Each Wednesday, L’Observateur will recognize 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 that 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:

(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Diane Coleman.)

MELVIN AND EDGAR ZENO are two of 14 children born to the late Rosalie and Edgar Zeno, both of Laplace.

The reason for the salutation is that in spite of the obstacles these boys faced, they were able to persevere.

They both continued their education on their own. They both are ordained ministers and have wonderful families and instill the same values in their children.

Melvin has had a few bumps along the way. He has had to raise two children virtually alone. He worked four jobs at one time a few years ago to make ends meet. He put his son through college, and last year his daughter graduated from high school.

Both children are extremely smart. Melvin Sr. works for the St. John Public Schools. He also works for Domino’s Pizza on the side. He also found time to study the word of God and is frequently preaching at his church.

 In today’s world men that hardly had “the good things in life” would be out there in the world drinking and acting a fool, but not the Zeno boys. They have portrayed honor and dignity.

 Edgar Zeno has held the same job for the same man for as long as I have known him, and I have been gone from LaPlace over 25 years. He is happily married to Aline Williams Zeno and they also have two very intelligent children. He and his wife are a team and deserve a medal for their contribution to mankind. I salute these two boys because this is just a briefing of their accomplishments and what they had to endure down through the years.

 They are my brothers, and I am proud of them.