AshleyN Henderson and Lori E. Henderson where among the many visitors to the Hot August Stroll sponsored by Hammond’s Downtown development District. The two were enjoying livemusic in the city’sRailroad Park
CELEBRATING SUNNYDAYS
Southeast Louisiana University cheerleaders, fromleft, HaleyMartin, Annabella
Daigle and Claire Milazzo are among the award winning squad performing at Lionpawlooza, part of the Hot AugustStrollsponsored by Hammond’s Downtown Development DistrictonSaturday.
Visitors flocktodowntownHammond forHot August Stroll
BY VIC COUVILLION
Contributing writer
Twice ayear Hammond’s Downtown Development District invitesvisitors to come to the city’sHistoric Downtown District for aday filled with activities including live music, shopping,food and other pursuits.
One such day salutes thesummerand theother the winter andineach case theweather is part of theevent
The latest such endeavor,Hot August Stroll,held Aug. 24, lived up to itsbilling: The day was blazing hot under a cloudless sky.The other, Starry, Starry November Night, will come muchlater in the year and the temperatures for that occasion will more than likely be far more agreeable.
Despite the heat, thecrowds still poured into the heart of thecityfor a daylong celebration that signaled the approaching end of the summer with the promise that comes withthe startof anew school year.Astothe later,part of the celebration was Lionpawlooza,a tribute to the coming athletic seasons at SoutheasternLouisiana University
The day started withthe Hammond Farmers and ArtisansMarket in RailroadPark in theheart of thecityand ended with aconcert featuringAmanda Shaw Shaw’sshow in Cate Square Park
Bruce Ebarb,ofSpringfield, was among the farmers participating in Hammond’s Farmersand Artisans Market.
drewa huge crowd that filled the historic square that hasbeen amuchvisited locale since thecity’searliest days.For Shaw,her performance in Hammond was acoming home experience to where her career had its early roots. Her parents met while students at Southeastern, only afew blocks away
from Cate Square.
Shaw began her music studies on the same campus and from her earlytraining as aviolinist she eventually transitioned intoanacclaimed fiddler and song writer
Shaw has performed throughout the United States and abroad since her ear-
Members ofthe Tri-Parish Ballettakeabow after performing ‘A Princess TeaParty’ at the Main Branchofthe Livingston ParishLibraryonJuly 19. Theperformance waspartofthe Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’sthemewas ‘Adventure Begins at Your
DucksUnlimited banquetset
ly days in Tangipahoa Parish. She was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2020. Much of her music is about her homestate and asong she wrote and performed about Louisiana brought raucous cheers from the crowd whowelcomed her back homewith applause and cheering.
Music wasvery much part of Hot August Stroll. Southeastern fans, also large in numbers, had the opportunity to hear the university’smarching band at the Lionpawlooza. The band was accompanied by the Lionettes, atroupe of dancers whoperform at university sporting events, and the school’snational award winning cheerleading squad. Coaches from the university’svarious athletic teams addressed the crowds and introduced someofthe athletes whowill be performing this year.After the introductions the athletes remained to sign autographs fortheir fans. Live music continued during the day on several stages set up in the downtownarea. Among the groups entertaining the crowds were: Will Vance and KinFolks; Benjamin Thomas &Roberto Ruiz; The GoshDarn Dangs; Callie Hines; Hex Windham and the Phaze Band; Jared Daws and The Dusk Singers; and Josephine Alphonso. Several bars and restaurants also featured live
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moresuccessful, and that is atestament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff.
LivingstonParish Library patrons logged morethan 76,000 books —nearly 1,000 per day —during arecord-breaking SummerReading Program challenge.
This summer,the Library set all-time highs for thenumberofSRP registrations andcompletions, as well as the record forhighest SRPevent attendance,a library news release said.
The library’sSummer Reading Program awards prizestoreaders of allages for reading books and attending Library events during thesummer months. This year’sSummer Reading Program ran May20—Aug. 4. The theme was “Adventure BeginsatYour Library.”
“This was an unforgettable summer, with oneadventureafter adventure,” saidLivingston ParishLibrary Director Michelle Parrish. “Our Summer Reading Program continues to get bigger and
“Wetry to offer as much as possible, because we want people of all ages and interests to feel like there is something for them at the Library,” Parrish said. “Summer Reading has becomesomething ourpatronslook forward to every year,and we are thrilled by this year’sresponse, because it once again shows that Livingston Parish values andtreasures its library system.Weare proud to serve this community.”
Registrations, completions
Approximately4,800 patronsregisteredfor this year’s program,including 3,269 who completed the challenge. To complete theSRP challenge, apatron must read acertain number of books or attenda certainnumberoflibrary
Denham Springsweightlifter
Going six forsix, no matter what sport you are talking about, pretty much always
you’ve done something awesome. That wascertainly the case for Denham Springs weightlifter Brynn Catalano earlier this summer when she competed at theUSA National Youth Championships in Pittsburgh. A116-pound 14-year-old who has been competing in Olympic weightlifting events forfive years, Catalano pulled off the weightlifting hat trick in Pittsburgh earning her anational championship, agold medal and
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PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Brynn Catalano at the USANational YouthChampionshipsinPittsburgh.
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aspot on Team USA for this week’sPan American Youth Weightlifting Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador
“I’m really excited,” Catalano said last week. “I know this is my firstinternational competition but I just pray that I’m healthy, that my training goes well and everything goes as planned. I’m going to give it my all and see what happens.” Catalano began her athletic journey at age 5 with gymnastics. She then tried CrossFit competition before settling on Olympic lifting. After winning her first meet, anational youth competition in 2009, she knew she had found her sport. Continued success eventually brought Catalano to the 2024 youth nationalsin
Pittsburgh
“There were 19 girls that cameand competed,” said Catalano’sfather Chase, aCrossFit gym owner who also serves as his daughter’scoach. “Brynn was the strongest 14- and 15-year-old in the United States in her division. Her lifting total gave her apercentagethat qualified for Team USAatthat point.”
Which brought her to sixfor six,afeat she accomplished in Pittsburgh Simply put, she successfully completed all three of her lifts in thesnatch and theclean-and-jerk, aclean sweep that set her up for winning results. Impressively, shealso set personal records in the process with a154-poundsnatch, aclean and jerk of 185 pounds, and a339-pound combined total.
Catalano’sprevious bests for 134 in the snatch and 169 in theclean and jerk. “I made all six of them,” Catalano said of her per-
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Breast imagingvisitsinLivingstonParish Woman’sHospital brings breast imaging to Livingston Parish with its mobile mammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessible than ever offering advanced 3D mammogram technology at convenient times and locations across Louisiana. Physician’sorders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged. Astop is planned for Friday at RKMPrimary Care, 28315 S. Frost Road, Livingston. Call (225) 283-1356 to schedule.
For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit womans.org.
Women’sLeadershipConference
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formance in Pittsburgh.
“That’sone of everyone’s biggest goals, to go six for six or win (overall), and I did both.”
If Catalano does well at the Pan American meet, other opportunities may open up. In December, the North American Open Championships will be held in Tucson, Arizona, which could lead to more international competition in 2025. For now,Catalano’sfocus is on Ecuador “I’m really excited,” she said. “I know this is my first international competition but Ijust pray that I’m healthy,mytraining goes well and everything goes as planned. I’m going to give it my all and see what happens.”
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sportsfor the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer,emaillivingston@ theadvocate.com.
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Raihan Alam, of Didgeridoo DownUnder,standing,performsatthe Livingston Parish Library’sMain Branch on June 1as part of the Summer ReadingProgram
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events, depending on theage groupthey fall within.
SRP participants logged approximately 76,573 books this summer.That equates to 994 books each day (77 total days) or 41 books per hour (1,848 total hours) forthe duration of the Summer Reading Program. Attendance
The Library’sSummer Reading Program was loaded with fun activities and events for all agesand interests, the release said. This summer,the Librarylined up more than 350performances, concerts shows, workshops and storytimes. Thetotal attendancefor this year’sSRP events
exceeded 15,000. Featured children’sevents and performersthis summerincludedLASnake ID, Drum Life, Youth Ballet, DidgeridooDown Under,Hey Now Hooping, Heidi Lindsley, the TMM Project,Harvey Rabbit,Louisiana State Parks, Crescent Circus, Geebo the Clown, Tri-Parish Ballet, and Shelley Frederick
Featured adult events and performers this summer included Cooking Demonstrations with Brittany Khamille, Watercolor Workshop with Heidi Lindsley,Hooping forHealthand Wellness, MasterGardener —Tropical Gardening, Music&More from Down Under and Paper Bead Making with CherieDucote Breaux
Some of theLibrary’sother programs includeescape rooms, art workshops, circus shows, crafts, gardening programs, DIY classes andtrivia sessions.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOAADVOCATE 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
DEATH NOTICES CALL: 225-388-0289
EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com WEDDINGS &ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738
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CLASSIFIEDS
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LEGAL ADVERTISING
CALL: (225) 388-0128
EMAIL: weeklylegals@theadvocate.com
Tickets and sponsorships are available for the Livingston Chamber of Commerce’sWomen’sLeadership Conference and Expo, set for Sept. 5. To register,visit business.livingstonparishchamber.org/ events/details/women-s-leadership-conference-expo-8577. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow will be the guest speaker
Foster and adoptivehomes are needed at the Denham Springs Animal Shelter
Pets lookingfor homes
The Denham Springs Animal Shelter is looking for people to foster cats and dogs. The no-kill shelter,at600 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.
Concertset forWalkermentorprogram
Walker is partnering with the Walker High School Student Mentor Program to host adinner and benefitconcert featur-
ing Jim and James Linden Hogg. James Linden is alocal musician, author and storyteller.The event will also include apresentation and testimonies of the Student Mentor Program. Doors open at 5p.m. Sept. 15 and the concert start at 5:30 p.m Tickets are limited and may be purchased at the Walker Parks and Recreation office, 13620 Aydell Lane
At thelibrary
The Livingston Parish Library’scalendar is full this month with program and events for all ages. All branches of the Livingston Parish Library will be closed Sept. 2, for Labor Day
Main Branch in Livingston
Contact the Main Branch in Livingston at (225) 686-4160 or visit www.mylpl.info for more details on any event.
Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m.: Teen Game Night (ages 13-18). Refreshments provided. Albany-Springfield Branch
Contact the Albany-Springfield Branch at (225) 686-4130.
Sept. 5, 5p.m.: Crepe Paper Art (ages 5-7). Get your little ones involved with a fun filled art project using colored crepe paper streamers. They will be rolling a glue mixture onto canvas to make wonderfully textured works of art. Registration is required.
Sept. 6, 1p.m.: Gnome Teardrop Wreath (Ages 18+). Gnome Teardop Wreath workshop. All supplies provided. Registration is required.
Denham Springs-Walker Branch
Call the Denham Springs-Walker Branch at (225) 686-4140.
Sept. 3, 6p.m.: Teen Game Night (ages 13-18). Refreshments provided.
Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m.: Awesome Paper Animals (ages 8-12) Registration is required.
South Branch
Call the South Branch at (225) 686-4170. Tuesday,Sep. 3, 10:30 a.m.: Joyful Reads Book Club (ages 18+). Coffee and adiscussion at the South Branch Library at the Joyful Reads Book Club. Each month the club will have adifferent inspirational book to read and discuss.
Watson Branch Call the Watson Branchat(225) 6864180.
Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m.: Faux Sunflower Crowns (ages 18+)With Halloween and the RenaissanceFestival just around the corner,why not start planning your look with our Faux SunflowerCrowns? All supplies provided. Registration is required. Sendnewsand events for Livingston and Tangipahoaparishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4p.m.Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
FILEPHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK
Destin Costanza, Alec Griffith and Emma Griffith said that despite the oppressive heat, theywere enjoying theHot August Stroll in Hammond’s Historic Downtown District. The event was sponsored by the city’sdowntown development district.
Roomie the Lion, SoutheasternLouisiana University’s mascot, is accompaniedbyJaycee James, left,and Heart Williams whilemakingthe rounds during Hammond’sHot August Stroll.
at theFarmersand Artisans Market in Hammond’sRailroad Park.
Three members ofKeep Hammond beautiful, from left, Emily Anthony, Gina Anthon and Michelle Leagans, man abooth promoting anti-littering and recycling during Hammond’s Hot AugustStrollonAug.24. Keep Hammond Beautiful has spearheaded anti-litter and sustainability campaigns for more than adecade.
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
The crowds watching Lionpawlooza, atribute to SoutheasternLouisiana University’s upcoming sports seasons, cheer loudly when the school’saward-winning cheerleading team performs some of their stunts.
Brian Phillips, StevenBloom and Kelsie Wood, from left, visit abooth. The three are members of the Hammond Kiwanis Aktion Club.AktionClubs afford adults with disabilities the opportunity to join agroup that teaches leadershipand community service skillswhile fostering friendships and learning experiences among the members
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music at various times during the day Live music greeted shoppers at the city’spopular Framers and Artisans; Market. Among the vendors wasBruce Ebarb, who waspurveying awide collection of trees and plants grownonhis farminSpringfield. Ebarb said that he is aregular at the Saturday morning market in Hammond and that he has been successful in selling his plants. Special activities were featured throughout the day at other venues. The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center had aslate of activities foryoung visitors. The HammondRegional Arts Center wasopen for much of the day and visitors came to view the HammondArt Guild’s62nd annual Judged Open Exhibition.
The annual Wine and Cheese Stroll started at 4p.m. Participants in the stroll purchased a ticket that entitled them to visit numerous downtownbusinesses whoprovided wine samples and light snacks.
The daylong celebration attracted the largest crowd in the history of the event, according to Michelle Kendall, executive director of the DowntownDevelopmentDistrict.
She said the success of the day’s activity demonstrated once again the vibrancy and appeal of Hammond’sdowntown district and the merchants whocontribute to the success of the DowntownDevelopment District.
AndryLanaux, Ellis Lanauxand LucindaClemons,fromleft, makeacquaintances with adog that was up foradoption by an animal rescue organization
READYTOSOAR
High school football season kicks off soon and Live Oak High School prepared for the upcoming season Aug. 21 with its second annual Live Oak High tailgate and pep rally
The band performed, football players were introduced to the community and jambalaya was served.
Sophia DiGiovanni, left,tastes aspoonfulofher mother,Laureen DiGiovanni’s, sno-ball.
The cheerleaders perform.
Flag team members Megan Core, foreground, Sy’RiaHerbert,back left, and Phoebe Walker twirltheir flags.
Band members PrestonGolden,left, Jordyn Lindseyand Jayce Purpleperform.
Bob Seal, right, stirs apot of jambalaya as Jeff Gill, left, and Matt Cookmire watch.
Band member Kiran Bragg performs during the second annual Live Oak High tailgate and pep rally on Aug. 21 in Watson.
Band members Madison Tillman, left,and Kaylee Bordelon perform.
PHOTOSBYDAVID NORMAND
BritenyKnight,foreground, and Denise O’Neal serve bowls of jambalaya to members of the football team during the second LiveOak High tailgate and peprally