JAN OR FEB

Beach by North Pier

ARTS

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 

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) 

Lewis Black to co-host Chautauqua lectures and perform Live Rant Is Due show  (Times-Observer) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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 1:23:01. Especially related to storm. 

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

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Reps. Harkins/Merski) " A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

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

Petition-Signing Party 4pm-7pm Feb 22 at Polish Falcons Nest 610, 431 E 3rd St, Erie, PA 16507. "Pizza and Salad provided. Cash Bar. If you would like to circulate your petition, please get in touch with us at eriedems@eriedems.com "

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 

Judge rules Erie County Executive’s budget vetoes are illegal. What happens now? (YourErie) 

FREE SPEECH

Laughlin settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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.

Are red MAGA hat-wearers the only ones with the right to free speech in Erie? ( Linda Romey - Opinion in Erie Times-News) "Does wearing a red hat give one the right to shout and curse and drown out other voices?" 

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!" 

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. Virtually all commenters (except "red hat" group who were there for another reason) -- and 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. President Jimmy Carter, 1924 - 2024 

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).

[LISTEN} NEXT with Marcus Atkinson: Jennie Hagerty from Mercy Center for Women (WQLN) Interview with Jennie Hagerty, executive director of Mercy Center for Women She 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 (42:04) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here. Katie (!: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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

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. 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

JUSTICE

Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds (Erie Times-News) 

Community Conversation: Law Enforcement and Justice Jan. 13 at 6pm Robert H Jackson Center, 305 E 4th,  Jamestown NY. Hosted by Jamestown Justice Coalition. "Join us for an important community conversation focused on law enforcement and justice, taking place at the Robert H. Jackson Center. This event is held in partnership with the YWCA and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department...Local leaders and law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Quattrone, will guide a discussion addressing critical issues in our community, particularly in response to the tragic killing of Robert Brooks by corrections officers at Marcy Prison"

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.]

MLK

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 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".

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday

PEOPLE'S MARCH

The 2017 Trump resistance playbook is out. Community organizing is in.  (The 19th) The Women’s March is now the People’s March, and groups working to oppose Trump’s agenda are highlighting specific actions volunteers can take.

Women's March  womensmarch.com/

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

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, Mike 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)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation)

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. 

STORM 

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 (!:47:24). Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

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 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force  recommendations  (WKBW) 10/19/23 

~~~~~

"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]

WOMEN

see PEOPLE'S MARCH January 18, 2025 DC & Everywhere. peoplesmarch.com/

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."

Erie County pays $72,500 to end whistleblower lawsuit (Erie Times-News) "Held, 30, sued in October 2023, claiming that his firing violated his First Amendment rights because the dismissal was in 'retaliation for his protected speech' — his complaints about food at a county-owned facility. The county denied the claims and said Held was fired for insubordination."

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

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..

GEMISH

New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com) 

Low-income Trump voters in New Castle hope he doesn’t slash their benefits (Washington Post via MSN) Meidas Touch commentary

ARTS

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 5

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) 

Lewis Black to co-host Chautauqua lectures and perform Live Rant Is Due show  (Times-Observer) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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 1:23:01. Especially related to storm. 

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

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Reps. Harkins/Merski) " A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

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.

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."

Erie City Council exploring home rule charter, what does that mean  (YourErie) 

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 settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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.

Are red MAGA hat-wearers the only ones with the right to free speech in Erie? ( Linda Romey - Opinion in Erie Times-News) "Does wearing a red hat give one the right to shout and curse and drown out other voices?" 

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!" 

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. Virtually all commenters (except "red hat" group who were there for another reason) -- and 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. President Jimmy Carter, 1924 - 2024 

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).

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 (42:04) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here. Katie (!: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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

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. 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

JUSTICE

Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds (Erie Times-News) 

Community Conversation: Law Enforcement and Justice Jan. 13 at 6pm Robert H Jackson Center, 305 E 4th,  Jamestown NY. Hosted by Jamestown Justice Coalition. "Join us for an important community conversation focused on law enforcement and justice, taking place at the Robert H. Jackson Center. This event is held in partnership with the YWCA and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department...Local leaders and law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Quattrone, will guide a discussion addressing critical issues in our community, particularly in response to the tragic killing of Robert Brooks by corrections officers at Marcy Prison"

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.]

MLK

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 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.

Enter

Veronica

Generally, 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.

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

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, Mike 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)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation)

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

STORM 

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 . Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

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 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo, 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, 2023  

NY DHS  Aug. 2023   

City of Buffalo Task Force Plan on Winter Storm Response "Focus on Emergency Shelters, Storm Warning Systems, New Equipment"  (WGRZ)

Oct 19, 2023

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force  recommendations  (WKBW) 10/19/23 

~~~~~

"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]

 

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. 

WOMEN

PEOPLE'S MARCH

January 18, 2025

DC & Everywhere.

https://www.peoplesmarch.com/

 
WORKING PEOPLE

Inclement weather employement 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

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..

GEMISH

 

New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com) 

Low-income Trump voters in New Castle hope he doesn’t slash their benefits (Washington Post via MSN) Meidas Touch commentary

ARTS

7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  10am January 7. from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP" 

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 5

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) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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

SSJNN Bike program+Bike Erie Monthly meetings "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!
"Interested in Joining the community? From self-proclaimed “bike nerds” to the bike curious, daily commuters to weekend warriors, become a friend!"

Public comments on sidewalks and active transportation in Erie  at 12/18 Erie City Council mtg. Freda 11:05; Devan 1:23:01. Especially related to storm. 

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"

COMMUNITY

"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]

EARTH

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Reps. Harkins/Merski) " A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

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.

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."

Erie City Council exploring home rule charter, what does that mean  (YourErie) 

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 settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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!" 

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. Virtually all commenters (except "red hat" group who were there for another reason) -- and 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. President Jimmy Carter, 1924 - 2024 

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).

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 (42:04) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here. Katie (!: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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

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". 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

JUSTICE

Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds (Erie Times-News) 

Community Conversation: Law Enforcement and Justice Jan. 13 at 6pm Robert H Jackson Center Jamestown NY. Hosted by Jamestown Justice Coalition. "Join us for an important community conversation focused on law enforcement and justice, taking place at the Robert H. Jackson Center. This event is held in partnership with the YWCA and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department.
"Local leaders and law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Quattrone, will guide a discussion addressing critical issues in our community, particularly in response to the tragic killing of Robert Brooks by corrections officers at Marcy Priso"
https://www.facebook.com/events/1826260864792180?active_tab=about

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.]

MLK

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 Register soon because space is limited 

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Erie PA

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.'

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

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

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, Mike 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)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation)

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

STORM 

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 . Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

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 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo, 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, 2023  

NY DHS  Aug. 2023   

City of Buffalo Task Force Plan on Winter Storm Response "Focus on Emergency Shelters, Storm Warning Systems, New Equipment"  (WGRZ)

Oct 19, 2023

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force  recommendations  (WKBW) 10/19/23 

~~~~~

"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]

 

SPIRIT

 
Erie Benedictine blogs, substacks and podcasts 

We need culture  Dorothy Stoner, OSB, Marlene Trambley, Oblate, Kathi Pae, Oblate 

WOMEN

PEOPLE'S MARCH

January 18, 2025

DC & Everywhere.

https://www.peoplesmarch.com/

 
WORKING PEOPLE

Inclement weather employement 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." [emphasis mine]

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

Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mines: $244 Million Investment from Biden clean energy plan   (Boomtown USA) " The historic effort, led by the U.S. Department of Interior, aims to secure and clean up hazardous mine sites, protecting communities in Central and Western PA from environmental and safety risks. "Communities once driven by the coal industry now face pollution from abandoned mines, which leach toxins into land and water, cause land to settle or sink, and fuel underground fires. 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." [emphasis mine]

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..

GEMISH

 

New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com) 

Low-income Trump voters in New Castle hope he doesn’t slash their benefits (Washington Post via MSN) Meidas Touch commentary

ARTS

7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  10am January 7. from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP" 

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 5

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) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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

SSJNN Bike program+Bike Erie Monthly meetings "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!
"Interested in Joining the community? From self-proclaimed “bike nerds” to the bike curious, daily commuters to weekend warriors, become a friend!"

Public comments on sidewalks and active transportation in Erie  at 12/18 Erie City Council mtg. Freda 11:05; Devan 1:23:01.  Especially related to storm. 

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"

COMMUNITY

"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]

EARTH

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Harkins/Merski)" A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

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

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."

Erie City Council exploring home rule charter, what does that mean  (YourErie) 

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.” Original article https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/26/judge-rules-budget-vetoes-violated-local-law-erie-county-pa-executive-brenton-davis/77239238007/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122200565594188704&set=a.122115366026188704 

FREE SPEECH

Laughlin settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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!" 

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. Virtually all commenters (except "red hat" group who were there for another reason) -- and 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. President Jimmy Carter, 1924 - 2024 

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).

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 (42:04) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here. Katie (!: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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

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". 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

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.]

MLK

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 Register soon because space is limited 

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Erie PA

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

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

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, Mike 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)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation)

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

STORM 

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 . Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

NY State Climate Smart 

Buffalo 2022 snow storm reports, recommendations 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo, 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, 2023  

NY DHS  Aug. 2023   

City of Buffalo Task Force Plan on Winter Storm Response "Focus on Emergency Shelters, Storm Warning Systems, New Equipment"  (WGRZ)

Oct 19, 2023

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force presents recommendations  (WKBW) Oct 19, 2023

 

SPIRIT

 
Erie Benedictine blogs, substacks and podcasts 

We need culture  Dorothy Stoner, OSB, Marlene Trambley, Oblate, Kathi Pae, Oblate 

WOMEN

PEOPLE'S MARCH — January 18, 2025 — DC & Everywhere.

https://www.peoplesmarch.com/
 
WORKING PEOPLE

Inclement weather employement 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." [emphasis mine]

NY Minimum Wage to Increase on January 1, 2025   (NYS DoL)

Challenging the myth of Trump takeover of union vote (Penn Capital-Star)

PA Coal Mines

Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mines: $244 Million Investment from Biden clean energy plan   (Boomtown USA) " The historic effort, led by the U.S. Department of Interior, aims to secure and clean up hazardous mine sites, protecting communities in Central and Western PA from environmental and safety risks. "Communities once driven by the coal industry now face pollution from abandoned mines, which leach toxins into land and water, cause land to settle or sink, and fuel underground fires. 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." [emphasis mine]

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..

GEMISH

 New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com) 

Low-income Trump voters in New Castle hope he doesn’t slash their benefits (Washington Post via MSN) Meidas Touch commentary

ARTS

7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  10am January 7. from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP" 

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 5

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) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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

SSJNN Bike program+Bike Erie Monthly meetings "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!
"Interested in Joining the community? From self-proclaimed “bike nerds” to the bike curious, daily commuters to weekend warriors, become a friend!"

Public comments on sidewalks and active transportation in Erie  at 12/18 Erie City Council mtg. Freda 11:05; Devan 1:23:01.  Especially related to storm. 

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"

COMMUNITY

"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]

EARTH

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Harkins/Merski)" A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

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

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."

Erie City Council exploring home rule charter, what does that mean  (YourErie) 

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.” Original article https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/26/judge-rules-budget-vetoes-violated-local-law-erie-county-pa-executive-brenton-davis/77239238007/

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122200565594188704&set=a.122115366026188704 

FREE SPEECH

Laughlin settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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!" 

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. Virtually all commenters (except "red hat" group who were there for another reason) -- and including some landlords -- gave supportive comments on the proposed tenants' bill of rights.

Homeless Persons Memorial Day 2024

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).

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 (42:04) impact of New Americans in Erie County, Abdullah (1:31:10) spoke of the "welcoming" community; Veronica (43:59) spoke of working with New Americans; their value to Erie economy, and that decent housing will keep them here. Katie (!: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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

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". 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

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.]

MLK

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 Register soon because space is limited 

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Erie PA

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

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

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, Mike 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)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News (Curmudgucation)

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

STORM 

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 . Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

NY State Climate Smart 

Buffalo 2022 snow storm reports, recommendations 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo, 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, 2023  

NY DHS  Aug. 2023   

City of Buffalo Task Force Plan on Winter Storm Response "Focus on Emergency Shelters, Storm Warning Systems, New Equipment"  (WGRZ)

Oct 19, 2023

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force presents recommendations  (WKBW) Oct 19, 2023

 

SPIRIT

 
Erie Benedictine blogs, substacks and podcasts 

We need culture  Dorothy Stoner, OSB, Marlene Trambley, Oblate, Kathi Pae, Oblate 

WOMEN

PEOPLE'S MARCH — January 18, 2025 — DC & Everywhere.

https://www.peoplesmarch.com/
 
WORKING PEOPLE

Inclement weather employement 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." [emphasis mine]

NY Minimum Wage to Increase on January 1, 2025   (NYS DoL)

Challenging the myth of Trump takeover of union vote (Penn Capital-Star)

PA Coal Mines

Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mines: $244 Million Investment from Biden clean energy plan   (Boomtown USA) " The historic effort, led by the U.S. Department of Interior, aims to secure and clean up hazardous mine sites, protecting communities in Central and Western PA from environmental and safety risks. "Communities once driven by the coal industry now face pollution from abandoned mines, which leach toxins into land and water, cause land to settle or sink, and fuel underground fires. 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." [emphasis mine]

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..

GEMISH

 New laws coming to NY in 2025: Paid prenatal leave, higher wages, bus seat belts, ‘Seinfeld bill’ (Syracuse.com)  

ARTS

7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  10am January 7. from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP" 

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 5

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) 

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center Jamestown, NY.

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
SSJNN Bike program+Bike Erie Monthly meetings "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!
"Interested in Joining the community? From self-proclaimed “bike nerds” to the bike curious, daily commuters to weekend warriors, become a friend!"

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"

COMMUNITY

"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." [unattributed]

EARTH

UECDC awarded $50,000 environmental justice award (Harkins/Merski)" A grant award totaling $50,000 has been awarded to the Urban Erie Community Development Corp. to fund projects designed to address environmental disparities and promote sustainable development in underserved communities"

Our Woods & Water Film Series Jan.17 6:30pm virtual zoom webinar. There will be a variety of short films with some Q&A discussion in between. Also Feb 21 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

November 25, 2024 Erie County Board of Elections Meeting Discussing issues with Nov. 5 election.

How did Democrats keep their Pa. House majority? (Spotlight PA) "Redistricting is part of the answer."

Erie City Council exploring home rule charter, what does that mean  (YourErie) 

FIRST AMENDMENT

Laughlin settles lawsuit over Wertz editorial in ER (ENN) 

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) 

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. Virtually all non-"red hat" commenters --including landlords -- included supportive comments on tenants' rights. +++

Homeless Persons Memorial Day 2024

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).

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

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)

Undocumented Immigrants in PA (Kara Jeffers/Erie News Now) 

VIDEO: The Alien Enemies Act, Explained from Brennan Center for Justice  2 minutes.

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". 

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network 

JUSTICE

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"

Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds (Erie Times-News) 

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.]

MLK

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 Register soon because space is limited 

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Erie PA

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

SCHOOLS & YOUTH

PA changes culturally responsive teaching guidelines (Penn Capital-Star)

PA awards 120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants (Penn Capital-Star)

NJ prohibits book bans (Bronx News)

A: Why Commonwealth Charter Academy Is Bad News

[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

SNOW

Public comments: Thoughts and  suggestions on handling mega storms in future from Erie City Council meeting 12-18-2024 +++ Also, former Erie city councilman Michael Keys made recommendations immediately after Buffalo's 2022 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. 

NY State Climate Smart 

Buffalo 2022 snow storm reports, recommendations 

Video: Buffalo Blizzard 2022 Response Disaster (WNY Peace Center) Jan. 18, 2023 

Buffalo, 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, 2023  

NY DHS  Aug. 2023   

City of Buffalo Task Force Plan on Winter Storm Response "Focus on Emergency Shelters, Storm Warning Systems, New Equipment"  (WGRZ) Oct 19, 2023

Buffalo Storm Response Task Force presents recommendations  (WKBW) Oct 19, 2023

 

SPIRIT

 
Erie Benedictine blogs, substacks and podcasts 

We need culture  Dorothy Stoner, OSB, Marlene Trambley, Oblate, Kathi Pae, Oblate 

WORKING PEOPLE

Inclement weather employement 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." [emphasis mine]

Challenging the myth of Trump takeover of union vote (Penn Capital-Star)

PA Coal Mines

Cleaning Up Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mines: $244 Million Investment from Biden clean energy plan   (Boomtown USA) " The historic effort, led by the U.S. Department of Interior, aims to secure and clean up hazardous mine sites, protecting communities in Central and Western PA from environmental and safety risks. "Communities once driven by the coal industry now face pollution from abandoned mines, which leach toxins into land and water, cause land to settle or sink, and fuel underground fires. 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." [emphasis mine]

About 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 one of the major industrialists of his era, Henry Clay Frick controlled 80 percent of the coal output in Pennsylvania by 1880. 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. 

MISC



Laughlin settles lawsuit
https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52010815/senator-laughlin-settles-lawsuit-over-wertz-editorial-in-erie-reader?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=erie%20news%20now
Opinion: Pa's new law 'SLAPPs' back at frivolous suits over free speech (Erie Times-News)
https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/11/07/opinion-new-law-targets-slapp-lawsuits-that-suppress-free-speech-slapp-pennsylvania-act-72/75918562007/

Diverse Erie sues CE Davis for withholding $1,5 m in funds
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/18/diverse-erie-sues-brenton-davis-for-withholding-1-5-million-in-funds/77061831007/


Red hats blue hats
https://youtu.be/yqNt_IKW09w?si=5qH4qKqug_0mtHXT

ARTS

7-10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  10am January 7 from Mabel Howard: "Call or text me at 814-572-0985 to RSVP" https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1035387915266695&set=a.472434904895335 

Paula Poundstone Feb 22 Cleveland (Mimi Theatre), Mar 8 Asbury Hall, Buffalo NY
https://paulapoundstone.com/tour/ 

Melissa Etheridge Spring Tour  Warren Ohio April 21 (Packard Music Hall)  https://melissaetheridge.com/events/ 

Wanda Sykes Please & Thank You Tour Kleinhans Music Hall Buffalo NY May 5

https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/event/wanda-sykes/ 

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".https://newpittsburghcourier.com/2024/11/08/the-piano-lesson-hits-theaters-friday-nov-8/

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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNraHuKp5yo

Mike Stout'S Holiday song fyi not the ear worm you might think it is. (Battle of Homestead Foundation) https://youtu.be/TAuBOlwgjt4?si=Z2d_HSVyCZWplCLx

Living Voices performances at Robert H. Jackson Center:

Hear My Voice (Women’s Suffrage) Jan 14-15 The Robert H. Jackson Center 305 E 4th St., Jamestown, NY.  https://www.roberthjackson.org/event/living-voices-hear-my-voice-womens-suffrage-3/  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. 

BIKE
SSJNN Bike program+Bike Erie Monthly meetings "Monthly gathering to connect around bikes and support the newly forming Erie Bike Co-op. https://www.ssjnn.org/bike-progrms/


BLASCO
SAVE BLASCO! 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 ! https://www.facebook.com/caite.saunders/videos/1647243262562182 

BUDGET

JES Erie Co Budget
https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonErie/posts/pfbid0MYxMBh5KtZeKT6Egrh41TrEuEKbks1pE6ofw6xpGJbAVBZvDzyT2xwjdfjmb5Dgel

council meetings budget
tax exempt
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/02/tax-exempt-properties-impact-on-city-of-erie-budget/76486866007/ 

 

Review of Proposed County of Erie Budget
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WxJ1BHyuB/

COMMUNITY

"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.

COMMUNITY

https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/51927872/urban-erie-community-development-corp-to-receive-dollar50k-grant?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0OCpzXmzkVncbQZ8BjcySHlEe8dzUdnbzo3rZynIg0uqw9izZ3yg1EdyQ_aem_hBSPtTLu-Wrs4fVgLlv2Fw

DAVIS

https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/51973879/erie-county-executive-notifies-ecgra-and-dei-commission-to-return-unspent-arp-funds?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1ctuHPiw-IIOS9r3exWy78JyRrF7hJLk3mEg-9OIgsbO5Ij3Kce46MDoc_aem_598q78eCv3I3AsiS9rP4sQ

EARTH
Cleaning up PA's abandoned mines https://boomtownusa.us/cleaning-up-pennsylvanias-abandoned-mines-a-244-million-investment/

 

Developers drop out of Appalachian hydrogen hub over strict carbon emission caps (Mountain State Spotlight)
https://mountainstatespotlight.org/2024/11/25/arch2-hydrogen-hub-developers-drop-out/

Erie Coke Photo Gallery +++

"Erie Public School Teachers, did you know you could sign up for a FREE tree lesson through LEAF? Click the link or head to www.leaferie.org for more info!"  teachers https://www.facebook.com/lakeeriearboretum/posts/pfbid031g8ao7w8zjy9vbFfJBMT95Px6YGcD7dygSjrJESXg5hoSBnBDa3GdH2am9twMYKJl

UECDC receives $50K environmental justice  grant

MINES
"The sinkhole that Pollard fell through leads to the Marguerite Mine, which was developed, mined and then abandoned by the H.C. Frick Coke Co. by the middle of the last century. Some 20 feet below the surface, the mine used to feed coal to coke ovens and then steel mills in Pittsburgh and across the eastern U.S." Crews find body of missing Pennsylvania grandmother at bottom of sinkhole Dec. 6, 2024 Updated Fri., Dec. 6, 2024 at 9:31 p.m. By Laura Esposito Pittsburgh Post-GazettePittsburgh Post-Gazette

DEP issues update on Westmoreland County mine subsidence Latrobe BulletinDec 7, 2024 Updated Dec 7, 2024 0
https://www.latrobebulletinnews.com/news/state/dep-issues-update-on-westmoreland-county-mine-subsidence/article_e184c934-b437-11ef-80ad-9bfe6500c9ee.html

ELECTIONS

November 25, 2024 Erie County Board of Elections Meeting
https://youtu.be/Xf5Zn-451Q0?si=w4f0gBdA_pYto42N

How did Democrats keep their Pa. House majority? (Spotlight PA) "Redistricting is part of the answer."
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/11/pennsylvania-house-democratic-majority-election-redistricting/

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/erie-city-council-to-potentially-draft-home-rule-charter/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAXEZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTXClZC-h6yvQeoxSww1xpjfVT275CDVzFsEYDQ2RwXumSpXG9e494kQIg_aem_9H8wMMt5C_-8Re4YFWmbKA

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will now lead the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association

FOOD

FOOD

How gardens enable refugees and immigrants to put down roots in new communities (PBS 9-23)

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/how-gardens-enable-refugees-and-immigrants-to-put-down-roots-in-new-communities?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1fyzlQy9MzjnH9TbGWro_ruC3FR5makZ0C6hFgvIyNbccAanQwsMsV8Xg_aem_vEWVieWzjpSEc3xyF-Ad1Q 

HOME
spiritual coalition council meeting Council meeting November 20

Homeless Persons Memorial Day

https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/agencies-shelters-assisting-homeless-during-erie-pa-snow-emergency/76735193007/

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 are needed. located at 42184 Clinton Court, Meadville PA, the basement area of the Family, Children, & Community Association (FCCA). https://sammdvl.info/ 

Whole Home Repairs Program https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/pennsylvania-home-repair-program-overwhelming-demand/714154/   https://housingalliancepa.org/whole-home-repair/ 

IMMIGRANT
erie's public schools -refugees

[LISTEN] WRFA Community Matters – New Neighbors Coalition – 11/26/2024 https://www.wrfalp.com/listen-community-matters-new-neighbors-coalition-november-26-2024/


Alien Enemies Act
https://brennan.swoogo.com/alienenemiesact/begin?ref=FBAdAd&fbclid=IwY2xjawHCrENleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ5w0nu7Bs47nqcqdu8dakwrMokBexL7QHDtjNeH86tI-YGRDo70cP89qA_aem_Pt7ffCyLcE1JatwdP1Piug


Unable to legally work in the US for years, six PA undocumented immigrants sue federal agency (WVIA)
https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2024-12-03/unable-to-legally-work-in-the-us-for-years-six-nepa-undocumented-immigrants-sue-federal-agency



IMMIGRANTSTKnow Your Rights by USCRI o help individuals and families prepare for immigration enforcement actions, USCRI has released updated #KnowYourRights and Safety Planning documents. Stay empowered and safe by knowing what your rights are during street stops, vehicle stops, home visits, and workplace searches. Find it at https://bit.ly/4g7G0q2
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1007316414775938&set=a.369461151894804

Know Your Rights by United We Dream Network https://unitedwedream.org/resources/know-your-rights/


https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2024/12/11/new-polling-shows-people-of-all-stripes-want-immigrants-treated-with-dignity/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0OCpzXmzkVncbQZ8BjcySHlEe8dzUdnbzo3rZynIg0uqw9izZ3yg1EdyQ_aem_hBSPtTLu-Wrs4fVgLlv2Fw
sanctuary communities

https://www.ourtownsfoundation.org/erie-celebrates-world-refugee-day-with-new-film-publishes-directory-of-refugee-owned-businesses/

Layla Sulaiman

INDIGENOUS

https://penncapital-star.com/2024/12/09/dc/biden-designates-native-american-boarding-school-national-monument-in-pennsylvania/?emci=21f75c15-88b6-ef11-88d0-000d3a9d5840&emdi=0e301f7b-f2b6-ef11-88d0-000d3a9d5840&ceid=168483 

JUSTICE

https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_63fc2052-b720-11ef-a4a1-37d71fa481aa.html 

JUSTICE
HRC Director want ad check late December

red hats city council

City Council meeting Nov 20 red hats https://youtu.be/kc6e804506c?si=XWflGJ2QObSnsgJ_

COLUMNS Are red MAGA hat-wearers the only ones with the right to free speech in Erie? | Opinion by Linda Romey

https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/11/26/red-hat-maga-erie-city-council-meeting-free-speech-racism-kkk-jasmine-flores-brian-shank-trump/76563493007/

https://www.erienewsnow.com/clip/15495582/red-hat-protest-at-erie-city-council?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAXqBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTLC5f0FF9pvRpycZhDP96DrsMGh-9lgG1G5XMJQJQBdk3DsLfwDF90Sjg_aem_ornRgTM4MCSgwJhLQvlVrg

Opinion: Pa's new law 'SLAPPs' back at frivolous suits over free speech (Erie Times-News)
https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/11/07/opinion-new-law-targets-slapp-lawsuits-that-suppress-free-speech-slapp-pennsylvania-act-72/75918562007/

POLICE BRUTALITYLAWSUIT 

https://casetext.com/case/dabrowski-v-allison-1

https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_63fc2052-b720-11ef-a4a1-37d71fa481aa.html

Trump pardons
https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-donald-j-trump-2017-2021

 

LGBTQ
24 years ago: Look Back: Human Relations Commission unanimously votes to include sexual orientation in local ordinance 1/29/01 https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/TR/Transcripts/2007_0193_0005_TSTMNY.pdf
https://www.eriegaynews.com/news/article.php?recordid=hrc_erie_012901.html


LIVES
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.

MLK
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 Join us as we celebrate our community members and their accomplishments over the last year. Register soon because space is limited https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-dr-king-awards-dinner-tickets-1054926175589?aff=oddtdtcreator 

January 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Erie PA

black wall street gala https://www.facebook.com/events/3838981373083715/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

MLK

Breakfast Celebration & Community Service Day of Martin Luther King's birthday Schultz Hall, Allegheny College, Meadville PA  Jan 18 

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1002101118627173&set=a.451879996982624 

SCHOOL

PA changes culturally responsive teaching guidelines  (Penn Capital-Star) 

https://penncapital-star.com/education/pennsylvania-changes-culturally-responsive-teaching-guidelines-raising-concerns/  

PA awards 120 million in school-based mental health and safety grants (Penn Capital-Star) 

https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/pennsylvania-awards-120-million-in-school-based-mental-health-and-safety-grants/

SCHOOLS
NJ prohibits book bans (Bronx News)
https://bronx.news12.com/new-jersey-becomes-latest-state-to-prohibit-bans-on-books-in-school-public-libraries

Jay Breneman
https://www.facebook.com/JBErieSD/posts/pfbid031oZHPfciHYzCBuGWjLr5DXAXeFh59sJRJ2EjmrKsfLrGYTcNnej3EW7NMwfdWJeAl

[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
https://talkerie.com/2024/10/23/young-teacher-retention-at-eries-public-schools/

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2785705231610411&set=a.113511535496474

Pennridge School District Repeals Independence Law Center-Written Anti-Advocacy Policy That Banned Pride Flags (Bucks Co. Beacon)

https://buckscountybeacon.com/2024/12/pennridge-school-district-repeals-independence-law-center-written-anti-advocacy-policy-that-banned-pride-flags/

SNOW

Buffalo snow storm reports

NYU Report https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/june/nyu-report-on-december-2002-buffalo-blizzard-recommends-infrastr.html
NY DHS https://www.dhses.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/08/nys-aar-on-buffalo-blizzard-response.pdf
Buffalo city gov responds to NYU Report https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2023/06/02/city-of-buffalo-officials-release-results-of-study-on-december-2022-blizzard
Mayor Brown Task Force https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/buffalo/buffalo-plan-on-winter-storm-response/71-0cabf675-e6cc-4edb-87a7-7b571734540b Mutual aid

Mutual aid

Erie Mutual AId
Buffalo Snow Brigade https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=881350424203248&set=a.392728813065414

Buffalo Mutual Aid Network
Buffalo Snow Brigade
https://www.facebook.com/groups/863395197012293

SPIRIT

WOMEN

WORK

Challenging the myth of Trump takeover of union vote (Penn Capital-Star) 

https://penncapital-star.com/labor/pennsylvania-challenging-the-myth-of-a-trump-takeover-of-the-union-vote/

PA Mines

DOI October mine inspections report (Penn Capital-Star) 

https://penncapital-star.com/briefs/dol-completed-15-mine-inspections-in-october-including-in-pa/

https://boomtownusa.us/cleaning-up-pennsylvanias-abandoned-mines-a-244-million-investment/

freda work law

Post-Gazette strike  now longest in US (Penn Capital-Star) 

https://penncapital-star.com/labor/the-strike-at-the-pittsburgh-post-gazette-is-now-the-longest-in-the-nation-and-its-not-over/ 

MISC

groundhog

MISC

SLAPP

https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52010815/senator-laughlin-settles-lawsuit-over-wertz-editorial-in-erie-reader

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/lawsuit-settled-between-sen-dan-laughlin-erie-reader/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3HF9I4XPlwZO8L8VKsv_75bYxfWpxCOBqtRPhqLvwXdJjZPr6K5CLqWgw_aem_1AdRdKq8olUQUqBKy5DMdA

Trump ardons
https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-donald-j-trump-2017-2021

PA winter shutoffs
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/12/pennsylvania-winter-utility-shutoff-consumer-protection-law-reauthorization/

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/11/27/pennsylvania-shifted-cash-from-highways-to-transit-but-other-states-could-go-even-further?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Mishaps%20delay%20critical%20aid%20for%20PA%20college%20students&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2012%2002%2024

Pittsburgh Regional Transit will begin selling bulk passes to employers, landlords and schools in January
https://www.unionprogress.com/2024/11/28/pittsburgh-regional-transit-will-begin-selling-bulk-passes-to-employers-landlords-and-schools-in-january/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARTS
Jan 7 mabel howard re-opening https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226408711905714&set=gm.1585676635643603&idorvanity=1575510596660207

BUDGET

JES Erie Co Budget
https://www.facebook.com/JeffersonErie/posts/pfbid0MYxMBh5KtZeKT6Egrh41TrEuEKbks1pE6ofw6xpGJbAVBZvDzyT2xwjdfjmb5Dgel

COMMUNITY

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.

EARTH

LEAF teachers

https://www.facebook.com/lakeeriearboretum/posts/pfbid031g8ao7w8zjy9vbFfJBMT95Px6YGcD7dygSjrJESXg5hoSBnBDa3GdH2am9twMYKJl

 EARTH AND WORK
https://boomtownusa.us/cleaning-up-pennsylvanias-abandoned-mines-a-244-million-investment/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAW15leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbmCzRefpZEAyP_FXwKIGLk5WDb4ujgoQz1bJJAhbZSQIWkiQhEqB3jepg_aem_qOWlkoVZjOso-9ROXB8IHA

ELECTIONS
https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/erie-city-council-to-potentially-draft-home-rule-charter/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAXEZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTXClZC-h6yvQeoxSww1xpjfVT275CDVzFsEYDQ2RwXumSpXG9e494kQIg_aem_9H8wMMt5C_-8Re4YFWmbKA

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis will now lead the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association

HOME

https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/agencies-shelters-assisting-homeless-during-erie-pa-snow-emergency/76735193007/

IMMIGRANT
Unable to legally work in the US for years, six NEPA undocumented immigrants sue federal agency (WVIA) 

https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2024-12-03/unable-to-legally-work-in-the-us-for-years-six-nepa-undocumented-immigrants-sue-federal-agency?fbclid=

https://www.erienewsnow.com/clip/15495582/red-hat-protest-at-erie-city-council?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAXqBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTLC5f0FF9pvRpycZhDP96DrsMGh-9lgG1G5XMJQJQBdk3DsLfwDF90Sjg_aem_ornRgTM4MCSgwJhLQvlVrg

rg

SCHOOLS

Jay Breneman
https://www.facebook.com/JBErieSD/posts/pfbid031oZHPfciHYzCBuGWjLr5DXAXeFh59sJRJ2EjmrKsfLrGYTcNnej3EW7NMwfdWJeAl

Young Teacher Retention at Erie's Public Schools: Various Guests - Oct. 22, 2024 - TalkErie.com - (The Joel Natalie ShowJoel Natalie/TalkErie.com) "stories of young teachers in the Erie School District and their views on school climate, parental involvement, and the realities of the teaching profession.stories of young teachers in the Erie School District and their views on school climate, parental involvement, and the realities of the teaching profession" 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,
https://talkerie.com/2024/10/23/young-teacher-retention-at-eries-public-schools/

SNOW

https://www.facebook.com/anna.mccartney.10/posts/pfbid0fuRfP6UchuRMp1hMxvVFqiccYFvJtLMhSy1XqdM2RyRbXp73smXHVdNGk7LAyHMdl

WORK

Pittsburgh Regional Transit will begin selling bulk passes to employers, landlords and schools in January  https://www.unionprogress.com/2024/11/28/pittsburgh-regional-transit-will-begin-selling-bulk-passes-to-employers-landlords-and-schools-in-january/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHAXQVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQYd5WoG8tChMaXj-e9736oheaU2vlQai0_Gqp0JzbHZwi4fYo8SERuHQw_aem_PZgsTjMiql7uj7kU8MAkKA 

freda law work

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SNOW


Buffalo snow storm reports
NYU Report https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2023/june/nyu-report-on-december-2002-buffalo-blizzard-recommends-infrastr.html
NY DHS https://www.dhses.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/08/nys-aar-on-buffalo-blizzard-response.pdf
Buffalo city gov responds to NYU Report https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2023/06/02/city-of-buffalo-officials-release-results-of-study-on-december-2022-blizzard
Mayor Brown Task Force https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/buffalo/buffalo-plan-on-winter-storm-response/71-0cabf675-e6cc-4edb-87a7-7b571734540b Mutual aid

Erie Mutual AId
Buffalo Snow Brigade https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=881350424203248&set=a.392728813065414

Buffalo Mutual Aid Network
Buffalo Snow Brigade
https://www.facebook.com/groups/863395197012293


GOVERNANCE
tax exempt
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2024/12/02/tax-exempt-properties-impact-on-city-of-erie-budget/76486866007/ Opinion: Pennsylvania's new law 'SLAPPs' back at frivolous suits over free speech
https://www.goerie.com/story/opinion/columns/2024/11/07/opinion-new-law-targets-slapp-lawsuits-that-suppress-free-speech-slapp-pennsylvania-act-72/75918562007/


BLACK HISTORY
black wall street gala https://www.facebook.com/events/3838981373083715/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D


SEPTA
https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/11/27/pennsylvania-shifted-cash-from-highways-to-transit-but-other-states-could-go-even-further?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Mishaps%20delay%20critical%20aid%20for%20PA%20college%20students&utm_campaign=PA%20Post%2012%2002%2024


POLICE BRUTALITYLAWSUIT https://casetext.com/case/dabrowski-v-allison-1




MISC
https://www.investigativepost.org/2024/12/03/buffalos-power-structure-is-the-problem/

Trump ardons
https://www.justice.gov/pardon/pardons-granted-president-donald-j-trump-2017-2021
PA winter shutoffs
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/12/pennsylvania-winter-utility-shutoff-consumer-protection-law-reauthorization/
Review of Proposd COunty of Erie Budget

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WxJ1BHyuB/


WORK
https://www.rawstory.com/nippon-steel/?utm_source=superhead


https://www.unionprogress.com/2024/11/28/pittsburgh-regional-transit-will-begin-selling-bulk-passes-to-employers-landlords-and-schools-in-january/


FILMShttps://www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/02/resistance-through-community-backyard-docs-film-festival-opens-with-screening-of-union/