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.

• New Orleans artist Jamar Pierre, who recently collaborated with students at West St. John High School to create a mural called “All That Jazz and More.” Pierre, whose family hails from Edgard, said he hopes to do a mural with the students at West St. John Elementary School as well.

• O.J. and Hazel Ory, who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. The LaPlace residents were married at St. Peter Church in Reserve on Dec. 30, 1940.

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Public Library System, which recently unveiled its newly remodeled Reserve branch. The updated facility offers a comfortable, inviting refuge for those seeking to do some research, read the newspaper or just sit with their thoughts.

• Valero’s St. Charles refinery, which recently partnered with Darling International to bring a biofuel plant to Norco. Diamond Green Diesel, as the venture is known, will produce diesel fuel from restaurant byproducts and is expected to produce about 60 permanent jobs.