Hits and misses
A quick look at issues making headlines in the Observer-Reporter
HIT: Anyone who’s had a modicum of parenting experience knows the challenges posed by even the least fussy newborn. Imagine the patience and pluck necessary to comfort a drug-dependent infant suffering through painful withdrawal symptoms that include uncontrollable crying, shaking, twitching, irritability and a host of other ailments.
We were struck by the selflessness and grace demonstrated by Beverly Thornton, featured in Sunday’s edition as part of a story about a growing cadre of volunteers called “cuddlers.” Through the power of touch, volunteers like Thornton help alleviate the painful withdrawal symptoms the babies experience.
Thornton admitted that getting an infant suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome to stop crying is a relief. But sometimes you just have to ride it out with them.
“I tell them they’re beautiful,” she said. “I tell them they’re going to be fine.”
That is our hope, too.
HIT: We commend Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Care Center for opening Chris’ Room, named for Christopher Wall, 33, whose life ended as a result of drug addiction in May 2016.
The “quiet room” inside the center on East Maiden Street, Washington, offers a tranquil, safe space for clients struggling with addiction to meditate and reflect.
“It’s just a wonderful tribute to Chris,” said Wall’s father, Bill Wall. “But it’s also a wonderful place for people who are battling addiction.”
HIT: We’re pleased that Tierne’s Law, which would give district judges the power to use a risk assessment when determining bond in domestic violence cases, is headed to the governor’s desk for his signature. The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, was named for Tierne Ewing, killed by her estranged husband, Kevin, who was facing myriad domestic violence charges when he abducted her at gunpoint.
“It’s not a cure-all for domestic violence victims, but it’s a new tool to help victims feel a little bit safer when they press charges,” Bartolotta said this week.
Another six bills to toughen laws related to domestic violence have been sent to the state House for approval, including one that would require a person named in a protection-from-abuse order involving domestic violence to surrender any firearms to police, a registered gun dealer or licensed attorney. Currently, they can relinquish ownership to friends or family members.
MISS: We couldn’t resist pointing out the error in judgment, to put it kindly, of the man accused of robbing a Bentleyville bank last week. Police said Glenn Allan Flory Jr. actually signed his name to a note demanding money from the teller at CFS Bank, leading police to identify the suspect through his signature. He was picked up a brisk four hours later, and subsequently admitted his involvement to police.
We couldn’t make this stuff up.
HIT: After more than 10 years of sitting vacant, the former YWCA on East Maiden Street in Washington is an eyesore no more.
This week, Transitional Paths to Independent Living offered a peek inside the building as the first phase of renovations wraps up. We’re pleased that TRPIL, which advocates for people with disabilities, opted to retain much of the building’s historical integrity, such as the brickwork on the front facade and the 1920s-style front staircase. The new headquarters will provide more space for offices and community events than the current site on East Beau Street.
The old YWCA holds a lot of fond memories for a lot of people. The new occupants soon will be making some of their own.