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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Sunday, April 6, 2025

"Hands Off" Erie rally: some photos

 April 5, 2025

Hands Off rally in Erie PA

Organizers had called for photographers to avoid taking photos of faces out of concerns for facial recognition. I also asked for permission. Some followed that, some did not. BlueSky has a lot of posts with photos and video from around the country (and the world!) French Creek Indivisible has photos/videos from the Erie rally.  

Click photos to enlarge 

Photos by Deb Spilko 4/5/2025

 < Back to April calendar











After the rally some people marched north on State, held a rally at the Erie Art Museum, then marched to City Hall for open mic     









 < Back to April calendar

 

 



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EARTH EVENTS & LOCAL NEWS

  < Back to April calendar

💚 EVENTS 💚

April 21-26 - Earth Day Extravaganza at Erie Co Library (various locations) "A celebration of Earth Day, Arbor Day, and all things nature! Erie County Public Library hosts programs at our library locations and highlights partner events at community locations." 

April 22 - Sustainability through a child’s eyes: Camille Licate "As the featured speaker for Mercyhurst University’s annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture, Licate will present at 7 p.m. in Mercyhurst's Walker Recital Hall. Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability and Office of Mission/ Free, open to public, provides Act 48 credit for area educators.

April 22 - Earth Day Silent Peace Walk 7:00 pm Perry Square (west side), Erie PA Host: Benedictines for Peace

week of April 22 - Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy events

April 26 - DCNR Earth Day Cleanups in the area: Pymatuning Shoreline   Presque Isle shoreline   Maurice Goddard 

April 26 - Earth Day Festival - City of Hermitage 9am to 5pm 3580 Innovation Way, Hermitage Pa 16148 Lindenpointe

April 27 - UUCE: Get Down And Dirty Unitarian Universalist Cong. of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy. @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am "Come celebrate the earth with us as we gather for a dirt communion on this intergenerational Sunday. ...The Spiritual Exploration Committee will also be hosting a spring festival after the service that will include snacks and activities, and if the weather cooperates, we will be going outdoors to dance the maypole and take meditative strolls through our beloved Memorial Garden."

May 1 - Erie County High School Envirothon "Any Erie County school district can put together up to five teams of 3-5 students grades 9-12. Homeschoolers and cyber school students may also form teams. For schools outside of Erie County, please contact your county's conservation district for information on your local event."

May 1 - Benevolent Beers: Groundwork Erie At Erie Ale Works 316 W 12th, Erie. Every sale rung in between 5:00pm and 8:00pm will provide a Groundwork’s environmental workforce programming for young people. 

May 3 - Native Plant Sale Event 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Westfield Nursery, 8320 W Main St, Westfield, NY Hosts:  Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and Westfield Nursery

May 17 - Mother Earth Day at the Poetry Park, 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.
 
May 17 - Bird Walk at Morton Conservation Easement 9:30am, register by 5/14. "Dr.Bridget Stutchbury invites us to explore an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area in the French Creek watershed" (outside Cambridge Springs) 

May 30 - June 1 Allegany Nature Pilgrimage 2025 Red House area of Allegany State Park in NYS. Hosts: Audubon Community Nature Center (Jamestown), Buffalo Audubon Society (Buffalo), Presque Isle Audubon (Erie, PA), Burroughs Audubon Nature Club (Rochester), Allegany State Park
PBS Science & Nature programming for April

💚 RESOURCES,NEWS, VIEWS 💚
 


Water Taxi returns to Erie (Erie Times-News) The Water Taxi plus EMTA's PI Express bus shuttle and multipurpose/bike trails will offer options for car-free travel to and within Presque Isle.

The Guardian: New Bill to Recognize Legal Rights of All Water Bodies in NY State (CELDF) 

Opinion: Why Kristy Gnibus gave up shopping (Kristy Gnibus)

PAVinES" Grape growers resource "PA VinES (Vested in Environmental Sustainability) is a voluntary program that promotes sustainable viticulture practices through a grower self-assessment workbook. "
 

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Saturday, March 8, 2025

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ March 2025


 ALERTS 

French Creek Indivisible "French Creek Indivisible is expanding to include Erie and Crawford Counties. Interested in joining? 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.  More information about Indivisible  

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

WOMEN

Erie's Mabel Howard is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year Poet, nonprofit director, cafe owner, youth advocate, art curator Mabel Howard received recognition as one of USA Today's Women of the Year. Read about Mabel and her dedication and work in the community. 

NEXT with Marcus Atkinson: Sonya’s Year: Honoring a Woman Making History  with Sonya Byes, host of Chatting with Sonya and Friends on Erie News Now, to celebrate her recent recognition as a 2025 Woman Making History by the Mercy Center. 

WQLN Chronicles: Joyce Savocchio parts 1 & II Informative look at not just Erie's first elected woman mayor, but also local women in leadership and politics from mid-1960s through the 1990s. (from March 2024)

Shaping Leaders Through Destiny of Our Daughters Inc.: Shateria Franklin, B.A. Friday, March 7, 12:00pm-1:30pm Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State Erie, PA

Women Making History Mercyhurst University Performing Arts Center March 31, 2025 at 7:00pm Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

ARTS

WOW - Women of Word with a few Man Made Words March 10 at 6pm, at  Basement Transmissions, 145 West 11th St., Erie. "Artists will present impactful perspectives on tough topics, including addiction, domestic violence, homelessness, PTSD, trauma and suicide for the 13th production of WOW..."

Hero: The Boy from Troy March 11 at 10AM  Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd St. Jamestown, NY "A new musical about young John Lewis" . Grades Pre 3-8. Reserve seats 716-484-7070

PSU Smith Creative Writers Reading Series: Allegra Hyde, Fiction Writer Metzgar Lobby PSU Behrend, Erie PA. March 20 @ 6:00 p.m. ( 5:30 p.m.).Free, open to public. Info on Facebook at Penn State Behrend - BFA Creative Writing .

Rainbow Fest 2025 Sat, April 5 at 2:00 pm Basement Transmissions, 145 W 11th St, Erie PA $15 pre-sale/$20 door All ages, wheelchair accessible. Charity to be announced. "Join us for our second annual Rainbow Fest of Erie! All Queer Featured bands, vendors, drag, and more!" more. 

2025 Women’s Show . on display March 5-29 Ashtabula Arts Center 2928 W. 13th St., Ashtabula OH Free admission.  

I'm Still Here  (2025) March 19 @ 7:00 PM Reg Lenna Center for the Arts 116 East 3rd St, Jamestown, NY, film "based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's biographical book and tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history"

Liz Allen on the revamped Café 7-10 that comes with poetry perks (Liz Allen/Erie Reader) Liz profiles Café 7-10 owner Mabel Howard and Mabel's significant contributions to Erie's vibrant poetry community, and also looks at other locals who contribute to and appreciate poetry. 
Mabel Howard list of upcoming poetry events: Poetry every Tuesday evening @ Cafe 7-10 Time: 6pm Special events focused on Black Women's History: March 16 @7pm, March 19 @6pm, March 26 @6pm.   March 16 @ 6pm Gannon University collaboration with Miss Mabeline Cafe 7-10, March 19 @ 7pm Werner Books Featuring Jerome Williams, March 26 @ 6pm "Hear Her She is Speaking" Cafe 7-10

'Unapologetically ourselves,' what Kendrick Lamar's act of resistance teaches us | Opinion (Kyra Taylor/Erie Times News) 

At CHQ upcoming: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark  Aug 8  Bonnie Raitt September 5

BIKE

Erie Bike Co-op Spring Bike Drive & Re-Opening "SSJNN’s Bike Program, which has long repaired used bicycles for community members, is celebrating its Opening Week as "Erie Bike Co-op with a used bike drive and new services.
The kick-off event will take place on Saturday, March 22nd, from 10am to 2pm at 436 E 26th St. Erie, PA 16504. This bike-centric occasion will feature a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels, including a bike donation drive, kid’s bike giveaway, adult bike sales, basic tune-up services, and chance to connect with Erie’s cycling community

BLASCO

Save Blasco! premiere 42:28   Documentary from 2nd State Films “The Power of Minerva”–Episode 1

 Local library advocates encouraging people to use Blasco even during the period of road disruption to keep healthy numbers. (Use Holland Street).

EARTH

DCNR events Registration needed. Virtual  P.I. and Erie Bluffs Flora and Fauna (March 24, 7pm)  Honoring Conservation Pioneers "highlighting the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress (Mar 31, 11am) In-person Presque Isle Campfire Talk (March 19 6pm to 7:30pm) Rotary Pavilion, Presque Isle "The educators will explain the resource management techniques used at the park to promote healthy ecosystem" 

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Where's Mike? 300 people demand Rep Mike Kelly hold a town hall and answer questions (YourErie)  French Creek Indivisible of Erie and Crawford County organized the March 8 protest.

Erie Dems Candidate Forum  March 24 from 5:30 – 8:30pm at the Erie Maennerchor Club (1607 State St Erie PA) 

Public comments about county page from Erie Co Council mtg 2/25: Freda 14:25. Matt 22:21 Gretchen 29:02 Erie Co Council poised to ban partisan posts on official county FB page (AO Rao/ Erie Times-News)  
 

FOOD

Edinboro Market new location.  Just moved into 211 Mill Street, Edinboro PA "Edinboro Market provides year-round access to fresh, local food; an entrepreneurial marketplace for local growers and producers.". 

Grow Chautauqua Food Distribution Events Returns (WRFA) "A program that brings boxes of locally grown and sourced foods to the Chautauqua County community has returned." Schedule at link. 

The Erie Food Co-op Nonprofit Bag Program (EFC Marketing Team)  " By focusing on local nonprofits, we ensure that our contributions directly impact and uplift the Erie community. The reusable bag focus aligns with the Co-op's sustainability and environmental stewardship goals. How It Works Each month we will feature a new bag with a unique design which represents the mission and values of the selected nonprofit. We are selling the bags for $10 and donating 5 of those dollars to the nonprofit represented by the bag you purchase. We will have featured in-store displays sharing information about the organizations."
 
[LISTEN] Jamestown Winter Farmers Market (WRFA) with Jamestown Farmers Market Food Access Manager Nick Weith about Winter Market activities and other programs in the “off-season.”

3rd Annual Community Seed Swap And Potluck  10/20 Collective, 1020 Holland St, Erie, PA. March 15 from 10 AM to 2 PM <<<NOTE TIME CHANGE FOR EVENT "free Seed + Tool Swap + Potluck event to celebrate spring! Erie's Urban Farmers will be onsite to answer questions and share ways you can get involved in the local growing scene. All are welcome with or without seeds! Community Collaborators: Erie Food Policy Advisory Council, Conscious Food Project, Erie Farm to School, Grow and Glow Urban Collective, Wild Field Urban Farm, Eat Your Yard, SSJ Neighborhood Network, Erie Downtown Partnership Info  814 - 983 - 8566

HEALTH

Remote Area Medical coming to Ashtabula RAM will be at Lakeside Junior High School, located at 6620 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula OH on March 22 and 23 doors open 6 a.m. each day, first come, first served.

The Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District (CAP)

HOME

Two on the history of housing discrimination
Shaking the Legacy of Segregation (Chloe Forbes/Erie Reader) Published 2/13/2025  
Tracing Erie's History of Redlining (Jonathan Burdick/Erie Reader) Article from 7/13/19 t
 
IMMIGRANTS

Erie County ICE detention public comments from: Alivia Haibach (MHEDS) at 26:36 Immigration attorney Alexandria Iwanenko. 

Atty Alexandria Iwanenko addressing Erie City Council at 12:04 asking for clarification distinction between local law enforcement and immigration federal law enforcement. 

Generous response EMTA reports that the response to the winter needs drive conducted with USCRI Erie was so successful that they had extra to share with similar local organizations (source: EMTA Feb Board mtg) 

NEXT with Marcus Atkinson: Undocumented Stories  Guest is Monica Tornoe of Undocumented Stories, a project that gives voice to the men, women, and children who daily suffer under current U.S. immigration policies. Undocumented Stories connects and educates people through storytelling.

WORKING PEOPLE

A government worker's message for Elon Musk (CBS News) 'Mine safety has been Mark's life's work. In his 20s, he left the [western PA] coalfields to earn a Ph.D., then returned as an engineer for the federal government. His efforts have helped save countless lives underground. "It was still maybe a coal miner every week that was being killed in a rock fall," he said. "In 2016, we had our first year with zero, a really tremendous accomplishment.".'

We Are the Rank and File (Music Video) Song and video celebrating nine decades of the United Electrical Workers (UE) democratic union founded in a 1936 Buffalo storm. Loads of photos and videos from then and now with locals around the country. Erie's UE 506 and 618 at :38 :53 2:12 3:10 3:36 4:21 4:53 4:54 5:49

DEMOCRACY & FREEDOM

'A political blitzkrieg' - what an Erie historian sees in DOGE, Trump | Opinion (Chris Magoc/Erie Times-News) 

Where's Mike? 300 people demand Rep Mike Kelly hold a town hall and answer questions (YourErie)  French Creek Indivisible of Erie and Crawford County organized the March 8 protest.

[LISTEN]NEXT with Marcus Atkinson Fighting for Justice: The ACLU’s Battle Against Executive Overreach Co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata, along with returning guest Marc Blount, sit down with Vic Walczak, Legal Director of the ACLU.

[WATCH] WNY Peace Center :What We Can Do in these Challenging Times   Feb 19, 2025 "With India Walton, Senior Strategist at RootsAction; Leighton Jones, Communications Coordinator for Our City Action Buffalo and Our City Buffalo; and Victory Ross, WNYPC Community Coordinator, hosting. Topics: values; local effects of tRumpf 2.0; working for change in our personal sphere of influence; "A Force More Powerful" i.e., collective nonviolent direct action - PeoplePower; local campaigns for human rights, civil rights, and sustainability (April 5); how people can help and get more involved." 

GEMISH

Diverse Erie to receive $1.5 million in legal settlement with Executive Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie Times--News)) 
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Calendar and local info sharing for people who believe "a better world is possible." Focus is local/regional. Not affiliated with any organization. Submissions, sub requests and inquiries send to moonkat2014@gmail.com
Blog URL https://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/




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