Friday, November 3, 2023

TEST

Saturday, November 4, 2023

CALENDAR & NEWS ~ November 2023

Rally to oppose leasing Blasco Library to Gannon held on November 4. See concerns and actions in heading under Project NePtwne

ARTS & READS

Live at the Met: The Life and Times of Malcolm X November 18 at Fredonia Opera House and Tinseltown. 

Cabaret November 2-4 and 9-11 Theatre at Penn State Erie

Harry T Burleigh Week Burleigh's birthday is observed December 2, check with the City of Erie and Burleigh Legacy Alliance for events surrounding it TBA 

EARTH

Erie residents voice concerns about former Erie Coke property before condemnation vote
(YourErie) 

Report shows PA needs to boost renewable energy production (Penn Capital Star)

East Bayfront Greenway Trail Project update (YourErie)

PA Court: State can't join RGGI. (State Impact) Rules climate program is an illegal tax and that the state cannot join RGGI

Proposed solar farm Venango Twp (Erie Times- News via Yahoo) This is the best and most accessible I could find for presenting the two sides.

PA Hydrogen Hubs: Decarbonization  (NPR) "What could go wrong" (Penn Capital Star)  "Secrecy around details" (Spotlight PA) 

FOOD

Local non-profits expanding access to food in east Erie with new food bank (YourErie) 

Empty Bowls Project Dec 9 at St Luke's Episcopal Church 404 N Main in Jamestown NY 8am-11am

EFPAC Potluck mtg Erie Food Policy Advisory Council meeting 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. November 14 at 10/20 Collective, 1020 Holland, Erie PA. RSVP

HEALTH


Black Maternity Health Caucus launched  (PA House/PLBC) Three state lawmakers announced this week the creation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in an effort to find legislative solutions to Pennsylvania’s high rates of Black maternal mortality and morbidity.

PA Medicaid review issues  (Spotlight PA) Pennsylvania's wholesale review of Medicaid eligibility for hundreds of thousands of adults and children has been made more difficult by outdated tech, policy issues, and staffing shortages 

Chronicles: ErieLlhonan part 1 WQLN documentary (2022) Features Miguel Sague Jr. Artist/Educator/Community activist; Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator; Dr Joe Stahlman, Director of Onöhsagwë:de‘ Culture Center; Dr. Will Meyer, Asst. Professor of Anthropology/Archeology at Mercyhurst.  Also: WQLN and other PBS affiliates have special programming for Native American Heritage month 

Presentation by Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator Leon Briggs will be at Little Church on the Hill November 24 at 4pm. 10410 High St., Albion PA Free with Q&A afterward.

The Original Peoples Podcast Ongwehonwe 

JUSTICE

CHQ County jail first in NY State to implement IGNITE education rehab program (WIVB)

Casey bill to make hate crimes less deadly (Penn Capital-Star) Sen. Bob Casey has introduced the “Disarm Hate Act.” It would prevent people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from buying or possessing guns. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House. 

LGBTQ+

Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 at 4:30 p.m. at 201 West 11, Erie PA w/ Journey to a Trauma-informed Life Join TransFamily of NWPA "We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings that have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud." In-person and livestream.

Transgiving November 25 from 2-5pm "Potluck with chosen family and TransFamily of NWPA 3104 State w/ Compton's Table at Community Outreach Center

PROJECT NePTWNE


Erie County Council meeting Oct 17 2023 public comments and vote 
News coverage of meeting and vote (YourErie) 

Why it's a problem
Mary Rennie  Column Oct 16 Erie Times-News) 

Action
Group: Project Minerva "Concerned about recent attacks on the Erie County Library? Please join a group of concerned citizens to discuss our love of the library and efforts to protect this treasure of an institution in the group Project Minerva." ~Paige Bee
Speak at Council Meetings 
Online petition: Oppose the lease of the Blasco Library to Gannon University Online petition by Anna McCartney  
Paper petitions from Paige Bee and Rock Copeland
More formalized entity probably in the making, according to Mary Rennie

 SCHOOLS

Moms for Liberty get pushback: In Bucks County PA(Salon) Parents in this Bucks County school district are fighting back Grandmas for Love (Curmudgucation) Elizabethtown PA seniors' group in opposition to M4L

A Downingtown school board candidate pretended to be the ‘Society of College Medicine’ to challenge books (Philadelphia Inquirer)

FB Post: Warren County: Every school board candidate is a registered Republican but will appear as a Democrat. (via Chester County Marching Forward) Example of how to expose this stealth tactic. 

PA Senate passes bill opponents worry targets books re LGBTQ+ and marginalized people (AP)

WORKERS

Bill: UC for striking workers (Americans for Fair Treatment) 

Whistleblower sues Brenton Davis (Erie Times-News) Lawsuit by Shawn Held alleges he was fired from Edmund Thomas Detention Center about complaint about food served to residents. 

ETC.

Baher Ghosheh, Ph.D. "New Americans Book Release Tour Harborcreek Township — 5601 Buffalo Rd., Harborcreek, , November 29 at 6 p.m. Admission: free   

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Calendar and local info sharing for people who believe "a better world is possible."Focus is local/regional. Not affiliated with any organization All upcoming event listings are nonviolent. Event submissions send to moonkat2014@gmail.com

IN MEMORIAM notices: I prefer being contacted by a loved one about notifying the community of a passing, preferably acting within the wishes of the person who has passed. 

For event listings, PLEASE visit original posts to assure most updated and accurate information. 


ARTS & READS

Live at the Met: The Life and Times of Malcolm X November 18 at Fredonia Opera House / and 

Cabaret November 2-4 and 9-11 Theatre at Penn State Erie

Harry T Burleigh Week Burleigh's birthday is observed December 2, check with the City of Erie and Burleigh Legacy Alliance for events surrounding it TBA 

EARTH

Public input on Coke plant Accepting public comments until November 10, 2023 (Erie Times-News) Erie residents voice concerns about former Erie Coke property before condemnation vote
(YourErie) 


Report shows PA needs to boost renewable energy production (Penn Capital Star)

East Bayfront Greenway Trail Project update (YourErie)

PA Court: State can't join RGGI. (State Impact) Rules climate program is an illegal tax and that the state cannot join RGGI

Proposed solar farm Venango Twp (Erie Times- News via Yahoo) This is the best and most accessible I could find for presenting the two sides.

PA Hydrogen Hubs: Decarbonization  (NPR) What could go wrong (Penn Capital Star)  Secrecy around details (Spotlight PA) 

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE


How Pa.'s outdated Election Code could impact 2024 (Spotlight PA) 

FOOD

Local non-profits expanding access to food in east Erie with new food bank (YourErie) 

Empty Bowls Project Dec 8 at St Luke's Episcopal Church 404 N Main in Jamestown NY 11am-2pm

EFPAC Potluck mtg Erie food policy advisory council meeting 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. November 14th at 10/20 collective 1020 holland, Erie PA. RSVP

HEALTH


Black Maternity Health Caucus launched  (PA House/PLBC) Three state lawmakers announced this week the creation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in an effort to find legislative solutions to Pennsylvania’s high rates of Black maternal mortality and morbidity.

PA Medicaid review issues Pennsylvania's wholesale review of Medicaid eligibility for hundreds of thousands of adults and children has been made more difficult by outdated tech, policy issues, and staffing shortages (Spotlight PA)
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-medicaid-chip-health-insurance-covid-pandemic-unwinding/

HOME

Erie City Council passes Erie Rental Housing Ordinance (YourErie)

SafeNet chief applauds domestic violence protections in Erie eviction ordinance (Erie Times-News)

Our Neighbor's Place Seasonal Shelter needs volunteers (EUMA) 

INDIGENOUS

Chronicles: ErieLlhonan part 1 WQLN documentary (2022) Features Miguel Sague Jr. Artist/Educator/Community activist; Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator; Dr Joe Stahlman, Director of Onöhsagwë:de‘ Culture Center; Dr. Will Meyer, Asst. Professor of Anthropology/Archeology at Mercyhurst. WQLN and other PBS affiliates also have programming for Native American Heritage month 

Presentation by Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator Leon Briggs will be at Little Church on the Hill November 24. 10410 High St., Albion PA Free with Q&A afterward.

The Original Peoples Podcast Ongwehonwe 

JUSTICE

CHQ County jail first in NY State to implement IGNITE education rehab program (WIVB)

Casey bill to make hate crimes less deadly (Penn Capital-Star) Sen. Bob Casey has introduced the “Disarm Hate Act.” It would prevent people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from buying or possessing guns. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House. 

LGBTQ+

Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 at 7:30 p.m. at 201 West 11, Erie PA w/ Journey to a Trauma-informed Life Join TransFamily of NWPA "We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings that have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud." In-person and livestream.

Transgiving November 25 from 2-5pm "Potluck with chosen family and TransFamily of NWPA 3104 State w/ Compton's Table at Community Outreach Center

PROJECT NEPTWNE


Erie County Council meeting Oct 17 2023 public comments and vote 
News coverage of meeting and vote (YourErie) 

Why it's a problem
Mary Rennie  Column Oct 16 Erie Times-News) 
Mary Rennie post Oct 18
John Repp: Open letter to Gannon  President Walter Iwanenko Jr.  

Action
Group: Project Minerva "Concerned about recent attacks on the Erie County Library? Please join a group of concerned citizens to discuss our love of the library and efforts to protect this treasure of an institution in the group Project Minerva."
Speak at Council Meetings 
Contact County council members
Online petition: Oppose the lease of the Blasco Library to Gannon University Online petition by Anna McCartney  
Paper petitions from Rock Copeland +++

SCHOOLS

Moms for Liberty meets its match: (Salon) Parents in this Bucks County school district are fighting back 
Grandmas for Love (Curmudgucation) Group pushes back on Moms for Liberty

PA Senate passes bill opponents worry targets books re LGBTQ+ and marginalized people (AP) 


WORKERS

Bill UC for striking workers (Americans for Fair Treatment) 

Whistleblower sues Brenton Davis (Erie Times-News) Lawsuit by Shawn Held alleges he was fired from Edmund Thomas Detention Center about complaint about food served to residents. 

ETC

Baher Ghosheh, Ph.D. "New Americans Book Release Tour Harborcreek Township — 5601 Buffalo Rd., Harborcreek, , November 29 at 6 p.m. Admission: free   

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 ARTS & READS


Live at the Met: The Life and Times of Malcolm X November 18 at Fredonia Opera House https://fredopera.org/product/live-at-the-met-x-the-life-and-times-of-malcolm-x/  and Tinseltown https://www.cinemark.com/theatres/pa-erie/cinemark-tinseltown-erie?showDate=2023-11-18 

Cabaret November  2-4 and 9-11 Penn State Behrend Studio, Erie PA  https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200025710421522

Pittsburgh film festivals: Pittsburgh Shorts, Three rivers https://filmpittsburgh.org/pages/pittsburgh-shorts

Harry T Burleigh Week Burleigh's birthday is observed December 2, check with the City of Erie and Burleigh Legacy Alliance for events surrounding it TBA https://www.burleighlegacyalliance.org/

EARTH

Public input on Coke plant Accepting public comments until November 10, 2023 (Erie Times-News)
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2023/10/13/erie-pa-erie-coke-future-public-comment-condemnation-acquisition-proposal/71152496007/p

Report shows PA needs to boost renewable energy production
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/report-shows-that-pa-needs-to-boost-renewable-energy-production-lawmakers-advocates-say/

East Bayfront Greenway Trail Project (YourErie)
https://www.yourerie.com/news/city-of-erie-offers-update-on-plan-to-fight-blight-with-east-bayfront-greenway-trail-project/

PA Court: State can't join RGGI. (State Impact) Rules climate program is an illegal tax and that the state cannot join RGGI

Proposed solar farm Venango Two (Erie Times- News) This is the best and most accessible I could find for presenting the two sides. 


Hydrogen 
Hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania would help pave the way for decarbonization in the state (NPR) https://www.wesa.fm/2023-10-29/hydrogen-hubs-in-pennsylvania-would-help-pave-the-way-for-decarbonization-in-the-state 
Hydrogen hubs V https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/so-many-ways-hydrogen-can-go-wrong-hub-announcements-viewed-with-caution/  

Officials celebrate Pa.’s two hydrogen hubs but many details remain shrouded in secrecy (Spotlight PA)  https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-hydrogen-hub-josh-shapiro-carbon-energy-jobs-infrastructure/ 

Erie residents voice concerns about former Erie Coke property before condemnation vote
https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/erie-residents-voice-concerns-about-former-erie-coke-property-before-condemnation-vote/

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Library Neptune issue at Erie County Council meeting October 18, 2023
https://youtu.be/kqZAJQrYm-k?si=OgQUyJuIYE13Gi6r
Public comments begin at 1:25 Council discussion and votes 1:30:26

How Pa.'s outdated Election Code could impact 2024 (Spotlight PA) https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-election-code-voting-rules/ 

FOOD

Local non-profits expanding access to food in east Erie with new food bank (YourErie) https://www.yourerie.com/community/local-non-profits-expanding-access-to-food-in-east-erie-with-new-food-bank/

Empty Bowls Project Dec 8 at St Luke's Episcopal Church 404 N Main in Jamestown NY 11am-2pm
https://facebook.com/events/s/empty-bowls-project/1071411950709031/

EFPAC Potluck Erie food policy advisory council meeting 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. November 14th at 10/20 collective 1020 holland, Erie PA. RSVP



HEALTH

Black Maternity Health Caucus launched Three state lawmakers announced this week the creation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in an effort to find legislative solutions to Pennsylvania’s high rates of Black maternal mortality and morbidity.
https://www.pahouse.com/PLBC/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=131087

PA Medicaid Pennsylvania's wholesale review of Medicaid eligibility for hundreds of thousands of adults and children has been made more difficult by outdated tech, policy issues, and staffing shortages 
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/10/pennsylvania-medicaid-chip-health-insurance-covid-pandemic-unwinding/


HOME

Erie City Council passes Erie Rental Housing Ordinance  (YoueErie)

SafeNet chief applauds domestic violence protections in Erie eviction ordinance
  https://news.yahoo.com/safenet-chief-applauds-domestic-violence-081517071.html

Our Neighbor's Place Seasonal Shelter needs volunteers
https://euma-erie.org/programs/our-neighbors-place-shelter.html

INDIGENOUS
Chronicles: ErieLlhonan part 1WQLN documentary (2022) Features Miguel Sague Jr. Artist/Educator/Community activist; Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator; Dr Joe Stahlman, Director of Onöhsagwë:de‘ Culture Center; Dr. Will Meyer, Asst. Professor of Anthropology/Archeology at Mercyhurst
https://www.pbs.org/video/erielhonan-those-who-came-before-part-1-tsttlr/

Presentation by Leon Briggs Tonawanda Seneca Elder and Educator Leon Briggs will be at Little Church on the Hill November 24. 10410 High Street Albion PA Free with Q&A afterward.
https://facebook.com/events/s/native-american-heritage-month/7248035321875835/

The Original Peoples Podcast Ongwehonwe https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-original-peoples-podcast-ongwehonwe/id1606448174


JUSTICE
CHQ County jail first in NY State to implement IGNITE education rehab program (WIVB)
https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/western-new-york/chautauqua-county/chautauqua-county-jail-becoming-1st-in-nys-to-implement-ignite-education-rehab-program/

Facts over Fear: A bill to make hate crimes less deadly (Penn Capital-Star) Sen. Bob Casey has introduced the “Disarm Hate Act.” It would prevent people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from buying or possessing guns. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House.  https://www.penncapital-star.com/videos/facts-over-fear-a-bill-to-make-hate-crimes-less-deadly/

LGBTQ
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 at 7:30 p.m. at 201 West 11, Erie PA w/ Journey to a Trauma-informed Life Join TransFamily of NWPA on Monday, November 20th for Transgender Day of Remembrance. "We will come together to remember and honor our transgender siblings that have been lost to senseless acts of anti-transgender violence, marginalization and stigma by reading their names and short bios aloud." In-person and livestream.

https://facebook.com/events/s/transgender-day-of-remembrance/706294677708760/

Transgiving November 25 2-5pm "potluck with chosen family and TransFamily of NWPA 3104 State w/ Compton's Table at Community Outreach Center

https://www.eriegaynews.com/news/article.php?recordid=202311transgiving&fbclid=IwAR08Ph1bLbD6dsK4ju3tUgDM98kDRXjJDMtzHcP0aZMMSGWt-Ilg37WIaOc

PROJECT NEPTWNE

Erie County Council meeting Oct 17 2023 public comments and vote https://youtu.be/kqZAJQrYm-k?si=_dWoDe7lfeiIV0zZ


ACTION
Group: Project Minerva "Concerned about recent attacks on the Erie County Library? Please join a group of concerned citizens to discuss our love of the library and efforts to protect this treasure of an institution in the group Project Minerva."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1315792252463755/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Speak at Council Meetings https://eriecountypa.gov/meeting-schedule/

Contact County council members
https://eriecountypa.gov/elected-officials/

Petitions.
Oppose the lease of the Blasco Library to Gannon University Online petition by Anna McCartney
https://www.change.org/p/oppose-the-lease-of-the-blasco-library-to-gannon-university?original_footer_petition_id=21070364&algorithm=promoted&source_location=petition_footer&grid_position=8&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uABCAPwIAAAAAZUMC%2BmSUQcQwYjdkYzM0YQ%3D%3D

Paper petitions from Rock Rockland +++


SCHOOLS

Moms for Liberty Alternative (Curmudgucation)
https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/10/pa-one-moms-for-liberty-alternative.html?m=0
https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-public-school-books-law-f80a0b78bfda8b7404ce00fb33adccb2

Workers

Moms for Liberty meets its match: Parents in this swing suburban district are fighting back https://www.salon.com/2023/10/10/moms-for-liberty-meets-its-match-parents-in-this-swing-suburban-district-are-fighting-back/ 


Moms for Liberty Alternative (Curmudgucation)
https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/10/pa-one-moms-for-liberty-alternative.html?m=0
https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-public-school-books-law-f80a0b78bfda8b7404ce00fb33adccb2

Workers
Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee advanced legislation that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits. The bill comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar bill last month. (Americans for Fair Treatment
h
https://americansforfairtreatment.org/2023/10/26/pa-legislation-to-give-striking-workers-unemployment-benefits-passes-first-hurdle/
whistleblower

ETC

Ida Tarbell birthday Nov 5 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ida_Tarbell  Born and raised in NWPA, her investigative journalism would among other things contribute to the dissolution of Standard Oil as a monopoly and lead to the Clayton Antitrust Act.

Baher Ghosheh, Ph.D. "New Americans Book Release Tour  Harborcreek Township — 5601 Buffalo Rd., Harborcreek, , November 29 at 6:00 p.m. Admission: FREE  Demographic Trends and Immigration Patterns in Erie, Pennsylvania (1960-2023)
https://www.jeserie.org/events/details/satellite-location-harborcreek-new-americans-book-release-tour


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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

TEST

 ELECTIONS


Write-In +++

Guide to PA judicial elections 2023 (Spotlight PA) 

Erie County Council candidates (Erie times News)

Erie County Council sues Brenton Davis over alleged illegal increase of 2023 budget (AJ Roe/ETN via Yahoo)

Promoting public participation (Liz Allen/Erie Reader) "How to become a local government watchdog" How the average citizen can be engaged with their local government.

NY laws strengthening early voting, other measures (WRFA)

Conversation with Val Demings and Michael Steele November 13 at 7:30 p.m. Gannon University, Yehl Ballroom in Waldron Campus Center – 124 W. 7th St. Erie, PA  Host: Jefferson Ed Society

Commonwealth Court new test to determine if social media posts subject to Right to Know Law request (JD Supra) Penncrest School District. v. Cagle, 293 A.3d 783 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2023).


ARTS & FESTS


Poetry Park Dedication  "The Trinity Square Foundation recently sponsored a block party at the East 22nd Street Poetry Park in honor of Sister Mary Lou Kownacki and Sister Mary Miller, the creators of the park, who both died earlier this year."

Werner Books grand re-opening (Erie Reader) Reviews the expansion of locally-owned Werner Books, including a listing of book clubs and events and the new café

Killers Of The Flower Moon opens October 20. Directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, based on the 2017 nonfiction book of the same name, about a series of murders in the Osage Nation during the 1920s, committed after oil was discovered on tribal land. (Locally Tinseltown and Lakewood Cinema) 

At Fredonia Opera House: Oct 28 - Live at the Met: Dead Man Walking Fredonia Opera House 1pm Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer $10-$158

Amanda Gorman at U of B Speaker series March 26 

EARTH

Transportation Department Suspends Trump-Era LNG 'Bomb Trains' Rule (Common Dreams) Plan to export PA natural gas by rail sidetracked by feds (Penn Capital Star)

PA expanded environmental justice policy in effect September (WHYY)

Gannon Reads Speaker: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Book Title - "What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City" Location: Warner Theater, Erie, PA Oct 24 at 7:30 p.m, free. Pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis reads from her new book. Host: Jefferson Ed. Society 

Climate speaker at YSU Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, an advocate, leader, activist and hip-hop artist, presents speaks 6 p.m. October 16 in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center at YSU..

Benedictine sister interview about Glinodo goats (ENN) 

FOOD

Second Harvest annual Empty Bowls event October 19, 2023, from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM. at 1507 Grimm Dr, Erie, PA $25/reserved $30 door

Ashtabula local food festival Harvest in the Harbor will take place Oct 8, 10am to 4pm 

HOME

Manual: Promoting Housing Stability Through Just Cause Eviction Legislation


Councilwoman Susannah Faulkner report on Erie Rental Housing Ordinance at City Council 9/20/23 mtg Starts at 56:33, describing the 3 tenets of the ordinance and the work she and Councilwoman Flores have been doing meeting with tenants 

Landlord association response (ETN via Yahoo) 

JUSTICE

$50,000 payment settles federal lawsuit over EPD officer's punching of motorist.  (Erie Times-News) Article also includes other settlements in lawsuits against EPD

Heather McGhee author of The Sum of Us will speak at U of B Speaker series Feb 20. 

REMOVAL

Johnstown banishment commemorated On September 7th 1923, up to 2,000 Black and Mexican residents of Johnstown were ordered by Klan-backed mayor to leave Johnstown, at gunpoint, given less than 24 hours to do so.  Author presentation from 2020 (Corey McDevitt, "Banished from Johnstown). 

Senecas hold Remember the Removal event (Salamanca Press ) "...59th Remember the Removal program at the Red House Bridge over the Allegheny River that once connected vibrant native communities. The program remembers the forced removal of Seneca families from the Allegheny River Valley to make way for the Allegheny Reservoir after the construction of the Kinzua dam in the mid-1960s." 

ROE

Ohio Issue 1 "The only thing stopping a total abortion ban from taking effect in Ohio is your yes. Vote on Issue 1 on November 7."
~Elizabeth Walters, Ohio Democratic Party chair

SCHOOLS

Lawmakers look for answers to fix Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional school funding system (Penn Capital Star) A panel of 15 lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s deputies will recommend how to make public education more equitable

Dream Town by Laura Meckler  is an examination of racial inequality in Shaker heights OH education. Fresh Air interview read or listen (NPR)

Right wing dark money involved in voucher issue (Curmudgucation)

Opinion: School vouchers in Pennsylvania would violate the principles of ‘public’ education By Marc Stier   (Penn Capital-Star)

What It Means That Florida Will Allow Conservative PragerU Content in Schools (Time) 

SPIRIT

"Engagement in the Public Square, a Spiritual Practice" a presentation by Mary Novak, director of NETWORK Catholic Social Justice Lobby, October, 7:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul on West 7th Street in Erie. Mary will also be the featured speaker for the Benedictine Sisters and Oblates Community Weekend on Saturday, October 28. https://networklobby.org/

Tree of Life’s Rabbi Jeffrey Myers on closure (Jewish Chronicle Times of Israel) "We are left to ask whether this outcome will bring closure. And what does closure even look like? How do we heal after this re-traumatization? How does a faith community like ours move forward after such a tragedy?"

Sister Joan Chittister presentation at Living the Discipleship of Equals, will be streamed live from Rome on Friday, October 13, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Hosted by Spirit Unbounded, a new international network of reform-minded Catholics. Prof Mary McAleese will join Sister Joan as a keynote speaker.

WORK

NY Worker rights laws

Child labor reports spike in PA (Penn Capital Star) 

"Remembering the Coal War"  
Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor, Youngtown Ohio. Free and open to the public. October 4 - November 30


 

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Saturday, August 26, 2023

SEPTEMBER

 ARTS


The Brothers Size at Dramashop runs between September. 15 and October 1 by Tarell Alvin McCraney ("Moonlight") "Flights of poetry, music, dance, and West African mythology combine in a contemporary tale that explores the tenuousness of freedom and the need to belong somewhere, to something, to someone. " 

September 7- 13 ReelAbilities Film Fest at the Pittsburgh Playhouse (with select films screening virtually) "award-winning films that promote awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of individuals with disabilities. " 

Celebration of Nations Sept 8-10 St Catherines, Ontario Canada. "Niagara’s annual Indigenous arts gathering that celebrates creativity, diversity and resilience" 

Dead Man Walking will be presented at Fredonia Opera House Oct 28 at 1pm. Live at the Met production. 

Buffalo International Film Festival Oct 5-9 

Art exhibit: "Not Gay" at SUNY Fredonia, Marion Art Gallery. "charts the energy and vitality of trans identifications across a range of art works stretching from the immediate post-World War II period to the present day." Opens Aug. 29 Free and public.


EARTH

Greystone Nature Preserve Fredonia NY https://www.greystonenaturepreserve.com/ I had the pleasure of meeting owners and peace activist Diane Clark and Bill Moran when the Golden Rule anti-nuke tour stopped in Erie in August. Bill extended an invitation to local folks to come and visit their preserve (RSVP). May thru October

Lake Erie, Our Kin Panel Discussion 7pm Sept 7 at (Jefferson Ed. Society satellite location ) Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT)—650 East Ave. Suite 120, Erie, PA  Free. With filmmakers John C. Lyons and Melissa Troutman; Russ Taylor (retired educator and chair of Our Water, Our Air Our Rights); Jenny Tompkins (PennFurture campaign manager for Clean Water).
 
French Creek Conservancy: September 9 Annual French Creek Clean Up 11am and 3pm. October 1 Walk in Penn's Woods

September 13 Environmental Forum: Issues impacting Lake Erie Unitarian Universalist Cong. of Erie 7180 Perry highway 7:30 p.m. https://uuerie.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/August-2023-Beacon.pdf Speakers include Sara Stahlman (PA Sea Grant), Sherri Mason (Director of Sustainability PS Behrend) , and Kristen Currier (Erie Co. Conservation District), moderated by Jenny Tompkins (Penn Future)

3 "bombshell" studies on PA fracking and health (Penn Capital Star) 

Erie and Meadville Local Climate Plan MPO Sarah Feldman sustainability coordinator for City of Erie Jenny Thompkins 10 future? Climate action plan greenhouse gas inventory mpo board meeting committee
6/21/23 starts at 10:00 edp7WVQHnw https://youtu.be/9Iditev98bI

Report: Erie Coke contaminated Lake Erie shoreline (Erie Times-News) ' It concludes: "In general, the site can be considered a potential threat to human health and the environment."'  Letter from Hold Erie Coke Accountable (HECA)

ELECTIONS & GOVERNANCE

Demstock 2023 wrap up (Politics PA)

PA fake electors (Billy Penn) what they're up to now

Ohio issue 1 commentary from Brookings   and The 19th 


How to hold officials accountable (Spotlight PA) 

FOOD

College Food insecurity (Mercyhurst) 

Universal breakfast for PA students (City & State PA) 

List of local farmers markets (Erie Reader) 

Ashtabula Local Food Guide 2023 

HOME & COMMUNITY


Councilwoman Faulkner discusses housing initiatives at 42:30 at City Council meeting Aug +++) , She also discussed eviction ordinance and invited landlords and tenants to public comments at Sept 6 meeting also gave her city cell # 814-602-1031 https://youtu.be/YZ-FsIA7JTg

Common Roots offers renting co-op in Meadville (ENN)

JUSTICE

Why judicial campaigns matter  (Penn Capital-Star)

Erie Police Dept crisis unit update (ENN)

PA State Police: body camera initiative (City & State) PSP can't hide social media monitoring methods (AP)  

Frederick Douglass's Gettysburg Address Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St., Erie, PA September 26 at 7:00 p.m. 



SCHOOLS


PA students get universal free breakfast (WBNG)

Men of the Community public comments speak at Erie City Council Aug 2, 2023 starts at 7:55


TRUMP INFESTATION

DSA peacefully protests with food drive (Erie News Now)


MAGA grooming: Young children in cult training at trump rally (TYT) "this is grooming" ~ +++ Small children chant Let's Go Brandon as proud MAGA mom watches  13-yr-old head of JFK/QAnon cult speaks at rally
More Perfect Union Interviewer speaks with Trump supporters who aren't in the cult, responses interesting and (almost) reason for hope. 

MAGA interviewer backpedals after cult member vows to "kill them all" (Newsweek)

WORKING PEOPLE

Women at Work Exhibit Opening September 14 at 6pm 151 W Wood St, Youngstown, OH. "This exhibit is based on the experiences that area women had working outside the home. Free and open to the public." Reserve: 330-941-1314; Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor

Railroads resist safety hotline (AP)

Interning at PPG strike newspaper (Teen Vogue) "In this op-ed, an intern for the Pittsburgh Union Progress talks about her experience at a strike paper."

GEMISH

Free Narcan distribution monthly at Trilogy Wellness 3123 W. 12th St., Erie. 11am to 2pm. September 11th, October 9th, November 6th, December 4th

SEPT - latter

✰ CAMPAIGN ACTIONS 2026 ✰ How to get involved 🔵 Justin Wagner for Congress (PA-16)   🔵 PA Dems   🔵 Mobilize.us   🔵 Indivisible: Hand...