Friday, August 30, 2024

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ September 2024

 Check original links for most updated and accurate information about events. 

CAMPAIGN '24

๐Ÿ’™ Mobilize.us Events, Petitions, and Volunteer Opportunities Enter your zip code and it will bring up ways to get involved in your locale. And yes, it is filtered for Dems.

๐Ÿ’™ NWPA Coordinated Campaign 24 W. 8th Erie PA 814-969-7007 For Harris/Walz, Jim Wertz, and Bob Casey. This is where to pick up signs, etc. and generally connect in-person. Hours:Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-8pm (as of 9/1/2024)
Erie City & Millcreek  James Ross 267-835-1868 jross @2024Victory.com
Outer boroughs & smaller suburbs: Hanna Oleski holeski@2024Victory.com  
Regional org director Marcus Vusovich mvusovich@2024Victory.com

๐Ÿ’™  Preston Nouri For Congress  (PA-16) 317 E. 12th Erie PA Preston@prestonforpa.com Preston for Pennsylvania Starting this Monday 09/16, Erie office hours will be: M-F: 10-7pm Saturday: 10-3 Sunday: closed (until October) "We are still looking for volunteers, & We have a shift that will work for you." Info: Wash: (814) 812-8689

ARTS & FESTS

Fiesta on the Square  Sept 14 Perry Square Erie PA "Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year. It's a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States, as well as their cultures and resilience. The month also honors the people who have fought for equity and progress in their communities! Come and celebrate with live music, authentic foods and more" 

Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept 21 at 401 N. Main St., Jamestown, NY  Public "Join us for a fun evening honoring and exploring the music, food, celebration and community of the Latine and Hispanic community." The event will be outdoors on 4th street between Main and Cherry

¡Hola! Fest Youngstown  Sept 21 Wean Park, Youngstown Ohio. "free, family-friendly event celebrating culture and community. Filled with lots of children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance; all from the heart of Hispanic / Latin America. All are welcome! ."

Lewis Black at Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Sept 6

John McCutcheon in concert  Sept 27 Fredonia Opera House 9 Church Street, Fredonia NY

2nd Annual Female Feature Fest  Oct 5 Basement Transmissions 18+ bands, vendors, food trucks and more. ALL AGES! $15 pre-sale, $20 at door, Free 10 and under

Vintage Tweets: Suffrage Era Postcards, Oct 9 presented by Carol Crossed, President of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum. Fenton History Center, Jamestown NY

Oct 11-13 - Pride on the Rocks "National Coming Out Day celebration" "3 Days of Queer Artists" Philly on the Rocks 401 W 18th Erie PA $8 day/$15 weekend "Drag, open mic, vendors, art, live music. Cost of doors will go towards the bands/artist, sound tech, and to Compton's Table" 21 w/ID

EARTH 

 Letter: U.S. activists call on Dept. of Energy to revoke $182 million IRG loan guarantee (via Erie Times-News) "letter, signed by representatives of 106 organizations from the Great Lakes and across the U.S., states their opposition to a $182 million conditional loan guarantee to develop International Recycling Group's facility in Erie. It was sent on August 26, 2024, to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Jigar Shah, director of the U.S. Department of Energy loans program office in Washington, D.C." Signatories included.

Exhibit: The Hottest Day on Earth FEED Media Art Center  1307 State Erie PA "Artists tackle climate crisis and environmental justice in a show of eco-art installations curated by Benton C Bainbridge Media Art by D-Fuse (London), Melissa A. Troutman + The Sound Serum (Erie), Matos (Bronx), iki nakagawa (Brooklyn) and KellyKillz (Erie) also on view: sound art installation by William Laziza and video sculpture installation by Nathaniel Hale Garnon + Michalina Wiliล„ska On view Fri 5-8 PM + Sat/Sun Noon-5 + by appointment " 

Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania Endorsements 

'Roadspreading' returns: How Pa's oil industry quietly dumped waste across the state (Grist) 

Gov. Hochul Ponders a Relaxation of Goals Under New York’s Landmark Climate Law (Inside Climate News) "The act calls for New York to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030. But a leading business group and an influential GOP state senator want to go beyond pushing back deadlines and rewrite the law entirely."

Cleanups
   Sep 7 French Creek Cleanup (French Creek Valley Conservatory)
   Sept 21 - International Coastal Cleanup ERIE PA county locations
   Sep 21 - Point Gratiot Park Dunkirk NY


ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

 ๐ŸŽ‚  Turning 18 on or before the Nov. 5 General Election? Celebrate by registering to vote by the October 21 deadline at vote.pa.gov/register.

NBC coverage of Demstock (NBC News) Includes video of Kamala, Doug and Tim at a phone bank in Beaver County.

Fact-Checking PA-Related Election Claims from Commonwealth of PA  

Opinion: How does Pa. ensure free, fair elections? (Ed Rendell, Melissa Hart, Jim Gerlach and Keith McCall/Democracy Defense Project)

"Let us not sleep" Black voters are agents of change (Johnny C Johnson/Erie Times-News)

Essay: Even before voting age, we young people can impact our democracy ( Orli Trumbull/ Pgh City Paper )


Exhibit: Voices and Votes  Sept 6-Oct 18 at Robert H Jackson Center Jamestown NY
 
NY’s mail-in voting law upheld by the state’s top court (AP) " The decision means that the millions of New Yorkers expected to vote in the Nov. 5 election will be able to cast ballots by mail if they wish"  

"With Erie Now 25% Immigrant, Multiracial Coalition Could Flip PA State Senate" 
(Mike Elk/PayDay Report)

FILM FESTS

QTBIPOC Short Film Festival "We have an opportunity for filmmakers and content creators of all ages who identify as Queer or Trans, and as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTBIPOC), and live in Pennsylvania" Oct 4 & 5, Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center. Info at link
ReelAbilities 2024 Pittsburgh. In person this fall in Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cleveland, various dates. Check website for dates and streaming info.  "presents award-winning films that promote awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of individuals with disabilities. " reelabilities.org
Western New York Refugee Film Festival   In-person different dates, also virtual screenings $12 per film
Toronto International Film Festival Sept 5–15
Toronto International Women Festival Sept 16
Sprout Film Festival Sep 25, 2024 Reg Lenna Center for the Arts,116 East Third Street Jamestown, NY "focuses exclusively on films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), strives to challenge assumptions and breakdown stereotypes. " Admission is free, benefits Step Up for Autism
Buffalo International Film Festival Oct 10-17

FOOD

Ashtabula Local Food Guide 2024 "published by OSU Extension in collaboration with Ashtabula Local Food. Each year, information is updated and edited to included changes to the farms, farm offerings, and other resource information. "

Several NWPA schools awarded money for fresh fruits, veggies (WJET/WFXP)The funding comes from the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program designed to get more fresh, unprocessed foods into schools while educating students on nutrition and creating healthier school environments. 

HEALTH

Remote Area Medical Free Clinic  Location: Erie Center for Arts and Technology -- 650 E. Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503 Begin copied description:
"Patients should be prepared with their own food, water, medicines, and clothing when arriving early. "Bathrooms will be provided. Free dental, vision, and medical services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to time constraints, be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services. Medical services are offered to every patient attending the clinic."All services are free and open to the public. No ID required" Please visit https://www.ramusa.org/events/erie-pa-2024/ for more detailed information. 

HELPING

4 N.I.N.E. Thrift Store   This North East store is celebrating its 25th anniversary. They recently posted a price list showing that their prices have not changed in the 25 years they have been open. 4 N.I.N.E. uses their proceeds to fund services and resources in and around North East.

Thrive Welcoming Week Youngstown  Sep 6-21 "Our vision is for the Mahoning Valley to be recognized as a community that is welcoming to all. By cultivating a culture of inclusion & equity, and setting the table for regional economic growth, we can bring together the communities of the Mahoning Valley to Thrive for generations to come." 

Meadville FreeShop 2024, Fall Edition  Sept 27 & 28 at Meadville Public Library, 848 N Main St, Meadville, PA 16335) 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Donate your gently used clothing, blankets, toys, games, kitchen items, non-perishable food items, and baby items. Host: PA Equality Project

HOME

Outrage over Palace Apartments moving-out situation (JET/FOX) How was this allowed: "The Palace Apartments at 913 State St. is used for low-income housing, and for many people, it’s been a safe haven for years. But in July, tenants were told they would have to leave by the end of August.. The real issue? Those who remain are elderly and disabled. And the only elevator in the building has been out since May.Now, they’re being told to find a way to move out."
"A fire escape that stretches all 10 floors of the building has been the only way people have been able to
get their belongings out of the building."

Sep 12, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM at Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY

Updates on Jamestown unhoused population People wanting to follow the developments in this issue can check with these sources, at least for starters: WRFA (local news), Post-Journal, and Jamestown Justice Coalition

Youth Homelessness: A Primer 09/25/2024 6:00 PM Free Harborcreek Township Building 5601 Buffalo Rd Erie, PA Presenter Damali Donovan, B.S., JES Raimy Fellow Also: Oct 10 (Corry) Nov 18 (Fvw) Dec 12 ECAT

JUSTICE

ACLU Constitution Day teaching resources 

Every Child Matters Remembrance Walk  "All are welcome to the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Every Child Matters Remembrance Walk, taking place on Monday, September 30th at 2pm. Join us in showing support for the continued healing of our Relatives. Together, as a community, we're making strides toward healing and a brighter future where Every Child Matters."

Report: No difference in PSP traffic stops "PA State Police pulled drivers over at about the same rate regardless of the motorists’ race or ethnicity, according to a study of traffic stops made in 2023" Link to study in article 

Victims relate sexual abuse at PA juvenile detention centers (WESA) among the lawsuits is the now-shuttered facility in Franklin, PA, operated by VisionQuest National Ltd.

Dr. Karen Korematsu Featured speaker at Robert H. Jackson Center for Constitution Day observances in the Carl Cappa Theatre, 10 a.m. on September 17. "Korematsu is the Founder and President of Fred Korematsu. Institute and daughter of late civil rights icon, Fred Korematsu. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korematsu v. United States a landmark 1944 Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of executive order 9066, ordering Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II. The Court ruled in a 6–3 decision that the exclusion order was permissible executive action." 

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Erie Women's March September 28, 2024 · 1 pm Bayfront Convention Center Erie PA "Two years year after Roe vs. Wade was overturned, this country is in a state of emergency. All across this nation, the 'good ol' boys' are doing whatever they can to consolidate their power, control our bodies, and silence our voices. Judges are blatantly disregarding the law, science, and the limits of their own authority to dismantle our right to access abortion care. Legislators are going beyond gerrymandering and voter suppression to stripping democratically elected officials of their authority and criminalizing our right to protest. So on September 28, we will mobilize in a show of power and solidarity. We will not allow protest or freedom of speech to be killed. We will not become bystanders while the most vulnerable among us are targeted for the most powerful. This struggle is bigger than Roe. We are not done fighting. And together, we will win.This event is free, but registration is required for entry. (visit link to register)

Road to the Rally "Help us gear up for the big day with our 'Road to the Rally' pre-event fundraiser! Join us at 1020 Collective on Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM. Tickets are just $25 online or $30 at the door, and include a drink ticket, live music, raffles, and tons of solidarity. Your support helps us make a difference—see you there!" More info at www.eriewomensmarch.com 

2024 Reproductive Rights Film Festival   September 9 & 11 via zoom co-sponsored by Finger Lakes Enviromental Film Festival. In Ithaca NY Sept 19-22

Sherrod Brown: The fight for abortion rights in Ohio isn't over | Opinion (Cincinnati.com) 

Ohio sees increase in travel from out of state for abortion (WCMH)

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

History: Sept 1880 - An event in Meadville leads to PA school desegregation "An event here in September 1880 led to the end of segregation by race in the state’s public schools. At the South Ward schools, Elias Allen tried unsuccessfully to enroll his two children. He appealed to the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas, and Judge Pearson Church declared unconstitutional the 1854 state law mandating separate schools for Negro children. This law was amended, effective July 4, 1881, to prohibit such segregation." ~ from PA historical marker https://nwpaheritage.org/items/show/98 

๐ŸŽ‚ Turning 18 on or before the Nov. 5 General Election? Celebrate by registering to vote by the October 21 deadline at vote.pa.gov/register.

Heritage foundation wants to train your school board (Deutsch29)

ECAT Teen arts program "Teen Arts is a free afterschool arts program for teens in grades 8–12 living in Erie County. Classes take place in our studios at 650 East Ave in Erie and are taught by professional artists using professional equipment and materials. Students of any skill level are welcome."

Fatherhood Fellowship 9am second Saturdays at ECAT 650 East Ave. Erie PA From 100 Black Men and Omega Psi Phi, in partnership with BirthRoot

PA teachers are leaving the profession, according to Penn State researcher (WPSU) 

Opinion: Where will PA find its next generation of teachers ( Aaron Chapin, PSEA)
 
New Title IX regulations in PA  (WHYY)

SPIRIT

Nuns on the Bus Tour starts this month. Nearby stops will be Pittsburgh and Cleveland (both on Oct 5). A project of the NETWORK Lobby. "From Philly to San Francisco, we’re championing a future where everyone thrives—no exceptions!  Join us as we inspire multi-issue voters for the common good."

Pub Theology "Join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 P.M. (beginning September 3) at Lavery Brewing Company as we explore the big questions of religion and philosophy through science fiction. Time travel, space, the meaning of life, we will cover it all! We welcome all spiritual and secular worldviews and encourage you to bring a friend. These small group discussions are planned by sci-fi fans and are intended to engage the mind and build community!" Lavery Brewing is at 128 W 12th St Erie, PA Info: Dean Melinda mhall@cathedralofstpaul.org

Sign up for Benedictines for Peace Newsletter Receive alerts from Benedictines for Peace

September 22 Jesus and Christian Nationalism Speaker: Rev. Chuck Cammarata  Unitarian Universalist Cong of Erie  7180 Perry Hwy, Erie. "Jesus is clearly, very clearly, against the ideology of Christian Nationalism, but what is he for? This morning we will lay out an agenda that Jesus clearly shared with his followers and that I believe is a kind of universal guide to a better world "Services begin at 10:30am and starting September 8 available both in person and via Zoom. See website for Zoom link.

VOTE SABOTAGE

Five of Pennsylvania’s ‘fake electors’ from 2020 are back on Trump’s 2024 slate (Votebeat)“Those who participate in election fraud should be held accountable, not given another bite at the apple,” Miller said. 

These Swing State Election Officials Are Pro-Trump Election Deniers (Rolling Stone July 29, 2024)

New York AG Letitia James warns tech giants against allowing election-related misinformation (ABC News)

Election certification under threat (CREW) "Election certification under threat (CREW) The report focuses on the eight states where county officials have unlawfully refused to certify elections since 2020, including PA. . The report also identifies the legal remedies available to state and federal authorities, as well as voters, to protect the certification of the 2024 election."

Scale and influence of extremist rhetoric in 2024 campaigns (SPLC)  

WORKING PEOPLE

From 1975: The Plight of the Spanish-Speaking Migrants in Erie County
by Mary Lensce The Journal of Erie Studies, Fall, 1975, Vol. 4 No. 2
12-page article that examines the situation of the mostly Puerto Rican and Mexican migrants working in Erie County's farms in the early 1970s. Focuses on living conditions, work, wages, crew leaders, effects on family life, and farm labor law at that time. Author shows a good bit of first-hand familiarity with conditions in Erie County, and seems to be connected through the Catholic left, mentioning the actions of the Pax Center (Benedictines) and Father John Burke (Mercyhurst). I am guessing she either worked for or had substantial contact with then brand-new MHEDS organization (which then stood for Minority Health Education Delivery System). I could not find the author to ask follow-up, though her last name may have been misspelled in this publication. Anyone with questions or wanting an idea of what happened over the past 50 years would probably do best starting with MHEDS and anyone who had been involved with the Pax Center. 

PA AFL-CIO chief, Erie nativeAngela  Ferritto: what Pa. workers have to celebrate this Labor Day (via Erie Times-News) 

GEMISH

The $567M price tag of gun violence in PA (The Center Square) "While the human impact of the issue can’t be fully measured, it's not impossible to put some real numbers behind the fallout". 

Banned Books Week Sept 22-28  (American Library Association) "Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read"

Phil Donahue playlist: interviews at Robert H Jackson Center. The RHJ Center has kept a video playlist of interviews that Phil Donahue did at or with that organization. Donahue, who passed away in August, was reportedly a friend at frequent visitor to the Robert H Jackson Center and Chautauqua.

 
U of B releases new policies for campus protests (WIVB)  Pitt includes their policy on protests at the end of a release about Pitt Public Safety. 

YESTERDAYS

Afghanistan Ribbon display at Blasco Library in 2011, project by Erie Peace Initiative

Posting this in response to the selective outrage over the 13 US military killed in Afghanistan in August 2021. A reminder that many more than that were lost in that 20-year war; iCasualties puts the number of US fallen military at 2,465.

The Erie Peace Initiative's Afghanistan ribbon exhibit was permitted to be shown at the Blasco Memorial Library in observance of Veterans' Day 2011. The exhibit ran through the month of November 2011 until December 6, 2011.
The ribbons are inscribed with the names of US military killed in the war in Afghanistan. A library volunteer selected books that complemented the exhibit.
The Afghanistan ribbon project was suggested by the sister of a servicemember who had been killed in Afghanistan. An earlier project suggested by a local Iraq war veteran carried the names of US fallen in the war in Iraq. The ribbon projects were displayed in a variety of local places, including Veterans Project at Lilac Springs, Junior's, and peace marches. 
More photos of display at title link.
Afghanistan war costs

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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 party or organization Event submissions send to moonkat2014@gmail.com
Blog URL https://eriebluegreen.blogspot.com/

Photos: Deb Spilko, screenshot via Erie Women's March
 















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