The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 10-01-2025

Livingston improves federal flood rating

Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON

Stroll through downtown Denham Springs Fall Festival

Experience the charm of downtown Denham Springs on Saturday at the Fall Festival.

Stroll along Range Avenue through over 150 vendor booths featuring antiques, art, crafts, greenery and more. Enjoy food favorites like jambalaya, burgers and funnel cakes. Take a walk down Mattie Street to explore local creativity and listen to music at Train Station Park

Also step into antique stores, browse seasonal sales visit the Old City Hall exhibits and soak in the fall atmosphere while people watching from cozy rest areas. Parish Fair kicks off with parade

The Livingston Parish Fair, Oct. 7-12, kicks off Saturday with a parade.

Departing from Doyle Elementary School near Will Hughes Road, the parade advances north on La. 63 and wraps up at the fairgrounds via U.S. 190. Fire trucks, police vehicles, floats, marching bands, dance teams and costumed groups makes its way alongside horseback riders and covered wagons. Participants are judged in different age divisions upon returning to the fairgrounds.

Organized by volunteers Rip Jones, Nancy Stewart and Derek Gardner, this parade celebrates both modern charm and longheld traditions. Find the Livingston Parish Fair schedule at livingstonparishfair com.

Tangipahoa Parish Fair Oct. 1-5

Visit the Florida Parishes Arena on Wednesday through Sunday for the Tangipahoa Fair

To register as a vendor or to find information, visit tangifair.org/ forms. Chamber golf tourney

The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is planning its 30th annual Golf Outing on Oct. 17 at Carter Plantation in Springfield. Registration is underway for sponsors and teams. Visit business.livingstonparishchamber.org for information At the library

Check out these programs at branches of the Livingston Parish Library

Bright Star Theatre sets productions: Bright Star Theatre is coming to two Livingston Parish Library branches Saturday The troupe will preform at the Albany-Springfield branch “Franken-Bully,” at 10:30 a.m.; and at the Denham Springs-Walker branch, “The Legend of Sleep Hollow” at 1:30 p.m. and “A Tell-Tale Tale: The Stories & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” at 2:45 p.m.

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

Livingston Parish residents will soon see their flood insurance premiums drop by 15% after the parish successfully improved its federal flood rating.

Beginning in April, Livingston residents will get a discount that will come to more than $1 million annually, said Parish President Randy Delatte.

After working at it for years, the parish announced in late August that it had achieved a Com-

munity Rating System of Class 7 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

The rating system is a voluntary FEMA program that recognizes and encourages community flood plain management practices such as local mitigation. A lower CRS class rating means a higher discount on flood insurance for a parish or county.

Livingston Parish has been on a long journey to improve its rating class. The parish had a Class 9 rating in the early 2000s, which gave a 5% discount on insurance premiums. After the 2016 flood, however the parish went up to a Class 10 rating and lost the discount.

“This isn’t just a rating. It’s proof that when we work together, we do more than fix roads and bridges,” Delatte said in a social

media post. Improving the class rating has required the parish to work with FEMA on a community audit, inspections and fixing any potential violations, he said.

“When we took office, we made a promise we would not forget. We would fight to protect families from ever facing that kind of loss again,” Delatte said.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple applauded Livingston, along with Jefferson Parish. In a news release Wednesday, he said the parish leaders deserve recognition for their work to reduce flood insurance costs.

“These achievements are a direct result of their dedicated efforts to build stronger and more resilient communities,” Temple said in the release. “Their

Live Oak winning with potent offense

Is it too early to say that the Live Oak football team has one of the most potent offensive attacks it has ever fielded?

The Eagles have been flying high in recent weeks thanks to an offense that has given opponents fits. After scoring 13 points in a season-opening loss to St. Paul’s, Live Oak has averaged 33.6 points in its past three games.

Those kinds of numbers will get your attention.

Last week, Live Oak posted a 38-31 win at Walker as it improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in District 5-5A. To put that into context, it was the Eagles first win over the Wildcats since 2020 and their fourth since 2015. Regardless, whether winning or losing, Live Oak’s 38 points was the most it scored against Walker in any of those games.

There are several key factors for the offensive outburst, the foremost being the emergence of senior quarterback Cayden Jones, who completed 25 of 32

passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns against Walker That came on the heels of back-to-back 400-yard games against Dunham and Ponchatoula.

If Jones’ production seems like it has come from out of nowhere, its because he wasn’t the Eagles full-time quarterback last season.

“Last year, they had me doing a little bit of everything — running back, receiver, some quarterback,” Jones said after the Walker game. “I wasn’t really throwing the ball as much. I was just

proactive approach to reducing flood risk aligns with the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s broader goal of creating a more resilient Louisiana to make insurance affordable in our great state.” Delatte said there’s another FEMA discount available to Livingston residents.

Starting Wednesday, if an air conditioner, furnace, hot water heater or solar battery system is elevated above the first floor or built at a base flood elevation, homeowners can qualify for a 5% discount on flood insurance.

“These combined changes mean your insurance bill can go down even more,” Delatte said.

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@theadvocate. com.

‘One of a kind’

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

When Leslie Wascom and Jessica Bonura founded Camp United in 2015, they wanted to create a space that was inclusive, where students of all abilities could build self-confidence and foster friendships during the summer break. Fast-forward 15 years, and that’s exactly what they’ve built — and then some. After hosting sessions at various facilities throughout the parish, Camp United, also known as Camp UP, is finally getting a permanent home in Livingston Parish.

“I want our community and the whole state of Louisiana, not just Livingston Parish, to be able to come to a property that all kids can enjoy,” Wascom said.

The two women have 40 years of combined experience. Wascom has taught adapted physical education for 20 years, and Bonura is a special education teacher who has taught in the area of disabilities/ autism for 20 years. In the beginning of Camp Up, Bonura and Wascom only offered summer camp sessions. Today, they offer several camps throughout the year and have increased in the number of participants. Each session can accommodate 45 to 60 campers for ages 3 and up of any ability for four hours. Parents have the option to enroll their children in just one day at camp, or up to one week. Every camp is different with varying themes, such as “Theatre Camp” or “Jurassic Camp.” Each camper is assigned a counselor, or “buddy,” and the camp also has a paraprofessional on site.

Mary Ballard, of Denham Springs, originally thought the camp, like the majority of inclusive camps, was only for children. That was not the case, though, with Bonura and Wascom’s model.

Ballard’s 29-year-old son, Christopher, who has Down syndrome, first attended Camp UP as a guest speaker in his early 20s. He has been going to the camp ever since in various roles, such as a camper, speaker and peer role model.

North Oaks unveils $50M, 5-story Hammond specialty clinic

Community news report

The North Oaks Health System family joined community leaders and dignitaries last week to celebrate a milestone with a ribbon cutting for North Oaks Clinic Building 3.

The five-story, 96,000-squarefoot clinic represents a $50 million investment by North Oaks in expanding access to coordinated specialty health care on the Northshore. Located at 15795 Paul Vega, MD, Drive, the new facility houses 20 providers across nine specialties, including endocrinology, ENT and allergy, eye care, infusion services, oncology/hematology neurology, neurosurgery, urology and pain management. The facility also brings together under one roof the amenities of a blood draw lab, optical shop, prescription center and

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I send him sometimes as a camper and sometimes as a helper,” Ballard said.

Trust and faith in Camp UP

No matter the child’s strength or weakness, the goal of camp is to promote social integration and foster personal growth.

Camp UP hosts different indoor and outdoor activities, with one of the most popular being the water slides that the camp rents. Wascom described a time when a young camper in a wheelchair wanted to go down a water slide, and how, no matter what, the counselors were going to make it happen.

“People will say, ‘Well, how is he going to get up on the water slide?’ Well, we’re going to carry him,” Wascom said. With the variety of activities, the goal for each one is to promote teamwork, good sportsmanship and movement. The new permanent site at 20990 La. 42 in Livingston will have a zip line, walking trails, bonfire pits and more, all while being fully accessible.

“This will be unique and one of a kind,” Wascom said. “We want it to be handicap accessible for kids with and without disabilities.”

The timeline for building the site is not final, but Wascom said the camp is planning to host a commu-

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Spider Web Wall

Ponchatoula’s oldest wooden churches will glow for art fundraiser

Community news report

Nonprofit Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center has announced a fundraising gala for October Twin Steeples, located in the two oldest wooden churches in Ponchatoula, will be on full display as they are bathed in light projections created by New Orleans artist Jesse Ide for NOCTURNE: A Twilight Celebration of Light and Music. The event is set from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 4 at 220 E. Oak St. The gallery walls will feature the works of visual artists Ashely Franklin and Malaika Theordore. The facades of both historic buildings will be the canvas for a projection mapping light show

by Ide. Ide will also have an interactive light installation inside of the smaller gallery for guests to experience.

The event will also include local restaurants serving food, drinks from the bar provided by Benny’s Place and music by DJ Spade. VIP tickets are $100 and include premium seating and a complimentary NOCTURNE cocktail in addition to the beer and wine included with the price of admission. General admission tickets are $75. There are discounts on the purchase of both VIP and general admission tables. For tickets, visit www.zeffy com/en-US/ticketing/nocturne-atwilight-celebration-of-light-andmusic.

PJ’s Coffee’s second location on the hospital campus. Designed by Washer Hill Lipscomb Cabaniss Architecture LLC, and constructed by The Lemoine Co. LLC, the new building is part of North Oaks’ broader plan to modernize health care infrastructure and increase access to highquality, local services.

“This building represents more than expansion it’s a promise to our community to keep care local, accessible and future-ready,”

North Oaks President and CEO

Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, said.

“We’ve built this facility to meet our region’s growing needs today and for decades to come.”

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, who delivered the keynote address, praised North Oaks as a catalyst for regional growth.

“North Oaks is the largest inde-

pendent hospital service district in the state, and its impact on Tangipahoa Parish as a strategic partner is tremendous in terms of growth,” Miller affirmed. “With over $2.7 billion in estimated economic impact, their investments create jobs, attract top talent and improve infrastructure. This new building means better care, more employment opportunities and a stronger economy We’re proud to have such a forward-thinking, community-focused partner helping make Tangipahoa the best parish in the state.”

North Oaks Clinic Building 3 is designed to centralize and streamline care for patients across the region and with patient experience in mind. It anchors campus connectivity through covered walkways and interior corridors that seamlessly link adjacent buildings and the hospital itself.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Children participate in activities like a bouncy house at Camp United, also known as Camp UP, which was created as an inclusive space to build self-confidence and foster friendships during the summer break.

nity day in November at the site, thanks to its community partners.

Having a permanent camp location is exciting for the Ballards, because it means having the possibility of sending Christopher to another overnight camp, which is something he loved to attend but are hard to find.

For a past overnight camp, the family had to drive several hours to the west side of Louisiana. While Christopher loved the experience, he aged out at 19 years old.

“It’s been 10 years since he’s been to an overnight camp,” Ballard said of her son. “This is needed in the area.”

Tears of joy In addition to the perma-

Saturday Join the library staff at the Main Branch, (225) 686-4160, on the first Saturday of every month for a fun, hands-on craft. Each month features a brand-new project, and we’ve got all the supplies you need, so you can just drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., craft and go. Crochet Cup Cozy (ages 13-18): 4 p.m. Thursday Learn how to make your cup cozy with a simple crochet technique at the Albany-Springfield Branch, (225) 686-4130. Refreshments provided. Registration is required. Spider Web Party (ages 5-7): 2 p.m. Thursday Ready to get in the spirit of Halloween? Dress up in costume for the event the Denham Springs-Walker Branch, (225) 686-4140. Refreshments provided. Registration is required.

Craft & Go Saturday (all ages): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: Crafting at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch, (225) 686-4140. Craft & Go Saturday (all ages): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: Crafting at the South Branch, (225) 686-4170.

Teen Advisory Board (ages 1318): 5 p.m. Thursday Connect with other teens at the Watson Branch, (225) 6864180, to share ideas, plan programs, volunteer and

nent location, Camp UP is adding its first session in Baton Rouge.

Next year, there will be two weeklong camps in June and July in Baker in partnership with The Magnolia Rose Foundation for Autism Acceptance, a Baton Rougebased foundation that hosts events for neurotypical and neurodivergent children.

The foundation’s founder, Miranda Georgetown Riley, of Baker, took her two children, 6-year-old Magnolia and 3-year-old DavidJames, to Camp UP for the first time this year

During the experience, she cried tears of joy

“You have to have so much trust and so much faith,” she said.

Georgetown Riley said

help choose books for young adult sections. Join a Teen Advisory Board and make a difference. Apply at the library

Teen Hangout (ages 13-18): 5:30 p.m. Thursday Bring friends or come to make new ones at the Watson Branch, (225) 686-4180, for video games, activities, crafts, snacks and more.

Wiggle Worms: Music & Movement (ages 0-5): 10:30 a.m. Friday Enjoy a variety of songs and rhythms that will have your child dancing, clapping and singing along at the Watson Branch, (225) 686-4180. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 3880731.

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running, throwing, catching and doing a little bit of everything.”

His confidence has grown in the first weeks of the season.

“I threw for 400 yards the past two weeks (before the Walker game),” Jones said. “I’m making connections with my receivers, just figuring out what they like and getting them the ball.”

There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of receivers. Jones connected with seven different receivers against Walker although the top target has been senior Cash Davis. He caught eight passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns against Walker

“He’s always been a great

athlete,” Live Oak coach Randall Legette said. “It’s his senior year and he’s seen all the coverages and has a great IQ. The offensive line is doing a good job protecting him and that helps his mindset.”

Live Oak’s overall mindset will be important as it closes out its season with five district games. Jones said his team will be ready “Our team has improved so much over the past few years,” he said. “We’re finally figuring things out and putting the pieces together It makes things a whole lot better.”

Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@theadvocate. com.

other than Camp UP, there is no fully inclusive camps in the Greater Baton Rouge region.

“What she is doing, no one else is doing,” she said about Wascom. “Nobody has a fully inclusive camp.”

Seeing the success of Camp UP and working with Wascom inspired Georgetown Riley and her foundation to create the Baker sessions. The two groups are holding a charity golf tournament in April to raise funds for the new camps.

Consistency is a plus

Before Camp UP Sarah Steudlein, of Greenwell Springs, was not aware of any type of camp that existed for children like Luke, her 12-year-old son with autism. When Steudlein brought Luke to Camp UP for the first time, the staff

walked her through the day’s activities before she left, which made a huge difference to her as a mother

“It’s really hard to leave our kids with special needs with new people,” she said.

Now, Steudlein and her son count down the days until the next camp session. Luke’s favorite parts of camp are having a buddy all day and playing in the water.

Steudlein noted that a permanent location for Camp UP could help participants adjust to the environment better, as new environments can be challenging for those with special needs.

She said having that consistency will be a plus.

“We’re happy to go wherever it is,” Steudlein said.

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.

Springfield hosting Hungarian Harvest Dance Saturday

Community news report

The largest rural Hungarian settlement in the country is hosting its annual Hungarian Harvest Dance on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Springfield. The settlement’s biggest event of the year, hosted by Árpádhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, will have food, art and entertainment. All the way from Hungary, Hajnalka Guti and Lajos Hunor Izsó, of the Hungarian Folklife Association, will be here to dance, teach and build unforgettable community connections in Louisiana. The Komenka Dancers will return, performing throughout the evening, and there will be a revival of the classic men’s and women’s dances from years past. The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Springfield Fire Station.

Southeastern art gallery hosting new exhibition

Community news report

“To Make and Be Received: Analyzing the Psychology of Process,” curated by painting professor Thomas Walton, is coming to the Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery Walton has curated works from local and national artists Ben Hamburger, Brooke Cassady, Danielle Fauth, Diana Appaix-Castro, Eric Whitaker, Jessica Lynn Brown and Keir Johnston. Art on display will encompass a range of media, including sculpture, installation, painting, lightboxes and sound art.

The gallery will hold an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Walton refers to psychologist Carl Jung’s concept of synchronistic phenomena, writing ”through the sub-

jective acts of making and viewing art, there can be an invisible connection between the viewer and the artist.”

The exhibition offers the opportunity for the audience to observe the work without titles or artist statements and leave written reflections on paper in response to the work Afterward, the audience will be able to listen to interviews with the artists, revealing what both the audience and artist intentions and ideals were when making/viewing art.

“To Make and Be Received” will also host a talk from 5 p.m to 7 p.m Oct. 30. For information about the exhibition, contact gallery director Tabitha Nikolai via email at tabitha.nikolai@ southeastern.edu. To keep up with gallery events, visit southeastern.edu/slucontemporary

Southeastern names Alumnus of the Year

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University graduate David A. Cavell has been named its 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year He will be recognized Oct. 17 at the Southeastern Alumni Awards Evening during homecoming week.

“We are proud to honor David Cavell as our 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year during Southeastern’s Centennial celebration,” said Southeastern Alumni Relations Director Malayne Sharp “To be recognized with this distinction speaks to David’s remarkable achievements and his deep commitment to our university He truly embodies the very best of what it means to be a Lion for Life.”

Cavell graduated from Southeastern in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management He is a government affairs professional with a decade of experience navigating the intersection of business,

politics and public service, a news release said. He serves as the state government affairs director for Dow Inc. in the Southeastern United States, where he leads strategic initiatives in legislative engagement, policy development and stakeholder relations across the region. Before joining Dow Cavell spent nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as district director for U.S. Rep. Garret Graves and as a district representative for U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy Cavell’s background also includes leadership roles in higher education and political campaigns. He served as director of advancement for the College of Business at Southeastern and as campaign manager for the successful reelection of Louisiana’s lieutenant governor Alumni Awards Evening will also include recognition of several Southeastern faculty, staff and alumni, including Alumnus of the Year for 2025 District Attorney Scott Perrilloux. For information about homecoming week, visit southeastern.edu/homecoming.

Police welcome yellow Lab Perci, new K9 officer, to SLU campus

Community news report

Perci, a 11/2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever trained and certified in the detection of explosives, firearms and ammunition, is the newest member of the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department.

The K9 was donated to Southeastern by Hearts of Gold, a nonprofit organization based in West Virginia that specializes in training service and working dogs. Perci comes from a championship bloodline, with her dad being a sire from the prestigious Fairfax Pines Labrador retrievers. Perci is partnered with K9 handler Sgt. Michelle Blanchard. The duo recently completed a 14-week training program under certified trainer Kathy Scanlan, of Ace Solutions of the South. Blanchard joined Perci at the seven-week mark to begin hands-on, team-focused training.

Southeastern Police Chief Carmen Bray expressed deep appreciation to both Hearts of Gold and Ace Solutions for its support.

Denham Venom takes top honors

Robotics team’s alliance wins at Dow Red Stick Rumble

Community news report

The Denham Springs High School robotics team Denham Venom recently went 11-1, including an unde-

Locals named National Merit finalists

BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer

An elite group of area high school seniors are in the running for National Merit Scholarships, a prestigious award for the country’s top-achieving students.

The students, who hail from a mix of public and private schools in area parishes, are among roughly 16,000 National Merit semifinalists from across the country They now will compete for just over 6,900 college scholarships worth about $26 million, which will be awarded next spring.

The semifinalists were selected due to their high scores on last year’s PSAT, the preliminary test to the SAT college-readiness exam, which students typically take their junior year The top-scoring students in their respective states, the semifinalists represent less than 1% of the nation’s high school seniors.

To become finalists, the students must complete an application that asks about their academic achievement, extracurricular activities and leadership record; write an essay; and earn SAT or ACT scores that are in line with their earlier PSAT scores. Only about half of finalists will win scholarships and earn the coveted title of National Merit Scholar Area semifinalists are:

PROVIDED PHOTO

K9 Perci is the newest member of the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department.

“We’re fortunate to have this valuable resource for Southeastern and our surrounding community,” he said. “K9 Perci will add another layer of safety and security to our campus We’re incredibly proud of Sgt. Blanchard and the dedication she’s shown in helping build our K9 program.” Bray said Blanchard and Perci continue to train together daily While Perci is highly social and enjoys attention, including belly rubs, she is a working dog. The Police Department reminds the public to always ask permission from her handler before approaching, as she may be on duty in a working capacity For information, contact Southeastern police at police@southeastern.edu

n Collin P. Sprouse, Walker High School n Nathan D. Henderson, Dutchtown High School

n Noah R. Owers, Dutchtown High School n Abigail Gravois, homeschool

COLLEGE GRADUATES

Community news report

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University has announced the names of its spring 2025 graduates. Among the graduates are Jessie Brennan, of Denham Springs; Tyesha Converse, of Ponchatoula; and Lakeisha Grayer, of Denham Springs. Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 5,700 students both nationally and internationally

feated playoff run at the 12th annual Dow Red Stick Rumble to be among the competition’s 2025 winning alliance. The 2025 winning alliance also included the SWLA Tech Pirates from Lake Charles and the KNOS Robotics Team from New Orleans.

The student-led robotics teams competed in a field of 21 FIRST Robotics Competition teams and 29 robots from across Louisiana, Missis-

sippi and Florida at the Sept. 13 event, which is one of the largest offseason robotics competitions in the region.

“The Red Stick Rumble has become one of the region’s most respected, most competitive robotics challenges. We are super proud of the Denham Springs students for their work to not only host the event, but bring home the victory banner,” said Daniel Eiland, Red Stick Rumble coordinator and Denham Venom coach.

8 Livingston educators’ research-based projects receive grant funding

Community news report

High, $4,955 to fund kits for students

Eight Livingston Parish teachers have been awarded the 2025 Deborah Rochelle Teacher Grants to fund instructional, researchbased projects that provide direct instruction to students

The grant program, initiated in 1991, is managed by the Kelly Gene Cook Sr Charitable Foundation, to benefit qualified teachers and professional staff in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and St. Tammany parishes. The grant program is named after Rochelle, who is responsible for the grant’s origination and organization. The grants are valued at up to $5,000 each and are awarded directly to winning recipients

The eight recipients and their projects are:

n Anthony Elliot, French Settlement Elementary $4,824 to fund Next-Level STEM curriculum n Crystal Gurley, Denham Springs

n Alicia Jackson, Seventh Ward Elementary, $4,835 to fund computers for intervention n Nikki Lavergne, Live Oak Junior High, $3,204 to fund responsibility and agricultural literacy n Laura Litolff, Albany Lower Elementary, $5,000 to fund “Let’s Play Together” n Heather Smith, Walker Elementary, $4,284 to fund Tables that Teach n Carol Ta te, Springfield High School, $1,131 to fund Food Science Books n Jaime Winter Seventh Ward Elementary, $4,823 to fund “Let’s Get Techy with Kindergarten”

“We are most appreciative of the Kelly Gene Cook Sr., Foundation and those involved with the Deborah Rochelle Grants program for recognizing the outstanding work that is being done by our teachers,” Livingston Parish public schools Superintendent Jody Purvis said.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 4

New Amite River site offers kayaks, camping

BY WARREN BRADY Contributing writer

The Amite River has always been a special place for me to fish skip rocks and cavort with my brothers and cousins at my grandfather’s property

Misty and Chris Davis have captured those wonderful river experiences and more at The Point: Camping and Kayaking right on the Amite River off of La. 10 in East Feliciana Parish (www.thepointcampingandkayaking.com)

Owner Chris Davis said, “It’s like a throwback to the old days where people went down to any a river That was the common meeting place and where things happened. They didn’t go all the way over to Biloxi and Gulf Shores back in the day.”

The Davises’ have been working the last four years to make that dream a reality

Due to the limited water access opportunities in the area, the goal was “to give people across Louisiana a way to enjoy the outdoors without needing to travel far,” Misty Davis said.

In the four years since they began working on the 17-acre property, they have turned their dream into a growing riverside retreat for families, adventurers and anyone needing a peaceful reset

“Our mission is to create simple, fun affordable outdoor experiences close to home,” Chris Davis said.

The Point offers three themed cabins, each with its own unique style, perfect for overnight stays or weekend getaways; an event center for celebrations or reunions; kayak trips (5-mile float with shuttle service included that takes about 2 hours to complete); primitive camping beachside or tucked into the woods; day beach passes over one-third of a mile of rock beach where people can swim, fishing, relaxation, rock hunt for agates, petrified wood or archaeological finds like arrowheads. Bathroom facilities are

available.

Kayak trips run three times a day (9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) on Saturdays and Sundays.

All reservations should be made in advance at the website, and be aware of sign-in times (45 minutes before the time slot) for your Amite River adventure.

Similarly beach access is available on weekends.

“The beach is one-third of a mile long, which is perfect for recreation due to its amenable spacing,” Chris Davis said.

“There is a stigma that you can

drown in a kayak, but that is just not true.”

To alleviate this already misguided myth, he has employed siton-top kayaks that do not take on water

Also, the Amite is shallow along this northern segment of the river

The Amite has incurred no impacts from development, mining operations or drainage improvement activities such as desnagging or dredging, thus the Amite remains in its natural state.

If you don’t have a kayak, the Davises have single and several tan-

dem kayaks available for rental.

Since opening during July Fourth weekend, when the Point had upward of 75 people show up for the soft launch, it has had guests from Florida, Alabama, Texas, Indiana and Mississippi.

Chris Davis is constantly working to upgrade the experience. He added a butterfly garden and is in the process of completing a walking trail where he hopes to add identification markers on different plant species to make the experience educational and highlight the diverse riverine ecosystem.

“Originally I was looking at this place as an opportunity to promote environmental education,” said Davis, who is a biologist for Louisiana and hopes to continue with conservation efforts.

“In the future, I would love to host field trips and provide educational experiences,” he said.

Rock hunters and bird watchers will also have a treat.

“Many guests are treated to the sight of an eagle flying down the river nearly every morning, or random hawks, ospreys and swallow-tailed kites during the day,” Misty Davis said.

The Davises have ideas for other activities to encourage folks to experience the outdoors and the beauty of the Amite River, including archery competitions, once a year kayak races, and overall improvements to the site such as expanded primitive camping opportunities and RV sites.

Sunshine Ladies learn about Operation Christmas Child

Community news report

On Aug 5, members of the Sunshine Ladies learned about Operation Christmas Child during a meeting at Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Ponchatoula.

Beth Hiller, the regional manager for Operation Christmas Child, talked about Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, which is an organization that provides Christmas presents and shares the gospel message to children all around the world.

In the past 30 years, more than 232 million children in 170 different countries and territories have received presents from Operation Christmas Child. Individuals and churches all over America fill shoeboxes with new toys, coloring books, school supplies, small articles of clothing like socks or underwear and other items.

Stine Walker raises $14,000 for Children’s Miracle Network

Community news report

Stine Home & Yard in Walker, along with the generosity of its customers, raised $14,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network in a customer donation campaign that ran for three weeks this summer The donation will benefit Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

“We began talking about this campaign a month in advance to get the buzz going with our associates,” said Stine office manager Raelyn McAdams.

She said Stine also coordinated tours of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital so that associates could see where the dona-

Gathering with a check for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, from left, are Christopher Luke, development director, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation; Alana Templet, senior Children’s Miracle Network specialist; Wendy Stine, president of Stine; Mike Sharp, pro sales manager, Stine Walker; Raelyn McAdams, office manager Stine Walker; Craig Herpin, manager, Stine Walker; Seth Viator; outdoor power equipment tech, Stine Walker; Erica Stafford, office assistant, Stine Walker; Bradley Odom; outdoor power equipment tech, Stine Walker; and Ann Marie Marmande, president, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation and senior vice president Philanthropy, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Community news report

Thirty Suburban Reviewers gathered at St. Francis Episcopal Fellowship Hall in Denham Springs on Sept. 3 to begin the club year with a fall-themed luncheon hosted by

tions would be going.

Stine, the largest family-owned home improvement retail chain in Louisiana, sold Children’s Miracle Network paper balloons both in-store at all 13 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi and online.

“I am incredibly proud of my team of associates in raising so much money for an organization that gives the highest quality care to sick children,” Walker store manager Craig Herpin said. “One hundred percent of the money we raise stays right here in our backyard, helping families who need it.”

Stine also donates miniature Christmas trees each December

to the young patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital to decorate and bring holiday cheer to the hospital rooms. In addition to its support of the children’s hospital, the Walker store works with many local schools and charities throughout the year and participates in events put on by the city

“The generosity of our customers has been overwhelming,” said Wendy Stine, president of Stine.

“Our company has a strong admiration for the Children’s Miracle Network and the work they do for children’s hospitals across our country To see our associates and customers have so much enthusiasm for this campaign was incredibly special to witness.”

Operation Christmas child then collects all the donations and ships them to their destination country, where program volunteers distribute them to the children.

Operation Christmas Child has been the group’s international project for several years. In addition to this project, group members also provide Christmas presents, clothing and groceries to needy families in Tangipahoa Parish.

At the meeting, longtime member Sheila Gagliano showed two of the blankets she crocheted with yarns that have been donated Several members crochet blankets all year long, which are given to residents in a local long-term care facilities.

Sunshine Ladies is a branch of Tangipahoa Volunteers For Family And Community, which is the all-volunteer arm of the LSU AG Center Extension Service. Meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month, usually at a local res-

taurant. To learn how to become involved in any of the Sunshine Ladies’ projects, email President Ann Bourliea at abourliea79@gmail. com or visit www.tangivfc.com.