Each Wednesday, 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:

• THE METROPOLITAN CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN, which recently held a seminar at the Quality Inn in LaPlace. The center provides shelter and counseling for victims of domestic violence.

• KEITH BROCK, who recently took home his second consecutive first-place trophy in the Andouille Festival’s annual gumbo cook off. Brock is an amateur chef who takes much pride in the traditions of his hometown of LaPace. He uses local ingredients in his culinary creations, which have won him accolades beyond the borders of St. John Parish, as well.

• MARATHON PETROLEUM CO. GARYVILLE REFINERY, which recently presented a check for over $230,000 to the St. John United Way. The company also helped organize this year’s St. John United Way Golf Tournament, which raised an additional $75,000 for local charities.

• ST. JAMES PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, who, along with educators from other parishes in Southeast Lousiana, recently met for a day of leadership training at the school board central office in Lutcher. The day’s activities consisted of walk throughs at two St. james schools along with a workshop, where the educators learned new ideas about how to motivate their students and staff and also got to bounce ideas off of each other.à·”