To the Editor: The May issue of Senior News (“Health in Humboldt 2026”) is much appreciated from first page to last. Special thanks to Julie Fulkerson for “It’s Just Wrong” (page 6), as more of the same continues when vindictive, narcissistic, divisive, lying behavior by our president becomes familiar week af...

Dear John Heckel: I am an avid reader of the Senior News here in Santa Cruz. I, too, am a carepartner. I am so truly sorry for your loss. I am so happy, however, that Lucy has come into your life [“Lucy the Lifesaver,” April Senior News]. We have two dogs and five cats, and they are a great addition to our li...

To the Editor: Throughout various professional and civic roles, Mary Burke has shown that she knows how to bring people together to improve our environment and our communities. One of her recent accomplishments here in McKinleyville is the Baduwa’t Project at the end of School Road, which improved salmon habi...

To the Editor: I had the pleasure of working with Mary Burke when I was chair of the McKinleyville Community Services District Parks & Recreation Committee and Mary served as MCSD liaison to this committee. In my experience, Mary was always prepared, knowledgeable and creative in her work for our community. M...

To the Editor: I’ve known Mary Burke for years and look forward to her becoming the next District 5 Humboldt County supervisor for several reasons. She brings people together: During her tenure with both McKinleyville Community Services District and the McKinleyville Advisory Committee, she has shown that she...

To the Editor: I wholeheartedly support Mary Burke for supervisor. Beryl Feldman, McKinleyville

To the Editor: I’m honored to be a teammate for Blood Cancer United’s Team in Training campaign, and I’m writing to ask for your support as I work to help advance their mission: ensuring access to cures and treatments for blood cancers. This June, I’ll be fulfilling a long‑held dream by bicycling 100 miles at...

To the Editor: The June 2 primary election is VERY important as regards the California gubernatorial race. Something to get informed about! It’s coming right up. Be ready to VOTE! Laurel Wanner, Blue Lake

To the Editor: This letter is prompted by John Heckel’s recent articles, “I Need a Hug” and “After Janet.” In November 2024, after 52 years, I lost my wife, Judy Little. Much of what John wrote about the loss of his wife rings true for this widower. Judy suffered from COPD and dementia, both of which grew wor...

To the Editor: This letter comes in response to the great stories and experiences your writers so wonderfully shared with all your readers in the March issue [“The Reading Habit”]. I grew up around books. Our mother read us a story most nights before bedtime until we got into reading ourselves and checking ou...

To the Editor: Thank you for the acknowledgement of Redwood Coast Village’s 10th anniversary [Tasha Romo, “Redwood Coast Village — 10 Years of Aging Well,” March Senior News, page 11].

To the Editor: Editor’s Note: Columnist John Heckel received this as an email. With the sender’s permission, we include it as a letter to the editor.

To the Editor: Hello John. You don’t know me, but I feel I know you a bit from following your columns in the Senior News for many months. I appreciate your honesty in describing your life and challenges with your wife, Janet. How difficult it must be to balance all the emotions after saying your last goodbye....

To the Editor: For years, I’ve been distressed about the anger and disrespect between the political Left and Right in our nation and in Humboldt County. I was a staunch Democrat most of my life, but in 2015-2016 something unexpected happened. I had volunteered with Betty Chinn for a couple of years and wanted...

To the Editor: I am absolutely compelled to write you. I was recently in Eureka’s hospital ICU and then transferred to the hospital in Fortuna. I felt like I was in hospitals in Beverly Hills! The people in both locations — from the cleaning staff, nutritionists, nurses and aides, doctors and administrators —...

To the Editor: As this New Year dawns, so also dawns that annual mental activity known as Making New Year’s Resolutions. For a number of years growing up, I would resolve to not get poison oak. It usually worked. Please allow me now to suggest a New Year’s Resolution for you to ponder and consider. It is call...

To the Editor: My husband and I very much appreciate John Heckel’s column [“Aging is an Art.” See “Love Me Enough,” October Senior News, page 10]. It is not easy to put oneself out there in print when dealing with the inevitably painful parts of life. We value his willingness (as well as Janet’s) to share the...

To John Heckel: I wanted to let you know how incredibly touched I’ve been by your columns about your caregiving journey with your wife, Janet. I’m moved practically beyond words at the love and strength you both share, and your commitment.

To the Editor: My fresh start and life-changing event started on the morning of April 25, 2024, although I didn’t realize it at the time. I became the victim of a violent crime when I was shot (twice) in the driveway of my home by someone completely unknown to me. I know how lucky I am to still be alive.