As the days get shorter and the evenings get cooler, thoughts begin to turn toward the holidays. As city workers scurry to put up Christmas decorations, let us pause to remember the good news that happened last week:

-A local veterans support group hopes to make a difference one penny at a time. Home with Heroes and students from Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa put together more than 30 water jugs last week to kick off the Pennies for Patriots fundraiser. The jugs will be distributed to area schools, where students will fill with pennies and other coins through the month of November. Home with Heroes plans to take the money to help with emergency funds for area veterans who need clothing, food, gasoline, lodging and other necessities. Thanks to all who contribute to this worthy cause.

-Natchez’s first YMCA Director Alice Agner is ready to hit the ground running when she starts her new position this week.

Having been with the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi for five years, Agner said she is looking forward to enhancing recreation in Natchez and Adams County.

On her list of things to accomplish are creating a spring soccer program, a swim team and an after-school program in the public schools.

Recreation commission members say they hope that having a full-time representative in Natchez will make things progress quickly and smoothly. We look forward to the increased focus on area recreational efforts in the coming weeks.

-With fall being one of the busiest times of the year for tourism, the city continues to play host to guests from around the world. Last weekend the Southern Jewish Historical Society Conference and the Natchez Antiques Forum toured visitors to local landmarks throughout the county. We are always thankful to those who show hospitality and grace to all of the tourists who come to learn about our special corner of the world.

As we enter another busy week, let us remember to give thanks to all who make our community great.