Before looking ahead to April, I want to mention an exciting event that happened since my last article.  On March 8, several St. John Parish leaders and residents of the Garyville and Mt. Airy communities joined Marathon Petroleum and San Francisco Plantation representatives at the Plantation for a re-dedication ceremony.

The event marked the completion of a year-long research project and a new beginning for the plantation tour experience.

Visitors will enjoy the same beauty of the grounds but will now gain a better understanding of the people who lived on the plantation. Story boards, historical information and statues give greater prominence to those who helped build the nation’s economy of that era and highlight the valuable skills they provided.

This ceremony preceded the Plantation’s annual Festival that was held on March 11-12. Frisco Fest is the largest fundraising event for the plantation and brings more than 15,000 visitors to the Garyville community each year.

The 19th annual United Way Golf Classic presented by Marathon Petroleum will also be held on April 6 at Riverlands Golf and Country Club in LaPlace. Marathon Petroleum initiated this event in 1999 and assumed the lead role as coordinator and providing sponsorships.

With the support of our vendor partners and the community, this event continues to grow. Raising more than $100,000, 2016 was a record setting year for the event.

This financial assistance converts directly into community support through local human services agencies.

As I look forward to my next article in May, I’d like to thank L’OBSERVATEUR for this forum to communicate current Marathon Petroleum outreach projects. If you have a question regarding our refinery operations or activities in the community, please contact us at 985-535-2241.

Keith Hightower is the Human Resources Manager for Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville Refinery. He can be reached at thightower@marathonpetroleum.com.