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:

• U.S. SEN. DAVID VITTER, for holding a Town Hall meeting in the River Parishes �” at Convent �” during the August recess. Such meetings allow the public more access to their government officials.

• ATTENDEES, numbering about 100, at the previously mentioned Town Hall meeting in Convent. Members of the public raised questions regarding health care and tort reform, illegal immigration and Cap and Trade, among others.

• ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS, who, in cooperation with member businesses and area schools, are working to increase the pool of trained, trade-certified workers to take positions vacated by an aging workforce.

• CHRISTOPHER WOODS, KALEB CHAMPAGNE, CHOCHY LOUSTEAU and AUSTIN FAUCHEAUX, on receiving their Parvuli Dei Religious Emblem. The Parvuli Dei is a program developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) for Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts of the Catholic faith.