EachWednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes that 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:

• Norco residents Clara and Tony Perret, for annually opening their home to area residents as part of their St. Joseph’s Day celebration. The couple has hosted an altar at their home for the past 28 years.

• St. John Parish District Court Judge Madeline Jasmine, for taking some time to motivate the students of West St. John Elementary as they prepared to take the LEAP test last week. Jasmine offered advice on how to best accomplish quality test results.

• Riverside Academy seniors Ricardo Gathers and Donald Thomas, and West St. John High junior Jaylyn Gordon, for being named to All State teams in basketball for 2012. Gathers and Thomas made the 2A team, and Gordon made the 1A team.

• St. Rose businesswoman Lorna Bourgeois, who is working to help women with addictions through her “Mother’s House of Change” foundation. The group holds regular meetings for women struggling with addiction problems.