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| Beach by North Pier |
Cafe 7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10am January 7. from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP"
Marks of Resistance: Käthe Kollwitz Prints at Erie Art Museum Exhibition starts January 29, 2025
Paula Poundstone Feb 22 Cleveland (Mimi Theatre), Mar 8 Asbury Hall, Buffalo NY
Melissa Etheridge Spring Tour Warren Ohio April 21 (Packard Music Hall)
Wanda Sykes Please & Thank You Tour (Kleinhans Music Hall) Buffalo NY May 4
Video: "Be there, will be wild!" • VAE VICTUS • PACA [LiVE!] (PACA 1505) "excerpt from VAE VICTUS, stories of conquerors and the conquered. Livestreamed on Sunday, October 30th, 2022 at PACA" Aaron Pacy's powerful "tribute" to January 6th. Aaron Pacy - Storyteller, Mike Russo - Guitar, David Tamulonis - Violin, Stephen Trohoske - Bass, Ricky Hopkins
Melissa Etheridge Spring Tour Warren Ohio April 21 (Packard Music Hall)
Wanda Sykes Please & Thank You Tour (Kleinhans Music Hall) Buffalo NY May 4
Video: "Be there, will be wild!" • VAE VICTUS • PACA [LiVE!] (PACA 1505) "excerpt from VAE VICTUS, stories of conquerors and the conquered. Livestreamed on Sunday, October 30th, 2022 at PACA" Aaron Pacy's powerful "tribute" to January 6th. Aaron Pacy - Storyteller, Mike Russo - Guitar, David Tamulonis - Violin, Stephen Trohoske - Bass, Ricky Hopkins
The Piano Lesson’ on Netflix and in select theatres (Pittsburgh Courier) "Malcolm Washington directs the revival of “The Piano Lesson,” part of August Wilson’s celebrated Pittsburgh Cycle (also known as American Century Cycle), while his older brother stars as Boy Willie".
Mike Stout's Holiday song fyi not the ear worm you might think it is. (Battle of Homestead Foundation)
Hear My Voice (Women’s Suffrage) Jan 14-15 UPCOMING: Feb 5 The Right to Dream (Civil Rights Movement); February 5-6 Homefront/Warfront (Civil Rights Movement); March 19-20 The New American (Immigration in the early 20th Century); April 9-10 - Within the Silence (WWII Incarceration of Japanese-Americans); May 14, -15 Through the Eyes of a Friend (Holocaust) Reservations already filling up for upcoming. 305 E. Fourth St. Jamestown, NY 14701
BIKE & WALK
Erie Bike Co-op January Open House January 28, 5-7pm 436 E. 26th, Erie PA "Join us! Check out our space.. Learn about our Bike Recyclery, make friends, find community. Help us explore ideas, plan and co-create a resource to aid all cyclists in Erie".
"The SSJNN Bike Program is in a transition! We’re rebranding, expanding our hours, carrying a full feature of mechanic services, new and used parts, education, workspace, community and (most of all!) *Bikes* as The Erie Bike Cooperative. Garrett Raszmann has been hired by BikeErie to help in Operations, Planning, and Transition of the program. Currently Garrett, with the support of SSJNN and BikeErie is enrolled in Paramount Pursuits Thrive cohort to begin putting planning and a new foundation in place for Erie’s first Bike Cooperative!" eriebikecoop.com
Public comments on sidewalks and active transportation in Erie at 12/18 Erie City Council mtg. Freda 11:05; Devan 1:20:24. Especially related to storm.
BLASCO
BLASCO
SAVE BLASCO! A Second State Production "New series in collaboration with keepourlibrarypublic.com. Stay tuned …and be ready to rally behind a community that decides to stand up in defense of their cherished public library. And please do donate toward their legal fund to help them fight the good fight for all of us who have ever loved or ever will love their local library"
EARTH
New York to charge fossil fuel companies for damage from climate change (AP) "The new law requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state fund for infrastructure projects meant to repair or avoid future damage from climate change."
Our Woods & Water Film Series Jan.17 at 6:30pm virtual zoom webinar. There will be a variety of short films with some Q&A discussion in between. Also another Feb 21 details TBA "These films are brought to you in partnership by French Creek Valley Conservancy and the Foundation for Sustainable Forests. Free and open to the public." Registration required.
ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE
VIDEO: November 25, 2024 Erie County Board of Elections Meeting Discussing issues with Nov. 5 election.
VIDEO: November 25, 2024 Erie County Board of Elections Meeting Discussing issues with Nov. 5 election.
Rural Americans Forward launches in North East (Dominic Gardunio in Erie Times News)
How did Democrats keep their Pa. House majority? (Spotlight PA) "Redistricting is part of the answer."
Judge rules that Brenton Davis budget vetoes violated Erie County law (A.J. Rao, Erie Times-News via Yahoo)Senior Judge Edward Reibman: “In short, the veto is limited to negating the item vetoed; not replacing it with something else. The veto is the power to negate; it is not the power to create.”
Council Solicitor Tom Talarico: “We’re extremely pleased that Judge Reibman came down on the rule of law and reaffirmed council’s position that they are the appropriating body under the Home Rule Charter and that the county executive has absolutely no authority to exercise his veto in a manner that would increase or add items to the budget as passed by council.” Conclusion
FREE SPEECH
Laughlin v. The Erie Reader (Reporters Cmte for Freedom of the Press) "Update: On Dec. 13, 2024, the parties reached a settlement in this case. The settlement does not require a retraction or admission of liability from the Erie Reader."
Opinion: PA's new law 'SLAPPs' back at frivolous suits over free speech (Michael Berry via Erie Times-News) Michael Berry is a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP in Philadelphia. He was instrumental in drafting the anti-SLAPP law.
1A Day at Robert H. Jackson Center Date:January 11, 2025 Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm "Experience the First Amendment in action at the Robert H. Jackson Center’s 1A Day Celebration, where local cultural organizations bring constitutional freedoms to life through fun, interactive exhibits and performances throughout our historic venue, honoring Justice Jackson’s legacy of protecting these fundamental rights. Free and open to the public, this event is presented by the Robert H. Jackson Center in partnership with JCC, the James Prendergast Library Association, Sukanya Burman Dance, the New Neighbors Coalition at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and more community organizations!"
HATS
Community members at the well-attended December 18 Erie City Council meeting, many of whom came to make the council chamber feel safe and civil again after the "red hats" uproar at the November 20 meeting. People were encouraged to show up and wear a hat (any color) to the meeting, and they filled the first three and a half rows, in a counter to the "red hats" who had packed the front rows on November 20. (This was mistakenly taken to be a red hat vs. blue hat thing... there were actually many colors and types of hats among those calling for safety and civility.)
At this meeting community members brought up a number of issues, with most including a statement of support for the tenants' rights bill.
This photo was taken half an hour before the meeting started. These and other City Council meetings can be viewed on the CityofErie YouTube channel and City of Erie Government Facebook page.
HOME
Erie group pushing for stronger tenant rights as city council passes first bill reading (YourErie) Erie Spiritual Coalition web page offers more information about Tenant Bill of Rights and housing issues in Erie.
Public comments on tenants bill of rights at 12/18 Erie City Council mtg. Almost all commenters (including some landlords) gave supportive comments on the proposed tenants' bill of rights.
Habitat for Humanity In Erie, Habitat and Habitat ReStore are at 4922 Pittsburgh Avenue (814) 464-8946. Other locales near you Donate, volunteer, advocate.
Shelter Area Meadville (SAM) is up and running. This warming shelter is open 8pm-8am at FCCA when the weather is forecast to fall below 25°. Volunteers and donations needed. Location: 42184 Clinton Court, Meadville PA, the basement area of the Family, Children, & Community Association (FCCA).
( WQLN) Jennie Hagerty, executive director of Mercy Center for Women talks about helping unhoused women, and the new affordable housing resource hub Mercy Anchor Community. Related: Mercy Center for Women received anonymous $1.75 million donation in late December
PA's first-in-the-nation home repair program (Smart Cities Dive) "Passed in 2022, PA’s Whole Home Repairs Program funds county offices to offer wide-ranging home repair services. However, overwhelming demand for the program reveals the prevalence of low-quality housing, a problem that researchers say is reflected nationwide."
IMMIGRANTS
Public comments on immigrants at Erie City Council mtg 12-18-2024 Art (8:04) asked be mindful of communities at risk with new administration, esp immigrants, lgbtq+ and many other communities; Juan (42:02) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here; Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; . Katie (1:47:24) spoke of being concerned about safety for herself and others.
ACLU-PA Podcast: Getting Ready for the Challenges Ahead Speaking with Mike Lee, executive director of the ACLU-PA, and Vic Walczak, ACLU-PA’s legal director. ACLU: Immigrants' Rights
[LISTEN] WRFA Community Matters – New Neighbors Coalition – 11/26/2024 Interview with "grassroots, community-minded, volunteer network committed to welcoming immigrants to Jamestown, New York"
Unable to legally work in the US for years, six PA undocumented immigrants sue federal agency (WVIA)
Guides:
Know Your Rights by USCRI "to help individuals and families prepare for immigration enforcement actions, Know what your rights are during street stops, vehicle stops, home visits, and workplace searches". Also in Spanish and Creole with more languages coming.
JUSTICE
Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds (Erie Times-News)
Erie County seeks director of Human Relations Commission "Director proactively manages overall operations and staff of the Human Relations Commission, a quasi- judicial agency charged with enforcing the Erie County HRC Ordinance, which works to prevent discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations ... Director reports directly to County Clerk. Please send cover letter and resume to kchillcott@eriecountypa.gov or Erie County Council, Erie County Courthouse, 140 West 6th Street, Room 114, Erie PA 16501"
LIVES - John Poux
John Poux was born January 4, 1931. In his Erie years he was known as Father Poux, spending 17 years as a priest: "seven years working in the inner city addressing the needs of low-income families. During that time he was co-pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and for several years Chairman of the Erie Human Relations Committee. During this period, he also helped found the Housing and Neighborhood Development Services [HANDS], which provides low-income housing in the Erie area. In 1973 he left the priesthood to study law at Antioch School of Law in Washington, DC, graduating with a Law Degree in 1976. He married Barbara Jones Evans in 1975 and, in 1976 the family moved to Middletown..." [The excerpt is from his obituary.]
Jan 18 - 14th Annual Dr. King Awards Dinner, January 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the MLK Center's Event Center.312 Chestnut Street Erie, PA 16507 honoring those who embody Dr. King's vision of equality and justice. Register soon because space is limited
Jan 18 - Breakfast Celebration & Community Service Day of Martin Luther King's birthday Schultz Hall, Allegheny College, Meadville PA Jan 18. Please register. Breakfast 8am-11am. Community Service 11:30am
Jan 19 - Rev. Sarah Roncolato The Time is Always Right Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, Meadville PA 10:30am 'Remembering Martin Luther King Jr’s words, “The time is always right to do what is right” we will look at Meadville residents Mr Elias Allen and Judge Pearson Church who by their courageous acts in the fall of 1880 set the stage for the desegregation of schools in Pennsylvania the following year.'
Jan 19 - Rev. Sarah Roncolato The Time is Always Right Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville, Meadville PA 10:30am 'Remembering Martin Luther King Jr’s words, “The time is always right to do what is right” we will look at Meadville residents Mr Elias Allen and Judge Pearson Church who by their courageous acts in the fall of 1880 set the stage for the desegregation of schools in Pennsylvania the following year.'
Jan 20 - Erie Martin Luther King Jr March: Serve the Beloved Community Gather in Perry Square at State Street in Erie, between 11:15am and 11:45am. Step off at noon. "Be inspired by the ideals of Dr. King and President Carter as we head into 2025 facing serious challenges to peace and civility, both old and new".
PEOPLE'S MARCH
Women's March womensmarch.com/
Public comments on youth violence and needs at Erie City Council mtg 12-18-2024 Savannah 26:59; Deontay 1:14:10 (Chuck Nelson response at 1:20:02); Matt 1:23:39; Michael K 1:25:46; Pam 1:57:35; Cathay 1:58:51
PA changes culturally responsive teaching guidelines (Penn Capital-Star)
PA awards 120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants (Penn Capital-Star)
Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation) Concerns about the new CCA planned for Venango County.
Teacher Shortage Signals Turbulent Time for Education (Chloe Forbes/Erie Reader)
SCHOOLS & YOUTH
PA awards 120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants (Penn Capital-Star)
Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation) Concerns about the new CCA planned for Venango County.
Teacher Shortage Signals Turbulent Time for Education (Chloe Forbes/Erie Reader)
[LISTEN] Young Teacher Retention at Erie's Public Schools: Various Guests - Oct. 22, 2024 - TalkErie.com - (Joel Natalie/TalkErie.com) Guests: Erie Education Association President Mary Theuerkauf; PSEA Regional Field Director Marcus Schlegel; EPS Speech Pathologist Jill Nolan; Strong Vincent Middle School Instructional Support Teacher Carrie Rugh-Grove; East Middle School Special Education Teachers Kathrine Mulokey & Jessica Quadri
SPIRIT
Erie Benedictine blogs, substacks and podcasts
We need culture Dorothy Stoner, OSB, Marlene Trambley, Oblate, Kathi Pae, Oblate
Meadville 1825 (Meadville Tribune) “'Welcome to 1825' will kick off the year-long Meadville 1825 celebration at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville parish house, 346 Chestnut St. The free event will include an introduction to what made 1825 such a turning point for the area, an art exhibit and more. For more information on the many events planned throughout the year, see the Meadville 1825 Facebook page.”
Sermons of Rev. Gary Metzenbacher Waterford native Gary Metzenbacher passed away on Oct. 11, 2024. He was pastor at New Creation Metropolitan Community Church in Columbus Ohio. Gary's obituary. Recorded sermons from recent years available at link.
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| Bayfront Bill predicts four years of resistance! ✊✊✊✊ |
STORM
Erie Mutual Aid Network set up in the midst of the snowstorm, offering help to locals who needed it. Partially inspired by Buffalo Storm Brigade which is part of the Buffalo Mutual Aid Network.
Erie Mutual Aid Network set up in the midst of the snowstorm, offering help to locals who needed it. Partially inspired by Buffalo Storm Brigade which is part of the Buffalo Mutual Aid Network.
Public comments: Thoughts and suggestions on handling mega storms in future from Erie City Council meeting 12-18-2024: Freda 11:05, Devin 1:20:24, Matt 1:23:37, Marty 1;36:01, Paige 1:40:22, Katie 1:47:24. Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 storm.
NY State Climate Smart "Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York State program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. The program offers grants, rebates for electric vehicles, and free technical assistance."
Winter weather advice in 13 languages (International Institute of Buffalo). Includes Basic English.
Buffalo 2022 snow storm reports, recommendations (oldest first):
Buffalo 2022 snow storm reports, recommendations (oldest first):
Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023Buffalo, What's Next? | Producers’ Picks: Blizzard Interviews (WBFO) Jan. 27, 2023
NYU Report June 2, 2023
Buffalo city gov responds to NYU Report June 2, 2023NY DHS Aug. 2023Oct 19, 2023
Buffalo Storm Response Task Force recommendations (WKBW) 10/19/23
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"When all the snow & ice clears up, support / shop / eat your favorite small businesses first. They’ve likely missed at least 2 days of work, which could make or break their bills for this month. They need you, and honestly, your community needs them." [don't know originator]
WORKING PEOPLE
Inclement weather employment policies in PA (McNees) " Under Pennsylvania law (43 P.S. §§ 1481-1485), an employer may not discipline or discharge an employee who fails to report to work due to the closure of the roads in the county of the employer’s place of business or the county of the employee’s residency, if the road closure is the result of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. The most obvious and likely scenario is a snow storm or other inclement weather."
Inclement weather employment policies in PA (McNees) " Under Pennsylvania law (43 P.S. §§ 1481-1485), an employer may not discipline or discharge an employee who fails to report to work due to the closure of the roads in the county of the employer’s place of business or the county of the employee’s residency, if the road closure is the result of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. The most obvious and likely scenario is a snow storm or other inclement weather."
NY Minimum Wage to Increase on January 1, 2025 (NYS DoL) New NY laws protecting workers (Gov Hochul)
Challenging the myth of Trump takeover of union vote (Penn Capital-Star) "In Pennsylvania, union members made up 18% of the electorate. So, almost one out of five votes cast came from union households, and they voted 52 to 47 for Harris, which is better than the Biden vote was in 2020, [when] Biden lost union households to Trump 49 to 50 in Pennsylvania. So, she actually did better."
PA Coal Mines
PA Coal Mines
Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mines: $244 Million Investment from Biden clean energy plan (Boomtown USA) "The funding aims not only to ensure clean air and water through critical cleanup projects but also to create jobs for displaced workers and drive economic growth, revitalizing these coal towns."
Henry Clay Frick The Marguerite Mine sinkhole that recently took the life of Elizabeth Pollard was owned by H.C. Frick Coke Company, founded by Henry Clay Frick, who by 1880 controlled 80 percent of the coal output in Pennsylvania. Frick was adamantly opposed to organized labor, and refused to allow union workers at his mines. At the bitter Homestead strike of July 1892 , seven strikers and three Pinkertons were killed, and scores of others wounded. Frick is also considered among those most responsible for the conditions that created the catastrophic Johnstown Flood, the deadliest in US history..
Here's a look at the pending lawsuits against Brenton Davis (AJ Rao/Erie-Times News via Yahoo)
New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com)
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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. If you don't notify me don't get mad if something is left out. Submissions and inquiries send to moonkat2014@gmail.com
Blog URL https://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/
Blog URL https://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/
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