As the new year begins many of you take the opportunity, like myself, to reflect on last year’s events, special occasions and exceptional people. Natchez Community Hospital and Comcast have partnered together in an effort to honor outstanding women in the Miss-Lou.

Caring women come in a variety of packages. They are tall, short, studious, serious, playful, fun-loving, kind, active, quiet, bold, shy, wise and witty. Caring women come from all walks of life. No two caring women are alike. They are unique, with their own set of characteristics that make them caring women. There is one thing, though, that they have in common, the way they live their lives inspires others.

Caring women are everywhere in our midst. They are in our homes, schools, churches and workplace. They are mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and mothers-to-be. They are single, married, career oriented and volunteers. They are ordinary women leading extraordinary lives.

Do you know of an exceptional woman who has made an outstanding contribution to our community or in service to others? A caring woman would never ask for the spotlight but we want to make sure she gets the recognition she deserves. We are asking that you take the time to honor that special woman in your life by nominating her to be one of the “Caring Women.”

We then will honor all of the nominees at a luncheon on Feb. 14. We will also recognize the winners in each of the following categories, leadership — one who inspires others to take action for a common good; perseverance — one who has overcome personal adversity; mentor — one who invests in helping another as a counselor, role model, helper or encourager; defender — one who champions the cause of a disadvantaged person or group; promise — a young woman of 14 to 18 years old who demonstrates a commitment to high personal standards.

Forms are available in the main lobby of Natchez Community Hospital or in Sunday editions of The Natchez Democrat. Please consider taking the time to nominate the women you know who are making our community a better place.

There is no better time to show the “Caring Women” in our lives just how special they are and to pay tribute to them for the caring things that they do all year. Won’t you take a few minutes and think of the women in your life who have made a difference to you and those around you? Now, take a moment and share them with us and the rest of the community.

Please hurry the deadline for nominations is Jan. 25.

Timothy R. TROTTIER is the chief executive officer of Natchez Community Hospital.