Livingston airportbreaksground
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Need some seeds? Visit thelibrary
In partnership with Livingston Master Gardeners, the Livingston Parish Library has launched of anew service: seed libraries.
For seasoned gardeners and beginners alike, these seed libraries offer avariety of seeds that patrons can “check out.”
The purpose of this new service is to provide the community with accessto seedsfor home gardening, promote sustainability, and encouragelocal biodiversity.Patrons can “borrow” seeds for free, plantthem, andreturn harvested seedsto the library
It’ssimple: Browse the selection at your local library, choose your seeds, get planting instructions, sign the “checkout” sheet, and grow your garden.
Seed Libraries are available at the library’sfive branches. Seeds and instructions will be maintained by the Livingston Parish chapter of the Louisiana Master Gardeners. Seed donations are welcome.
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Surrounded by golden shovels and speakersplaying “Jet Airliner,” about 70 peopleincluding legislators, local leaders and LivingstonParish residents gathered at thefuture site of theparish airport to celebrate its groundbreaking.
The LivingstonExecutive Airport will be the first public airport builtinthe parish, anditwillbe located south of Interstate 12 near the Satsuma exit on Jordan Lane.
The airport won’thave commercial flights,but parish leaders hope businessesand investors will take advantage of it to further grow the area. Construction will happen in phasesbeginning in 2025.Phase 1will create a4,200-foot runway
The finaldesign callsfor a5,000foot runway.Sofar,$13 million has been invested intothe airport.
Membersofthe airportdistrict and state legislators applauded
the future witha project like this. He said he will be working with the airport district membersasthey move toward joiningthe Federal Aviation Administration.
“You take this kind of vision and the courage to take arisk, one guy with resources, but aparish willingtocomebehind, andnow we see the fruition of that vision,” he said.
Afterthe ceremony, Cassidy said that the airport will lead to investment and economic opportunities —and simply,that other parishes wanttobelike Livingston.
“Other parishes wanttohave the population growth, the increased opportunity,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy andseveral people commended Garry Lewis, alocal developer,for his donation of 242 acres of land in Satsumaused to makethe airport areality
thework accomplished and looked forward to what the airport could bring to theparish.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy complimented the parish andsaidmore people willmovetoLivingston in
Funtimes at the Fall Festival
“The Livingston Parish people
Charles Salzer
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Denham Springs volleyball
fightingfor spot in playoffs
With three weeks left in the regular season, the Denham Springs volleyball team is fighting foraprime spot when the LHSAA playoffs begin.
So far,sogood.
Denham Springs had a chance to pick up akey win last week at Central. Even though it eventually came up short, it was ahard-fought match against aquality opponent
Featuring aveteran Central team as the opponent, the
BY VIC COUVILLION
BY VIC COUVILLION
Contributing writer
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Delia Taylor,Livingston Parish AirportDistrict chair,and Lucien Cutrera, retired urban planner whohelped design the master plan, look at the schematics of the airporttogether during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Livingston ExecutiveAirportinSatsumaonOct.
STAFF PHOTOSBYMICHAEL JOHNSON
of
Mulvany Sr.atthe Fall Festivalinthe
PHOTO BY VICCOUVILLION
PHOTO BY VIC COUVILLION Jessica Dayhoss, of Loranger,left, of Jene’sGreens, explains howtomanageaplant to Lori Breland, of Denham Springs
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Livingston Parish youthtocelebrate National 4-HWeek
Community news report
Livingston Parish youth, parents,volunteers and alumni are comingtogether Oct. 6-12 to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H during National 4-H Week. The focus for thisyear’s
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national campaign is to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s4-H program and identify solutions to eliminatethe opportunity gapthataffects 55 million kids across America, a news releasesaid. The 4-H program is a nationwide youth development program that has
are the best people in theUnited States,” Lewis said in response to praise about the donation.
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves echoed sentimentsofLewis and the airport district’swork and recalled how federal laws wouldn’tallow an airport because it was too close to nearby airports in Hammond and Baton Rouge. But as chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation, he worked to have the 2024 FAAReauthorization Bill approve the facility “It will be eligible for federal funds, because that’sinthe law today,” he said. “It was the right thing to do.” Live Oak High Schoolteacher Aaron Heuvel brought hisaviation students to the ceremony and said the airport will be fundamental in giving students ahands-on experience. He has taken his students to Louis Armstrong New OrleansInternational Airport to tourthe facility but is excited to have acloser airport they can learn at.
“I’m really looking forward to having this one. Baton Rouge is great but expensive because it’s acommercialized airport. These smaller airports areway betterfor what we’re doing for training purposes,” he said. Outside of the classroom, Heuvel is apilot and currently flies out of Louisiana Regional Airport in Gonzales, so he looks forward to the possibility of flying out closer to home.
Parish members discussed the ideaofanairport for about two decades, and it should be fully op-
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match provided asnapshotofhow hardthe Yellow Jackets are competing this season.
Denham Springs won the first set 25-23 before dropping the next two. The fourth set was back-and-forth with Central finally setting itself up with a2421 lead. The Jackets scored the next two points and appeared to
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Chamberseeking nominations
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for: Livingston Parish Business of the Year, Women’sLeadership, Livingston Future 5and Community Impact Awards. These awards highlight outstandingbusinesses and individuals that follow best practices and positively impact both
nearly 6million youth involved in it annually.Administered in Louisiana by the LSU AgCenterCooperative Extension Service, 4-H serves youthinall 64 parish offices.4-H is managed jointly by both aprofessional and volunteer staff. Youthmembers can participate in avarietyofprojects in the areas of healthy living, science,engineering, technology andcitizenship. Beyond learning something new through a project, youth canparticipate in camps, leadership conferences and become involved in their community through service and meet new friends. Ayoung person’sexperiences in 4-H make adifference for alifetime by allowing them to grow and appreciate the importance of being agood citizen, strong leader and person of character,the release said.
“It’simportant to celebrate National 4-H Week to advocate for agriculture and show how manyopportunitiesthere can be.4-H has opened so many doors for me and Iwant it to do the same for everyone,” said Breleigh Page, state 4-H president andLivingston Parish 4-H member For information on 4-H, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/ topic/kids_teens.
Project leaders and local officials break ground on the Livingston ExecutiveAirportinSatsuma on Thursday
erational within the next five years, said Livingston Parish Airport District Chairwoman Delia Taylor,who led the ceremony
have tied the game 24-24, but the Jackets werecalled for throwing the ball on what wouldhave been the tying point.
“Tonight isanexampleof how our season has gone,” head coach Pam Dubuy said. “We had alot ofenergy,and alot of games wereclose. We’ve had a lot of five-gamer (matches) that we’ve won or lost, and that’show our season has been. Sometimes we endonthe short endofthe stick and sometimeswecome out on top.”
the economy and community of Livingston Parish. Nomination forms mustbesubmitted by midnight Nov. 14. All nominees willbeaskedto completeanapplicationprocess in ordertomove forward.Judgingfor awardsisdone by an out-of-state independent panel Winners for all award categories will be announced Jan. 16 at the Livingston Parish Chamber’s annual meeting and Awards LuncheononThursday,Jan. 16, 2025. Formoreinformation or to nominate abusiness or individ-
“How quickly do we get there? Money and time. That’s theanswer Itwill be based upon demand as well. We do anticipatebeginning to
Regardless of the outcomes, the matches have showcased an uptick in the Jackets’ level of play.It’sanoccurrence that Dubuy credits to her five seniors, Rita Hatley,Anelise Wickwire, Chelsea Bellony,Elizabeth Harrell and Corrine Mouch.
“All five of my seniors get playing time. They are my leaders,” Dubuy said. “You can tell they’re the core of our team.”
The Yellow Jackets opened their District 5-5A schedulelast week splittingmatches against
ual, visit the Livingston Parish Chamber website at www.livingstonparishchamber.org/events.
Squeezethe Daycitrustreesale
The Livingston Master Gardeners are taking orders fora variety of citrus trees. The sale ends Oct. 12. The trees will be available for pickup in later this month.
To order,call (225) 456-0853.
Mighty Moms raisingmoney September is Childhood Hunger Awareness Month, and Mighty Moms is doing its part to
look at that as soon as possible, but this will give us agreat start,” she told the crowd. Taylor and other airport advo-
Dutchtown and East Ascension, both expected to challenge for district honors. That split has Denham Springs eying asecondplace or better district finish and apossible spot among the power rating’stop 16 at season’send.
With the top 16 teams guaranteed to host afirst-round playoff match, it would be the first time that has happened in Dubuy’s tenure at Denham Springs.
For now,things seem to be lining up.
Heading into this week’s
feed children in need. Want to help make adifference? Sign up to sponsor achild for only $30 by visiting www mightymomsgo.org/donate.
Eyeglass recyclingdrive
4-H members throughout Livingston Parish are collecting eyeglasses to help the Livingston Lions Club’sproject to help provide glass to children in need. Contact a4-H member to learn more about the collection drive. The glass are sent to Texas for refurbishing and then to those in need in Mexico.
cates picked up their golden shovels and scooped up dirttokickoff the site’sconstruction and end the ceremony
games, Denham Springs was 12-9 overall, 1-1 in district, and closing in on last season’swin total of 16.
Astrong district finish will likely set the Jackets up for that first-round home playoff game, which, all by itself, would be a big win for the program
Charles Salzercovers Livingston sports for theLivingstonTangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
It’s Parish Fair time in Livingston
The Livingston Parish Faircontinues this week.
The fair,which started in 1937, includes carnival rides, arodeo, livestock exhibitions, 4-H horse show,pet show andcommunity exhibits.
For aschedule, visit livingstonparishfair.com/fair-schedule.
Sendnewsand events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4p.m Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER
Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com 225-388-0731
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
STAFF PHOTOSBYMICHAEL JOHNSON
Booths line Mattie Street during the annual Fall Festival.
Scarlet Louise Smith squeezes through partof an inflatable bounce house at the Fall Festival in the downtown antique district on Saturday in Denham Springs
HayesAlviso smiles while sitting on aLivingston Parrish Sheriff’smotorcycle.
Emma Grace Taylor slides down an inflatable bounce house.
Billy Taylor makes acheesesteak at Babin’s Good Eats.
The band Solid Still performs at Train Station Park during the Fall Festival.
Cecelia Hicks, left, picks aheartshaped container next to her sister RosemaryHicks at abooth by Grace Covenant Church.
Blayklie Lemaysits with Santa,aka Lloyd Sullivan. Booths line North RangeAvenue.
KennedyAlviso eats asno-ball.
the event. The children’sfishing rodeo was sponsored by the Children’sChurch in the Park, anondenominational, nonprofit group that holds events to benefit childrenin the community
James Harris, president of Kid’sChurch in thePark, saidthe group tries “to satisfy the physical and what we call the ‘heart’ needsof all children in the community.Through events such as our fishingrodeo, we offer children the opportunity to come to the park for a day of fun, fellowship and friendship.
“Wewant the children, and members of their families, to know that we care and are doing what we can to brighten the lives of childrenin our community,” he added The fishing rodeo is named for Andy,ababy who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Harris said his family has been generous in supporting the mission of the Children’sChurch in the Park.
“Our fishing rodeo is a great family event and an opportunity to bringpeople out on abeautiful day to enjoy something that brings the communitytogether,” Harris said. “It’sall about the children but their parents, family members and friends enjoy the day just as much.”
Assisting the fishing rodeo was the Transport Ministries, agroup that provided free jambalaya, hot dogsand other treats. TransportMinistries is anonprofitcharitable organization that was established in the later part of 2019. The organizationwas formed as aresult of hurricanes and other natural disasters that affected hundreds of thousands of people. The group has large trucks to transport commodities from churches and organizations to impacted areas.
James Sparacello, founder of the group, lost hishome, vehicles and belongings in Hurricane Andrew.Assistance that he and his family received in that disaster supped him to help others sohebegan Transport Ministries.
“Westarted the fishing rodeo last year and it was such asuccess that we decided to do it again this year and looking at the people we have here today,itmakes us want to keep on offering afishing adventure for the kids in the future,” Harris said.
Cretin Townsend Homes, of Hammond, donated300 fishing poles for the young anglers who quickly claimed their lucky pole.
Roomie Throughthe Decadesis themefor SLUhomecomingweek
Community news report
TheSoutheasternLouisianaUniversity campus will be buzzing Oct. 14-19 with homecoming week activities capped by tailgating, reunions, aparade and football action in Strawberry Stadium.
With thetheme “Roomie Through the Decades,” homecoming 2024 is being sponsored by the Alumni Office with the Southeastern Student Government Association sponsoring all student-related activities. The week culminateson Homecoming DayonOct. 19, when the Lions take on Stephen F. Austinat4 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
On Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. in the Student Union breezeway,aHomecoming Kickoff event is set, which features snacks, music, activities and giveaways. In addition,the National Pan-Hellenic Council Black Family Reunionis set for7 p.m.Oct. 14 in the Student Union breezeway
On Tuesday,Oct. 15, the action begins at 11 a.m.with Lunch with the Lions. Following at 2p.m. is the annual Phi KappaPhi Quiz bowl, when students and faculty battle it out in the Student Union, room 2207. Railroad Roar is also scheduled Tues-
day,when downtown businesses will offer aday full of specials and discounts. The activities will culminate with an event at Railroad Park in partnership with Southeastern Alumni, the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce and Hammond DowntownDevelopment District from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with live music from theOpen RangeBand, giveaways andmore. Wednesday,Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2p.m., features Gumbo Yaya in the Student Union breezeway,where students will enjoy free food andfun on campusand the 2024 Homecoming court will be introduced. On Thursday,Oct. 17, ROTC will hold an alumni reunion at La Carretain downtown Hammond at 6p.m., and the annual Lip Sync competition for studentsbegins at 6p.m. inthe University Center The Sigma TauGamma Alumni Memorial Brick Installationand Eternal RitualatFriendshipCircle Memorial Plazaisscheduled at 5p.m.Friday,Oct. 18 followedbythe Alumni Association’sannual Alumni Awards Evening in the Student Union Ballroom at 6p.m. Also scheduled that evening is the African
American Alumni Chapter’s Homecoming Mixer at the Alumni Center,from 9p.m. to 12 a.m. Nationally recognized lawyer,negotiator,legal strategist and a1965 graduate of SoutheasternCalvin C. Fayard Jr.will be recognized as Alumnus of the Year, while sisters Leonie Ezegbunam and Janice EzegbunamGeorge will be honored as the Young Alumnaeofthe Year.Ticketsfor theevent areavailable at Southeastern Alumni, (985) 549-2150, or online at southeastern. edu/alumni/involved/annualevents/recognition/registration/.
The annual homecoming parade will roll at noon. Following the parade, Lion fans can cheer on head coach Frank Scelfo and histeam during the “Lion Walk” as they make theirway through Friendship Circle to Strawberry Stadium. The Lions will kick off against Stephen F. Austin at 4p.m. The 2024 homecoming royalty will be announced and crowned at halftime.
For acompleteschedule of homecoming 2024 events, visit southeastern. edu/homecoming or call the Alumni Center,(800) SLUALUM or (985) 549-2150.
IndustryConnect lecture series returnstoSLU
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’sDepartment of Computer Science is hosting the second of the fall Industry Connect Distinguished Lectures at 4p.m. Oct. 17 in theEnvoc InnovationLab, in room 233 in the Computer Science and Technology Building.
The free lecture is titled “Modeling Software Development Problems in Time and Thinking Temporally.” Calvin Fabre, founder and
president of Envoc, atechnology innovation andconsulting firm in BatonRouge and Hammond, will deliver thelecture. Fabreisamemberofthe International Standards Organization’sWorking Group, which defines mobile driver’slicense standards.
“What did our membership looklike on Jan. 15 of this year? How many customers wereactive last year at thistime?How many are activetoday?” asked Fabre. “These are real-world ques-
tions for adeveloper and data modeler.Theyare all easily answered using atemporal data model. Atemporal entity changes over time, and business processes require the history and future of the item to be queried with ease.” To be added tothe RSVP list and receive allevent details, email industryconnect@southeastern.edu. For more information, contact the Department of Computer Science at (985) 549-5740.
Brooklynn and MaryBattles are eager to catch a fish. With them is Braylynn Battles.
Young anglerstakeabreak from fishingtoget some refreshments while participating in the Andy’sFishing Rodeo for Kids.Fromleft are KaylaKavanaugh, HannahKavanaugh, Morgan Malone, Sparkey Chauvin and Caroline Chauvin
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Children fish while family members look on at Hammond’s Zemurraypark on Saturday. The children were participating in the Andy’sFishing Rodeo for Kids sponsored by the Kid’s Church in the Park, anon-denominational group that fosters programs for children in the community
the group sponsored its first ever Fall Plant Sale fundraiser Sept. 21 at the Southeastern Livingston Centerin Walker.Funds derived from the sale will assist the Master Gardeners in supporting itseducational efforts.
Donna Holten, the group’s president, said that among the organization’sinvolvement is the rewarding of twogrants that help fund projects at parish schools. The grants were awarded to Denham Springs Junior High School and Louis Vincent Elementary School.
Justin Rayburn of the DHJHand LeslieEllis of Louis Vincentwere the teachers who submitted plans for horticulture programsattheirrespective schools.
“In both cases the funds we supply to the schools willhelp our students learn all about the importanceof gardening and related activities involvedwith horticulture in general. The students are getting an opportunity to participate in ‘hands on’activities that teach them gardening skills,” Holten said
To assist with the plant sale,the Master Gardeners invited anumber of commercial plant vendors to bring their wares to the sale
This allowed shoppers the opportunity to choose from awide variety of plants.
Holten said the LivingstonMaster Gardeners are “thriving.”
“Wehave 62 active members who are very much involved in our organization,” Holten said. The school,she said, is in the processof starting anew class, which has 21 applicants.
“There is more to gardeningthanjust plantingand maintaining plants. Some of our members are into hydroponics, others have green houses, some specialize in vegetable gardens, others focus on flowers and landscape. There is much that one can learn through Master Gardening,” she said
JoAnn Cook, the group’s treasurer,added, “even though we all enjoy growing things, there’seven more to Master Gardening. We also focus on education in the school, outreach when we can be of assistance in the community,and the fostering of friendships. Our members enjoy meeting and working together.Besides,it gives some of us areason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Those aspiring to become aMaster Gardener must complete 14 weeks of training classes that take three hours aweek. Participants are tested on aregular basis and must makeatleast one presentation before they can
graduate from the program. After they finish the class, gardeners are required to volunteer 40 hours of service to the organization in thefirstyearand 20 hours each year thereafter.Members also must take six additional hours of continuing education classes. Clark Robertson, thehorticulture agentfor Livingston Parishwith theLSU AgCentersaidof his association with the Master Gardeners, “I very much enjoyworking with these ladies. They bring knowledge and energy to thefield of horticulture in general.These ladies frequently come up with new ideas on how to improve their organization and how to serve others, especially in theschools.Today’s Fall PlantSale was afresh idea that the group cameupwith and is one more example of how they always think of something new.”
Robertson said that while women make up about 90% of the group’smembership, some men are also interested
Despite yet another scorching day in thesecondto-last day of along, hot summer, customerswere showing up at the plant sale looking for flowers, shrubs, trees andother plantsto take home, purchases that will add beauty to their lawns and patios and in the process help the Master Gardeners who are helping theschools.
Abird housecan add something special toabackyard garden and shoppers at the Livingston Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale had the opportunitytopurchasea handcrafted birdhouse at aboothmanned by Nila Foster,of Walker.Foster was also selling her homemade jams and jellies.
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’sfall semester has once again shown enrollment growth, achieving its strongest overall enrollment since COVID-19 and superseding its pre-COVID enrollment, the university recently reported. With an overall enrollment increase of 4% at 14,440 students, Southeastern experienced growth in several categories.
n Undergraduate enrollment rose by 3.9%.
n Graduate enrollment rose by 4.7%, reaching the highest
graduate student population in over adecade. n New first-time freshmen increased by 2.3%.
n New
“Students and families understand the valueina Southeastern education,” said universityPresident William S. Wainwright. “As we enter our 100th year, we are confident in our ability toprepare thenextgeneration of entrepreneurs, nurses, teachers, leaders and citizens of Louisiana —continued strategic
PHOTOSBYVIC COUVILLION
Among the membersofthe Livingston Master Gardeners participating in the Fall Plant Sale on Saturday,from left, were Clark Robertson, JoAnn Cook,Kathy Kiloh,Donna Holten and Melanie McCartt. Robertson is the horticulture agent for Livingston Parish with the LSU AgCenter and Holten is president of the Master Gardenersgroup.
Shopping at the Fall Plant Sale sponsored by theLivingstonMaster Gardeners, from left,are EricaWilson, Samantha Barnum, Hannah Phillipsand Shawn Wilson.
Walker receives $2.5 millionloanto reduce contaminants in drinking water
Community news report
Water quality in the cityof Walker will improve thanks to a new manganese filtration project that is being funded, in part, by a$2.5 million loan from the Louisiana Department of Health’s Drinking Water RevolvingLoan Fund program, city leaders said.
Walker Mayor Jimmy Watson said the funds will pay for the installation of apressure filtration system, ametal building to house thenew equipment and anew chemical feed system to address the iron and manganese thatnaturally occurs in the local water aquifer
The project also includes relocation of existing controls and upgrading systems, as wellasall site appurtenances required to accomplish the goals of the project, according to anewsrelease.
“This project is acrucial part of the city’songoing efforts to address elevated manganese levels in the water supply, which have contributed to the ‘brown water’ someresidents haveexperienced,” Watson said. “It’sim-
portant to note that manganese is not unsafe to consumers, but it certainlyisanuisance.”
He saidthe new filtrationsystem will be constructedatthe No 4wellsite near the high school. It will be designed to remove contaminants through filtration, rather than chemical sequestration, ensuring quality water to every tap, according to the release.
“Thisproject is aprecursor to the city’splanned transition from achloramine-based disinfection system to amoreefficientfree chlorine-based system,” Watson said.“The future switch-over will not only reduce chemical treatment costs,but also lessen the amount of chemicals needed to improve the water quality.That means we are improving the quality and the safety of our water.”
The full costofthe project is projected to be $3.7 million.Additional grants are helping to pay for Phase IIofthis project, which will include afiltration system on the city’sNo. 5well site, located to the south near the Our Lady of Lake medical facility
The DWRLF funding forthe
project, which was awarded over the summer,isprovided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is part of afederal fundinginitiativefor drinking water and wastewater system infrastructure improvement projects acrossthe United States
This project’s funding is coming from BIL’s “Emerging Contaminant Fund,” which is focused on reducing exposure to EPA’s official listofemerging contaminants found in drinking water,according to the release.
“This is aunique opportunity to prioritize fundingtolocal communities that are on the front lines when it comes to emerging contaminants —and this funding for emerging contaminants must be distributed to communities entirely as forgivableloans,”LDH Chief Engineer Amanda Ames said.
Ames noted that approximately $11 million is available each year,for afive-yearperiod, for projects in Louisiana. All projects using the fund areeligible to receive 100% principalforgiveness.
Letlow presents keynoteatleadershipconference
Community news report
Congresswoman Julia Letlow was the keynote speaker Sept. 5atthe Livingston Parish Chamber’sWomen’sLeadership Conference &Expo.
Some 300 people attended the event at Abundant Life Church. The event began with networking and an expo with almost 20 vendorsexhibiting products and services such as boutiques, women’shealth, finance, beauty andaesthetics. The speakerskicked off with KatiLeBreton, of The Redhead Method, who presented advice for good digital habits. Maj. Paul Brignac, of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, followed up with some general tips on women’ssafety “I’m going to take you down a
little bit, but Ipromise I’mgoingtobring you back up,” Letlow said. She shared her personal journey,including the loss of her younger brother,Jeremy,her experience pursuing aPh.D. and becoming auniversity president, andher decision to run for Congress after the death of her husband, Luke. Throughout the address, attendeeslearned about Letlow’sfaith,resilience and commitment to public service. Shediscussedher owninitial reluctance to enter politics,before ultimately deciding to run for her husband’sseat after his death Letlow emphasized the support she received from the women in her community to pursue acareer in politics, and the challenges she faced, suchasself-doubt
and the perceptionthat she was not qualified. She briefly touched on her workinCongress, particularly her roleonthe House Committee on Educationand Workforce and her involvement in the reauthorizationofthe Higher Education Act.
Letlow concluded by saying, “Weare all going to go through hardships; we are all going to face tough times.But if you will let it, walking through the fire will makeyou so much stronger Youwill come out ready to face anything.”
The Women’s Leadership Conference &Expo is part of Women’sProgramming through the Livingston Parish Chamber.This year’sevent was presented by Sheriff Jason Ard. To learn more about Women’sProgramming, visit the chamber’swebsite at livingstonparishchamber.org.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Author,musicianJohnetteDowning to headline Livingston book festival
Community news report
Author,singer, musician, composer,illustrator and poet
Johnette Downing will headline this year’sLivingston Parish Library’sBook Festival.
ANew Orleans native, Downing’sworks are dedicated to celebrating childhood,nurturing cultural exchanges and fostering literacy through her music and books, anews release said Called the “Musical Ambassador to Children” and the “Pied Piper of Louisiana MusicTraditions,” Downing serves up Louisiana roots musicand books in atoe-tapping, two-stepping fun time for families across the globe, anews release said Downing willbeone of dozens of authors and performers attendingthe ninthannualLivingston Parish Book Festival, which will be held from 11 a.m.to4 p.m. Nov.9 at the main library branch in Livingston, at 20390 Iowa St “We’re excited to have someone as accomplished, renowned and talented as Johnette Downing headline the Livingston Parish Book Festival,”saidLiv-
ingston Parish LibraryDirector Michelle Parrish. “Johnette has performed for families all over the world, and we are confident that those who attendthisyear’s Book Festival will enjoy her interactive, energetic andpositive performance.”
Agovernor of the Recording Academy’sMemphis Chapter, Downing has garnered multiple awards during her career,including a2017 Louisiana Writer Award, 59th Grammy Award Participant Certificate, eight Parents’ Choice Awards, four iParenting Media Awards, two Parent’sGuide To Children’s Media Awards, five National Parenting Publications Awards, a Family Choice Award, two Family Review Center Awards, Fids and Kamily Award,Family Review Center GoldAward, Family Review Center Best of the Year Award, DAR Literacy Promotion Award and an Imagination Award. For moreinformation on this year’sBook Festival, visit www mylpl.info/BookFestival or call the Livingston Parish Library at (225) 686-4100.
Letlow