Before we roll into one of the Miss-Lou’s busiest events — the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration — let’s slow down long enough to review a few good headlines from last week.

The Natchez Business and Civic League had its annual banquet, awarding area businessmen and women and three teens for their service to the community.

Among the winners were Melvin Demby, Vivian E. Graham, Ser Seshs Ab Heter- C.M. Boxley, Calvin Butler and Willie Coulston.

We are glad the group takes the time to recognize community members that stand apart from the others.

Natchez Community Hospital chose five “Caring Women” from a pool of 43 nominees from the community. The five winners were recognized at a Valentine’s Day luncheon for their work in the area. Recognizing those around us who make our community special is the responsibility of all of us, and we are glad the hospital is leading the way.

Students at Trinity Episcopal Day School are taking the environment seriously. They’ve begun studying ways to conserve energy, and they are taking their lessons home. It’s great to see a younger generation working to preserve the world around them, and we could all learn from these students.

And, finally, a bit of Natchez left us this week for a higher calling. A rosewood tête–tête — made approximately 1850 — from Melrose will be featured in a Smithsonian exhibit for a short time. The piece of furniture will come back, but not before the rest of the world gets a chance to share in one of the treasures of Natchez.

As the NLCC kicks off, we know the coming week is going to be a good one.