EachWednesday, 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:

• The civic groups across the River Parishes who organized ceremonies to celebrate Martin Luther King Day last week. Events on both sides of the Mississippi River were well attended by young and old alike.

• Children’s author and musician Johnette Downing, who conducted a pair of performances for students at John L. Ory Magnet School last week. Downing entertained students in every age group with songs based on her books.

• Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Livingston Parish office of Veterans Affairs for donating funding and time to the planting of two dozen orange trees on the grounds of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve. The trees will produce fresh fruit for the residents of the home.

• Members of the 2011 L’Observateur All-Parish Football Team. Offensive MVP is Darion Monroe of East St. John, Defensive MVPs are Ronnie Feist of West St. John and Jeffrey Hall of St. Charles atholic, and Coach of the Year is Frank Monica of St. Charles Catholic.