Friday, January 9, 2026

Calendar & News ~ Jan / Feb 2026

Presque Isle lagoons. 


ICE EVENTS                    
ERIE
Sat. January 10th from 11am to 1pm 12th & State sidewalks in Erie "Bring your signs and flags." @50501eriepa.bsky.social
MEADVILLE
Saturday January 10 Noon to 1:30pm Diamond Park in Meadville PA  frenchcreekindivisible@gmail.com  
JAMESTOWN NY
Saturday January 10 Dow Park, Jamestown NY 11am to 2pm  Organized by Jamestown Justice Coalition.
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Erie reacts to Minneapolis ICE shooting, new mayor gives statement (YourErie) "Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal ICE agent in Minneapolis, residents in Erie gathered for a vigil on January 8 to reflect on her life and express their concerns about ICE operations...The vigil took place in Perry Square and was organized by the local activist group Erie Bridge Brigade." See  Vigil photo album 

ACTIVISM                                  
Erie County PA Activism Comprehensive list of local actions, resources, and groups. all in one easy-to-search place. Updated often!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GQMvq8gAOiFI9niSPC0PkE5tdwzbdwhZS_L_FEsHn88/edit?tab=t.0

ARTS & READS

Design And Social Justice: Lecture And Workshop With Shelle Barron February 7, 2026 from 1 PM to 4 PM Erie Art Museum, lecture & workshop, sliding scale, register online, materials included. 

Single Voice Reading Series - Christopher Bakken   Feb 19 at 7pmAllegheny College, Tippie Alumni Center/Cochran Hall 520 N. Main St., Meadville, PA.

Living Voices schedule at Robert H Jackson Center  Now through May. "Using historical perspectives based on real people and events, Living Voices combines live performance with audio/video, visual aids, and discussion."

"Ohio" as performed by the Kent State University Choir  (May 4 Commemoration) Recorded in 2020, in remembrance of the events of May 4, 1970 (ie, Kent State shootings). This stunning acapella version was requested and approved by Neil Young, who wrote the song days after the shootings.

BLACK HISTORY

Wednesday Morning Book Club: The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison  Jan 28 at 11 AM Werner Books 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA  

Digitizing History: A Smithsonian–Buffalo Collaboration The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is partnering with with and other communities around the country to preserve local stories and family histories. Here they discuss their efforts with Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. Dr. LaGarrett King on Black History Education  following his “Black Boy Joy, Black Girl Magic” conference, which brought together nearly two hundred attendees to examine the history of Black childhoods and the creativity and resilience of Black youth. (both interviews from What's Next/WBFO 

Some of the settlement terms listed  (Keep Our Library Public blog)

Donations still needed. Visit Keep Our Library Public website for information on how to make a donation for legal expenses.

COMMUNITY

Legacy of Leadership: Remembering James C. Sherrod's Impact on Erie (NEXT:with Marcus Atkinson) "Host Marc Blount leads a solemn and reflective conversation on the recent passing of James C. Sherrod, a pillar of the Erie community and former director of the Martin Luther King Jr Center  for 18 years. Joined by a guest whose life was directly shaped by Sherrod's mentorship, Mr Kevin Arrington"

Making a Small City Smaller: Mutual Aid and the Ongoing Attack on our Social Safety Net (Dave Tamulonis /Erie Reader) 

DEMOCRACY

Video: Philly DA shows us what we must do (Parkrose Permaculture) Philly DA Larry Krasner  "If any law enforcement agent, any ICE agent is gonna come to Philly to commit crimes, then you can get the F out of here. Because if you do that here, I will charge you with those crimes. You will be arrested. You will stand trial. You will be convicted." (see video for complete remarks)

Philly DA Krasner vows protections against ICE for city residents, and prosecution for ICE agents who break the laws (KYW Newradio) "Philadelphia officials promised new policies and laws to protect residents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they denounced the ICE killing of a 37-year-old mother of three in Minneapolis...City Councilmembers hinted they’ll introduce anti-ICE legislation when council resumes Jan. 22. Rue Landau seemed to chide Mayor Cherelle Parker — who has refused to criticize the Trump administration...Sheriff Rochelle Bilal critiqued ICE techniques, noting near-universal regulations that bar standing in front of or shooting at moving vehicles. 'I call them made-up, fake, wannabe law enforcement because what they do is against not only legal law but moral law,' she said."

Free US from Dictatorship Jan 17 at noon Fairmount Ave in front of Chautauqua Mall, Lakewood, NY Hosted by Chautauqua Progressive Action

January 20 - Free America Walkout  2-5pm 1200 State Street, Erie (12th and State) "Walk out and meet up/Peaceful Pop-Up" Host: Erie Bridge Brigade

EARTH

Keep Our Library Public settlement If you haven't already, check the settlement agreements between Gannon and Keep Our Library Public  regarding Gannon's lease for use of Blasco. See under Blasco heading above and/or visit Keep Our Library Public blog

2026 Our Woods and Waters Film Series "Free and open to the public. Begins 6:30pm. In partnership by French Creek Valley Conservancy and the Foundation for Sustainable Forests, the 2026 Film Series is sponsored by Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Jan 16-Via ZOOM , and Feb 20 - In PERSON  will be in banquet hall of VFW Post 740, 10613 PA Route 98, Edinboro, PA. "variety of short films with some Q&A discussion in between. Light refreshments will be provided."

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Crawford County United 2025 Election wins (Crawford Co. United) "Congratulations to all of the wins...As a community, we re-elected Jaime Kinder as Meadville Mayor and elected Mary Moody and Andrew Herbstritt to Meadville City Council! "

Malcolm Kenyatta Unleashes On PA Republicans (TYT Investigates) 


FOOD

Erie Food Policy Advisory Council newsletter

Feeding Our Community: Local Farms & Food Access with Linnea Haskin (My CHQ Podcast) "Linnea Haskin of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County to explore how CCE is strengthening our local food system and increasing access to healthy, affordable food for families across the region." 

Food Help Where to give and get help 

HEALTH

2025 Erie Co Community Health Needs Assessment  

Governor Hochul Reaches Agreement With State Legislature to Pass Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York (Gov Hochul)   "This comes after careful reflection and deliberation with the bill’s sponsors, advocacy organizations, and most importantly, everyday New Yorkers who shared personal experiences with the Governor. The bill, with the agreed-upon amendments, will be passed and signed in January, and the law will go into effect six months later."


HOME

The Crate Escape - Crisis Comfort Program "created to provide temporary care for pets whose owners are facing challenging situations, such as mental health crises, homelessness, or rehabilitation." 4214 Main St. Erie, PA 16511 Crateescapeerie@gmail.com (814) 651-6793  Free.

City of Erie Housing Needs Study Session (City of Erie) Video of session 

Bizzarro announces state grant to address housing affordability (PA Gov) Erie has launched a long-range housing affordability plan. (Kevin Flowers/ Erie Times News) Paywall "Neighborhood meetings about the plan are expected to take place early in 2026, a consultant working on the initiative told Erie City Council on Dec. 9:

Homeless Memorial Day 2025  (YourErie) "Community honors homeless who passed away in Erie this past year " 

Dr. Roché Vermaak, Executive Director of the Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity (Joel NatalieTalkErie)

IMMIGRANTS

Immigration Vigil  on second Fridays "Join us at Perry Square directly across from and facing the Federal Courthouse for this 30-minute vigil. NETWORK's Erie Chapter and Benedictines for Peace invite you to take part in this gathering: 'You Are Not Alone' Community Witness for Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees.' We will gather on the second Friday each month for this vigil in the winter, and we hope we can expand to witness on a more frequent basis in the spring." Info: Mary Nelson at 814-746-6783.

Planned MHEDS facility for Erie's immigrants, underserved (MHEDS) gets funding boost The PA Department of Community and Economic Development's ... Erie's refugees, immigrants. The East Side Renaissance is currently ...

Erie Habitat for Humanity responds to ‘vitriol’ surrounding latest project (YourErie)

Pennsylvania
Nuns, sisters bring ‘moral authority … in spades’ to anti-ICE actions (Public Source) "The Sisters of St. Joseph, Pax Christi and Casa San Jose have been hosting prayer vigils outside Pittsburgh’s ICE facility every Friday morning since August. They invited religious leaders from different faiths across the city, and plan to continue their weekly demonstrations for as long as they can."

PA immigration news in PennCapital Star Stories from around the state

WNY
Refugees, Families, and the Power of Support (WBFO) Podcast, exploring two ways WNY communities are responding to need and opportunity.

JUSTICE

Nuremberg - Film Screening & Author Conversation Jan 30, 2026 Reg Lenna Center for the Arts 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM 116 East 3rd StreetJamestown, NYFilm followed by a live conversation with Jack El-Hai, author of "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist" 


CROWN Act Becomes Law in PA: New Protections Against Hair Discrimination (Ogletree Deakins) "The CROWN Act broadens the definition of 'race' under the PA Human Relations Act to include traits historically associated with an individual’s race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. As a result, individuals are shielded from discrimination based on natural hairstyles or protective hairstyles commonly linked to their race." 

DOJ upends civil rights unit, why that matters to us all | Opinion Signed by Kyle Stock, of Erie, a former trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and 200 other former employees of the division. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News.

MLK  

ERIE
Jan 17 - 15th Annual Dr. King Awards Dinner Ambassador Hotel & Conference Center 7794 Peach St. Erie, PA Guest speaker nationally recognized civil rights attorney, Benjamin Crump. Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. Info: Martin Luther King Center at 814.459.2761 

Jan 19 - Annual Martin Luther King Day March Perry Square Erie PA Begin assembling at  11am 11am-11:30 at Perry Square (meet at corner of 6th & State Street) March from Perry Square to MLK Center (312 Chestnut St, Erie- about a 5-blocks march) A program (optional) will be held at the center following the march.

MEADVILLE
Jan 19 - The Martin King Luther Jr. Scholarship Fund celebration Service opportunities  8:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. at the Allegheny College Lawrence Lee Pelletier Library. Noon to 2 p.m., at Schultz Banquet Hall, 549 Park Ave. Meadville. Luncheon with music, readings and a panel discussion. Concludes with tradition of Rev. Marvin Burnett’s rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech by King Jr. Tickets for the luncheon will be $15 and can be purchased at Family Community and Children Association, 378 Chestnut St., Meadville.
~~~~~
Beyond Vietnam -- A Time to Break Silence  A speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. on 4 April 1967, Riverside Church, New York City "I knew that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money like some demonic destructive suction tube. So, I was increasingly compelled to see the war as an enemy of the poor and to attack it as such."  Audio and transcript.

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

‘Some kids don’t really have anyone to talk to or trust.’ Chill rooms fill that gap (Public Source) "This Chill Room is one of 50 in K-12 schools across Allegheny, Washington, Bedford and Erie counties The program sets up calming spaces in participating schools that evoke natural environments..."  Hidden Voices: The Unheard Struggle of Students ( Jefferson Ed. Society) "JES Raimy Fellows Katie Phillips and Jacob Jones will delve into the escalating challenges confronting public school students in Erie County, Pennsylvania, grappling mental health issues."

SPIRIT

Jesus as a Resistance Fighter Guest Speaker: Marcus Atkinson January 11, 2026 10:30 am AT Unitarian Universalist Coongregation of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy, Erie PA "This talk reexamines Jesus not simply as a spiritual teacher, but as a courageous social justice leader who disrupted systems of inequality and lifted the most marginalized. Grounded in both scripture and historical scholarship, the presentation invites us to consider how his radical vision of justice, dignity, and community can inspire our work today."

Religion and Reform in the "Burned Over District"  (Buffalo Toronto Public Media) "Religion and reform were synonymous in 19th century Western New York. This video features extended interview clips from Discovering New York Suffrage Stories, and shows how reform efforts around the anti-slavery and abolition served as a training ground for women’s rights activists. While religious groups fueled the movement, some suffragists fought to preserve the separation of church and state."

WORKING PEOPLE

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette owners couldn’t bust the union, so they shut down the paper (The NewsGuild-CWA) 

GEMISH

NY State's new animal shelter standards raise concern for small rescues  (WKBW)

 
~~~~~

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/ 

Always confirm info with the original source!


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Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Calendar & News ~ Nov / Dec 2025

Links to coverage and photos of No Kings found under the No Kings heading

FOOD HELP  🍴
List of area resources. Get food help, donate, volunteer. Compiled for the SNAP food crisis still posting as I'm not trusting we've seen the end of it.

ACTIVISM 

ARTS & READS

Making the Movement: Civil Rights Museum  2nd floor atrium Baron-Forness Library PennWest Edinboro 200 Tartan Rd, Edinboro, PA " explores the material culture of the Civil Rights Movement" The exhibit will be open through December 12, 2025.

Three Rivers Film Festival Nov 12 - 23 "2025 Film Pittsburgh presents independent films from around the world, deepening audiences’ understanding of various cultures, expanding acceptance and recognizing our common humanity." 

Miss Mabeline Presents The Poetry X-Change Open Mic Nov 16, 7:00 PM Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 

Groundwork Erie Book Club 11/19 at 6 PM Island by Aldous Huxley Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 

Album Review // Teenage Warhead // Fascists, Go Home! (Nick Warren/Erie Reader) 

Benevolent Beers: Erie Arts & Culture  December 4 at Erie Ale Works 416 West 12th St. Erie PA "Any purchase between 5:00pm and 8:00pm will provide a donation to this great group."

Marks of Resistance: Käthe Kollwitz Prints Erie Art Museum, Holstein Gallery 20 E 5th St. Erie, PA Till January 18, 2026 

CHELLO

CRITTERS
Originally compiled for the SNAP food crisis, which was affecting pet owners and rescues in specific ways. Still helpful info.

Chautauqua Co Humane Society pet pantry   Erie Animal Network's Pet Food Bank, bi-weekly pet food and supplies for those in need in Erie County. ANNA Cares food pantry 1555 E. 10th contact ANNA for specifics. Humane World for Animals   has national directory for pet owners needing help.

Also offer unused /unwanted pet food to friends or neighbors.

Drop-off donations: Erie area Pet Supplies Plus stores accept sealed, dry, and wet cat food. locally accepting for ANNA, Erie Animal Network, Erie Humane Society, Orphan Angels. Elsewhere check with individual PSP stores.
   
DEMOCRACY

To see coverage and photos of Oct 18 No Kings events. scroll down to No Kings heading.

Erie County PA Activism  Comprehensive list of local actions and groups, especially helpful for resistance connections. 

Remove the Regime Protest Trip from Erie to Washington DC  Deadline for reservations is NOVEMBER  17 but there might still be openings if you check. Reach out to Erie Bridge Brigade for questions: Bridgebrigade2000@proton.me $125/person - covers all transportation fees. Some "scholarships" available to help defray the cost.

EARTH

Erie on Track to Join Great Lakes Project (Liz Allen/Erie Reader) "Erie County shoreline integral to proposed Great Lakes Waterfront Trail"


ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Fair Districts Pa: Redistricting Reform Wed., Nov 19th at 7pm, Edinboro Borough Hall 124 Meadville Street, Edinboro, Event is free -Reservations are for seating, handouts, etc. Promoted by: French Creek Indivisible 

Feds sued to stop SNAP, used hungry Americans for political gain amid shutdown | Opinion (Rock Copeland/Erie Times-News) 


Erie Co Exec race by municipality   (Reddit post) includes county map showing who went blue, and an interesting comment from a west county resident 

[Watch] Interview with Carlos Mora, an Erie County United organizer, talks about the organization's canvassing efforts regarding the May primary and the November election. (Erie Times-News)

IMMIGRANTS

Answered 24/7 by bilingual English / Spanish speaker Next trainings are online: Tuesday, Nov 25. 6pm-8pm Tuesday, December 16. 6-8pm Info: Carlos Mora at Erie County United. (Carlos@paunited.org )

Local religious organizations protest ICE as part of nationwide movement (WJET/WFXP/YourErie) "Several local religious organizations gathered near the Erie County Prison on Wednesday afternoon to protest against increased ICE enforcement, participating in a national movement called One Church One Family."

Panel discussion: "Immigration and the Erie economy" 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM / November 18, 2025 Host: Public Policy Institute at Penn State Behrend The program is in the multipurpose room of the Federal House, free and open to the public.

Erie colleges, universities have fewer international students attending. The latest stats (Erie Times-News) 

Fact check: Do illegal immigrants receive SNAP benefits?   (MARCA) Dated Nov 11, 2025

INDIGENOUS

Interview with Haudenosaunee Seneca Leon Sam Briggs (2023)  Leon Sam Briggs, whose Seneca name is Hoya’degay hus, meaning “he helps always,” is an enrolled member of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Hawk Clan, from the Tonawanda Seneca Territory He is a blacksmith, craftsmen, teacher, public speaker. Locally, he works with Fort Le Boeuf French and Indian War Museum in Waterford.

[Listen] Restoring Justice: Parker, Heritage, and Indigenous Voices (WBFO What's Next) "In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the life of Ely S. Parker, Tonawanda Seneca leader, engineer, and Civil War officer who helped draft the surrender at Appomattox. Denied admission to the New York State Bar in the 1840s simply for being Native American, Parker’s legacy of justice and representation is finally being recognized."

JUSTICE

Robert H Jackson Center 80th Anniversary of Nuremberg Robert H. Jackson was the U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg. The Jamestown NY-based Center named in his honor will be holding several events commemorating Nuremberg anniversary over the next couple months. 

LGBTQ+

Transgender Day of Remembrance  Nov 20 at 7pm at Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA ."Join us in remembering our lost transgender siblings. Candlelight vigil with name reading will take place ... There will be time for reflection and refreshments afterward. 5:30-6pm is set aside for news coverage." Event by Transfamily of NWPA.

Building Understanding: A Conversation on Trans Lives Today   Nov 24, 6:00pm  Host: Idea Lab "Inspired by Sen. Sarah McBride’s 2018 book, Tomorrow Will Be Different Free. Registration required. 18+. Panel discussion, conducted through Zoom. Registrants will receive an event link prior to the event." . November is Transgender Awareness Month.

Compton's Capital Campaign Compton's Table looking to purchase a forever home. 

NO KINGS
Coverage and photos/video from second No Kings rallies Oct 18, 2025

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

Erie's Schools Enter a New Era by Dr. Jay Breneman (JB), Dr. Natalyn Gibbs (NG), and Ms. ShaQuita Gatewood (SG) Erie’s Public Schools Earn Recognition for Healthy Meals (Erie News Now)

In PA, The Blue Wave Sweeps A Once-Conservative School Board    (Peter Greene/Forbes) "The Central Bucks School District was, for a while, a nationally-noted example of a board that was remade in a conservative culture war image. Tuesday’s blue wave washed away the last traces of that image."

Group checked 193 PA school districts for censorship, LGBTQ+ policies (USA Today Network) "A recent analysis of dozens of Pennsylvania school boards found one in five of them have adopted culture war policies that censor material, ban books or target LGBTQ+ students."

WORKING PEOPLE

Labor, food bank leaders push for stable funding after benefit pause (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News)

Keystone Labor Report PA focus."the Keystone Labor Report, a twice-a-week newsletter...will cover the labor fights and economic policy battles that matter for workers in the commonwealth and put them at the center of our coverage. And along the way, we’ll do our best to hold powerful interests accountable."


SS Edmund Fitzgerald Tragedy Spurred Maritime Work Safety Improvements (Waterways Journal 11/14/2025) 

~~~~~

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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No Kings rally photos 10/18/2025


I took some photos before the rally started.  For other photos and video of the local No Kings events, check out the links under the No Kings heading in the Calendar
Click to enlarge





















This was taken 45 minutes before the rally started.. I decided to include it to show just how peaceful and friendly the gathering was, to counter the ridiculous MAGA depictions.. 




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Tuesday, November 4, 2025

FOOD HELP

To GIVE or FIND HELP particularly in this month's food crisis. Please click on links to get more specific details about times, services, etc. Click on links or call for most up-to-date info.

🍎 NWPA
Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA 1507 Grimm Dr. Erie, Pa 16501 814-459-3663 M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Charity Navigator rating 

Second Harvest Food Bank Food Finder Food pantries, soup kitchens, produce express etc. Enter address for nearby resources 


🍎  ERIE CO 
Big list of food banks, soup kitchens, and other resources (posted on Reddit, I do not know original compiler, but thank you) This variation includes a lot of county listings.


Werner Books collecting drop-off for Little Free Pantries November and December. Drop off at store, 3608 Liberty St


Erie City Mission Public Meal 1017 Holland, Erie Breakfast M-F and Lunch M-Su Emmaus Ministries Soup Kitchen 218 E 11th St, M-F Dinner SSJNN Soup Kitchen each Monday at 4:15 pm at St. Paul’s Center, 453 W. 16th St.

The WeGAF Collective  "The WeGAF Collective is a collaboration between anyone and everyone who GAF about the good of the community especially now amidst these trying times. From sharing low-budget recipes to fundraising for the Collective's endeavors as well as workshops for different skills, this group can only work if everyone works together."

🍎 CRAWFORD CO
Meadville Community Soup Kitchen Stone Methodist Church 956 S, Main St. Meadville PA M-F. (814) 337-1233 ask for Josh.    Soup on Saturday Unitarian Universalist Church 346 Chestnut St, Meadville, PA.  Contact Jodi Sipos for info or to donate 814-724-4023 or church@uumeadville.org.

Crawford Co Food Resources Directory (updated Aug/Sept 2025) 


Holiday Food Drive The City of Meadville & IAFF Local 515  are sponsoring a food drive . Donations accepted atntye Fire Station, Police Station, and City Building  through December 31, 2025 Stone Methodist Food Drive thru Nov 24. Drop off non-perishables at church lobby

🍎 CHQ  Co
WRFA for updates Looks like they will be keeping CHQ Co updated.



🍎 EVERYWHERE ELSE 
🍎 OFFER TRANSPORT FROM FOOD PANTRIES  🚗

Consider offering transport to neighbor(s) getting food from food pantries. The packages can be heavy too heavy to carry (hopefully !😊). Food pantries are often serving a specific area, so there are probably some neighbors who could appreciate help with this. 

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PETS 🐱🐶🐰
Chautauqua Co Humane Society pet pantry   Erie Animal Network's Pet Food Bank, bi-weekly pet food and supplies for those in need in Erie County. .ANNA Cares food pantry 1555 E. 10th contact ANNA  for specifics. 

Drop-off donations: Erie area Pet Supplies Plus stores accept sealed, dry, and wet cat food. locally accepting for ANNA, Erie Animal Network, Erie Humane Society, Orphan Angels. Elsewhere check with individual stores. 

Humane World for Animals has national directory for pet owners needing help. 

Also offer unused /unwanted pet food to friends or neighbors.  



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Friday, September 5, 2025

Calendar & News ~ September / October 2025

from August 28 "Good Trouble" event to save health care, several dozen people came despite the rain (Hosts: French Creek Indivisible and Healthcare 4 All PA). Photo: Bridge Brigade

ARTS & READS

FILM 10|20 "weekly film series and social experience around the art of film. Admission is $10. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.Wednesdays, September 3 through November 19 at The 10|20 Collective, 1020 Holland Street in downtown Erie. Tickets are available now at tickets.eriereader.com or at the door." 

Lake Erie Lit Fest  Sept 13 from 12-6pm Hosted by LEAF at Frontier Park 1501 W 6th Erie. Come celebrate all things storytelling with the whole family. Partners: ECGRA, Erie Art Company, Erie Library, Mabel Howard, Werner Books and Coffee 

Trevor Noah Sep 19 Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Niagara Falls, NY 

Miss Mabeline Presents The Poetry X-Change Open Mic Sep 21, 2025, 7:00 PM Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA

Female Feature Fest Centennial Hall (formerly Basement Transmissions) Sep 27 145 W 11th Erie

Greg's and Reggie's Story  Sept 28 @ 10:30 am at Unitarian Universalist Cong. of Erie 7180 Perry Hwy "Greg’s Story, performed by Greg Greenway, honors the bravery of Rosa Parks and reminds us of the enduring impact of standing up for justice. Reggie’s Story, performed by Reggie Harris, takes us to Hickory Hill, weaving personal narrative and history into song. Both pieces invite reflection, connection, and inspiration through music."

100 Thousand Poets for Change presents Love is the Answer Sep 28, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA "As Cathi GG Mitchel often says: Words hurt, words heal. Join local poets at Werner Books as they offer answers and kindness through words. This event will have several poetry features and an open mic opportunity. Let's do poetry!"

YWCA Jamestown Starting Book Club That Focuses On Conversations Around Race, Equity, Collective Growth (WRFA) 

National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove Fredonia Opera 19 Church Fredonia NY Oct 4

Soweto Gospel Choir - Peace  October 7. at 7:30 PM Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center. Mercyhurst University, Erie PA 

Buffalo International Film Festival Oct 9-16 Virtual and in-person, films screening in virtual platform with closed captioning will be noted on Eventive. 

Canvases of Caring - Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life fundraising event and art sale. October 11 — National Coming Out Day 201 W 11th Erie PA 5:30-8pm "VIP Happy Hour: 5:30-6:30 Main Event: 6:30-8 Online Art Sale: through Wednesday 10/15 Ways to support: 1. Purchase Tickets: Whether it's for the Main Event or our pre-sale Happy Hour 2. Buy Art! We will have a special kid's section and artists from around the region.3. Sponsor Canvases of Caring 4. All 3!"

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown offers virtual book study on social change (WRFA) 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of October, November and December. There is no fee to participate."To register to participate on Zoom, click on the Book Study button

BLASCO

Here is a short update on the trial concerning Gannon's lease at Blasco. This is from Keep Our Library Public organization.: 

The trial is set for December. 

Email your thoughts about keeping the Blasco Library public to: keepourlibrarypublic@gmail.com. We will share them with the County Executive, County Council, Gannon and the press to let them know we have not given up fighting to SAVE BLASCO!

CHELLO

JusticeforChello Coalition Facebook page   #JusticeForChello 

Atty Ben Crump shakes up Erie (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) "Civil rights attorney Ben Crump held a press conference in Erie to address the case of Marchello Woodard,..."  Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joins Woodard shooting case (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News)

Erie County Council public comments 8-12-2025 Start at 13:24 and 8-26-2025  André  Horton comments on justice 9-9-2025  55:08 

Justice for Chello protesters bring their message to CelebrateErie (YourErie)    Video from City Hall and County Courthouse protest 

Members of PA Legislative Black Caucus Meet in Erie on Marchello Woodard Case (Erie News Now)  PA Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) met with community members. (WJET Erie)

DA says 'additional follow-up' needed in investigation into death of parolee Woodard (Erie Times-News) Meeting with DA cancelled, no explanation (YourErie) 

DEMOCRACY

No Kings National Day of Action October 18  (there will be local action) "A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events."

Oct 16 - Rise Up Singing! A Revival for the Resistance,  6:30pm to 8:30pm at Polish Falcons Club 431 E 3rd Street Erie PA "Beer and Pizza. Music. Poetry. History... Benefit: Community and Resistance Organizations." $10 advance/$12 at door.

Benedictine Sisters of Erie Win National Democracy Award (Commonwealth of PA)  Secretary of State Al Schmidt nominated the nuns for the 2025 Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award. The sisters were in 2024 falsely accused of election fraud and successfully fought back. 

Stay updated by connecting and/or checking out:
■ Benedictines for Peace mailing list
■ French Creek Indivisible linktr.ee 

DISABILITY

Sprout Film Festival  Sept 24, 2025 7:00 PM Reg Lenna 116 East 3rd Street Jamestown, NY "The Resource Center invites you to an inspiring cinematic experience that celebrates the incredible journeys of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!" Free, doors open 6pm

Benevolent Beers: Opportunities Unlimited    Oct 30 at Erie Ale Works 416 West 12th Erie PA "Every purchase between 5:00 and 8:00pm will provide a donation to this great group." 

EARTH
 
French Creek Cleanup September 6 @ Cambridge Springs Fairgrounds Various locales along French Creek watershed Host: French Creek Valley Conservatory International Coastal Cleanup - Erie County PA  Sep 20, 9am-noon, multiple locales throughout county. Presque Isle and CHQ County Sept 20, 9am- noon  Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy trail cleanup Wednesdays in Aug and Sept 10AM, various sites. 
 
Lecture: What the Frack is Hydraulic Fracturing by Dr. Rebecca Matecha September 15 6:30 pm to 7:30 PM Zurn Hall Room 114 Mercyhurst University Erie PA RSVP's requested. Host: Citizen Climate Lobby Student Club at Mercyhurst University Erie SunDay Rally outside Shale Insight Conference Sept. 17, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Outside the Bayfront Convention Center, Erie (note that Bayfront Pkwy is a bit of a mess now). Meadville Sun Day: A Celebration of Clean Energy September 21 at1:00 PM Location: The Arc Community Greenspace, 967 Market St., Meadville, PA. Contact: Jane Ellen Nickell, janellenickell58@gmail.com Presented by The Arc Community Greenspace, co-sponsored by City of Meadville, Third Act Pennsylvania, and Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville.

"Audubon: The Artist, The Man, and The Myth" by Brian Miller Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville Sep 27, 2025 at 01:30 pm  346 Chestnut St. Meadville, PA bmiller@allegheny.edu  RTPI: Environmental Impact Award Winners on view through March 15, 2026 Roger Tory Peterson Institute hosts the first exhibition of current and past winners of the Environmental Impact Award.  

Season of Creation. "Every year, from September 1 to October 4, people around the world unite in prayer, reflection, and action for the Season of Creation. This ecumenical season, beginning with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ending on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, invites us to deepen our awareness of the urgent ecological crisis and to recommit ourselves to caring for our common home. Join justice-seekers at NETWORK to 'Hope and Act with Creation' by advocating for stronger environmental protections in our country, and efforts to build sustainability in our own lives." 
  
 
ELECTIONS 
 
[Watch] Kenyatta: DNC new plan to stop Trump (Katie Phang) "Katie and Malcolm discuss how his battleground state of Pennsylvania is a key example of how inextricably intertwined state politics have become with national issues & how the DNC is gearing up for the redistricting fight."

[Listen] Gerrymandering and Fair Elections PA (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson ) "hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata sit down with Carol Kuniholm, Co-Founder of Fair Districts PA, and Michael Bucella, Northwest Region Coordinator, to unpack the ongoing battles over redistricting and the threats they pose to democracy The guests also share strategies for fighting back.."

 
 
Municipal Elections 101: Judge of elections and other key voting positions on Pa.’s November ballot

[Listen] left, wrong & center podcast  Erie based political podcast: "proud democrat - in victory and in defeat. " 
 
Non-partisan civic engagement talks (SUNY Fredonia) several dates, open to public

FOOD
 
 Erie County CROP Hunger Walk September 28  Presque Isle: Beach #1, Runner's Pavilion  
 
Fourth Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser Oct 4 at Second Harvest Food Bank Warehouse, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA  $25 advance | $30 door Session One 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Session Two 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Reservations at website 

Emmaus Harvest Fest Oct 5 "Celebrate our gardeners and the harvest! Sunday, Emmaus Grove 218 East 11th Street Erie PA 1-4 p.m. Concert by Tennessee Back Porch Garden Tours Raffles and Prizes"

Produce to the People  (Gretchen Gallagher Durney/Erie Reader) "Pay What You Can Stands deepening connections and abundance" 

[Watch] Activists rally for organizations feeding those in need at Gridley Park (YourErie) "A rally focused on hunger issues in Erie County was organized by Network Erie on [July 17] night. Activists gathered in Gridley Park to listen to a number of speakers from agencies in Erie County that help to feed the needy.  Organizers said the rally was part of a series of actions inspired by the late U.S. Representative John Lewis." 

Ashtabula County Local Food Guide 2025 Published by OSU Extension in collaboration with Ashtabula Local Food Network .

Jamestown Farmers Market Receives Grant To Help Extend Season, Improve Outreach (WRFA) "The funding will go toward creating a year-round marketing plan and extend the farmers’ market season, increase off-season production/availability, improve outreach, and create an initiative to improve green infrastructure with mobile planters."

Second Harvest awarded $100K grant to open Erie’s first free grocery store (YourErie) "The new grocery store will not only provide food but will focus on offering healthy options and hands-on nutrition education. This is part of an effort to elevate the quality of food available to residents in the area." Eat & Thrive at Serafin's Food Market 601 E 24th Erie. Thursdays Sept 11 - Oct 30, 3pm-6pm Free nutrition lessons, blood pressure screenings, and food vouchers Hosts: Serafin’s Food Market, Erie County Department of Health, and Oak Street Health

PA won’t share SNAP data with Trump Administration – for now (Penn Capital Star) More than two million Pennsylvanians receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. New website launched for PA SNAP users (YourErie) " to make it easier ...to report requirements they have to meet from a recently passed Republican budget bill by Congress." 
 
Backyard grapes!
HEALTH CARE

Remote Area Medical pop-up clinic returns to Erie  September 13, and September 14, at Erie Center for the Arts and Technology, located at 650 East Ave, Suite 120. It’s first-come, first-served. '“I think one of the things about this pop-up clinic that is so unique is no ID is required, they do not have to give identification, it is — if they need to be served, we’re going to serve them,” said Hagerty.' 

Healthcare 4 All PA "working on a single payer / improved Medicare for All healthcare system in Pennsylvania, as a forerunner to a national healthcare system." Healthcare 4 All PA partnered with French Creek Indivisible to do the "Good Trouble" protest August 28.

HISPANIC/LATINO FESTS

Fiesta on the Square   September 13 Perry Square Erie PA  noon - 7pm Hosted by Erie Latino Leadership Association and Mayors Hispanic Latino Advisory Council "free to the public. Food vendors will be available, free kids activities , and of course live music" 

Hola Fest  Sept 13 Wean Park, Youngstown Ohio "Each country will proudly display authentic items and musical instruments from their native land in their own booth. Attendees can enjoy music, visit each 'village' and learn about different cultures in a friendly environment" 

LatinX Festival  Sep 20, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 10th &, Washington St, Jamestown, NY Jackson-Taylor Park Host: YWCA Jamestown " This family-friendly event is free and open to all — come ready to dance, eat, and connect!"

HOME


Tiny homes Davis and city clash over tiny homes (YourErie) Modus Operandi: Davis approach to tiny homes and Gannon lease compared (Keep Our Library Public)  "Davis ignored the zoning procedures for this tiny house project, similar to the way that he ignored the Donated and Dedicated Property Act (DDPA) in leasing space to Gannon in the Blasco Library. He also breeched his fiduciary duty in having these homes built when they couldn’t be used because he refused to submit plans to the City of Erie, similar to the way he leased county property at far below market value for up to 45 years. The main difference is that he’s certainly no library expert, but he purports to be an expert in construction. Hmmm…"

[Listen] Formerly Addicted and Homeless: A Woman Shares Her Story (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) One-on-one interview with a local woman who shares her journey and talks about the situation and resources in Erie. and at The Upper Room where she now works. 

[Watch] Erie PA Planning Commission - July 15, 2025

The PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open until the end of the year, Supports homeowners and renters across PA. Provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Supported by PA Lottery and gaming funds. ​
 
IMMIGRANTS

Investigative Post Buffalo NY based outlet includes investigations and reporting on immigration and enforcement with a western New York/northern border focus.

Immigration crackdown continues in Erie (Erie News Now)
 
[Listen] Refugee Resettlement Update w/Katie Kretz, Executive Director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center, Aug. 19, 2025.(Joel Natalie/TalkErie)

Account of Vietnam War resisters in Toronto  from war resistor Philip Mullins. Last updated from 2007, offers the experiences of those immigrants. the community(s) they built, the organizations and mutual help groupings, their impact etc.  

JUSTICE
 
[Watch] Erie City Council Study Session - Human Relations Commission (HRC) - 8/28/2025  HRC Director Kristi Gnibus meets with council to explain what the agency does, what she has been doing, and various issues and concerns.

[Watch] Meadville City Council 8/19/2025 discussion on county drug and mental health treatment court starting at 8:55 mark. City solicitor pointed out that the underlying cause in encounters with police in many vases is undiagnosed or untreated issues. The proposal came up during the solicitor's update on the recent excessive use of force investigation.
 
 
LGBTQ+

"Matt Shepard Is A Friend Of Mine" Screening with Discussion at Luther Memorial Church, 2225 W 10th St, Erie, PA Sept 20 at 4 PM. with producer Linda Karn, and special guests, Judy and Dennis Shepard. Free event, tickets required. Donations graciously accepted to support this event and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Presented by LMCS, in association with Jefferson Educational Society, Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, NW PA Pride Alliance, Compton's Table, Erie Community Foundation, and Erie LGBT Fund. 

LGBTQ+Voices from the Shadows—LGBTQ+ Experiences During the Nazi Era Rodef Shalom Congregation Oct 29 @ 6:00 pm at 4905 Fifth Ave Pittsburgh, PA "Drawing on extensive research conducted for this first-of-its-kind audio documentary, Eric Marcus shares archival clips during a 45-minute presentation (+ 15-minute Q&A) that brings this painful, often hidden history to life through the voices of the people who lived it.. " Host: Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh Free 

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

Meadville Candle Light Vigil Support for Victims of Abuse September 21 at 7:30pm "End Child Abuse. Support Victims. Release the Files. Meet at County Fair, North Street, Meadville PA" from French Creek Indivisible 

Erie's Public Schools resources for students and families experiencing housing instability (ESD)

Free after school programs:  Erie Neighborhood Art House  201 E 10th free after-school program for inner-city youth in Erie, PA. The program provides a wide variety of arts education classes for youth ages 7-18.  Teen Arts at ECAT is a free, after school arts program for teens in grades 8–12 living in Erie County. Classes take place in  studios at ECAT 650 East Ave., Erie and are taught by professional artists using professional equipment and materials. Students of any skill level are welcome.

Strong Minds: A Community Dialogue for Stronger Children's Mental Health Oct 7 at ECAT, 650 East Ave Erie PA 5pm "Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership is a statewide initiative of mental health advocates who are dedicated to improving mental health service delivery and access for Pennsylvania's children and youth."

Trump administration agrees to release remainder of frozen education funds to Pa., other states (Rhode Island Current)

NY becomes 9th State to Provide Universal School Meals ( Healthy School Meals for All NY Kids.) "2.7 million New York students will have access to free breakfast and lunch every school day". 

The “Penncrest Factors” under PA’s Right-to-Know Law  (Casemine)"Penncrest School District v. Cagle is the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s first deep engagement with how the Commonwealth’s Right-to-Know Law (“RTKL”) applies to public-official activity on social-media platforms. The litigation began when citizen-requester Thomas Cagle sought disclosure of Facebook posts made by two school-board members, David Valesky and Luigi DeFrancesco, concerning homosexuality and the District’s programs."

From Neighborhood Art House wonderful wall of planters
 SPIRIT

2025 Prophet of Peace Award Prayer and Reception: Art Leopold Sept 21  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Mount St Benedict Monastery 6101 East Lake Rd Erie, PA "The Benedictine Sisters are proud to announce that Erie native and activist Art Leopold is their 2025 Prophet of Peace Awardee. Art has been a healing presence and prophetic witness for peace and justice for more than thirty years, involved in leadership, advocacy, organization, and hands-on efforts to create a more just city and world."
 
Radiant Faith Sep 23 at 6 PM Cathedral of St Paul, 134 W 7th St, Erie. "As part of Erie Episcopal's Sacred Pathways series at the Cathedral of St. Paul, the queer community is invited to join us for Radiant Faith once/month this fall...Our gatherings are for spiritual seekers and offer a Christian-rooted encounter with the Divine-one who dwells within us and in the sacred connection we share with one another. We are grateful to Compton's Table for their co-sponsorship of this new offering. Questions? Contact Jessie Hubert at jhubert@cathedralofstpaul.org
 
[Watch] Video: Truth & Reckoning Episode 7: Christian Church, Meet the Church of Mother Nature (CELDF) "we explore how some religious communities are becoming champions for the Great Lakes and other waters of NY State, bringing a crucial moral and spiritual lens to environmental activism."  

Op Ed: Why Dismantle a Thriving Neighborhood Church? (by Martin Farrell and James Vieira/Erie Reader) St. Andrew Catholic Church faces uncertain future despite parishioner efforts  

WORKING PEOPLE

Labor Day: Secretary of Labor visits Erie, protestors gather in opposition for ‘Workers over Billionaires’ rally (YourErie)  Workers Over Billionaires Erie event photos 

Clairton Coke Works, site of fatal explosion, has a history of problems (Allegheny Front) “one of the most decrepit facilities I’ve ever seen in my nearly 30 years of work.” Killed in explosion were Timothy Quinn, 39, of Westmoreland County PA and Steven C. Menefee, 52, of Tarrs, PA

NY State Program Launched To Help Small Business Protect Workers During Extreme Heat (WRFA)
 
{Listen] Women's impact on labor in WNY  (Women at the Table podcast)

Documentary Film – A Hobo in the Great Depression Produced by documentary filmmaker Pauline Greenlick, Looks at the 1932 travel diary by  western PA steelworker Joseph Szalanski (1910-1940) published by his son in 2010 as "Boarding The Westbound"
 
GEMISH
 
[Watch] Race, Place, and Belonging: Being Black in Erie Series | July 17, 2025 Presented by Erie Co Human Relations Commission. 

How to Support WQLN After Federal Funding Dropped (Liz Allen/Erie Reader) PBS affiliate to lose 40 percent of its annual budget in wake of cuts

A History Lesson: The Great Leap Forward (Curmudgucation) Western PA -based education writer Peter Greene offers an interesting comparison regarding Mao's catastrophic campaign to "make China great again: " in short, an authoritarian tries to force dramatic changes through sheer force of will, discounting expertise on both the large and small scale, then when things aren't working, simply demands that anyone who wants to keep his job must prove loyalty by supporting Beloved Leader's version of events, no matter how divorced from reality that might be. Bad ideas covered by authoritarian lies and bullshit, followed by disaster. "  

Click to enlarge

HISTORICAL DISCLAIMER FROM EVENT ORGANIZERS ABOUT GUITAR GRAPHIC: The guitar image in the event flyer (put together before Wednesday’s horrific events in Utah) is adapted from that of American legendary folksinger and composer Woody Guthrie. In 1943, Guthrie painted the message on his guitar after seeing it affixed to the industrial machinery of workers during World War II when Americans were at war with fascism. The good folks putting this event together deplore violence in any form—political violence, above all. We support the peaceful movement of citizens to defend American democracy from authoritarianism, which is what this event is all about.
RISE UP SINGING!
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/19yVdKwgVY/ 

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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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