Those who gripe about their community need look no further than Mike Lomasney and the Christmas in Natchez folks.

The volunteer group has launched a new, successful tourism season for locals and visitors while warming the hearts of decades of Natchezians who picture Christmas in a very specific way.

The detailed, wood-cut depictions of the holidays created by a former International Paper employee remind so many locals of days past that Lomasney just couldn’t let them sit and rot.

So he’s devoted countless hours of his time since last winter repairing and replacing the designs.

His work will be unveiled just after Thanksgiving.

Smiles of passing drivers are enough reward for Lomasney, but a much firmer pat on the back is needed for someone who serves as a role model to all of us.

Sure, there’s a lot wrong in our community, as in any community. We all have plenty about which to complain.

But what are you doing about it?

Not everyone can devote his or her afternoons to a volunteer project, and not everyone has money to donate.

But everyone can do something, sometime that truly makes our community a better place to live.

While you ponder your place, let’s get ready for another great Christmas season in Natchez. The plans are bigger and better this year, and maybe your best contribution for now would simply be inviting some friends to town for the festivities.