Sunday, July 13, 2025

 ARTS


Radium Girls Jul 18 - August 3 PACA Theatre 1505 State St Erie PA Directed by: Char Newport Asst Director: Zachery Hoffman Stage Mgr: Kenna Stevens Featuring: Karen Biebel, Sam Comfort, Bella Fried, Ava Gardner, Michael Harper, Michael Jeffrey, Eric Learn, Kristina Peczel, Hannah Richardson, Luke Scribner

AmeriMasala Festival July 19 Perry Square Erie PA.11am. Parade at 12 noon " The AmeriMasala is movement that presents multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural arts events to promote cross cultural respect and value of all peoples. " 

The Poetry X-Change Open Mic July 20 7:00 PM Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA Presented by Miss Mabeline "Share your poems and enjoy the word art of other 814 poets!"

Blackstar Festival   July 31-Aug 3 Philadelphia "Celebration of Black Brown and Indigenous filmmaking" In-person and virtual.

Chuck Joy Presents Jennifer Browne - Poetry Reading - American Crow Jul 31 6pm Werner Books & Coffee 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA

Benevolent Beers: PACA July 31 5:00-8:00 pm Erie Ale Works 416 W. 12th St. Erie, PA "Join the Staff and Board of PACA for good beer and community. Every purchase between 5PM-8PM will count toward a donation to PACA. We will be hosting a fun basket raffle, 50/50 and merch sale too!"

Chautauqua Institute events of possible interest: Kwame Alexander & LeVar Burton August 4 @  Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark Aug 8 Bonnie Raitt September 5 Also Execution of Justice July 17-25 2025 presented by Chautauqua Theatre Co. Chautauqua Cinema screenings now through mid-August.

Erie Blues & Jazz Fest  Aug 2-4 at Frontier Park, Erie PA 

Graham Nash in concert Aug 6 Asbury Hall, Buffalo NY

Comedian Tom Arnold in Erie  At Kellar's 1402 State St. Erie PA on Aug. 8-9.

Jon Stewart at National Comedy Center Jamestown NY August 9

Ani DiFranco August 31 Outer Harbor 225 Fuhrmann Blvd Buffalo, NY

Lavery Brewing owners buy Basement Transmissions (Larry Wheaton/Erie Reader)  

COMMUNITY

[Listen] East Side Renaissance (Joel Natalie) Guests Marcus Atkinson and Matt Harris from the East Side Renaissance,
[Listen] EMTA interview  (Joel Natalie)  EMTA CEO Jeremy Petersen about recent developments. 

DEMOCRACY

MEADVILLE Good Trouble Lives on!  Meadville: Diamond Park in Meadville on July 17 from noon - 2 pm for a rally (Organizers: French Creek Indivisible is collaborating with NAACP Branch 2271 of Meadville, PA).

ERIE - Good Trouble Lives Here 598 Liberty St. (Gridley Park), 6-7pm "Please join us for a kickoff event Introducing the Summer of Good Trouble. 7 Thursdays, 7 Topics. Stay Tuned! We stand together!" Sponsored by: French Creek Indivisible, State Street Salon, Erie Indivisible. See you Next Tuesday, NETWORK, Benedictines for Peace, Erie 50501

Benedictines offer nonviolence training 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Listening Hearts Room at St Mary’s: A Space to Create, 310 E. 10th St., Erie. All sessions  include teaching and role plays. Sessions free, donations accepted. July 7 – Nonviolence introduction July 21—Nonviolence and de-escalation strategies Aug. 4 —Nonviolence and demonstrations Aug. 18—Nonviolence and protecting others, For info or to RSVP, bfp@eriebenedictines.org Note: Listening Hearts Room is up a flight of stairs.
 
Stay updated by connecting: 50501 Erie PA 50501eriepa.bsky.social and on FB, French Creek Indivisible ‪@frenchcreekind.bsky.social‬   Jamestown Justice Coalition on FB Everywhere https://www.mobilize.us/
Constitution Day 2025    Sept 19 Featuring Dr. Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen 10:00 am at Robert H Jackson Center 305 E. Fourth St. Jamestown, NY Free, public. 
 
DIVERSITY

[Listen] Erie’s Embattled DEI Troubles Make National News (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) "Erie’s recent DEI battles between its county government, county council, mayor, and black and brown community made national headlines via The Washington Post...We’re joined by former Erie County Council President Carl Anderson, who was sitting at the epicenter of this fact at the time. "

How Diverse Erie is building an Erie where all have a seat at the table | Opinion Gary Lee/Erie Times-News)

Erie County Bar Association puts diversity award on hold in response to Trump DEI edict (Erie Times-News) 
 

Vacant BASF contamination found in east Erie (Kevin Flowers/Erie Times-News) "The site is located in a state-designated Environmental Justice area"

[Watch] Public comments at July 2 Erie City Council mostly focused on concerns and recommendations for responding to heat emergencies and climate resilience. 

Working Towards a Binational Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Aug 5, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Admission $15.45 - Event Admission $25.75 - Event Admission + Guest Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State, Erie 
 
A neighbor invited me to check out her milkweed flowers and I was surprised that they have such a pleasant fragrance.

ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE
 
Demstock August 15-16, 2025 Jefferson Co Fairgrounds Brookville PA ‘Demstock’ brings together rural Pennsylvania Democrats

Conversation with President Barack Obama Sep 16th, 2025 06:30 PM Where: Erie Insurance Arena 809 French St. Erie, PA 16501 Host Jefferson Ed. Society All seats reserved. Tickets can be purchased at the Erie Insurance Arena box office or by calling (814) 452-4857.

[Listen] "A normal person" - an interview with Christina Vogel (left, wrong & center) "Kyle and Grant sit down with Christina Vogel, the Democratic Nominee for Erie County Executive, and discuss Vogel's recent primary win, her thoughts on Brenton Davis, and the ways in which she connected with Erie voters."

]Watch]  Political Courage: a conversation with former u.s. congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (left, wrong & center) from 4/15/2025 "I got to sit down with the former congresswoman and Erie county executive and go through just some of the 'greatest hits.' of her career, the larger causes to which her presence in those positions contributed to, and the political courage it took to accomplish all of the above." 

[Listen] One on One with Rock Copeland (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) " Marcus Atkinson sits down with County Councilman Rock Copeland to discuss the Democratic party's endorsement of Daria Devlin for Mayor of Erie, challenging incumbent Mayor Joe Schember. "
 
[Listen] Primary Reflections: Erie County Votes and What Comes Next (NEXT with Marcus Atkinson) " co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Marc Blount are joined by intern Aaron Cronin to unpack the recent Erie County primary elections." 

PA poll worker shortage (Spotlight PA) 

FOOD

Little Italy Farmers Market is moving and what else is new (Heather Caspar) new location Three Sisters Park 430 W. 19th St. Erie 


PA bipartisan support for  Federal funding of farm and food bank program (Penn Capital-Star)

Ethnic Market Tours "Erie Arts and Culture's annual Ethnic Market Tours offer an insider’s look at some of Erie’s New Americans businesses." Multiple dates,

Second Harvest food resources locator 

Grow Erie facility produces lettuce and herbs in Savocchio Park. It also makes a statement (Jim Martin/Erie Times-News)

Bethany Outreach free food and free clothing Wed. 9am to 11am. Address: 204 West 11th St. Erie.mabel@bethanyoutreachcenter.org
 
Edinboro Market's recent expansion is covered in the current issue of Edible Western New York.  Also, the Edinboro Market is in search of cooking and gardening books you'd like to pass on. "Our Little Free Library could use a replenishment. If you have gardening or cookbooks that are gathering more dust than bookmarks, bring them in and we'll help rehome them. :)" The market is at  211 Mill St Edinboro PA. 

HEALTH CARE
 
What is Medicaid called in each state? (NCSL) "States get to name their Medicaid and children’s health insurance, or CHIP, programs, which provide health coverage for low-income children, people with disabilities, long-term care and more. And although states must meet federal requirements to receive federal matching funds, they have significant flexibility to decide who is eligible for services, what services are offered and how those services are paid for. Today’s Map Monday lists all the state names for these health coverage programs."
 
HOME

Erie County United Housing Town Hall (Alana Sabol/ER) Discussions on affordable and accessible housing in Erie

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

Crafting Erie’s Inclusive Future July 21 12:00 PM Speaker: Alivia Haibach. Free admission. Lunch $5 Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State St Erie PA

Refugee Relief Concert at the Cathedral of St Paul  July 30 @ 7:00 pm 134 West 7th St.
Erie, PA  "Through the song of both classical and multiculturally inspired works, come be inspired to relate to the experiences of others. The Cathedral is working in cooperation with USCRI, Catholic Charities and the Charter School of Excellence. A reception will follow the service. While the concert is free and open to the public, donations will be graciously accepted to benefit our Refugee community."

 
Sisters Speak Out Prayer & Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy (Benedictine Sisters) Erie Benedictine sisters, oblates, and peacemakers joined others to participate in this nationwide action ....The local action took place  June 24 on 18th and Ash Streets across from the Erie County Prison where ICE detainees are imprisoned."

INDIGENOUS

Governor Kathy Hochul Apology to the Seneca Nation (Ganondagan) “The Apology” May 20, 2025  Formal Apology for New York State’s Role in Operating Thomas Indian Schoo, located on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Indian Reservation in Irving, NY. This video is Dedicated to the Survivors and Former Students of the Thomas Indian School."
 
The Haudenosaunee Micro-Short Film Program 2025 September 6 from 1- 3:00 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY "short films created by Haudenosaunee filmmakers from all over Turtle Island followed by a live filmmaker panel discussion and audience Q&A." 

JUSTICE

July 17 - Race, Place & Belonging: Being Black in Erie.  The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) invites the public to the launch of a new panel series at Blasco Library, H.O. Hirt Auditorium 160 E. Front St., Erie, PA. Moderated by Pastor Ryan Gaines, the panel will feature local Black residents and business owners—including Nicci Page, Marc Blount, Marty Nachukwu, Edison Nicholson, Autumn Parker, Tiffany L. LaVette, and Ashton Jones. Free, open to public. 
 
August 11 - Robert H. Jackson Lecture on the Supreme Court of the United States 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Hall of Philosophy Chautauqua Institution, Professor Kim Lane Scheppele the featured speaker. Attending the lecture is free, but you must purchase a gate pass from Chautauqua Institution to access the grounds.

[Watch] “The U.S. Department of Justice, Then & Now" Barbara McQuade & John Q. Barrett  From Robert H Jackson Center presentation June 2025
 
 
 
Human Relations Commission event at Blasco Library. Click to enlarge
 
LGBT

Jul 12 - TransFamily of NWPA Summer Picnic (Presque Isle State Park - Beach 11 Pavilion, Erie, PA) 12 PM - 5 PM. "We provide drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, and vegan options. Bring your favorite dish to share! "

Jul 18 - Coffee Social for LGBTQ+ Veterans 10 AM. At the Erie VA Veteran Canteen, located in the Erie VA basement at 135 E 38th St., Erie, PA. Times are subject to change based on availability. Info: Brittany Miklos at 814-844-5944. Open to all LGBTQ+ Veterans in all counties served by the Erie VA.

Aug 9 - 365 Block Party Perry Square Noon. Event by Erie Pride 365, Erie's Black Wall Street and Dalen Michael "Committed to championing the rights and well-being of Black, Brown, & LGBTQIA+ individuals, 365 days a year."

August 16 - NWPA Pride Picnic  1:00pm - 5:00pm Presque Isle State Park - Rotary Pavilion Erie PA. All welcome, family-friendly. 


From Erie Reader's Pride Month edition: Queer Art Rising (by Julia Carden), Aging With Pride: Erie's Queer Senior Social Club (Erin Phillips), What Sanctuary Really Means (Dr Tyler Titus) LGBTQIA+ Friendly Game Night 

LIBRARY

The Local Impact of Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Cuts (Chloe Forbes/Eie Reader) "Cost-saving justification highlights community inequality" 

Save Blasco! documentary was a finalist in the 2025 Defense of Democracy Film Festival. 

Christina Vogel offers some thoughts on the Gannon lease at Blasco on the left, wrong & center podcast at 17:18 

MARCHELLO WOODARD
Kyra Taylor: Cold, vile remarks compound Woodard family's pain
Erie's Bishop Brock urges calm (Ed Palatella and Kevin Flowers/Erie Times News)
Actions
July 3 rally at 21st & Parade (AJ Rao/Erie Times-News) 
Second march and rally July 5 (Erie News Now) 
Marchello Woodard Remembrance Memorial (Erie News Now)  Held outside Probation and Parole office

 
Erie turned *up* today! (from reddit r/Erie) extensive conversation lots of participants. A second Erie event was organized by an individual (Rachel N.) for Griswold Park and W. 12th with an estimated 200 attendees. 
                            
REMEMBERING 

Robert "Howard" Johnson passed away on June 23, 2025. He was very active with Erie Peace Initiative, serving as chairperson and frequently taking part in actions. He was a Vietnam veteran and very committed to veteran causes. More about Bob's life on his Obituary and Tribute Wall here

I went through the EPI Flickr site and found quite a few photos and videos of Bob at various events. View at Bob Johnson EPI gallery
 
 
WOMEN'S HEALTH


Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates "In partnership with the three Planned Parenthood affiliates in Pennsylvania and on behalf of the nearly 90,000 patients they serve annually, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, along with our 450,000 supporters, works to achieve maximum public, governmental, and media support for reproductive health care, including family planning, by developing, implementing, and facilitating a statewide strategy."

WORK
Erie County Community College – How It is Impacting the Community, Addressing Workforce Development, Aug 27 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Free - $5 w/lunch Jefferson Educational Society 3207 State, Erie

LOOK BACK
Gay float included in Erie's 1995 Bicentennial Parade. Photo via Michael Mahler/Erie Gay News 

Nowadays this parade story might seem like a bit of fluff, but 30 years ago, being included in this celebration was a very big deal. The float's inclusion was greeted with awful rumor and rancor by the usual suspects, and those who invited and supported it were given a hard time. The Thursday night before the parade, the float was vandalized -- 36 hours before the parade. Immediately, members and allies of the lgbtq+ community dove in and repaired the float, in time for its historic inclusion in the parade. Greg Valiga wrote a lively first-person account that really captures that moment in time, read it here. 
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