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

Single Voice Series: Jessie van Erden October 23 Yoke & Feather Reading, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA Open to public

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  AndrĂ©  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

“Advancing Access and Inclusion: Disability as a Protected Class,”   September 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Admiral Room, Erie County Library, 160 E. Front St., Erie, PA. "Join the Erie County Human Relations Commission for a powerful conversation on disability as a protected class. This event features a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and an info session on how ECHRC investigates discrimination in housing, employment, and public spaces. FREE - All welcome.
The NASW-PA Chapter is co-sponsoring the workshop. 

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 September 16, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Outside the Bayfront Convention Center, 

"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 

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. ​

Benevolent Beers: Greater Erie Habitat for Humanity September, 11  "Every purchase between 5:00 and 8:00pm will provide a donation to this great group." Erie Ale Works 416 West 12th Erie PA
 
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

 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

"Nonviolence: The Only Way to Just Peace" Mercyhurst University Lecture by Marie Dennis
September 17 at 7:00 pm Walker Recital Hall, Mercyhurst University, Erie PA. Marie Dennis is the senior program director of Pax Christi International's Catholic Nonviolence Initiative. Free and open to public, Ticket and registration not required. 
 
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"
 
[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. "  

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