Here are some of the best — and worst — of the week:

BEST

SPECIAL MAUREEN — For more than 30 years, Maureen Bialaszewski has been organizing the Special Olympics in Northern Chautauqua County. She started as a teacher at the BOCES Hewes Center in Ashville and saw that the Special Olympics in Jamestown was getting too big and was too far to travel for some. So in 1989, she started the Special Olympics at SUNY Fredonia and it’s been growing ever since. This year, the event was attended by 430 athletes and more than 100 teachers, volunteers and supporters, which made it a record-setting year. We thank Maureen and the many, many other volunteers and supporters who make this event such a special day.

STABBING ARREST — Just days after Ashlyann M. Lopez-Lopez’s name was posted on the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s website and published in the OBSERVER, Dunkirk Police took Lopez-Lopez in custody on charges of first-degree manslaughter following the death of a 15-year-old. Police did not give specifics on how they were able to take her in custody; however, we believe anytime there is a wanted person and his/her name is made public, the community can help police be on the lookout.

ALL COUNTY FESTIVAL — Nearly 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students will take the stage at Chautauqua Institution’s amphitheater tonight, performing their hearts out for family and friends. Students are spending the day there rehearsing as teachers from all over Western New York will be helping these top musicians sing and play their instruments. This has been going on since 1949 and every year it’s been an amazing production. We suspect tonight will be just as amazing. If you get the chance, go see these top performers. You won’t be disappointed.

WORST

TOWN HALL RAUCOUS — Make no mistake, we fully support Rep. Tom Reed’s efforts to keep the public informed by holding town hall meetings. Too many political leaders duck and hide from the public, refusing to have open forums. But with that said, we grow tired of the constant yelling that takes place at town hall events. When Reed speaks, let him state his case. If you disagree, that’s your right as an American. State your position, use facts and share why you agree or disagree. But the constant shouting, trying to drown out others, isn’t helping your case. Like the saying goes, “You’ll catch more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.”