Every now and then it is nice just to take stock of that for which we have to be thankful. Given all the news of last week, today seems like a good time for doing just that.

Relay for Life teams spent Friday evening celebrating the triumphs of cancer survivors and marking the lives who fell victim to serious disease. The event capped fund-raising efforts for the American Cancer Society. The group surpassed their goal of $63,000, and for that we can all be thankful.

The Demopolis Public Library extended its movie screenings after the widely successful screenings during the Hellman-Wyler Festival. Library director Lindsy Gardner is a strong supporter of the arts and humanities in the area, and we look forward to more screenings and offerings in the future.

The Rural Assistance Program for Churches and Schools is extending its Wellness Day ministries to Dixons Mills. The first program debuted last month at Cornerstone Church in Linden, and its success drew requests from Dixons Mills. Programs such as this can bring unique events to rural areas that otherwise would not have these opportunities.

The Demopolis Lions Club is hosting the East-West All-Star game today. The opening day game serves both as a fund-raiser for the civic club and as a way for talented athletes to play with other students from across the state.

While losing the Rev. Aaron Raulerson is not good new to Trinity Episcopal Church or the area, knowing the opportunities that await him is something that we can all celebrate. Good luck, the Rev. Raulerson.

And finally, it was a bittersweet week for Marengo Academy. The Longhorns had a terrific season, and they were poised to take the state title. Though they fell a game short, they still placed second in the state. That is a great honor, and it showcases our area talent.