LULING – St. Charles Parish honored 95 employees for both attendance and service during its 31st annual Civil Service Awards/Training Program held June 6 at The River Room.
Jeanne Arabie, a recreation sports management clerk for the St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department, was named outstanding employee of the year.
Arabie, of Hahnville, is a 23-year employee of St. Charles Parish government. She has served the entirety of her career in the Department of Parks and Recreation.
St. Charles Parish Personnel Director Sandra Zimmer said Arabie is well respected by her co-workers, sports team booster club members and coaches.
“In addition to her duties and responsibilities as a recreation sports management clerk, (Arabie) has been known to work late nights and weekends without complaint,” Zimmer said. “She has also been active in her community with such projects as collecting clothing and personal items for Hurricane Sandy victims, ensuring that they were received in New Jersey.”
A committee made up of appointed and civil service employees from various departments chose Arabie from a field of nominees. This year’s committee included Chris Chiasson, James Cooper, Sandra Miguez, Karen Robicheaux, Stephen Truitt, Terri Vassmer and Celestine Williams.
In addition, St. Charles Parish Courier Orin Taylor was presented with a special award in appreciation for an act of kindness he performed in March. Taylor went out of his way to deliver a valuable bag lost at Louis Armstrong Airport to its owner, prompting the owner, a west bank resident, to write a letter of thanks to the parish.
“I have expressed my sentiments to him personally, but I ask that you recognize him as an employee of St. Charles Parish for representing you so proudly,” the bag owner said.
In addition, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana Health Management Consultant Angele Peek discussed wellness resources available to parish employees.  
For more information on parish activities, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov or www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov.