ORCHID: To folks who donated money and time to help out John Owsley. He was in a serious car accident in 2011 which left him paralyzed from the chest down and in a wheelchair. He now has his own apartment at the home of his sister, Robin Carioti, and her husband, Perry, in Howland Township. Through the generosity of others, a garage and basement were transformed into his new home.
ONION: To residents and businesses that do not clear their driveways of snow. That forces pedestrians to walk in the streets, as many were doing this week, creating a hazard for them and motorists. Another ONION to those who clear their driveways or parking lots by putting the snow in the street, which is also hazardous to motorists.
ORCHID: To United Auto Workers Local 1714 for providing for 250 needy families who received the donation of a Christmas meal. The meals were delivered through the coordination of the Toys for Kids. The Local also donated $4,000 worth of toys for needy children.
ONION: To motorists who will be driving impaired during the upcoming New Year's eve celebration. The Ohio State Highway Patrol in Columbus says five people were killed in traffic-related crashes on Monday and Tuesday, with three deaths attributed to impaired driving. Last year in Ohio, eight people died operating a vehicle while impaired between Christmas and New Year's Day.
ORCHID: To the Western Reserve Modular Railroad Club as it has found a home to showcase local railroad history at the Youngstown Historical Center of Labor and Industry in Youngstown. The club's two large railroad exhibits are on the first floor of the building. The building also houses YSU's history department. One exhibit shows the railroads and Youngstown mills and the second display shows railroads and local business areas.
ORCHID: To Covelli Enterprises and Panera Bread for donating $15,000 to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. A separate ORCHID goes to the Cafaro Company and Super Kmart. The Cafaro Company donated $5,000 to pay for 150 bicycles donated to the Toys for Tots campaign that were purchased at Super Kmart.