I was saddened to learn that Helen Thomas’ June 27 Hobnobbing With Helen column would be her last.
I have been a member, volunteer, and board member of local nonprofits for over 20 years and Helen Thomas was a welcome and valuable contributor to all of them. Her smile, notebook, and camera were ubiquitous, a welcome addition to every fundraiser I can recall, keeping the community aware of the efforts, goals, and contributions of those many organizations in their dedication toward making Santa Maria a kinder and more inclusive community. A few kind words and perhaps a photo in her column offered a welcome reward to so many who selflessly work on behalf of the community.
I know that I and so many others are sorry that the Sun has elected to discontinue her column. Both our community, and certainly the Sun, will be the less for it.
Roy Reed
Santa Maria
This article appears in Jul 11-18, 2019.