Live Oak volleyball enters newera with promise, newhead coach
Last Wednesday marked a changing of the guard for the Live Oak volleyball team as the Eagles openedtheir 2024 seasonatEpiscopal.
The match was the first under head coach Jordan Woods, who had served as an Eagles assistant under former coach Janie Tidwell. The Eaglesare looking to find akiller instinct, something that will help them close out sets and finish off opponents late in their matches. Against Episcopal, the tension ramped up before the Eagles eventually fell in five sets. The individual set scores told part of the story
—22-25, 25-18, 13-25, 25-21, 1416—but there was more. For a Live Oak team that is trying to learn how to close, there were good and bad signs.
“Coming in Iknew it wasgoing to be tough,” Woods said “We’ve got five seniorsand we really wanted to pull itout. There’salot of emotionright now but we’re going to be OK.”
The Eagles built leads in the second and fourth sets andheld on to win both. On the other hand, they led the firstset 20-16 before Episcopal scored seven straight points on its way to a come-from-behind set win.But the biggest disappointment came in the deciding fifth set
Live Oak trailed 8-5, butrallied winning seven of thefollowing eight points to takea 12-9 lead. The Eagles kept the pressure on, and atip kill by Amelie LaFleur followed by a service winner from Peyton Shields gave the visitorsa 1412 lead.
The Eagles were one point from winning the match, but it didn’thappen this time. Episcopal buckled downand scoredthe final four points, but there were still plenty of positives for Live Oak to build on “I’m super proud,” Woods said. “Last year,wecouldn’t finish and Ithink we did alot better with that tonight.”
Junior Da’Miaya Dunn had the most success with ateamhigh nine kills. LaFleur, asenior, finishedwith seven kills and senior Elisa Hodges had five kills. Live Oak still has plentyof time to improve.
On aside note, Live Oak is without its unofficial mascot of the last few seasons, Tidwell’s schnauzer Winston. He became well-known by fans and opposing teams as he took aseat next toTidwell on the team bench Winston passed away the day before the Episcopal match at the age of 13. His passing is noted with fondness
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reachSalzer, email livingston@theadvocate. com.
Crafters create wind chimes SEA BREEZE
BY VIC COUVILLION Contributing writer
Combine,inthe proper order, a stick, semitranslucent shells, colorfulbeads, various lengths of string, tiny eyelets, an eye forcolorand symmetry,and above all, very nimble fingers, andone will have atinkling wind chime to bring home for patio orporch With properinstruction and dedication to the task at hand, agroup of more than adozen women, gathered at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch of the Livingston Parish Library SystemAug.28, dutifully completedtheir creations and were ready to test the sound produced by thechimes theyhad made. The chime-making process was madeeasier by thepreparation andinstruction provided by Kathy Tedaldi, theadult services coordinator for the
Debbie Durnin, left, andSharon Harman, demonstrate the first step in creating acapiz shell wind chime during aclass on wind chime making held at the DenhamSprings-Walkerbranch of the Livingston Parish Librarysystem.Both are regular attendees at craft sessions sponsored by the librarysystem.
library.Whenthe women arrived for the crafts session they weregreeted at place on long
tables with atray on which lay astick about 10 inches long, six eyelets, the shells and the first
piece of monofilament fishing line that would hold the main strand of the wind chime.About theshells,Tedaldi explained that they wereknown as capiz shells andthatthey were specifically chosen fortheir beauty and ability to make apleasant sound when gently wafted against each other by apassing breeze.
The stick wasthe key to the creation. Twotiny holesontop of the stick welcomed the eyelets that would be the anchoring spot for the hanger of the wind chime. On the other side of the stickwere four holes that would be the location for the other eyelets that would hold the strands of chimes and beads. The tiny holes had to be enlarged with push tacks and getting theeyelets started was where the nimble fingers came into play.Oncethe eyeletshad
See CRAFTERS, page 2G
TravelingVietnam Wall coming to Walker
Tulum’sbringsCaribbean vibes, Latincuisine to Denham Springs
BY JUDYBERGERON Staff writer
Imagine relaxing on the sunny beach and listening to thewaves in the Mexican resort town of Tulum.
Anew restaurant in DenhamSprings is doing its best to offer the next bestthing —tropical cocktails andauthentic Latin cuisine in acasual setting. Tulum’sGrill and Cantina, 151 Bass ProBlvd.,Suite A, opened on Tuesday in theformerSarita’sGrill & Cantinalocation anchoringthe west end of astrip of businessesnear Bass Pro Shops and Sam’sClub.
“Weare finally open and readytoserve you!”the restaurant’s Facebookposton
Tuesday read. “Featuring delicious cocktails and authentic Latin cuisine, come take abreak from yourstressful dayand come vacay at Tulum’s.”
In addition to Taco Tuesday andKids’ Night specials, the lunch and dinner menus offeranassortment of enchiladas,tacos, burritos, chimichangas, tamales andflautas, along withcombo plates,appetizers,soups and salads. And how does banana cheesecake ($8) fordessert sound?
Prices range from $3.95 foraside taco to $36.95 foraChimichanga de Fajita. The restaurant’shours are11a.m. to 9p.m. daily
See TULUM’S, page 3G
New dates have been announced forthe Vietnam Waland Costof Freedom Tribute comingtoWalker The event is set from Sept. 25-29. The memorial is an 80%replica of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall standing at 360 feet long and 8feet tall. It bears the name of the 58,307 men andwomen who made the ultimatesacrifice in defense of thenation’s freedom during the Vietnam War. Accompanying theVietnam Veterans Memorial Wall is the Cost of Freedom Tribute, aseries of smaller panels that honor theservice andsacrifices of those serving in Americans in World WarI,World WarII, the9/11 attacks,the Warin Afghanistan and Iraq. The event schedule includes: Sept. 25: The wall will be escorted from East Baton Rouge Parish into Livingston Parishand Sidney Hutchinson Park. Sept.26: Dedication and Wreath
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Some veterans prayednext to the wall, others photographed the names of fallen friendsorfamily during an earlier display of the half-size traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Louisiana.
FILE PHOTO BY TED JACKSON
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Busily engaged in creating capiz shell wind chimes, from left, are CatCrader,Julie Oliver,Kim Gibson, MattieLandry and Jenna Oliver.The group was participating in the wind chime class held at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch of the Livingston BranchParish LibrarySystem on Aug. 28.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Quesadillas areonthe menu at the newTulum’s Grill and Cantina in Denham Springs.
Registration forthe next round of Louisiana Fortify HomesProgram grants will open at 8a.m. Sept. 18, and close at 5p.m. Sept. 20. While previous grant roundsoperated on afirst-come, first-served basis, registration for this and future rounds will be conductedusing alottery system. To participate in the lottery, homeowners must register during the three-day period in September.
CRAFTERS
Continued from page1G
been secured, completing the chimes was easier
Once the strings were secure at the stick, Tedaldi invited her charges to go to select beads to accompanythe shells on thedangling lines.
The women were unanimous in their praise for the Livingston Parish Library System. Among those laudingthe library wasNina Howes who called the library system, “great, fantastic …the library doesawonderful joband it is ablessing to everyone in the parish who takes the time tocome to the branches and enjoy what is offered. We have awonderful library system and Iappreciate the staff at the librarieswho are alwayssohelpful.”
Tedaldicarefully guided the crafters as they finished their projectsand forthose whocould not complete the assignment by the time the class ended she supplied small plastic bagsfor them to bring the shells, beadand string home to completed the project. Visit the library’s webpage, mylpl.info, for more craft classes and programs.
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Ceremony,10a.m.
Homeowners who attempted to apply during aprevious round of grants but were not selected will need to register for this round.
Once the lottery registration period closes,the LFHP will randomly select 300 participants from the pool of eligible registrants, and an additional 200 registrants will be placed on awaitlist forthe same round.
The LFHPwill send an email notification to registrants who are selected to participate.
This round will be open to resi-
dents of Louisiana’sCoastal Zone, which includesall or part of the followingparishes: Ascension, Assumption, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary,St. Tammany,Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Vermilion.
The LFHP is considering parameters for future grantrounds, including opening rounds to registrants statewide, limiting registration to homeowners with low-
to-moderate income, and more.
Details about future grant rounds will be released later this year
“With over 1,300 fortified roof grants issued since the program began last year,the LFHPisdoing great work to help homeowners while making our state amore attractive place for insurers to do business,” said Commissioner Tim Temple. “Changingthe program to alottery system creates afairer experience for everyone who is interested in applying.”
Those interested in the program
are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at www.ldi.la.gov/ fortifyhomes to determine whether their home meets the requirements forthe program. If selected to participate in the grantprogram, homeownerswill be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certifiedEvaluator as well as costs forthe roof upgrade includingpermits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant.
nbsstore.net/self-treatment-face-andhead.
Mammographycoach visits Livingston
Sept. 27: Quilt of Valor Ceremony,10a.m.
Sept. 28: Living HistoryTimeline, 9a.m to 4p.m.
Sept. 29: Ride of Honorand nondenominationalchurch service, 9:30 a.m. (ride)10 a.m. (service) For volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, email parksandrecinfo@walker-la.gov.
Fall Garden Dayplanned in Walker
Southeastern Livingston Center and Livingston Master Gardeners are hosting aFall Garden Day from 9a.m. to 2p.m. Sept. 21 at 9262 Florida Blvd. in Walker
The event will include nurseryvendors, kids activities, gardening talks and plant sale.
All proceeds support community garden projects and school gardens Florence Crowder will discuss the preservation of camellias and horticulturist
Dale Zuelke will discussnative trees
Relaxation class Sept. 17
Discover the power of myofascial release techniques in aclass centered around the face and head at the Southeastern Livingston Center
Myofascial release involves gentle, sustained pressure on the fascia to release tension and promote relaxation. Learn how to apply myofascial release to ease tension, improve circulation, and enhance relaxation in the face and head area. By the end of this class,you will have aset of techniques to reducefacial tension, promote relaxation, and alleviate common head-related discomforts.Class is $25. To register,visit southeastern.
Woman’s Hospital brings breast imaging to Livingston Parish with its mobile mammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessible than ever offering 3D mammogram technology across the state. Physician’sorders are required and appointments are encouraged.
The coach stops at Mandy’sPrimary Healthcare, 35701 La. 16, Denham Springs, Sept.16and at LPG Riverside Maurepas, 18740 La. 22, Maurepas on Sept. 27.
Toschedule an appointment in Denham Springs call (225) 791-2400 and in Maurepas, call (225) 698-3435 to schedule.
For moreinformation including thefull mammography coach schedule, visit Womans.org
Concertset forWalkermentorprogram
Walker is partnering with the Walker High School Student Mentor Program to hostadinner and benefitconcert featuring 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 theWalker 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 MainBranch in Livingston
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOAADVOCATE 10291Hwy.190,Walker, LA 70785orP.O.Box 309, Walker,LA70785.(225) 388-0215
JUSTIN LEWIS CELL:(504) 615-1166 Justin.lewis@theadvocate.com M–F,8A.M 5P.M DEADLINE: 5p.m.Fridayprior to publication. SUBSCRIPTIONS
DEATH NOTICES CALL: 225-388-0289
EMAIL: obits@theadvocate.com
WEDDINGS &ENGAGEMENTS CALL: (225) 388-0738
EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate.com
CLASSIFIEDS CALL: (225) 383-0111
EMAIL: classifieds@theadvocate.com
LEGAL ADVERTISING CALL: (225) 388-0128
EMAIL: weeklylegals@theadvocate.com
at (225) 686-4160 or visitwww.mylpl.info for more details on any event.
Thursday,Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. Gnome Teardrop Wreath (Ages 18+)
Join us for awhimsical crafting experience at our Gnome Teardrop Wreath workshop! Let your creativity flourish as you assembleyourown charming gnome-
themed wreath to adorn your home with festive fall cheer.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.
*APY means Annual PercentageYield. APYassumesprincipaland interest remainondeposit for7 or 11 monthsatcurrent respective rate. The APYisaccurateasof08/22/2024. The minimum balance required to openanaccountand earn theadvertisedAPY is $500. A penalty maybeimposed forearlywithdrawal. Fees can reduce earnings on theaccount. Cannotbecombined withany other CD bump or offer. At maturity,the CD willautomatically renewfor same term at the prevailing rateunless redeemed within 10 days of maturity.Rates and offerare subjecttochangewithoutnotice. Contact aFirst Guaranty Bank representative formoredetails.
Kathy Tedaldi, adult services coordinator at the Denham SpringsWalker Branch of the Livingston Parish Library System, standing, shows a completed capiz shell wind chime to MaryJane Efferson who is working on her own creation. The chimes featured the translucent capiz shells and sparkling beads.
PHOTO BY VIC COUVILLION
Girl Scouts to host BelieveinGirls EventonOct.12
Community news report
Girls and their families can learn more aboutGirlScoutsduringthe Girl Scouts Louisiana East’sannualBelieve in Girls Eventisset for Oct. 12 at Nicholls State University Girls and their friends andfamilies will spendthe day exploring numerous exhibitsand presentations.The dayfocuses on hands-on, educationaland informativedisplays and activities relating to Girl Scouting’sfocus areas of STEM, life skills, the arts, outdoors and entrepreneurship.
“The Believe in Girls Event brings girls from all across Southeast Louisiana together to explore what it means to be aGirl
Scout,” said RebeccaPennington, CEO of Girl Scouts Louisiana East. “Girl Scouts believesinproviding girlsand theirfamilies with unique educational opportunities that aren’tfound elsewhere. The B.I.G. Event connects girlswith awide range of interests with hands-onexperiences and opportunities to explore theircuriosity.”
The B.I.G. Event will include aone-hour Fireside Chat panel of six professional women working in avariety of fields. Panelists include Lt. Valerie Martinez-Jordan from Lafourche Parish Sheriff’sOffice, FAST Computer Software Project Architect Serena Boettcher,Pelican State Credit Union vice president of Impact andAdvocacy Jessica Sharon, Girl Scouts Alumna
PROVIDED PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK Tulum’sGrill and Cantina,151 Bass ProBlvd., Suite A,in Denham Springsislocatedinthe former Sarita’sGrill & Cantinalocation.
TULUM’S
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The Gomez family owns the new restaurant. They alsoown several Sarita’s restaurants in the area,El Magey MexicanBuffet in Baton Rouge, Bonta del
FornoRistorante (Italian) in Denham Springs andPanaderia Las Delicias bakery also in BatonRouge. They closed their Sarita’s Asian Cuisine in Maurepas Saturday night.
Email Judy Bergeron at jbergeron@theadvocate com.
and Gold Award EarnerCalcea Johnson, EntergyChief NuclearOfficerKimberly Cook-Nelson and aNicholls State Nursing Dept. representative. Aquestion-and-answer session will focus on career opportunities and goals.
The US Coast Guard, Louisiana Space Grant/LSU MARS Truck, Ascension Amateur Radio Club andThibodaux Amateur Radio Club HamRadio presentations, HeartN Hands,Inc., Smile Doctors by DN Orthodontics, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, Nicholls State University Departments and Student Organizations, National Weather Service, Associationfor Women in Science, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authorityand many more
vendors are set to attend. The Colonel Closet, an initiative establishedbyNicholls State Universityto provide for struggling students, will be accepting donations of personal hygiene products, nonperishable food items and baby products at the 2024 B.I.G. Event. Theinitiativeaimstopromote sustainability and reduce waste while aiding students in need.
Non-members are welcome at this event alongside currently registered Girl Scouts. All are welcometoattend and see everything the Girl Scout community has to offer.Registration informationcan be found here. Registration is $10 per girl and free for all adults.
Cybersecuritytalkset forSept. 19
Communitynewsreport
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Computer Science is hosting the first of its fall Industry Connect Distinguished Lectures at 4p.m. Sept. 19. Scheduled in theEnvoc Innovation Lab, located in room 2026 in the Computer Science and Technology Building, the free lecture is titled “Cybersecurity –The Elephant in the Room.”
Guest speaker will be Senior Director of Cyber Resilience with CommonSpirit Health Andres Calderon.
Calderon has over 30 years of experience in strategic and information technology roles.
Previously,hewas thecyber resilience officer at Centura Health and held various IT leadership positions at Blue CrossBlue Shield of Louisiana. Throughout his career,Andreshas taught master’s level courses in analytics, cybersecurity and information technology,anews release said. He has expertise in aligning analytics, cybersecurity,and technologywithcorporate vision as well as in business development, product design, system architecturesand decision support systems. Guests are welcome to join in person at the Computer Science and Technology building or virtually via Google Meet. To be added to the RSVP list and receive all event details, email industryconnect@southeastern. edu. For more information, contact the Department of Computer Scienceat(985) 549-5740.
Fire destroys building at SeventhWardElementary
Communitynewsreport
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating asuspect wanted in connection with an Aug. 31 fire at Seventh Ward Elementary School. The FireMarshal’s Office is investigating the fire. The blaze was reported shortly after midnight, Saturday,Aug. 31. The school’s firealarm sounded and approaching firefighters witnessed smoke from behind the main campus building.
Livingston Parish Fire
ProtectionDistrict4 and Livingston Parish Fire ProtectionDistrict 5responded to the incident. Firefighters controlled the blaze within 30 minutes and the fire was extinguished within an hour,a news release said. The building is considered atotal loss. SeventhWardElementary Principal Laura Dunlap said the building contained the school’snursing station and aspecial needsclassroom, which served five students. She said classroom space and atemporary station for thenurses havebeencreated in the school’smain building.
“Wewant to thank our local firefighters fortheirquick response,and to the staffat SeventhWardElementary for making new accommodations for our students and nurses,”Superintendent Jody Purvis said. “Wewill be
working with investigators, as well as ourinsurance representatives, to replace this campus facility.”
To reportinformation on the fire,call the Arson Hotline at (844) 954-1221 or share information at lasfm.org
Calderon
TwoLivingston Parish students earn honorsinweightlifting competitions PROVIDED PHOTO LiveOak High School’sBrynn Catalano and JubanParc JuniorHigh School’sCameronComeaux wear themedals wonatthe 2024USA Weightlifting Nationals in Pittsburgh, Penn. Catalano also recently competed as amember of Team USA at the 2024 PanAmericanYouthChampionships in Ecuador
TwoLivingston Parish student weightlifters earned top honors this summer during competitions, with the local high school student being selected as amember of Team USA at the 2024 Pan-American Youth Championships in Ecuador Cameron “CoCo” Comeaux, 12, aseventhgraderatJuban Parc Junior High School,received three gold medals in the 44kg weight class for the 13U division of the 2024 USA Weightlifting Nationals in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Comeaux won gold in the snatch, clean and jerk and total weightcategories. While only clocking in at 94 pounds, Comeaux snatched 45 kg (100lbs.) and clean and jerk lifted 56 kg (123 lbs.) to earn top honors Brynn Catalano, 14, aninth graderfromLiveOak High School, won the 14-15-year-
old Best Lifter Award at the 2024 USAWeightliftingNationals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has body weight of 114 pounds and lifted 70 kg (154 lbs.)in the snatch competition and 84 kg (185 lbs.)inthe clean and jerk lift.
Catalano is arepeat national champion —she won the nationalcompetition in her ageand weight categories in 2019 and2021, and sheisa three-time member of the USA Pan-American YouthChampionship Team. Catalanorecently returned as amember of Team USAfor the2024 PanAmerican Youth Championships, which were held Aug. 28-Sept. 1inGuayaquil, Ecuador Team USAsent28athletes to compete in theU15 and U17age-group championships. Catalano was theonly team member from Louisiana.
StudentsatSeventh Ward Elementary in Denham Springs have newplayground equipment on campus thanks to adonation by thePilot Club of Denham Springs
Thecharitable group raised $50,000 to purchase and installthe new equipmentonthe campus. This is the second playground donated by theclub. Its members donated similar equipment, also costing $50,000, to Holden School earlier this year
The donation is part of thePilot Club’s5-to10-year plantoprovide playground equipment to elementary campuses across the parish thatisaccessible to all students, including thosewith disabilities.
“Weknowthatchildren develop ahost of skills through play,but many of our studentsinLivingston Parishmay have limited access to safe play equipment on the campuses,” said Terri Borde, aPilot Club representative.
“Weknow theLivingston Parish School Board does notallocate funding to elementaryschools for playground equipment,and that has contributed to asevere shortage of equipment available to all students, andespecially those with disabilities,” Borde added.
Seventh Ward Principal LauraDunlap, as well as many of the school’steachersand centraloffice staff, attended the dedication of the newplayground equipment.Severalstudents,who were also in attendance, quickly accessed the equipment, climbing,sliding and playingchase with each other
“Wewanttothankthe manymembers of the Denham Springs Pilot Club for
theirwillingnesstoidentify needs in our school system and to stepuptohelp,”Dunlapsaid. “This wonderful gift will bring many hours of enjoymentand learning to our students.”
Bordesaid theclubhopes to target two elementary schools each year Thefirst tworecipients of thePilot Club’sinitiativeare Holden School and SeventhWardElementary Holden’sequipment was deliveredand installedover
thesummer, while Seventh Ward Elementary’scame in near the time school started, and its setup was completed before the end of August.
“Wewill continue to work closely on theseprojects as well as others, with the LPPS administration in order to provide all children access to play,” Borde said, noting that the organization’smembersworkwith grant programsand raise local donations to pay for
the new equipment.
Borde said themissionof thePilotClub of Denham Springsistopositivelyimpact andtransform local communities in Livingston Parish by supporting efforts that develop youth, provide services and education,and uplift families. She noted that in keeping with that mission, the focus of many of the club’sprojects ofteninvolve supporting people with disabilities and/ or brain-related disorders.
Seventh Ward Elementarystudents play on newequipment, valued at $50,000, that was donated to the school by the Denham Springs Pilot Club
Campers, counselorsand volunteers at Camp Catahoula 2024
