Finding peace during a time of tragedy
…Last week was admittedly a hectic week for the Messenger, what with all the many different meetings, hearings, school functions, sporting events and photo shoots that had to be covered by our editorial staff. But it was also an unforgettable week, a time when most of Greene County’s eyes and ears were focused on the county courthouse. Indeed, last week we witnessed one of the biggest news stories in the county’s recent history, as Jeffrey Martin finally went to trial for – and was found guilty of – killing 12-year-old Gabrielle Bechen.
I am not going to use this editorial space to talk about my feelings about the trial…
Quite frankly, I wasn’t able to attend a lot of the trial because of my numerous other obligations that fell in my lap and on my desk throughout the week, but I did follow the trial every step of the way. (We were able to have extensive coverage of the ongoing trial thanks to the dedication and hard work from Steve Ferris, a reporter for the Herald-Standard.)
I did want to say that as the trial continued, all I could think about was what the victim’s family was going through during that long and agonizing week, and it made me sad – and angry – for them and their loss.
I remembered that I wrote a column back in June 2006, just days after the terrible, heartbreaking news of Gabrielle’s death had broken. And after re-reading it, I realized that no matter what I write, no matter how much I think about this tragedy, I know that I will never be able to comprehend or imagine what her family has been through.
At the end of that June 2006 column, I wrote this: “I personally did not know Gabrielle Bechen, or her family. But I – and the thousands who watched this tragedy unfold – will never forget her… we offer our deepest and sincerest condolences and prayers to her family and friends. We hope they find peace in their lives.”
Here and now, nearly two years later, and with the trial finally behind us, we should all continue to hope and pray that they are indeed able to find that peace…
…This past weekend I was invited to hang out with members of the Greene County chapter of ABATE at the Rolling Meadows Nursing Home in Waynesburg, where they greeted the residents and handed out flowers and cards in honor of Mother’s Day. (They also visited the Golden Living Center.)
The kindness and generosity of these “bikers” really meant a lot to many of the senior citizens, and it was so uplifting to watch this group selflessly open their hearts for such a nice cause.
As I followed them around and watched them spread some cheer, I became very touched when an elderly woman thanked an ABATE member for the flower and then said that she had children who never gave her flowers on Mother’s Day, nor do they ever come to visit her. (I know I’m a sissy, but I have to admit that I am getting teary-eyed as I type this.) This was a special day for many of the residents there, and ABATE should be commended for committing such random acts of kindness…
…Speaking of ABATE: They are holding a benefit bike run fundraiser on Saturday, May 17, in which proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Greene County. Registration begins at the humane society at 10:30 a.m. and the ride starts at 12 p.m. For more information, call 724-852-1789…
…Just thought I’d throw this little tidbit of information out there: I was recently informed that this year’s Jacktown Fair is featuring a special event that should interest all of you crooners and singers, a competition called “the 2008 Jacktown Fair Idol.”
The singing contest will be held each night during the fair and will award some neat cash prizes to the first-, second- and third-place winners, but only a limited number of contestants will be selected to compete. The deadline to enter is June 1 or when all slots are filled, whichever comes first. For entry forms and complete details, go online at www.jacktownfair.org or call 724-428-4361…
…And while we’re talking about upcoming events: You know it’s getting to be summertime in Greene when you start hearing about all of the different festivals and fun events that are happenin’ around the county.
We have the annual Sheep and Fiber Fest this weekend, as well as the Historical Museum’s open house on May 17, the first drag racing event at the county airport on May 18, the Kelly-Miller Circus on May 20, the 51st annual Waynesburg Charity Horse Show May 23-25, and plenty more to come.
Keep checking back in this column – and in our weekly County Calendar – for more upcoming events scheduled for the summer. You can also go online to the county tourism agency’s Web site, www.greenecountytourism.org…
…Looking at all of these upcoming summer events and checking out the calendar, I just realized that I will be celebrating my birthday in just a couple of weeks. And oh no, it’s not just ANY birthday, it’s “The Big 4-0.” Something tells me I’m going to be cranky in this column over the next few issues. Consider yourselves warned…