Each Wednesday, 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:

• Reserve resident Oliva Gordon, who, every year around Christmas, opens her home to less fortunate residents so that they can enjoy a good holiday meal. It is a tradition of hers for more than 30 years.

• West St. John High School senior linebacker Ronnie Feist, for representing St. John parish in the Under Armour All-America Football game. The game featured 90 of the nations top senior athletes. Feist will play college ball at LSU in the fall.

• St. James resident Trista Brazan, who was recently named new executive director for the United Way of St. John the Baptist Parish. Brazan takes over for Dean Torres, who is retiring from the organization after 11 years of service.

• The members of the Engineering, Construction, Contracting Organization that serve DuPont, for donating proceeds from vending machine sales to two local charities in the River Parishes. The group donated $500 to the St. John Ministry of Care, and $2,000 to the River Parishes Battered Women’s Shelter.