Cornelius helps area celebrate milestone

The Hannibal area this week was treated to a taste of what’s yet to come, when Helen Cornelius, recognized country performer, paid a visit to her roots to serve as honorary chairperson of the Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament benefit for the American Cancer Society. During this special event at the Hannibal Country Club, Cornelius offered a testimony about overcoming breast cancer, then offered a vocal performance for those in attendance.
Then on Tuesday, Cornelius was on hand at the Ralls County Courthouse to announce her participation in this summer’s 150th anniversary celebration. She will present a concert that promises to be a big draw for all music lovers.
It’s good to have Helen back home, if only as a visitor. Those who remember her as a hometown singer and followed her career onto the Nashville stage relish the thought that one of our own hit the big time. That she is coming home to help her community celebrate such important events as a cancer benefit and the Ralls County celebration serve as a reminder that she is still true to her roots.
Thanks, Helen, for making time in your schedule to perform for a hometown audience. You mentioned in an interview with the Courier-Post that it made you a little nervous to sing before people you’ve known for much of your life. You needn’t be. We know we speak for the entire region when we say: Welcome home.