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Exploring the bullying epidemic

I recently heard about a ''Back to School Bully Buster Bootcamp'' held for families at Kyuki-Do Marital Arts in Huntley, Ill. According to Stephanie Hanes of the Christian Science Monitor, students were trained not only in self-defense moves, but how to stay calm when confronted by a bully; learning what to say, along with other strategic techniques in dealing with bullies, were also part of the training program.An interesting approach.This problem has become a major dilemma in our society. While confining this article to school-age children, the bullying problem has spread throughout ...

Standing on her own, proud of the area

I like people who stand on their own, who have a counterpoint view. I've been both impressed and mystified by Kathleen Anne. Through her Facebook groups ''Everything Cortland'' and ''Delphi/GM Packard Electric Employees - Warren, Ohio'' she projects an unfailing positive outlook about Warren in spite of a prevailing negative cloud that seems to make its home here.I've wondered why, when other young people are leaving in droves, she remains. So I invited her for a chat over breakfast and here's what I learned ...As it turns out, Kathleen's roots go deep into the history represented by ...

Speed bumps line busing transition

Late last year, the Trumbull County commissioners made the decision to transition the transportation services that were provided by the Department of Elderly Affairs to the Trumbull Transit Board. The idea was a good one - eliminating a redundant service and saving money.The trouble is that this transition has not gone smoothly, and Community Bus Services, which has the contract to provide transportation for Trumbull Transit, does not seem to be doing a good job absorbing these clients.The clients who had previously been served by the Department of Elderly Affairs are all elderly or ...

Justice served, or parties served?

Recently, the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, Maureen O'Connor, asked us in Tribune op-eds to learn more about her proposals for improving our judiciary system by looking at the website ohiocourts2013.org. So, I did. I even entered my name and email address to receive updates.I agree with the chief justice on almost all of her proposals.Time for some ''full'' disclosures: I consider myself an independent voter, but I have been a registered Democrat more often than a Republican. I receive literature from each party, so I believe I have thoroughly confused both of them about my ...

Writer gets a second chance

Second chances.How many have you gotten? When you got that second chance, what did you do with it - use it wisely or waste it?Second chances are special. They're kind of like a do-over: This is where you get another opportunity to do something right that you might have previously missed the mark on.When a second chance comes your way, you see it for the precious gift that it is. It makes you want to work harder to fully embrace the opportunity. Armed with the backward vision of what didn't work, you'll try extra hard to skip the old mistakes, running headlong. ...into new mistakes. Such ...

Two sets of rules seem to apply

It amazes me that our local public officials expect citizens to obey the law when they themselves ignore it. The Trumbull County Board of Health is a perfect example of this.Members of the Board of Health are appointed by the District Advisory Council which is made up of trustees and mayors of communities in the Health District. These appointments are done at the annual meeting usually held in March. For many years, the election the board members has been done via secret ballot of the District Advisory Council.If this doesn't sound right to you, you're correct. It isn't right. It is ...