Friday, March 1, 2024

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ March 2024

For most accurate and updated information, please visit original links of event listings


WOMEN

The Mercy Center for Women 31st Annual Women Making History event on  March 25th 7pm at the Mercyhurst University Performing Arts Center in Erie. "This event recognizes women in Erie County for the countless ways they impact and influence the lives in our community. They serve quietly and mirror the image of the Mercy Center mission. Event is open and free to the public, no RSVP required. A private reception is held prior to the event for sponsors and honorees." 

Generation Her 'Join us the next time "Generation Her" gets together. Generation Her is a community building space for women of color in Erie. It's an intergenerational space where we talk about our unique experiences and partake in community care and love. Our next event is Saturday, March 16th from 1:00-3:00 pm.' Generation Her 202 W 11th St , Erie, PA Host Erie County United

Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Presentation – The First Ladies: A Novel   June 27 3:30pm Gate pass or single ticket required Hall of Philosophy & CHQ Assembly

ARTS

March 2024 Poetry Events Hosted & Promoted by Miss Mabeline 

Mar 21 - Single Voice Reading Khaled Mattawa  7pm Allegheny College, Tippie Alumni Center/Cochran Hall, Tillotson Room Meadville. Khaled Mattawa is the author of numerous books of poetry, and a critical study of the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. Open to public.

At Reg Lenna Arts Center, Jamestown:
Mar 6 - American Fiction (2023)
Mar 9 - Ava DuVernay's Origin 
Mar 15 Keep Marching New one-act play with music exploring the historic 1963 march on Washington (ages 3-8). 

Cleveland International Film Festival  Apr 3-13 Playhouse Square, Cleveland Also full week of streaming is April 14 – 21 

The Playhouse presents: Inherit the Wind  April 5-21, Erie Playhouse " Originally written as a response to the threat to intellectual freedom presented by the anti-communist hysteria of the McCarthy era, the themes of Inherit the Wind are as relevant today as they were 73 years ago." 

Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls at Chautauqua  August 16 @ 7:30 pm 

Liberal Redneck Trae Crowder  will be at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall of Homestead May 24 at 8pm 

BLASCO

The protest against Gannon lab locating inside Blasco has been a robust local grassroots movement. To keep up: Keep Our Library Public (public FB group) Project Minerva (private group for supporters)  Below are some selected activities from the few weeks: 
COMMUNITY

Engage Your Community With Investment Cooperatives (US Rural Development) Meadville Mayor Jaime Kinder shared this article on FB 

East Erie leaders complete second step in plan to breathe new life into the area  (YourErie) ““The school was central to that. To bringing back investment, smart investment, to our neighborhood to counter the disinvestment that has taken place,” said Gary Horton, director of Urban Erie Community Development Corp.”

EARTH

Researchers Testify on Impact of Microplastics in Water Dr. Sherri Mason Director of Sustainability at Penn State Erie at 19:15r Dr. Mason User clip (1:03) Video from C-Span

Saturday, April 13: Scripture and Our Calling to Creation Justice 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant (250 W 7th St.) ** To register for the Saturday morning event ,  please email britney.knight@firstcovenanterie.org. For registration please include your name if you plan to stay for lunch, and any dietary restrictions.
Saturday, April 13: Hospitality in a Time of Climate Change 6:00 P.M. at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul (134 W 7th St.)
Sunday, April 14:  Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World 9:45A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Wayside Presbyterian Church (1208 Asbury Rd)

Bill McKibben & Frank Sesno at Chautauqua  Wednesday, July 24th 2024 @ 10:45 am - 12:00 pm |Gate pass or single ticket required "In a week centered on “Our Greatest Challenges (That We Can Actually Do Something About),” the Chautauqua Lecture Series and Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative welcome environmentalist and writer Bill McKibben back to the Amphitheater stage, where he’ll be joined by journalist Frank Sesno as they discuss work both men are doing to catalyze climate action across generations." 

Pa. environmental, religious and other groups criticize Shapiro plan for ignoring climate change (By Rachel McDevitt | StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Apr 8 - Last Day for PA Voters to Register for Primary "You can register to vote online, by mail, or at a number of government agencies, including Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Photo License and Driver’s License Centers" 

This Pa. activist is the source of false and flawed election claims gaining traction across the country (Spotlight PA)

Loss of experienced elections officials could mean trouble for PA election (Penn Capital Star)

Be a PA Poll Worker 

State police investigating Breneman's claim that Brenton Davis elbowed him in the head (A.J. Rao/Erie Times-News) 

Project Veritas, former leader admit their 2020 election fraud story re Erie Post Office were untrue (AP) The far-right media group "produced videos in the wake of the 2020 presidential election based on claims from a postal worker in Erie... who said he had overheard a conversation between the postmaster and a supervisor about illegally backdating mail-in presidential ballots."

FOOD

Growing Community and Cultivating Change (Amy VanScoter/Erie Reader) “Kristen Weeks of Erie's Grow and Glow Collective is planting seeds about urban farming”. SSJNN Partner Spotlight: Grow and Glow Collective (SSJN) blog post Guest blog by Kristen Weeks (Glow and Grow Urban Collective) and David Fiorini (SSJNN Marketing Intern/Mercyhurst student)

Emmaus Ministries marks 50 years Organized by Benedictine Sisters, the soup kitchen that began in January 1974 Today in addition to the soup kitchen, they operate a food pantry; Sister Gus' Kids Cafe (provides an after-school program including a nourishing meal, homework assistance and supervised gym activities); and Emmaus Grove (community garden that provides over 2,000 pounds of organic produce annually to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry). The current Emmaus newsletter The Companion provides a look back over the history of Emmaus since that first meal 50 years ago, including personal recollections by Sisters and volunteers. “Over the course of this year, The Companion will look back on the history of Emmaus, highlight the work of this present moment, and share our vision for the future” View newsletter on Emmaus website or here 
Cover of Feb. 2024 Emmaus newsletter, using 1974 flyer
GAZA

from WNY Peace Center:
Action -Support the local delivery of the Veterans For Peace 12-page letter documenting the illegal, ongoing Gaza support actions of the U.S.  Wednesday March, 6th 11 AM Demonstration and Delivery to Buffalo Department of State office. 111 Genesee Street - Join The VFP, Jewish Voice for Peace and our own WNY Peace Center

Video: Erie City Council Meeting February 21, 2024 Public comments start 13:05 Council discussion and vote: 2:21:50 

Erie City Council OK's Gaza ceasefire resolution after emotional pleas for and against move (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News)   

Erie County United has been organizing actions for the Erie area since November. To keep up you can go to their FB page and or get on their mailing list.

Jewish Voice for Peace  has chapters in Pittsburgh  and Cleveland. "Jewish Voice for Peace members are inspired by Jewish tradition to work together for peace, social justice, equality, human rights, respect for international law, and a U.S. foreign policy based on these ideals.... JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East."

HOME

Erie Spiritual Coalition (Susannah Faulkner/Erie Reader) “Founded last summer, the Erie Spiritual Coalition (ESC) utilizes models from across the country and throughout history, from current California-based NGO human service coalitions, to interfaith councils from the Civil Rights Era. Grounded in spiritual principles, ESC strives to bridge the gap between people, organizations, and government by advocating for policies that foster human flourishing and thriving communities.”

Renters Community Meeting 202 W 11th St , Erie, PA March 9 from 2-5pm "Join Erie County United as we gather to talk about issues facing the renter community in Erie. It will be a potluck, so feel free to bring a dish to share!"

Study session public restrooms Erie City Council, Study Session  March 7, 2024 5:30 P.M. Bagnoni Council Chambers Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. PWLES People with lived experiences introduction 3. Different models of Public Restrooms 4. Pros / Cons safety concerns 5. Open comments from stakeholders and council 6. Possible placement locations 7. Brainstorming 8. Wrap up – Schedule follow up

WATCH: A panel on Pa.’s popular housing repairs grant program (Spotlight PA) "Spotlight PA held a panel on the status and history of the Whole-Home Repairs program, and on how advocates want to see it improved." Pa. House committee unanimously advances housing access bills (Penn Capital-Star) 


Mr. EJay Fyke Appointed Diverse Erie Commissioner (TalkErie)"Mr. EJay Fyke was recently appointed to the Diverse Erie Commission by Erie County Councilman Rock Copeland and unanimously approved by Erie County Council." 

“The War on Drugs and Its Impact on Communities of Color”  Rodney Clark, Ph.D. Professor, Allegheny College  Dr. Clark will cover the history of drug criminalization in America, the disproportionate sentencing of people of color, and the economic impacts on communities of color. Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT)—650 East Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA March 14 @ 7 p.m. FREE, click on link for details and to register. Host Jefferson Educational Society 

“When a Child is Worth More Than the Worst Mistake He Ever Made” Antonio Howard Artist and author Antonio Howard will share insights about his autobiography,  the story of a juvenile "lifer." The Presentation followed by book signing. Satellite location:  1255 Manchester Rd. Erie, PA March 18 at 6:00 p.m. FREE, please register in advance. Host Jefferson Ed. Society 

Candle Light Vigil in Honor of Nex Benedict   March 6 at 7pm, 378 Chestnut St., Meadville PA Hosted by Crawford County United

Transgender Day of Visibility "On Saturday, April 6, join TransFamily of NWPA at noon in Perry Square to commemorate Trans Day of Visibility. They will be celebrating trans lives, raising awareness about trans experiences, and building a community of powerful allies. This event also serves as a chance to uplift trans voices and work towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, has the right to live authentically and without fear."

RainbowFest  April 13 at Basement transmissions 145 W. 11th Erie ‘Join us for a full day of entertainment from the areas most amazing community of LGBTQIA+ featured bands, artist, performers, & businesses!” Details at event page. Event by OddAtrocity and OddCity entertainment. 

SCHOOL

After stabbing, ESD s approves EMTA bus monitors/mentors (Erie Times-News) 

100 black men announces new partnerships (Erie News Now) ‘Ken Nickson, the Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion and Belonging for Erie's Public Schools explained, "These mentors will come into our building speak typically with 10 students at a time, rotate on a quarterly basis going over character be about it and the four pillars of the 100 Black Men and really infuse and shift some of that mindset that's there."’

SSJNN Accepting Applications Youth 14-17  Deadline March 11

SPIRIT
(Other traditions welcome to list, just let me know)

Good Friday Pilgrimage for Peace "Stations of the Cross and the suffering of war" Friday, March 29, 2024 begins at 11 a.m. on March 29th, at St. Peter Cathedral. Click link for the full itinerary. A chartered bus will leave Mount St. Benedict at 10:30 am.
• A chartered bus will be available for those who choose to ride for all or any part of the Pilgrimage. All are invited for Good Friday prayer at Mt. St. Benedict: 9:00 am – Good Friday Tenebrae service with contemporary lamentation. 3:00 pm – Good Friday service, including Pilgrimage Station 9. Host: Benedictines for Peace bfp@eriebenedictines.org

Father John Dear: The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence.  April 5th at 7pm, Erie, PA Mt. St. Benedict, Benedictine Sisters, 6101 East Lake Rd. "Father John Dear, will be with us to talk about and sign copies of his new book, The Gospel of Peace."  Contact: Sr. Anne McCarthy,  814-899-0614 BFP@ErieBenedictines.org

Benedictine Blackout Eclipse Events April 7-8, 2024 Info/details at link and Michelle Scully (mscully@eriebenedictines.org OR (814) 899-0614 Ext. 2507) with additional questions.
 
WORKING PEOPLE

Early Childcare Investment Policy Initiative Partnership to bring scalable child care solution to Erie  (Chloe Forbes/Erie Reader)  "Jefferson Educational Society (JES) announced the launch of its Early Childcare Investment Policy Initiative, supported by grant funding from The Erie Community Foundation.”


SSJNN 17th Annual GALA May 11 Sponsorship: 814-454-7814

2nd Annual Bike Parts Swap Meet    April 6 at Noon Basement transmissions 145 W. 11th

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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 All upcoming event listings are nonviolent. Event submissions send to moonkat2014@gmail.com

IN MEMORIAM notices: I prefer being contacted by a loved one about notifying the community of a passing, preferably acting within the wishes of the person who has passed. 




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