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:

• Sheriff’s deputies and residents across the River Parishes for participation in the National Night Out Against Crime last week. Block parties and neighborhood gatherings, which help to build solid relationships between the community and police, were held in several neighborhoods in the area.

• Members of the United Way of St. Charles, who helped organize another successful “Battle for

the Paddle” cook-off at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling. The annual event, which serves as

the kick off for United Way’s fundraising work for area organizations, raised $25,000 for the organization.

• Hospital employees from River Parishes Hospital, St. James Hospital and St. Charles Hospital, who joined with government agents and nursing students from South Central Louisiana Technical College to execute a mass decontamination drill at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace last week. The drill offered hands-on experience to hospital personnel to help them prepare for a worst-case scenario involving hazardous materials.

• Students at John L. Ory Magnet School in LaPlace for their participation in the LSU Ag Center Body Walk tour at the school. Eighth grade students served as teachers to younger grade levels and explained the importance of healthy eating and how it affects major body parts.