Christmas is nearly a week away, but the looming holiday vacations didn’t’ stop great things from happening in our community last week.

Before we prepare for the week ahead, let’s take a moment to recap some of the highlights:

• The intersection of Jefferson and Union streets came alive for the annual Jefferson Street United Methodist Church’s live nativity scene, which the church’s youth group has been creating for nearly 30 years. The tradition is one that embodies the Natchez spirit and also one we hope will continue for many years.
• Miss-Lou residents are rallying around Brody BeQuette, a 4-year-old recently diagnosed with cancer. The pre-school student has been traveling to Jackson for treatment, and several local fundraisers have been planned to help support BeQuette and his parents. Let’s show our support, through donations and prayers, to help this family get through this difficult time.
• Frazier Elementary fifth-grade students got a first-hand account of Newton’s Third Law when the students built and raced rocket cars propelled by air escaping from a balloon. The winners of four categories — distance, speed, environment and design — took home gift certificates to Walmart, but hopefully all the students took home a better understanding of the science behind the activity.
• Al Thompson is one of four meals-on-wheels drivers for the Natchez Senior Center who deliver food to seniors who are unable to leave their houses. But in the last four years behind the wheel, Thompson has learned he’s delivering more than just food — he’s a friendly face to those who have little contact throughout the week. We thank Thompson for giving his time to help others.

Let’s keep the good news coming to make sure we all stay on Santa’s “nice list” when he comes to visit next week.