ORCHID: To area students who showed off their artwork and other talents and took a stand against racism at a recent program hosted by the Warren YWCA and Partners for a Peaceful Community. The Stand Against Racism program is part of the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Children from Warren City Schools displayed art projects that depicted how they see racism. One piece titled ''Embrace the Peace'' features students' painted handprints. Also, students from the YWCA Warren's T.E.A.M. (Teaching, Educating, Advising and Mentoring) performed a skit depicting how racism plays a role in everyday lives.
ONION: For the fading of the traditional Memorial Day meaning. Originally called Decoration Day, it was established after the Civil War to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It has evolved into the kick-off of summer and other activities. Don't get us wrong, it should be a day to remember all loved ones, family and friends, but it also should be remembered that it is very special for families, friends and loved ones to pay special attention in honoring the fallen soldiers.
ORCHID: To members of the community who patronized Friends of the Greenhouse Consortium's Junior Master Gardener sale recently at Packard Park Greenhouse. The one-day sale raises funds to support Trumbull County's only certified Junior Master Gardener Program and all the supplies needed for the day-to-day operation of the greenhouse. This year's total receipts surpassed FOGC's expectations.
ONION: To people who vandalize other people's property. It's such a childish act and makes no sense at all. Not that it's right, but burglars or robbers are getting something from their illegal acts. Vandalism yields nothing other than somebody getting a kick out it. Vandalism is spreading in the city of Warren, and we can't figure out why.
ORCHID: To a program involving Warren's Jefferson K-8 School pupils that allowed them to be pen pals with people at St. Joseph Health Center. The folks at St. Joe had been writing to them during the school year. The 50 students in Lisa Mesaros and Tina Noble's fourth-grade classes got to take a tour recently of the hospital, presented cards to the patients and staff and also met the employees who were their pen pals for the past school year. Jefferson is St. Joseph's adopted school.