As we prepare to pause from our busy, hectic lives to celebrate a holiday that originally began as a way of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, let us look some of the good news that we collected last week:

• The pounds are coming off for the participants of the Natchez Diabetes and Heart Disease Program. Halfway through the program, which started in April, the participants have lost more than 500 pounds, approximately 200 pounds more than the total weight loss during last year’s program. Some of those in the program have had so much success, they have been able to stop taking certain medicines, program director Getty Israel said. Congratulations to all of those who continue to make progress in the program. They are truly an inspiration.
• Congratulations to those who were honored at the annual Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce gala. David Carter was named Natchezian Man of the Year and Betty Jenkins was named Natchezian Woman of the Year during the annual event that celebrates the best in business. Congratulations to Jordan Carriers, Merit Health Natchez for their well-deserved honors as Large Businesses of the Year and to Jordan, Kaiser and Session as Small Business of the Year.
• Delta Charter School senior Jessica Mount found her calling on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Mount said she has always enjoyed helping people, but a trip to the jungle helped her discover a love for helping children, in particular. Now the senior is looking to college and a possible career in social work. Mount says she dreams of helping children in distant countries and also at home.

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