Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes 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 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:

• St. John Theatre, which continues to bring culture to the River Parishes in the form of live theater. “The Music Man” premiered on its stage last weekend and continues this week with performances today through Sunday.

• LaPlace Medical Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last week. The occasion was marked with a small party for the center’s employees, past and present.

• St. Peter School in Reserve, which recently tried a unique from of community building by hosting a golf-cart drive-in. Scores of golf carts lined the school grounds as “Grease” was shown on a large outdoor screen.

• Scott Dantonio, who was recently selected pharmacist of the year by the Louisiana Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Dantonio is a pharmacist at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace.