Sunday, July 13, 2025

Calendar & News ~ July / August 2025

Flotilla

ARTS

Radium Girls Jul 18 - August 3 PACA Theatre 1505 State St Erie PA Directed by: Char Newport Asst Director: Zachery Hoffman Stage Mgr: Kenna Stevens Featuring: Karen Biebel, Sam Comfort, Bella Fried, Ava Gardner, Michael Harper, Michael Jeffrey, Eric Learn, Kristina Peczel, Hannah Richardson, Luke Scribner

AmeriMasala Festival July 19 Perry Square Erie PA.11am. Parade at 12 noon " The AmeriMasala is movement that presents multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural arts events to promote cross cultural respect and value of all peoples. " 

The Poetry X-Change Open Mic July 20 7:00 PM Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA Presented by Miss Mabeline "Share your poems and enjoy the word art of other 814 poets!"

Blackstar Festival   July 31-Aug 3 Philadelphia "Celebration of Black Brown and Indigenous filmmaking" In-person and virtual.

Chuck Joy Presents Jennifer Browne - Poetry Reading - American Crow Jul 31 6pm Werner Books & Coffee 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA

Benevolent Beers: PACA July 31 5:00-8:00 pm Erie Ale Works 416 W. 12th St. Erie, PA "Join the Staff and Board of PACA for good beer and community. Every purchase between 5PM-8PM will count toward a donation to PACA. We will be hosting a fun basket raffle, 50/50 and merch sale too!"

Chautauqua Institute events of possible interest: Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton August 4 @  Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark Aug 8 Bonnie Raitt September 5 Also Execution of Justice July 17-25 2025 presented by Chautauqua Theatre Co. Chautauqua Cinema screenings now through mid-August.

Erie Blues & Jazz Fest  Aug 2-4 at Frontier Park, Erie PA 

Graham Nash in concert Aug 6 Asbury Hall, Buffalo NY

Comedian Tom Arnold in Erie  At Kellar's 1402 State St. Erie PA on Aug. 8-9.

Jon Stewart at National Comedy Center Jamestown NY August 9

Ani DiFranco August 31 Outer Harbor 225 Fuhrmann Blvd Buffalo, NY

Lavery Brewing owners buy Basement Transmissions (Larry Wheaton/Erie Reader)  

COMMUNITY

[Listen] East Side Renaissance (Joel Natalie) Guests Marcus Atkinson and Matt Harris from the East Side Renaissance,
[Listen] EMTA interview  (Joel Natalie)  EMTA CEO Jeremy Petersen about recent developments. 

DEMOCRACY

Benedictines offer nonviolence training 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Listening Hearts Room at St Mary’s: A Space to Create, 310 E. 10th St., Erie. All sessions  include teaching and role plays. Sessions free, donations accepted. July 7 – Nonviolence introduction July 21—Nonviolence and de-escalation strategies Aug. 4 —Nonviolence and demonstrations Aug. 18—Nonviolence and protecting others, For info or to RSVP, bfp@eriebenedictines.org Note: Listening Hearts Room is up a flight of stairs.
 *** 
Stay updated by connecting: 50501 Erie PA 50501eriepa.bsky.social and on FB, French Creek Indivisible ‪@frenchcreekind.bsky.social‬   Jamestown Justice Coalition on FB Everywhere https://www.mobilize.us/
***  
Constitution Day 2025    Sept 19 Featuring Dr. Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen 10:00 am at Robert H Jackson Center 305 E. Fourth St. Jamestown, NY Free, public. 
 
*** 
Celebrating John Lewis' birthday with some "Good Trouble" Diamond Park in Meadville on July 17 from noon - 2 pm for a rally (Organizers: French Creek Indivisible is collaborating with NAACP Branch 2271 of Meadville, PA).


ERIE POSTPONED  
In place of the "Good Trouble” event, effort has switched to supporting Erie Co. Human Relations Commission's Race, Place, & Belonging event Blasco at Library July 17 at 5:30pm 

  
DIVERSITY

[Listen] Erie’s Embattled DEI Troubles Make National News (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) "Erie’s recent DEI battles between its county government, county council, mayor, and black and brown community made national headlines via The Washington Post...We’re joined by former Erie County Council President Carl Anderson, who was sitting at the epicenter of this fact at the time. "
How Diverse Erie is building an Erie where all have a seat at the table | Opinion Gary Lee/Erie Times-News)

Erie County Bar Association puts diversity award on hold in response to Trump DEI edict (Erie Times-News) 
 
 
A neighbor invited me to check out her milkweed flowers and I was surprised that they have such a pleasant fragrance.

ELECTIONS and GOVERNANCE
 
Demstock August 15-16, 2025 Jefferson Co Fairgrounds Brookville PA ‘Demstock’ brings together rural Pennsylvania Democrats

Conversation with President Barack Obama Sep 16th, 2025 06:30 PM Where: Erie Insurance Arena 809 French St. Erie, PA 16501 Host Jefferson Ed. Society All seats reserved. Tickets can be purchased at the Erie Insurance Arena box office or by calling (814) 452-4857.

[Listen] "A normal person" - an interview with Christina Vogel (left, wrong & center) "Kyle and Grant sit down with Christina Vogel, the Democratic Nominee for Erie County Executive, and discuss Vogel's recent primary win, her thoughts on Brenton Davis, and the ways in which she connected with Erie voters."

]Watch]  Political Courage: a conversation with former u.s. congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (left, wrong & center) from 4/15/2025 "I got to sit down with the former congresswoman and Erie county executive and go through just some of the 'greatest hits.' of her career, the larger causes to which her presence in those positions contributed to, and the political courage it took to accomplish all of the above." 

[Listen] One on One with Rock Copeland (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) " Marcus Atkinson sits down with County Councilman Rock Copeland to discuss the Democratic party's endorsement of Daria Devlin for Mayor of Erie, challenging incumbent Mayor Joe Schember. "
 
[Listen] Primary Reflections: Erie County Votes and What Comes Next (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) " co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Marc Blount are joined by intern Aaron Cronin to unpack the recent Erie County primary elections." 

 PA  redesigns envelopes for provisional ballots to cut down on rejections (Spotlight PA) 

FOOD

Little Italy Farmers Market is moving and what else is new (Heather Caspar) new location Three Sisters Park 430 W. 19th St. Erie 


PA bipartisan support for  Federal funding of farm and food bank program (Penn Capital-Star)

Ethnic Market Tours "Erie Arts and Culture's annual Ethnic Market Tours offer an insider’s look at some of Erie’s New Americans businesses." Multiple dates,

Second Harvest food resources locator 

Grow Erie facility produces lettuce and herbs in Savocchio Park. It also makes a statement (Jim Martin/Erie Times-News)

Bethany Outreach free food and free clothing Wed. 9am to 11am. Address: 204 West 11th St. Erie.mabel@bethanyoutreachcenter.org
 
Edinboro Market's recent expansion is covered in the current issue of Edible Western New York.  Also, the Edinboro Market is in search of cooking and gardening books you'd like to pass on. "Our Little Free Library could use a replenishment. If you have gardening or cookbooks that are gathering more dust than bookmarks, bring them in and we'll help rehome them. :)" The market is at  211 Mill St Edinboro PA. 


HEALTH CARE
 
What is Medicaid called in each state? (NCSL) "States get to name their Medicaid and children’s health insurance, or CHIP, programs, which provide health coverage for low-income children, people with disabilities, long-term care and more. And although states must meet federal requirements to receive federal matching funds, they have significant flexibility to decide who is eligible for services, what services are offered and how those services are paid for. Today’s Map Monday lists all the state names for these health coverage programs."
 
HOME

Erie County United Housing Town Hall (Alana Sabol/ER) Discussions on affordable and accessible housing in Erie

Benevolent Beers: Greater Erie Habitat for Humanity September, 11  5:00PM  "Every purchase between 5:00 and 8:00pm will provide a donation to this great group." Erie Ale Works 416 West 12th  Erie PA 
   
 
IMMIGRANTS

Crafting Erie’s Inclusive Future July 21 12:00 PM Speaker: Alivia Haibach. Free admission. Lunch $5 Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie PA

Refugee Relief Concert at the Cathedral of St Paul  July 30 @ 7:00 pm 134 West 7th St.
Erie, PA  "Through the song of both classical and multiculturally inspired works, come be inspired to relate to the experiences of others. The Cathedral is working in cooperation with USCRI, Catholic Charities and the Charter School of Excellence. A reception will follow the service. While the concert is free and open to the public, donations will be graciously accepted to benefit our Refugee community."

 
Sisters Speak Out Prayer & Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy (Benedictine Sisters) Erie Benedictine sisters, oblates, and peacemakers joined others to participate in this nationwide action ....The local action took place  June 24 on 18th and Ash Streets across from the Erie County Prison where ICE detainees are imprisoned."

INDIGENOUS

Governor Kathy Hochul Apology to the Seneca Nation (Ganondagan) “The Apology” May 20, 2025  Formal Apology for New York State’s Role in Operating Thomas Indian Schoo, located on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Indian Reservation in Irving, NY. This video is Dedicated to the Survivors and Former Students of the Thomas Indian School."
 
The Haudenosaunee Micro-Short Film Program 2025 September 6 from 1- 3:00 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY "short films created by Haudenosaunee filmmakers from all over Turtle Island followed by a live filmmaker panel discussion and audience Q&A." 

JUSTICE

July 17 - Race, Place & Belonging: Being Black in Erie.  The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) invites the public to the launch of a new panel series at 5:30pm Blasco Library, H.O. Hirt Auditorium 160 E. Front St., Erie, PA. Moderated by Pastor Ryan Gaines, the panel will feature local Black residents and business owners—including Nicci Page, Marc Blount, Marty Nachukwu, Edison Nicholson, Autumn Parker, Tiffany L. LaVette, and Ashton Jones. Free, open to public. 
 
August 11 - Robert H. Jackson Lecture on the Supreme Court of the United States 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Hall of Philosophy Chautauqua Institution, Professor Kim Lane Scheppele the featured speaker. Attending the lecture is free, but you must purchase a gate pass from Chautauqua Institution to access the grounds.

[Watch] “The U.S. Department of Justice, Then & Now" Barbara McQuade & John Q. Barrett  From Robert H Jackson Center presentation June 2025
 
 
 
 
Human Relations Commission event at Blasco Library. Click to enlarge
 
LGBTQ+

Jul 18 - Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans 10 AM. At the Erie VA Veteran Canteen, located in the Erie VA basement at 135 E 38th St., Erie, PA. Times are subject to change based on availability. Info: Brittany Miklos at 814-844-5944. Open to all LGBTQ+ Veterans in all counties served by the Erie VA.

Aug 9 - 365 Block Party Perry Square Noon. Event by Erie Pride 365, Erie's Black Wall Street and Dalen Michael "Committed to championing the rights and well-being of Black, Brown, & LGBTQIA+ individuals, 365 days a year."

August 16 - NWPA Pride Picnic  1:00pm - 5:00pm Presque Isle State Park - Rotary Pavilion Erie PA. All welcome, family-friendly. 


From Erie Reader's Pride Month edition: Queer Art Rising (by Julia Carden), Aging With Pride: Erie's Queer Senior Social Club (Erin Phillips), What Sanctuary Really Means (Dr Tyler Titus) LGBTQIA+ Friendly Game Night 

LIBRARY

The Local Impact of Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Cuts (Chloe Forbes/Eie Reader) "Cost-saving justification highlights community inequality" 

Save Blasco! documentary was a finalist in the 2025 Defense of Democracy Film Festival. 

Christina Vogel offers some thoughts on the Gannon lease at Blasco on the left, wrong & center podcast at 17:18 

MARCHELLO WOODARD

Comments
Tragic death of Marchello Woodard (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson)  with guest Daryl "Brother D" Craig.
Public comments at Erie City Council meeting 7/16-2024
Kyra Taylor: Cold, vile remarks compound Woodard family's pain
Erie's Bishop Brock urges calm (Ed Palatella and Kevin Flowers/Erie Times News)
Actions
July 3 rally at 21st & Parade (YourErie) 
Second march and rally July 5 (Erie News Now) 
Marchello Woodard Remembrance Memorial (Erie News Now)  Held outside Probation and Parole office

"NO KINGS" EVENTS 
Erie turned *up* today! (from reddit r/Erie) extensive conversation lots of participants. A second Erie event was organized by an individual (Rachel N.) for Griswold Park and W. 12th with an estimated 200 attendees. 
                            
REMEMBERING 

Robert "Howard" Johnson passed away on June 23, 2025. 
He was very active with Erie Peace Initiative, serving as chairperson and frequently taking part in actions. He was a Vietnam veteran and very committed to veteran causes. 
More about Bob's life on his Obituary and Tribute Wall here
I went through the EPI Flickr site and found quite a few photos and videos of Bob at various events. View at Bob Johnson EPI gallery
 
SCHOOLS and YOUTH
 
WOMEN'S HEALTH


Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates "In partnership with the three Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania and on behalf of the nearly 90,000 patients they serve annually, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, along with our 450,000 supporters, works to achieve maximum public, governmental, and media support for reproductive health care, including family planning, by developing, implementing, and facilitating a statewide strategy."

WORKING PEOPLE

Erie County Community College – How It is Impacting the Community, Addressing Workforce Development, Aug 27 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Free - $5 w/lunch Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State, Erie

LOOK BACK
Gay float included in Erie's 1995 Bicentennial Parade. Photo via Michael Mahler/Erie Gay News 

Nowadays this parade story might seem like a bit of fluff, but 30 years ago, being included in this celebration was a very big deal. The float's inclusion was greeted with awful rumor and rancor by the usual suspects, and those who invited and supported it were given a hard time. The Thursday night before the parade, the float was vandalized -- 36 hours before the parade. Immediately, members and allies of the lgbtq+ community dove in and repaired the float, in time for its historic inclusion in the parade. Greg Valiga wrote a lively first-person account that really captures that moment in time, read it here. 

****

Calendar and local info sharing for people who believe "a better world is possible." Focus is local/regional. All listed upcoming events are nonviolent. Not affiliated with any organization.Submissions, corrections etc to brynn16501@proton.me
Blog URL https://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/ 
 
 
 
 
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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Bob Johnson Photos and Video

Bob Johnson at March 18, 2007 rally

Robert "Howard" Johnson passed away June 23, 2025.
I went looking for some photos and video to share with his wife and family, and started with these that I had posted to the Erie Peace Initiative Flickr site. 
Bob was very active with EPI and former chairperson of the organization.
Here is Bob's obituary and Tribute Wall  

Photos and Video
At October 2005 demonstration at Federal Building, marking 2000th military death.  
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/albums/72157622691639229/

Speaking at Peace rally Sept 27, 2006
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/16221693906/
 
Speaking at 4th anniversary demonstration March 18, 2007 downtown Erie 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4174776342/in/album-72157622974791938   

with local Vietnam era veterans and visiting activist Brian Willson at UUCE 
Warren Hohwald, Sandy Kelson, Neil Himber, Rev Steve Aschmann, Richard Quiggle, Robert Johnson, S, Brian Willson    December 2, 2011
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/16245735901/in/photostream/

Working on the Ribbon Project March 2008
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/8667015630/in/photostream/

Speaking at Veterans Day 2010 at Federal Courthouse (Video)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/8666911786/in/photostream/

Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse December 2009
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/8665649043/in/photostream/

Presque Isle Gallery Coffeehouse December 2009
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/8665640699/in/photostream/

2007-03-18 Anti War Rally (Meadville?)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/6397613329/in/photostream/

2007-03-18 Standing with Women in Black Meadville 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/6397612877/in/photostream/

2007-03-18 Standing with Women in Black Meadville weekly vigil at Diamond Park. Pro-war harassment was part of the experience. 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/6397604575/in/photostream/

with S. Brian Willson's wife Becky, Jim Wise and Bob
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/6378804547/in/photostream/

Bob Johnson with Sanford Kelson, speaking at S. Brian Willson event Dec 2, 2011
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/6378781955/in/photostream/

Bob and Kathy Johnson "How is the War Economy Working for You?"  June 4, 2011
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/5801670437/in/photostream/

Barb Roseborough and Bob Johnson at IRS office April 18, 2011 reminding people that a good chunk of their tax money is going to war making  (video)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/5646366787/in/photostream/ 

At "How's the War Economy Working for You?" event 2011 https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/albums/72157626769779945/with/5801681209 

Bob and Cindy Purvis at table at Erie Blues and Jazz Festival Aug 2007
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4645332051/in/photostream/

Meeting with friends at  al-Makarim Islamic foundation https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/albums/72157622861659128/with/4128454748 

Being interviewed by Emily Matson at Pittsburgh G20 September 25, 2009
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4373947330/in/photostream/

With Emily Matson and WICU crew who followed us to Pittsburgh G20 September 25, 2009
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4373169529/in/photostream/

Preparations for event at Presque Isle Gallery  December 13, 2009 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4310531364/in/photostream/

Meadville Women in Black Memorial Day March (photo and video) year ?
 
Vigil at Federal Courthouse January 2, 2007.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4288385080/in/photostream/
 
Vigil at Federal Courthouse January 2, 2007.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/4287643929/in/photostream/

silent march at the Mall 2012 (video)

Kathy Johnson speaking at Five Years Too Many March 2008 https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/albums/72157622851729133/with/4174266453 


Erie Nine/Erie Six
Photo and article about the local antiwar activists who were arrested doing disobedience at the Federal Courthouse. 2007
Article from Daily Kos describes the day in court and each member's decision and story. This includes Bob's experiences in Vietnam, and with PTSD and survivor guilt.
Article about day in Court: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/402539/full_content
Photo album "Demo in support of Erie Six": https://www.flickr.com/photos/44702888@N04/albums/72157623221097067/with/4287752385
I don't know who wrote the article or took the photos. If you know, please share so I may give 
credit.
~~~~~

I took most of the photos and videos in this list, but there are a few that were taken by others or unattributed. Please contact me if you wish to use any of them or need more information. Corrections  to descriptions much appreciated. 

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Sunday, May 11, 2025

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ May / June 2025

At Liberty Park, on the Bay
BIKE
May is Bike Month!

The Erie Bike Co-op: Building Community on Two Wheels  (Erie Reader/Erin Phillips )

Bike to Work Day at Perry Square 4:30-5:30pm "Join us and BikeErie for a happy hour and reception for National Bike to Work Day in Perry Square! We'll meet up, chat, enjoy some refreshments, then all head home on bike after work on Friday, May 16th." Host: Erie Downtown Partnership
 

Kids Bike Rodeo 4-6pm East Middle School Erie (Host: PennDOT)

Lake Erie Cyclefest July 24-27 "Cyclists of all ages and abilities will participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature Erie’s vast terrain...Proceeds from 2025 rides will benefit Asbury Woods, Because You Care Inc., Bike Erie, Erie Downtown Partnership, Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association and the Presque Isle Partnership." 

Rideshares and Rentals
Jeremy Peterson announced that EMTA has been meeting with local bike advocates to set up a bike rideshare program (announced at EMTA April 2005 board meeting 4/28/2025) EMTA also has bike racks on their fixed route buses.
CATA has a bikeshare program for Meadville, Lake Wilhelm and Conneaut Lake 

ARTS & READS

Susannah Faulkner new executive director of Erie Arts & Culture (EAC) "An advocate, artist, and community leader, Faulkner joined the EAC team in March 2025 as Executive Director."

Spring into Spring Book Sale Blasco Library Admiral Rm Erie PA. May 15-17. Times on event page. All proceeds directly benefit programming at Erie County Public Library. The Great American Book Sale: At Flo Fabrizio Ice Center at the Erie Zoo | 527 W 38th St  June 15 -  June 19: 10am – 8pm Friday June 20: 10am – 3pm
  
Dramashop presents Scripted: A Dramatic Works Discussion Club May |17 "White" by James IJames Werner Books 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA

Mother Earth Day at Poetry Park, May 17 from 2-3 p.m. at 636 East 22nd St. in Erie. Poetry Park was a vision of Erie Benedictine Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, she and Sister Mary Miller made it a reality.

Miss Mabeline Presents: Poetry X-Change Night Open Mic Night May 18 at 7pm at Werner Books 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA

AmeriMasala Festival July 19 Perry Square Erie PA.11am. Parade at 12 noon " The AmeriMasala is movement that presents multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural arts events to promote cross cultural respect and value of all peoples. " 

Benevolent Beers: PACA  July 31 5:00-8:00 pm Erie Ale Works 416 W. 12th St. Erie, PA "Join the Staff and Board of PACA for good beer and community. Every purchase between 5PM-8PM will count toward a donation to PACA. We will be hosting a fun basket raffle, 50/50 and merch sale too!"

Chautauqua Institute events of possible interest: Chris Hayes  June 27 Lewis Black July 2 Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton August 4 @ 10:45am Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark Aug 8 Bonnie Raitt September 5 Also Execution of Justice July 17-25 2025 presented by CTC. 

Jon Stewart at National Comedy Center Jamestown NY August 9

Ani DiFranco  August 31  Outer Harbor 225 Fuhrmann Blvd Buffalo, NY "the title Unprecedented Sh!t is not only representative of how much of a sonic departure the 11-track album is from Ani’s other work, but also a political and social commentary on the current state of the world." -

"Tyranny" original version The Stabilizers (1985) Authoritarian scenario from an underappreciated Erie-based 80s band. This was apparently the original version, using a distorted male voice in the bridge, giving it a darker interpretation than the one used for the MTV version. Still ends up with a (sort of) happy ending. 

DEMOCRACY

No Kings June 14 "On June 14—Flag Day—Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else... "   Erie area details are still being worked on. 

EARTH

Jenny Tompkins speaks to Meadville City Council about the native plant pollinator gardens and property maintenance issues (Armstrong Neighborhood Channel) 0:40
 
Ralph Hecker was a committed environmentalist and enthusiastic hiker who lost his life in the 1985 tornado outbreak. There had been a hiking trail or loop named in his memory, but in recent years I haven't been able to find the trail. Does anyone know its status?

Climate Conversations and NE Climate Club Various dates Hosted at Holy Cross Church in North East PA 51 W Main St, North East, PA

"Trails & Tales: Journey Through PA's State Parks & Forests” Presenters: Chris Seeley & Katie Wickert May 18 at Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville 346 Chestnut, Meadville. "PA's natural areas still serve as an oasis for those needing to get away, as evidenced by our journey to visit each and every one of them. From 2018 - 2024, we hiked, sweated, cried, fought, and laughed our way across the state, in our own personal Odyssey of self-discovery, hitting every park and forest along the way."

"An Evening with Doug Tallamy" May 20, 2025 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)  Penn State Behrend, Reed Union Building, McGarvey Room 4701 College Drive Erie "The presentation will cover ways to restore ecosystem function in spaces where people live, work, play, and farm—from backyard gardens to community spaces. A question-and-answer session with Dr. Tallamy will follow the presentation.."

Church of the Wild Chautauqua Institution June 22 2025 @ 4:00 pm Free Sunday, outdoor class. "Kriss Young Miller and her husband Gary manage the Quaker House. Kriss is a 2022 graduate of Earlham School of Religion with her Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation. Kriss is currently a student of Victoria Loorz in the Seminary of the Wild Earth at the Center for Wild Spirituality." 

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Marcus Atkinson interviews Joe Schember and Daria Devlin Candidates are interviewed separately, about an hour each. 

Top priorities for Erie County executive candidates (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News) Candidates give written responses to questions.

Rush, Monella in race to replace retiring magisterial district judge in Erie's 1st Ward (Tim Hahn/Erie Times-News) 
 
Erie City Council Dem candidates (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News) 

PA Primary Elections 2025 (Ben Speggen/Erie Reader)


FOOD

Barb Newcamp addresses Meadville City Council about Grow Meadville, a local network of community gardens 4:14 (Armstrong Neighborhood Channel) Grow Meadville website

Profile of Thelma Blanks-Howard Cafe 7-10 baker and mother of Cafe 7-10 owner Mabel Howard. (Erie Times-News) Cafe 7-10 owner on effects of tariffs (Erie News Now) 

CommUnity Seedling Swap/Sale May 18 10am-2pm 1020 Collective 1020 Holland Erie PA 

 
Erie County Farmers Markets (Erin Phillips/Erie Reader)


HOME

Apartment Assoc. members public comments about Tenants bill of rights at Erie City Council 5/7 Public comments were predominantly members of AA speaking on their behalf. Also two speakers who were speaking on behalf of tenants, and Melinda speaking on need for fairness for both.

At 4/16 City Council Susannah Falkner updated on the Tenants' Bill of Rights amendment, and discussed effects on housing from what is going on at the Federal level.



INDIGENOUS

New York Oral History Project of National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) in Rochester, NY, May 19-23, 2025 "This project works toward the creation of a permanent national oral history collection. If you attended a federally supported Indian boarding school before 1970, we would love to hear your story"  NABS Project information 

JUNETEENTH

June 14 - Erie's Juneteenth Perry Square Erie PA 11am to 8pm 

June 19-22 - Jamestown Juneteenth Festival   Jamestown NY multiple venues.

June 21 - Juneteenth at John Brown's Tannery and Historic Site & Cemetery 1pm at 17620 John Brown Rd, Guys Mills, PA Contact: John Brown Heritage Association,  johnbrownheritagecc@gmail.com Donna Coburn, 814-720-2873 Event by Meadville 1825

JUSTICE

US Dept of Justice: Then & Now June 5 at Robert H Jackson Center Jamestown NY. Speakers: Barbara L. McQuade, University of Michigan Law School Professor and former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan (2010-2017), will share her insights alongside John Q. Barrett, Benjamin N. Cardozo Professor of Law at St. John’s University and Elizabeth S. Lenna Fellow at the Robert H. Jackson Center.

Educator Retreat: Justice and Humanity July 8-11 at Educator Retreat at Robert H Jackson Center, Jamestown NY 



May 17  - Gays Eating Garlic Bread In The Park Nate Levy Jaycee Park, E 2nd and Holland St, Erie, PA) 12 PM. "Hang out for the sake of hanging out, and of course garlic bread." Host: Anna Lindvay

Why May 16 is a day to honor our LGBTQ+ elders | Opinion (Aging with Pride/Erie Times-News)

Local Pride month events
June 7 - Jamestown Pride Jamestown NY 

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

(Spotlight PA) 

Marc Brown: I created 'Arthur.' Trump's PBS funding cut is a loss for kids everywhere. | Opinion (USA Today) Erie native and children's author Marc Brown sounds off about Trump's PBS cuts.

SPIRIT

 "The History of Stone United Methodist Church," May 17, 1:30 - 2:30 pm 346 Chestnut St, Meadville PA Sanctuary. Meadville 1825 event

Potluck Nation: Why We Need Each Other to Thrive June 21-28 theme at Chautauqua Institution
In partnership with Interfaith America, includes  The Rev Jim Wallis (weekly Chaplain)

Erie SSJs on new Pope (Erie Times-News)

Reclaiming Pennsylvania’s Religious Anarchy (Jesse J. Turri /Belt Magazine) "As I reflect on Pennsylvania today, however, I must conclude that this commonwealth in which I reside has gotten much too far away from its origins as a sanctuary for the oppressed."
 
VIETNAM WAR

Pennsylvania Wall of Faces April 30, 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) ) aka "Vietnam Wall" created The Wall of Faces to provide a face and story to the 58000+ fallen US soldiers whose names appear on The Wall. In 2019 the the project found photos for all 3,150 Pennsylvanian military who lost their lives due to the war.  The Wall is a non-partisan project. "The mission of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is to honor and preserve the legacy of service and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War."  

GEMISH

Water Taxi service begins May 23 Visit presqueislewatertaxi.com

Community Baby Shower for Chautauqua Co. running thru June 12. (WRFA) Numerous drop off sites. Collects new baby items for local at-risk mothers and their newborns.

Stuff Swap Basement Transmissions May 18 11am-6pm 145 W 11th Erie PA "A fun, eco-friendly event where you can exchange your gently used items." Details on event page

Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum is open for 2025. 1603 Walnut Blvd. Ashtabula, Ohio


Cascade Creek
 

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Monday, April 7, 2025

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ April 2025

At April 5 "Hands Off" rally in Perry Square, Erie. Scroll to bottom for Democracy & Freedom listings. 

EARTH

Earth-focused events, news, views and resources on a separate page. 

ARTS & READS



PSU Behrend Smith Creative Writers Reading Series Julie Danho, Poetry. April 17. Events begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. (preceded by receptions at 5:30 p.m.). Metzgar Lobby "All events are free and open to the public"

Gangstagrass in concert   April 26 at 7:30 PM Reg Lenna Center 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY

Youngstown May Day Festival April 26 & 27 at 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH, "free celebration of labor, climate justice, human rights, social justice, and the honoring of Beltane...music, maypole dancing, arts and crafts for young and old, workshops, demonstrations, speakers, and other merriments." Family friendly. Hosts: Youngstown May Day Festival, Youngstown Solidarity Network and Youngstown Action Center

Wanda Sykes May 4 at Kleinhans Music Hall  786 Delaware Avenue Buffalo NY 7pm

Movies at The Reg - The Penguin Lessons  May 7, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:50 PM Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown NY. "Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down."
 
Mother Earth Day at Poetry Park, May 17 from 2-3 p.m. at 636 East 22nd St. in Erie. "celebrate poetry that cultivates our love of Mother Earth as home. Featuring local poets Niecey Nicole and Matt Borazon, plus open mic" Sponsored by Trinity Square Foundation and Poetry NWPA. Poetry Park was a vision of Erie Benedictine Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, she and Sister Mary Miller made it a reality.

Chris Hayes at CHQ June 27 MSNBC host, editor-at-large of The Nation and the author of The Sirens’ Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource, Hayes will discuss Sirens' Call.

Aug 9 - An evening with Jon Stewart at National Comedy Center Jamestown NY

COMMUNITY

One-Hundred Black Men: National Impact to Erie's Chapter  April 11 at 12:00 PM Professor/Instructor/ Speakers: Parris Baker and Marcus Atkinson. "Join JES Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Parris Baker and Marcus Atkinson, President of the Erie Chapter of 100 Black Men, as they discuss the history of 100 Black, its relevance in light of recent attempts to eradicate significant historic gains of the Civil Rights movement, and the role of the local chapter in addressing community challenges in the African American communities. " Host: Jefferson Educational Society Location: 3207 State St, Erie, PA *Community Conversation (Free) Lunch optional, vegetarian available $5/person, register 48 hr ahead.

Benevolent Beers benefitting Journey: Healing Together   April 17 5:00PM  at Erie Ale Works, 416 W 12th Erie. Journey: Healing Together (J:HT) exists to foster connections and build equity among diverse affinity groups, uniting communities in collective healing. J:HT is a 501c3 non-profit offering healing spaces to New Majority communities and providing opportunities for diverse groups to gather, heal, restore, discover, and rebuild. Every sale rung in between 5:00 and 8:00pm will provide a donation to this great group.

CRITTERS

PA Legislation Affecting Animals 2025/26 (Humane PA PAC)

My Dog and Me "Purrista Cat Cafe" (via Armstrong Neighborhood Channel) Host Sue Anderson interviews Dena Rupp, owner of Purrista Cat Cafe in Erie, who explains the cafe and its collaboration with Because You Care, with lots of helpful wisdom about kitties included. 48 minutes. 

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Erie City and County candidates in primary (Kevin Flowers/AJ Rao) /Erie Times-News)  Erie PA mayoral primary debate  April 16 at 1 p.m. at WQLN. Broadcast on WQLN, WICU and WSEE at a later date.  


Latest jackassery updates: Audit: Davis admin made changes to 2025 budget without council approval (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News) Erie Co. Council, in override vote, reaffirms that county resources be free of politics (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News) "Council introduced the ordinance after Davis used the county's official Facebook page to criticize council Democrats."

FOOD

4th Street Community Farm Work Day April 26, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 4th Street Farm,  318 East 4th Street Erie, PA. "Join the Food Policy Council for a work day to prepare for spring planting... Food grown here will go back to the community at Emmaus Soup Kitchen and distributed to the Pay What You Can Network this summer. Bring a water bottle and a shovel and rake if you have one!"

Meadville Market House First Farmers Market  May 10  9am-1pm

Benevolent Beers: Meals on Wheels May 15 at Erie Ale Works 416 W. 12th "Every purchase between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. will count toward a donation to this great group!"

Gov. Shapiro  Appeals USDA’s Unlawful Decision to Cancel Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (PA Gov press release) Shapiro Tells Farmers We Have Your Backs  (Penn Capital-Star)  TEFAP is a win-win for farmers and hungry families | Letters (Gregory D Hall/Erie Times-News)

Edinboro food pantry seeking new location (Erie News Now)

Grow Chautauqua Food Distribution returns (WRFA) Program that brings boxes of locally grown and sourced foods to the Chautauqua Co. community returned in March. 

HOME

Erie landlord group explored waivers related to new tenant's rights bill (Erie Times-News)

Erie County United Housing Townhall April 26 12pm – 3pm at ECU office 1720 Holland St Erie, PA

Chautauqua Co. new housing security program (WRFA) Women's shelter opens in Jamestown (WRFA)

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. "The sales from donated items help Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build, rehabilitate and repair safe and affordable homes in your community and around the world" Erie location: 4922 Pittsburgh Ave. Erie, PA (814) 464-8946

IMMIGRANTS

Six current Gannon students visas revoked, little justification given (YourErie)
 
Good Friday Pilgrimage for Peace on April 18. This year’s theme is The Way of the Cross; The Way of the Migrant. The walk begins at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie (W. 10th & Sassafras). Host: Benedictines for Peace 
City Council Study Session Immigration - April 10, 2025  (City of Erie)    Presentation by Alexandria Iwanenko,

Refugee services
“Office of New Pennsylvanians” State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El plans to reintroduce legislation creating an office to attract, retain and “embrace” immigrants statewide. (Lancaster Online) 

May Day Rally & March: Immigrants Are Welcome Here!   May 1, 2025, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Downtown Pittsburgh  Meet-up Location: United Steelworkers Headquarters, Downtown, 60 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA. Info Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance  (APALA) Pittsburgh Chapter.

KENT STATE

Kent State Honors the Legacy of May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration   "On May 2-4, 2025, Kent State University will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history. While reflecting on the past, Kent State also looks forward, recognizing the enduring impact of May 4 on the university today and its future. The commemoration will include numerous events, and can be watched on FB. Also on May 15 there will be an event focusing on the shootings of Black antiwar protesters at Jackson State, a tragedy that happened just 10 days after Kent, but did not receive the same recognition. "Long Live the Spirit of Jackson State" will be a special tour of the May 4 visitors center,  focusing on the experiences of Black students.  Kent State maintains active recognition and commemoration regarding May 4, including a visitors center, research, archives, events, and resources. 

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

DEI Is Disappearing - Not by Force, But By Compliance (by Dr. Jay Breneman, President, Erie School Board/Erie Reader) 

Our Youth are in Crisis: How You Can Make a Difference April 25 12:00 PM Admission: Free. Lunch $5. (veg option available) Location Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State Erie PA 
Hidden Voices: The Unheard Struggles of Students May 15 | 7:00 PM JES Raimy Fellows Katie Phillips and Jacob Jones will delve into the escalating challenges confronting public school students in Erie County, grappling mental health issues.  Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA

SPIRIT

Good Friday Pilgrimage for Peace on April 18. This year’s theme is The Way of the Cross; The Way of the Migrant. The walk begins at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie (w. 10th & Sassafras). Host: Benedictines for Peace 

The Rev. Jim Wallis at Chautauqua Inst. June 22 "Jim Wallis is a writer, teacher, preacher and justice advocate who believes the gospel of Jesus must be emancipated from its cultural and political captivities."

Our Neighbor's Place ends first season at permanent location (YourErie) “Thanks to the commitment of the coordinating churches, volunteers, EUMA staff, Erie BlueCoats, and Erie County, we were able to provide shelter with a pathway to permanent housing for individuals facing homelessness,” said Kurt B. Crays, CEO of EUMA. “Together, we really are ending homelessness, just as Jesus would!”

[LISTEN] Sister Lou (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) "special guest host Daryl Craig—better known as Brother D—leads a powerful conversation honoring the life and legacy of Sister Lou, one of Erie’s most influential and respected community figures. Joined by friends and family, Brother D explores the profound impact Sister Lou had on the streets of Erie, the lives she touched, and the community she built through unwavering determination and prayer."

[WATCH] Meadville 1825: "Harm Jan Huidekoper" Josh Sherretts from the Crawford Co. Historical Society on Harm Jan Huidekoper's life, legacy and involvement in the Unitarian faith, which helped lead to the opening of the Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church and the Meadville Theological School. Huidekoper was also an active abolitionist, though that is not the focus of this presentation.

WORKING PEOPLE
 
"Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has approved a bill designed to improve workplace safety standards for public employees honoring a former EMTA employee who died on the job.
"State Rep. Pat Harkins, who sponsored the bill, announced the House passing of H.B. 308, also known as the Jake Schwab Worker Safety Bill, which would extend OSHA protections to public sector workers."
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Click to enlarge. 
https://bsky.app/profile/50501eriepa.bsky.social 
https://bsky.app/profile/frenchcreekind.bsky.social 

 DEMOCRACY & FREEDOM

April Recess 12 - 27  From Indivisible: "Our Members of Congress will be home April 12 through April 27, and we need to make sure they hear from their constituents. The stakes are high, and both the Senate AND the House will be back home in their districts. We must speak out against the Republican Tax Scam and their plan to slash Medicaid and take food off our tables to pay for tax breaks for their billionaire buddies. Sign up now and we'll send you opportunities for action during April recess!"

TAX DAY - Families Over Billionaires April 15  Noon-2pm Perry Square. Host: Democracy PA (check original link for updates and accuracy)

Next National Day of Action: April 19  IN ERIE: Perry Square 12pm-2pm. "Join us in the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach. 50501 is a peaceful movement. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated. 50501 is a peaceful movement." Host 50501 Erie PA and French Creek Indivisible  (check original link for updates and accuracy)
 
Meadville says "Hands Off" April 19  Noon-3pm Diamond Park Square MEADVILLE, PA  Info naacpmeadville.org  Host: NAACP of Meadville

French Creek Indivisible is now on BlueSky    @frenchcreekind.bsky.social   50501 Erie PA now on Blue Sky  @50501eriepa.bsky.social Benedictines for Peace now on Blue Sky @benedictines4peace.bsky.social


PA Dems are angry. Fetterman’s old rival Conor Lamb is listening (The Independent) "Fetterman’s only planned public event in recent weeks was a joint event with his state’s Republican US senator, Dave McCormick. The joint appearance at a Pittsburgh winery was aimed at promoting a book on mentorship written by McCormick and his wife."

Just posted some of my photos of April 5 rally I didn't spend a lot of time on photos of Erie rally, but click on the link if you'd like to see what I have. Lots more from others, on French Creek Indivisible social media.

PRO-DEMOCRACY ALERTS
To stay informed of local events:
• 50501 Erie PA now on Blue Sky @50501eriepa.bsky.social
• French Creek Indivisible "To get on list, email: frenchcreekindivisible@gmail.com with your name, email, and contact information and we will add you to our email List-Serve." Find on Facebook and BlueSky. 
• Benedictines for Peace mailing list Go to benedictinesforpeace.com There's a blue box in the logo on the landing page, 'Join our mailing list.' There's a simple form, only asks for name and a captcha check.
• Vote Save America PAC Local actions across the country 

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Host: Democracy PA
Click to enlarge 

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Calendar and local info sharing for people who believe "a better world is possible." Focus is local/regional. All listed events are nonviolent. Not affiliated with any organization. Submissions, sub requests and inquiries send to brynn16501@proton.me or use form on blog.  Expect confirmation from me if you email.

PHOTOS: Deb Spilko

 



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