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:

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Lions Club for their efforts to collect recycled eye glasses for future use. “Sharing the gift of sight” is one of many causes the Lions Club rallies around. The drop-off box can be found outside of CVS Pharmacy on Ariline Highway in LaPlace.

• Edgard’s own Quinn Johnson for his role in getting the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl XLV. Although Johnson did not play in Sunday’s game, in which the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25, he played a big role in the team’s success this football season.

• Baton Rouge resident Lola Adetona, who recently brought her portrayal of Underground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman to the River Parishes. As part of the Black History Month program at St. John Theatre, Adetona performed before St. John the Baptist Parish school children.

• St. John the Baptist Parish School Board member Patrick Sanders, who was recently named to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Sanders is a funeral director at Robottom Mortuary in Reserve.