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Orchids and onions

• ORCHID: To Hartford Township for its successful implementation of fundraising efforts and planning that led to construction of the Hartford Community Pavilion in the town’s square. Years of collecting donations and contributions, grant seeking and coordination with the township’s park committee made the project a success. The $100,000, 30-by-40-foot, open-air building is styled after the former Hartford Academy that once stood on the grounds in the 1800s. It can be used for weddings, baby and wedding showers, reunions and other community events.

• ORCHID: To sponsors, organizers and participants in this year’s 12th annual Panerathon, which was held last Sunday. The 10K race / 2-mile fun run and walk returned as a live event after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Proceeds benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. Since its inception, Panerathon has raised more than $3 million for Mercy Health Foundation in support of the breast care center. What an amazing way to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month.

• ONION: To members of bridal party and wedding guests who likely ruined the day for newlyweds when a childish brawl broke out at a Girard wedding reception last week. A police report indicated the fight started after someone made unflattering comments about the bride. Really? They couldn’t keep their comments and / or gossip to themselves even on this special day? Two people even were arrested. Let’s hope they’ve all learned their lesson, and let’s also hope they’ve extended heartfelt apologies for the unfathomable spectacle.

• ORCHID: To Hartford Boy Scout Jacob Baker, who recently announced his plans to create a flag retirement container for the square as his Eagle Scout project. The container will be available year round for collection of worn and old flags. What a useful project to the community, creating an easily accessible means for residents to dispose of worn and tattered American flags in a dignified manner.

• ONION: To Trumbull County commissioners who still have not developed a plan for how they will consider and rank projects to benefit from the $38 million in American Rescue Plan funding the county will receive. Commissioners have been kicking it around for months now, but there still is no outline or plan, including methods for entities to submit their projects for consideration. When the West Farmington mayor this week demanded answers, commissioners offered pitiful excuses. It’s time for them to stop spinning their wheels and get down to business.

• ORCHID: To Weathersfield Township firefighter Raymond Knepper Sr., who this week was announced as the 2021 Trumbull County Firefighter of the Year. The honor, sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle and ServPro, is based on dedication, productivity, loyalty and professionalism. Our Valley is very fortunate to have countless first responders who fit these criteria. During this week’s annual National Fire Prevention Week, we applaud and salute Knepper and the many others who serve the public, even at their own risk.

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