Each Saturday, L’Observateur will recognize individuals and businesses in the River Parishes who have gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to make this a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

We believe that an integral part of a community’s wellbeing is an attitude and arena where people who do good things �- who work to improve life for others �- who try to make a difference �- are recognized and saluted.

Because this is a salute to members of the community of the entire River Parishes, we solicit your recommendations for groups or individuals to be considered for inclusion. This week we salute:

• ANN LeBLANC, named as recipient of River Parishes Hospital’s Mercy Award for 2009. An employee with nearly 20 years’ experience at RPH, LeBlanc is director of radiology and is now in competition for Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc.’s companywide award. Also nominated for the award were Claudette Henry and Denise Nosacka.

• Members of the 4th DEGREE KC’s of ARCHBISHOP BLENK ASSEMBLY of the Knights of Columbus, on recognizing the service of our veterans and preparing and serving an Easter meal to 105 of the veterans of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve.

• The 13 new volunteers for River Parishes CASA, who were sworn in by Judge Lauren Lemmon. New volunteers in the child advocacy program include Tina Bates, Karen Westley, Mary Kate Vicknair, Renee Williams, Laura Taylor, Paula Hart, Brandi Gray, and Fred Berguno.

Also, Jordana Matherne, Katina Byrd, Charlita Patterson, Gail Hayes, Essy Soule and Jacqueline Awasthi.

CASA is a program in which volunteers are trained and assigned to watch out for the best interests of youngsters moving through the judicial system, advocating for a safe and permanent home.