L’Observateur, which has served the River Parishes since 1913, is scheduled to begin distribution of USA WEEKEND in Saturday’s edition. USA WEEKEND is published by Gannett Co. and is distributed to more than 23 million households every weekend through more than 600 newspaper partners.

“We’re excited to be able to add USA WEEKEND to L’Observateur,” said Publisher John H. Walker. “Right now, we’re just working on delivery confirmation for our distribution center in Bogalusa and waiting for it to hit the streets.”

L’Observateur joins 10 other publications in the state in offering USA WEEKEND, including papers in Alexandria, Bogalusa, Covington/Slidell, Hammond, Lafayette, Monroe, New Iberia, Opelousas, Shreveport and Thibodaux. USA WEEKEND focuses on social issues, entertainment, health, food and travel. The magazine provides Newspaper In Education classroom guides to partner newspapers. Its website, usaweekend.com, provides enhanced content and interactive magazine features.

While USA WEEKEND began publication in 1985, its history incorporates Family Weekly, a Sunday newspaper supplement started in 1953.

One of the better known projects promoted by the magazine and its newspaper partners is “Make A Difference Day,” an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of October. Created by the magazine in 1992, “Make A Difference Day” soon grew into the largest community service effort in the nation, rallying corporations, government leaders, charitable organizations and everyday Americans into action on one day. Each year, 3 million people participate worldwide, helping millions more.

Regular columns and contributors include:

• CookSmart by Pam Anderson �” Readers turn to CookSmart for the perfect recipe, whether they want quick, everyday dishes or fabulous meals for special occasions. Pam Anderson is the author of four cookbooks, including her latest, “Perfect Recipes for Having People Over.”

• EatSmart by Jean Carper �” Jean Carper expertly explains nutrition's role in preventing and easing medical conditions, and her tasty recipes help readers improve their health with flavor and variety. A former CNN medical correspondent, Carper is the author of 23 books, including “EatSmart: The Nutrition Cookbook You Can't Live Without.”

• FitSmart by Jorge Cruise �” FitSmart helps readers make fitness a regular part of their busy lives and shares valuable tips about training, injury prevention and good nutrition. Best-selling author of “8 Minutes in the Morning” and “The 3-Hour Diet,” Jorge Cruise is also the fitness and diet coach for AOL users.

• HealthSmart by Tedd Mitchell, M.D. �” HealthSmart provides vital medical information to help readers take charge of their health, addressing important topics for every age group. Tedd Mitchell, M.D., is the president and medical director of the renowned Cooper Clinic in Dallas and is a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

• MoneySmart by Sharon Epperson & Walecia Konrad �” The financial experts at MoneySmart show readers how to make the most of their hard-earned money, whether they are spending or saving. Sharon Epperson guides readers on investing wisely and Walecia Konrad provides tips on savvy spending.

• Who's News by Lorrie Lynch �” Entertainment-hungry readers get the inside scoop on the hottest stars from TV, film, music, sports and literature, and insightful features about the Oscars, Emmys and other major award shows.

To receive your copy of USA WEEKEND, you can subscribe to L’Observateur by calling (985) 652-9545 or purchasing a weekend edition at a local retailer or vending machine.