On Saturday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Dec. 5, the United New Auburn Association, the L-A Boys and Girls Club, local businesses and many, many dedicated volunteers hosted two large and highly successful community events for New Auburn village citizens and others in the community.

Hundreds of costumed young and old celebrated the fifth annual Hello-ween event; and on Saturday, Dec. 5, the streets of New Auburn were lined three and four deep with young and the young at heart to welcome a brightly lit 17-vehicle parade leading Santa Claus to Sullivan Square for the holiday tree lighting.

As a member of UNAA, I would like to thank every single volunteer, every business and the two small print-media companies that did participate in these significant community events. Their efforts created memories that will be cherished for years in the future.

It is noted with some disappointment that, despite ample notice, the Sun Journal chose to offer little if any coverage. The daily media presence in people’s lives often focuses largely on the violent and negative.

New Auburn’s community organizations offer positive, many times free, opportunities for residents to reach out and connect with their neighbors. Speaking as a small-business owner and an active community volunteer, I urge the Sun Journal to revisit its community coverage priorities. It can and should do a better job.

Kathy Shaw, Auburn

Editor’s note: Sun Journal staff produced stories advancing both  the Oct. 31 and Dec. 5 events, and then covered both events with staff photos. In addition, the events were listed in our community calendar in print and online.