By DONNA KEATING

LAPLACE – LaPlace resident Don Haywood is one of St. John the Baptist Parish’s busiest volunteers.

He serves as president of St. John Parish Ministry of Care, is a member of the Keep St. John Beautiful program, is the coordinator for the local division of the state Litter Task Force, is a member of the Adopt A Road Program, serves on the Dupont Citizens’ Advisory Panel, is the public information officer for St. John Parish Civil Defense and serves on the St. John Parish Honor Roll Round Up Committee.

Though his volunteer work leads him in so many directions, he admits he spends the majority of his time helping St. John Parish Ministry of Care.

When people ask him how he finds the time for so many organizations, he answers, “I make the time.”

Haywood is a modest individual who does not consider himself a leader or an organized person. Others disagree, such as, his former boss who once told him, “You’re a leader whether you know it or not.”

His involvement in the community has lead to his receiving many awards over the years. His honors include being named St. John Parish Rotary Club Citizen of the Year and receiving the Lions Club George Award.

Haywood’s most cherish awards came from his grandchildren. They honored him with Father of the Year and Greatest Grandfather plaques, which they made themselves.

Haywood’s grandchildren are the force which drives him to make St. John Parish a better place to live. “I just want to leave the place a little better than when I got here – for my grandchildren,” said Haywood.

Originally from Cambridge, Mass., Haywood spent 14 years in the military, serving in the Navy and the Army. In 1958, he was stationed at Camp Leroy Johnson in New Orleans. He left the service in 1964 and moved to LaPlace in 1966. LaPlace is home to Haywood, he says, “I love the lifestyle of this area.”

Haywood is now retired, has a wife, Shirley, five children, 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He urges all residents to “get involved” to make St. John Parish the best it can be.

The next project Haywood is involved in will be the Great American Clean Up for St. John Parish on March 23 at the Percy Hebert Building in LaPlace.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for any of the organizations Haywood is involved in can call him at 985-652-5950.

Editor’s Note: Each Saturday, L’Observateur will feature an article about a special River Parishes’ resident and the good works associated with the person.

If you would like to nominate someone contact Robert Roan at 985-652-9545 or send an e-mail to lobnews@bellsouth.net.