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ORCHID: To the Warren Family Mission for getting hundreds of students off to a great start to the 2026-27 school year by hosting a recent giveaway of snazzy backpacks filled with fresh new school supplies. Lines that snaked around the mission's Tod Avenue NW headquarters began forming six full hours before the giveaway. That's clearly a strong illustration of the need for basic necessities for the new academic year in our community. It's also a clear signal that the mission remains a vital and compassionate cog in the Greater Warren community.
ONION: To those who foolishly put beauty before health by excessive indulgence in tanning beds. A recent health page feature in this newspaper cited a growing resurgence in their popularity thanks in large part to social media hype on TikTok and similar sites. Truth be told, tanning beds significantly increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, and can lead to premature aging and eye damage. The World Health Organization has long classified the tanning bed as a cancer-causing agent on par with tobacco and asbestos. Clearly those who worship that classic bronzed-skin look would be much better off using much more safe self-tanning sprays and lotions.
ORCHID: To members of the Board of Trumbull County Commissioners for their willingness to consider a potentially cost-saving consolidation for local taxpayers. The board last week agreed to seriously consider a proposal from a Republican candidate for commissioner in this fall's election to merge operations of the county's Eastern District Court in Brookfield with its Central District Court in Cortland. Both have experienced declines in cases over the years. Such regionalizing and consolidation of services typically increases efficiencies and lowers costs through economies of scale.
ORCHID: To Journey of Hope, the cross-country bicycling troupe that raises funds and boosts spirits of special-needs students in the Mahoning Valley and across the nation. The group of about 20 cyclists recently stopped at Fairhaven School in Niles toward the end of their journey from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., to the delight of throngs of students there. Member Jack Leitzke of Tampa, Florida, said "Our goal is to raise awareness and serve the disability community by raising money for them and spreading awareness. We get to know them and spend time with them on friendship days." Judging by the warm welcome the local students gave Journey cyclists, they appreciate the team's mission, congeniality and strong message of inclusion.
ONION: To Buc-ee's, the Texas-based chain of mega-sized gas stations and convenience stores, for reaching new heights in frivolous lawsuits by suing the town of Beavercreek, Ohio, near where the first Buc-ee's in the Buckeye State is located. In its lawsuit, Buc-ee's claims that after opening its location there, it discovered the small nearby Beaver's Mini-Mart cartoon beaver mascot and red-letter font risk what it calls consumer confusion. From Beaver townsfolk to the governor of Ohio, the reaction has been swift and vocal: In a town long named Beaver, a beaver mascot is most fitting indeed. Those wishing to support the mini-mart's valiant and legitimate fight can contribute to its legal defense fund at its GoFundMe site.
ORCHID: To the Woofter family of Fowler and Vernon townships and the Greene Historical Society for their contribution to preservation of Revolutionary War history in Trumbull County. Family members recently attended an installation ceremony for the new marker to replace an old and weathered one for Aaron Rice (1749-1832), a veteran of the nation's war for independence 25 decades ago. The family's proactive work toward highlighting history serves as a great model for others around the Valley.