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 and play.

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 volunteers from local industry who handle agricultural teaching activities at the Mosaic Fast Food Farm in Gramercy. The facility was recently opened to fourth grade students at elementary schools in St. John Parish.

• Courtney Keller of Reserve, and Sage Brady of LaPlace, who were recently crowned the 2011 Miss Andouille Queen and Andouille Teen Queen, respectively. The two girls will now have the opportunity to represent St. John the Baptist Parish at events around the state.

• Trina Henderson, the new executive director of the St. John Parish Housing Authority. Henderson brings a wealth of experience to an agency that has suffered great turmoil over the past two years.

• State Police, local fire departments and dozens of other federal, state and local agencies that coordinated the mock train crash scenario in Manchac. The drill was part of several events held during Railroad Safety Week in Louisiana.