The 28th annual “French Quarter Festival” is almost here. It’s time to put on your boogies shoes because this fantastic festival is going to be four fabulous days of fun. Did you know that the “French Quarter Festival” originated back in the 1980′s? It was actually a festival designed to bring residents back to the French Quarter area? Oh yes, what was created initially to lure people back to the quarter blossomed into a festive function that has been running for nearly twenty-eight years. The “French Quarter Festival” is considered to be the largest, free music festival in the south. Over 512,000 people were in attendance for last years “French Quarter Festival” and it will be interesting to see how many make it out this year. This “French Quarter Festival” will consist of 18 stages which will be hosting numerous genres from jazz to funk to classical, zydeco, gospel, folk and much more. Free festival functions will be dominating the French Quarter for the next few days and there’s sure to be a little something for everyone.
For more information regarding the “French Quarter Festival” + volunteering, you can visit their home site at www.fqfi.org.
“French Quarter Festival Music Schedules”
Thursday, April 7
Friday, April 8
Saturday, April 9
Sunday, April 10
“French Quarter Festival Food & Beverages”
“French Quarter Festival Special Events”
“French Quarter Festival Kid Events”
A shuttle will be available (by Capital One Shuttle) from 10:30 am – 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10:30 am -8:00 pm on Sunday (excluding Thursday).
(information gathered + map from www.fqfi.org)
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“Turning on Utilities in Livingston Parish”
Getting your “Livingston Parish Utilities” turned on should be at the top of your “To Do” list. Even though dealing with ‘turning on utilities” or “getting utilities transferred” isn’t fancy or fun…it’s just something we’ve got to do. If you are new to Livingston Parish, you might find yourself chasing your tail, trying to figure out which way to go first, who to talk to and what papers to bring. It never hurts to call ahead before you visit any company regarding utilities, just so you can make sure that you have everything together. This will prevent you from having to go back and forth and will also save you time and a few headaches. Turning on Utilities in Livingston Parish can sometimes be different for the renter, the homeowner and/or the builder. It’s important that you tell the company whether or not you are renting, buying or building. This will help them get a better idea of which direction to send you in.
If you are a new homeowner, you must register your property with the Livingston Parish Assessor’s Office at 29940 S. Magnolia Street in Livingston, Louisiana. Your “Livingston Parish Utilities” can not be turned on or transferred until your home is registered. You also must make sure that your property is listed correctly on the assessment roll. Don’t forget to bring documentation of the living area square footage of your home, this is required! Don’t worry, you can easily get a copy of this from your Realtor from the MLS system or you can submit a copy of your appraisal. If you have just built your home, then you can also submit a copy of your current appraisal or a copy of the blueprints. After you have submitted all the appropriate and required information, the “Livingston Parish Assessor’s Office” will forward your information to the correct permitting office and you will receive a validation form.
You will also need to fill out an Occupancy Permit. I think this might be something new because I have had several new tenants bring it to my attention. You will need to fill out the top and bottom portions of the document. You will need to take this with you to the Parish of Livingston Permit Office. You will need to bring your driver’s license and any other forms or info they might need. The Livingston Parish Permit Office is at 20399 Government Blvd, Livingston, LA 70785. Their contact number is (225)686-3021.
“Town of Walker-Walker Municipal Building”
Not all “Livingston Parish” residents will need to go to the “Livingston Parish Permit Office”. If you live in Walker, you will want to go to the “Walker Municipal Building” off of Florida Blvd. @ 10136 Florida Blvd. Walker, LA 70785.
Directions to “Walker
Municipal Building”:If you are coming from Baton Rouge on I-12, go pass the Denham exit and take the Walker exit, take a left off of the exit onto Hwy 447, cross over the Interstate and go through Walker. You will pass McDonald’s on left, Walmart on right, keep going passing a Mary Lee’s Donuts and Anytime Fitness on left, you will pass another grocery store on right and you will come to an intersection with a Walgreens. You will take a left at the intersection onto Florida Blvd. The “Walker Municipal Building” will be right on your left…if you pass Regions Bank, you have gone too far.
“New Homeowner Utilities in Walker, Louisiana”
If you have just bought a new home, Congratulations! After the sale, in the middle of getting everything ready to move…you will want to get all the utilities underway. You will need to fill out and submit an“Application Form”. You must be able to furnish an “Act of Cash Sale” as proof of ownership. If you have not closed on the property yet, I think that a purchase agreement will suffice, it must be signed by both parties. Even though the purchase agreement will connect your services, you still must bring in a copy of the “Act of Cash Sale” once you close on your home or your services will be locked. In addition to the application form, Act of Cash Sale, and purchase agreement…be sure to bring in your driver’s license or state identification card. And here are the deposits you will be asked to pay:
Water $25, Sewer $25, Gas $40 and Garbage is $40 per container.
You will be asked to pay for the following service fees: Water $17, Sewer $25, Gas $17.
The Town of Walker does not connect electricity but you must fill out an “Occupancy Permit Form” in order to have Entergy connect your services. This permit is $20. When you have been approved for utility services, the clerk will provide you with the proper paperwork for connecting your utilities.
“Leasing a Home in Walker, Louisiana and Turning On Utilities”
If you are a renting or leasing a home in Livingston Parish: You will need to fill out the “Application for Utilities” and submit this with a written copy of your lease agreement. Your lease must be signed by all parties, including yourself and/or broker/landlord. You will need to have your driver’s license or a state identification card available.
Be prepared to pay the following deposits: Water $100, Sewer $50, Gas $100, and Garbage $40 per container.
Be prepared to pay the following service fees: Water $17, Sewer $25, $17
If you are a resident inside the city limits, you will also need to submit an “Occupancy Form” in order for Entergy to connect your electricity. There is a fee of $25. After you have been approved for utilities, you will be provided with the proper paperwork to have your electricity connected.
If you are wanting to have your services transferred, you will need to fill out the “Transfer Application Form”.
Utitlies
Livingston Parish Arts Council
My passion has always been art and music. I had dreams of being a rock star, touring the country in a chic RV with a fancy logo on the side…designed by me, of course. I awoke from those dreams pretty quick after finding out that the majority of Art & Music majors mostly go into teaching. So, what you’re telling me is that there is no “Rock Star” major? There would be no tour, no fancy logo, no groupies and no center stage for me. I had to regroup and come up with a better idea. Since my father toured with his own band, “Billy Pendleton and Earth”…he knew all about life on the road and I was basically told that I could tour the college roads, sing in college groups but that’s where the tour would stop. My father encouraged me to turn down an offer to sing with a band and I started touring the college library, classroom and college life.
The beautiful thing about art and music is that you don’t have to be a professional or major in it to be a part of it. I find myself incorporating both into my work and personal life; this is what makes life so enjoyable…the love of art and music. My parents were both involved in the “Arts Council” while I was growing up. I wasn’t really sure what it was but I knew it was linked to several of the theater performances I managed to get involved with. If you are an art lover like me and you are relocating to the Livingston Parish area, I strongly encourage you to think about joining the “Livingston Parish Arts Council”.
A little bit about the “Livingston Parish Arts Council”….
The ACLP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was started by a group of volunteers who realized that communities with strong arts and cultural values have strong economic and educational advantages. Since its inception, the ACLP has been a catalyst for artistic development in our area. Our organization ensures a rich, multi-faceted heritage for present and future generations.
“Livingston Parish Arts Council”
The Livingston Parish Arts Council has several classes that they offer if you are looking for something creative. They have Saturday Art Classes, Acrylic Decorative Painting, a Vintage Junkie Workshop, Drawing & Painting classes, High school Studio Art and more. The love for art does not stop at the creative workshops, “Livingston Parish Arts Council” takes it a step further by sponsoring different festivals, exhibits, choirs, programs, 4-H competitions and more. They also give you the opportunity to give back by creating ways for other art lovers to volunteer. If you ever find yourself searching for something to do on the weekend, check out the Livingston Art Council’s Saturday gallery.
“Livingston Parish Government”
If you are relocating to Livingston Parish, you will need to learn as much as you can about Livingston because the sooner you do, the sooner you will fill at home. You will need to learn your way around town and get familiar with the area. Some of the most important information that will be so valuable to you will be info regarding schools, libraries, economic development, emergency preparedness, chamber of commerce, clerk of courts, registering to vote, and…am I missing something? There’s just so much to do and learn but don’t get overwhelmed, it will be an enjoyable experience getting to the heart of Livingston. If you are totally new to the area, be sure to visit the “Visitors Bureau” to request maps and brochures and don’t forget to sign up for their free newsletter.
Don’t forget to register to vote….
Once you get settled in, I strongly encourage you to think about registering to vote. You are now a resident of Louisiana and Livingston Parish is excited to have you as a neighbor. Don’t worry, you do not have to run all over town trying to figure where to vote or where to sign up. Technology has made it extremely easy to register. All you have to do is visit “Louisiana Secretary of State” and you will find an online, voting registration form. Of course, if you are verified by the Department of Motor Vehicles you can register electronically with the audit code on the back of your license…if you aren’t verified, then you will just have to print out the form and mail it in.
“Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office”
Besides voting, it’s also a great idea to get familiar with the “Livingston Parish Sheriff Office”. You will find a great amount of good information on the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Website. It will fill you in on property taxes, fines, schedules, D.A.R.E., Most Wanted, employment, community events, news and more. If you are looking for more information on the services that the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office provides, this is the place you need to visit. The “Livingston Parish Sheriff Office” has a team of 160 deputies and support staff on a $11 million annual budget funded primarily through property and tax sales.
Stay ‘in the know’ by visiting “Livingston’s Emergency & Preparedness” page. Here you can find information on the weather, road closures, river watch and how to be prepared for emergencies. You can also sign up to get public alerts on your phone so you don’t have to worry about missing emergency information. Also, Livingston’s page gives you access to information regarding volunteering, hazard mitigation, and news that you need to know about.
A little piece of “Livingston Parish” history…..
Wait, we’re not done yet. I know, there’s a lot of valuable information available to you so you definitely want to take advantage of it. Regarding the “Livingston Parish Government”, it’s imperative that you get to know the “Livingston Parish Elected Officials”. How does that old saying go? “The more you know, the more you grow”? Yeah, I think that’s how it goes. I never heard of anyone having to call 911 because their brain overloaded but don’t feel as if you have to cram it all in at once. Take your time and feel your way around all the given links and information at your own pace. Now, it’s time for some fun history, I know…you are excited.
Did you know that Livingston Parish was originally part of the Florida parishes? The parish was created on February 10, 1832, when the state legislature split St. Helena Parish in two. Some say that it was named after Robert or Edward Livingston. It must be nice having a town named after you. Livingston Parish consists of 642 square miles on 410,880 acres and is 32 miles long by 30 miles wide. Did you know that Livingston has eight municipalities? Guess which ones is the largest? Denham Springs! The other municipalities are Albany, French Settlement, Killian, Livingston (the parish seat), Port Vincent, Springfield and Walker.
There isn’t enough time or space to cover all of Livingston’s history but I just wanted to give you a little taste of it. If you are interested in the genealogy, you can visit the “Livingston Parish Genealogy” site.
If you are business minded, the Chamber of Commerce might be for you….
A group that you should consider being a part of is the “Livingston Chamber of Commerce”. If you are unfamiliar with the Chamber of Commerce, it’s basically an association of businessmen and women who comes together to protect and promote business interest. I would consider it a great opportunity to network, if you are new to town. By becoming a member of the commerce, you will have the chance to attend monthly meetings, receive monthly newsletters, hear monthly speakers, parade participation, community notices and more. There is a fee of $25 to become a member and you can actually do it online through PayPal. Also, if you are interested in sitting in on a meeting, non-members are allowed to sit in for two of them. If you are interested in learning more about what the Livingston Chamber of Commerce has to offer, look over their website and then contact them for more details.
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Well, to be honest, I always thought I was going to be a rock star. I had this magnificent plan of being on the road seven days a week, touring, signing autographs and what not. I started out small, nothing major, just your typical three year old singing in the shower. Hey, you got to start somewhere, right? Growing up, if there were ever a chance to drop a note, I dropped it hard. In my hometown, I was involved with anything and everything related to my favorite friend, Mr. Music. I joined the church choir, youth ensemble, and had my fair share of church plays, Christmas/Easter programs, oh yes, I even played hand bells. As I got older, I sang all the way through high school and ended up getting a scholarship to sing at college. You'll never guess what I was majoring in, Music. Remember? This was my plan...to be the rock star. I settled into my major, stayed busy with music practice, and started wondering when the tour was going to start. Umph. The more I quizzed my counselor about my major, the more I realized that there would be no tour. There was no 'rock star' major. It was a sad day in Lindsay Land, a b flat day. I realized that the only thing I could really do with a music major was teach and needless to say, God did not bless me with the teaching gene. I was at a place I had never been before, square one.
I mourned my impossible dream of fame and rock stardom but knew that there were other roads to take. To be honest, I took every single road less traveled until I came to a complacent, comfortable road that I am on now. Eventually (years later), I found myself back in college getting my major in Business. I had no idea I had a intense passion for marketing, and all things having to do with Business. I finally graduated top in my class and marched out of my college phase and into the adult world. Oh no.
So, what does one do after majoring in business? Good question. Well, while I was looking for clarity regarding my direction, a stork flew down from the sky and dropped off a little baby boy. Now, this was some serious business and no major in the world could have prepared me for this one. While trying to get in the groove of being a new mommy, I decided to start a baby, online clothing store. I named it, "Little Modern Me". Of course, I thought about calling it, "Wanna Be Rock Star". I found out pretty quickly that having a store was serious business and sometimes overwhelming. Besides marketing the clothes, my favorite part of it all was the interaction I had with clients. You know, I've always been an outgoing individual so forming relationships always came natural and I truly enjoyed it. As time passed, I seemed to be a little disappointed that I was working behind a computer screen and not face-to-face with clients. I took a step back, regrouped and shut her down.
Somehow, I made it into the school of real estate. I remember a good friend mentioning to me that I would be good at it and I thought I would just give it a try. I was in love. It was everything I imagined wrapped in a bow. Real Estate allowed me to do what I loved- marketing, forming relationships and face-to-face contact with clients. The only dissasppointing thing about it was that I didn't get into it sooner. Of course, we all spend a good part of our lives searching for our purpose, searching for direction...I'm just glad I stumbled on it when I did, it was perfect timing and perfect for me.
Now, even though I am still in Real Estate, I have started working with a Property Management company that mostly deals with the leasing of homes. I have been employed with ONEprop for almost two years and even though it keeps me on my toes, I enjoy every second of it. I have been blessed with a wonderful job, awesome relationships, a beautiful son, a barking dog and a partridge in a pear tree.
I am a very passionate person. I have a beautiful son named Cooper. I have a fluffy, little dog who I call Shyann. As you know, I have an extreme love for music and the arts. I enjoy making people laugh, spending time with my family and house hunting. If you are looking for a real estate professional to guide you through the buying or selling process, I would more be than honored to help you.
We are here to guide you through the buying, selling, renting process, taking the time to make sure you understand every step of the transaction. We are absolutely committed to fulfilling your needs with the highest level of professionalism, expertise and service. Our commitment to your satisfaction is the foundation from which a solid business relationship is built.
We realize that people do business with people they trust. We are interested in what is best for you, the client, and are committed to establishing a long-term relationship based on trust. We pride ourself on being knowledgeable and staying current with changes in the industry that will affect the success of your transaction. You have worked hard to be able to purchase the home of your dreams. We feel the responsibility to make those dreams a reality and pursue the right solution enthusiastically.
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