concentrate on thecenter of aspinning disc containing graphics thattended to briefly distort vision. When thedisc stopped spinning, the children were asked to quickly look at hisheadwhich appeared,briefly, to be much larger than normal. He continuedthe presentation with ademonstrationofhis juggling abilityashesent hoops, balls and small bowling pins spinning in theair.After his demonstration of howone juggles, he quickly moved to his first magician’strick, pulling
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Sevenyear-old Lathan Williams, the internet sensation known as Lathan the Umpire, works firstbase in the second inning of the Baton RougeRougarou homegameagainst the Brazos ValleyBombers on July 15 at Pete GoldsbyField in Baton Rouge.
PHOTO BY VIC COUVILLION
Jo Jo the Magicianinvites children to joinhim as he performed tricks during apresentation at the Hammond Branch of the Tangipahoa Parish LibrarySystem. Here he had twogirls help him as he performed the rope cutting and magicwand bending tricks
puppet servedasafoil to Jo Jo the Magician’santics while performingbefore alargeaudienceatthe
performance was partofthe library’sSummer Reading Program
MAGICIAN
Continued frompage1G
an extremely long, multicoloredribbon from atiny box. From there,he quickly moved from one trick to another.The obligatory pulling of coins from behind the earsofsomeofthe children drew expected laughter from the group
His most compelling moment came when he pulled alive rabbit out of a box. The well-behaved rabbit sat on Jo Jo’shands, stood upona stool and jumped through ahoop at Jo Jo’s urging. Then, he plucked alivewhite dove from abox attached behind what appeared to bea picture.
At one point Jo Jo, demonstrating acard trick, madea library registration card show up in an unexpected
deck of large cards,Heencouraged thechildren to obtain and use their library cards.
Jo Jo demonstrated his knowledge of puppetry by performing askit with atoucan puppet. Hisantics with the toucan also elicited considerable laughter from the audience.
Rope tricks followed, and then Jo Jo magically popcorn kernels suddenly become fully popped popcorn jump out of the pan. Other stock tricks such as traditional rope cutting exercises and rope extending followed. Several other shows are scheduled before the summer reading program comes to aconclusion.
Thesummer reading program will conclude with awards ceremonies at the branchesinearly August. The dates and times of each performance at the specific branch are available online.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA ADVOCATE 10291Hwy.190,Walker, LA 70785orP.O.Box 309, Walker,LA70785.(225) 388-0215
PUBLISHEDEVERY WEDNESDAY Onlineatwww.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/
EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL:(225) 603-1998
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731
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1. Link to VENMO by using the camera on your cell phone or mobiledevice.Focus the lens on the camera to the preferred QR code to theright
3.
Jo the
makes alive rabbit jump through a hoop as partofhis performance at the Hammond Branch of the Tangipahoa Parish Library System during aJuly visit.
We will be collecting
Jo
Magician
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Atoucan
Hammond Branchofthe Tangipahoa Parish LibrarySystem. His
n Aug. 29, RKMPrimary Care, 28315 S. Frost Road, Livingston. Call (225) 2831356toschedule.
For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit Womans.org.
Endofsummerbash
Cricket Wireless and Airborne’sEnd of summer Bash is planned for 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.
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 openfrom 8a.m. to noon everySaturday at the city parking lot at Hummel Street and Railroad Avenue. Fresh vegetables and fruits are on sale from vendors.
At thelibrary
The Livingston ParishLibrary’scalendar is full this month with program and events for all ages.
Main Branch in Livingston Contact the Main Branch in Livingston at (225) 6864160 or visit www.mylpl. info for more details on any event.
Aug. 1, 9:30 a.m.: Veterans Connect (ages 18+), the Louisiana Workforce Commission is committed to serving transitioning service members, veterans
and their families by providing resources to assist andprepare them to obtain meaningfulcareers and maximize their employmentopportunities. The Vet Rep provides assistance and services to eligible veterans, spouses or other persons.
Albany-Springfield Branch Contact theAlbanySpringfieldBranch at (225) 686-4130.
Aug.1,2 p.m.,: Giant Candy Land (ages 5-7) Travel througha land of candy-tastic treatstoDessertIsland,but beware the sticky spots! Registration is required
Aug. 3, 1p.m.: The Hunter’sWreath (ages 18+) Embark on aone-of-a-kind craftingexperience,“The Hunter’sWreath.” Dive into thefusion of craftsmanship andrugged outdoor spirit. Create awreaththat pays homage tothe great outdoors. Registration is required
Denham Springs-WalkerBranch Call theDenham SpringsWalker Branch at (225) 686-4140.
Aug.1,6 p.m.: Adult Writers’ Club (ages 18+),Are you looking for afriendly writer’satmosphere?
People to share ideas with?
Feedback for yourlatest writingproject?This creativewriting groupis for you.All genres and all levels, from novice to prowriters, are welcome. During each club meeting, participate in troubleshootingdiscussions, enjoysome writing time, andend the session with friendly feedback for those whowant it. To find out how to join, contact Lee Cline at lcline@ mylpl.info.
Aug. 2, noon:Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group (ages 18+) Join afree, caring, nonjudgmental meeting where families andfriends share their experiences and learn essential information for copingwith the disease. These meetings are open to all caregivers of persons affected by Alzheimer’sor arelated dementia and will typically last onehour. South Branch
Call the South Branch at (225) 686-4170. Aug. 1, 2p.m.: Safari Journal and Hat (ages 5-7), Have you ever wanted to
go on asafari adventure? Before you head out, join the library staff to create apersonalized safari journals and hats to take with
you on your wilderness adventures. Registration is required.
Sendnewsand events for
Livingston andTangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4p.m Friday or call (225) 3880731.
Amidst growing demand forSTEMGraduates,Shellpartnered with LSU, Our Lady of theLakeHealth, LCMC Healthand others to help bring a$148M science building to LSU.
Withthisinvestment,
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
Shellpersonnel at ground breaking from left to right; Jordan Tremblay, Katie Mitchell,Makesha Judson, Rochelle Touchard,BrennaMiguez, Joseph Hollins,David Mustain
PROVIDED PHOTO BY THE
Lathanthe Kid Umpire bobblehead shows Lathan calling aplayerout.
Continued from page1G
does umpiring.”
The kid umpire, who plays travel baseball, didn’tchoose tobeasocial media phenomenon —all his accounts are run by his parents. But his parents didn’tchoose this life either.Initially,other people posted videos of him (at age six)calling a Little Leaguegamefrom outside the fence, and they went viral
“The second or third time somebody posted him and it didreal well, we said,‘Well,Iguess we’re going to makeaTikTok page,’”said Williams.
“Within two weeks, he had avideo
that was like 4million views.”
These days, posting your child on social media, especially for alarge audience, can draw criticism,but Williams sees socialmedia as atool that has enabled his son to establish himselfinhis field.
“Without being popular on social media, he doesn’tget to go to Wendelstedt Umpire School,”hesaid.
Wendelstedt is the only independentlyrun professional umpire school recognized by MajorLeague Baseball. (Major League Baseball hosts its own umpire training programs.) Lathan receiveda scholarship to attend Wendelstedt in Florida —which he can use once he turns18. Meanwhile, he’strained theretwice.
NorthOaksSports Medicine honors
Student-Athletes of Year
Community news report
Based on the number of votes received via an online poll, Emma Day,ofAmite, and Levi Carson, of Hammond, have been named North Oaks Sports Medicine’sStudent-Athletes of the Year out of all studentathleteseasonal honorees for the 2023-24 school year
The poll was conducted July 8-12 and drew 5,093 responses. Both Carson and Day previously were recognized by the North Oaks Sports Medicine and North Oaks Orthopedic Specialty Center teams as student-athletes of the 2023 fall seasonfor exemplifying excellencein academics, athletics, community service and respect for others.
Dayisarising senior at OakForestAcademy,in
Amite, who plays thirdbase and shortstop for the Lady Jackets varsity softball team. She finished her junior season strong with a.522 batting average, 10 home runs 49 RBIs, and aperfect 17of 17 steals,anewsrelease said.
The two-time Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Class 5A All-State selection and Futures Game participant is committed to theGoldenEaglessoftball team at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
“Emma’sexceptional character personifies everything this award stands for. Anatural leader both on and off the field, she sets the bar high with an incredible work ethic. Emma’swarm heart and genuine nature make her one of the sweetest athletes on campus,” North Oaks Sports Medicine cer-
tified athletic trainer Amy Brumfield said.“Shehas a knack for lifting her teammatesupand offering sound advice. Despite her frequent travels forher high school andtravel softball teams, Emma keeps up hergrades andexcelsinclass.”
Carson graduated from Hammond High Magnet School with a3.43 GPA and plans to study biology at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. He also will beadual-sport athlete competing forthe Pioneersincross-country and track and field.
Carson was captain of the Tornadoes’ cross-country and boys’ basketball teams. He alsowas amember of the track and field team and belonged to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Ranked among Louisiana’stop 100 high school cross-country runners, Carson achieved apersonal record for 3miles in 16:47. Asa three-time Tangipahoa Parish track champion in the1-mile, he set four Hammond High Magnet School records in cross-country andtrack andfield To learn more about North Oaks SportsMedicine, North Oaks Orthopedic SpecialtyCenterorthe student-athlete recognition programs, visit northoaks. org/domore, follow @NorthOaksSportsonInstagram or call North Oaks Public Relationsat(985) 230-6647.
PROVIDED PHOTOBYLGA
Top finishers in the LGA’s59th Girls Junior Championship held at Mallard Golf Club in LakeCharles, from left, are Walker’sEvelynn Artieta, Jade NevesofNew Orleans and Maci Williams of Brusly
SALZER
Continued from page1G
played at Zachary’sBeaver Creek golf course, and Artieta finished with atotal of 17-over
“He doesn’tget the opportunities to go placesand umpire if he’snot popular on socialmedia,” Williams said.
Lathan’swork goes beyond just making calls. Being young can serve to humanize umpires who regularly face verbalabuse during games.
He has also inspired other children to get into umpiring. According to Grenfell, there’s anotherkid who wants to start umpiring in the fall because of Lathan. Ascension Parish Little League is training him up now,soheand Lathan can umpire agame together in the fall.
Email Serena Puang at Serena. Puang@theadvocate.com
This column previously acknowledged Artieta when she earned aspot in April’s national Drive, Chip and Putt Championships held at Augusta National. Yes, that Augusta National, on the Sunday before the Masters, no less.
Artieta’sbest showing came in the putting portion where she posted the thirdbest total, and went on to finish ninth overall.
By all accounts, Artieta appears to love the game of golf. There is no reason to think her best days on the course are yet to come.
Maurepas High names newathleticdirector
Brad Neal has been tapped to succeed Brittany Lauzervich as athletic director at Maurepas High.
An assistant principal at Maurepas since January, Neal will continue in that role in addition to assuming his new duties. Neal went to Springfield High before graduating from Southeastern in 2005. His ties to Maurepas extend farther back with both of his parents having previously worked at the school. Lauzervich, who had been afixture at Maurepas as the girls basketball coach, stepped down from her role as athletic director after two years due to health concerns. Reached for comment last week, Lauzervich said she will still be seen at Wolves athletic events. Her daughter Sidney,a seventh-grader,will play basketball and softball. “I’m going to miss work, but I’ll still be around,” Lauzervich said.
Charles Salzercovers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer,email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
Carson Day
NATIONALBOBBLEHEAD HALL OF FAME ANDMUSEUM