ORCHID: To members of United Methodist Community Center in Warren for having Students With A TASK (SWAT), a group of junior high pupils from Toledo, complete a variety of tasks to spruce up the property where Warren children participate in valuable programs.
ORCHID: To Pastor David Luther of Christ Memorial Church and Dan Nagy of Niles for building a moving wall to honor veterans from the Mahoning Valley who served in the Vietnam War. Luther and Nagy are Navy veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
ORCHID: To U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Cope and U.S. Army Cpl. Michael Burrus who plan to participate in the Howland High School annual July 4 Stars and Stripes 5K Run and Walk on behalf of three army recruits killed in a tragic traffic accident. Cope and Burrus plan to carry up to 150 pounds on their backs, one pound for every $10 donated, to raise money for a youth center being built in one of the recruits' names.
ONION: To members of SCOPE who admitted they failed to conduct background checks on 16 employees in direct care positions, admitted checks were not done in a timely manner on 26 others and admitted they hired two workers who had disqualifying offenses. The sterling reputation of an agency that provided remarkable services to Trumbull County's senior citizens is now tarnished as a result.
ORCHID: To the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the Trumbull County United Way for exploring a potential merger. The verdict is out on whether the agencies could better serve Mahoning Valley needy as a single entity, but taking a close look is worthwhile, especially since some large donors to both requested it.
ORCHID: To PGA Tour rookie Jason Kokrak for making an appearance and a donation at a Greater Western Reserve Council Boy Scouts of America fund-raiser at Trumbull County Club. It's re-assuring to know that Kokrak has not forgotten his hometown or his home course.