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:

• FAMILIES OF STANLEY BORNE JR., KEN HORZELSKI, JOSH McNULTY, PAT McTOPY and CHANCE MILLET, who joined with State Rep. Nickie Monica to turn the tragedy of their deaths in a boating accident on Aug. 9, 2008 into legislation that enhances boating safety laws and may help other families from going through the same pain.

• Destrehan’s STEVEN CONQUES, on being named LaQuinta Inns and Suites’ national Salesperson of the Year for 2008.

• WAYNE ROUSSEL, who manages the LaPlace office of Eagan Insurance, on being promoted to the position of vice president with the firm.

• CARGILL and EMPLOYEES of the company’s TERRE HAUTE MARINE FACILITY, on making donations totalling $35,000 this week. The first, in the amount of $10,000, went to help St. John Ministry of Care while the second, of $25,000, went to Teach for America.

St. John Ministry of Care is an organization that helps persons in crisis, while Teach for America is a national organization with a chapter active in the River Parish region.

• THIRTEEN retirees from the St. John Parish Schools, who totalled 634 years’ service to the community through their work. The district held a special recognition ceremony for the group.