As we warm up from a week dominated by snow and ice, let us consider some of the good news that happened last week:

• The Natchez Housing Authority received a $720,000 grant to bring back the Youth Build Program, aimed at help youth ages 16 to 24 who are unemployed and not in school. Members of the program will learn construction skills while building or restoring affordable housing for low-income or homeless families. At the same time, they will also work to earn a high-school diploma or GED. With the grant money, NHA will join approximately 210 actively funded programs across more than 40 states.
• The Historic Natchez Foundation honored the best in historic preservation for 2017 during its annual meeting last week. Highlights for the year included the renovation of the landmark house Ravennaside, the publication of a book about the infamous Goat Castle murder, the establishment of a fund for the Courthouse Records Project and the ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Natchez by the nonprofit F.O.R Natchez. Special Merit Awards were also given to Mac Hazlip, Michael Blattner, Pat and Lisa Miller, Eddie Burkes, Jeremy Houston and Rebecca McGehee for their accomplishments. Congratulations to all of those who were honored and to the Historic Natchez Foundation for another year of accomplishments.
• Sunday afternoon the First Presbyterian Church officially installed the Rev. Joan Gandy as its new minister. The new appointment is a homecoming for Gandy who was baptized in the church, grew up with many of its current members before leaving for seminary 10 years ago. Thrilled to be back in Natchez, Gandy is ready to lead the congregation in a mission of service and prayer.

Let us remember to thank those who continue to make our community great.