By MELISSA PEACOCK

DESTREHAN – The Jerusalem Temple was filled Thursday with volunteers honored as part of the 25th Anniversary “Retired and Senior Volunteer Program” Gala – proving the River Parishes have some of the most active, dedicated and caring senior citizens.

The theme of the festive event celebrated the real “stars” of the area, the RSVP volunteers who donate their time for the betterment of local communities.

St. Charles Parish President Albert D. Laque and St. John the Baptist Parish President Nickie Monica congratulated volunteers and handed out awards to this year’s recipients.

Cecile Alexander, 85, was only one of the many “stars” recognized for outstanding work within the community at the festivities. She received an engraved star plaque for her 20-years of service to St. John’s Parish during the ceremony. Among her proudest accomplishments, helping out an elderly neighbor in her community.

“Where I live, people give to one another,” the Edgard resident said. “It is about doing something to help somebody. The lady was my neighbor. She wasn’t able to do for herself, so I went to help her.”

Alexander said she helped with her neighbor’s housework, but said cooking was her specialty. Among the most requested dishes – her famous Okra Gumbo.

Virges Roger Becnel of Vacherie said she is 80 years old and proud of her age and the work she does. Becnel volunteers at the St. James Senior Center.

“I love it,” Becnel said about the “Star” she received for her 15-years of service in St. James Parish. “I never thought I would get something. It’s beautiful though – a big star with 15 written on it.”

Becnel said recent health problems have made it harder for her to help as much as she would like.

“But I do what I can,” Becnel said. “It’s about helping others.”

Then, with a sly smile, she added, “People older than me.”

All RSVP volunteers received a gift bag with a memento for his or her years of service, as well as an RSVP certificate.

Volunteers that have been with the program for 20, 15, 10 and five years were all recognized with pins and certificates commemorating their respective years of service. Awards were also given to the five volunteers in each parish with the most community service hours.

Volunteers from a variety of community organizations and public facilities were represented at the event.

“They do a good job of trying to honor everybody,” said volunteer Audrey Zeringue of the St. Charles Visitor Center.

“It just takes time and a willingness to serve the community,” Zeringue said about volunteerism.