CONTENTS From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. MARCH 2021 A place at the table Editors-in-Chief his issue, we’re taking ourselves out for an an- Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Erie’s Independent Alternative niversary dinner. Managing Editor Publication Turns 10 – 4 Make that 11 — one for each of the 10 years Nick Warren A Reader retrospective on a decade of issues, T Copy Editor the Erie Reader has been in print (since 2011), with a Matt Swanseger and the people who made them happen much-deserved bonus for our most recent jubilee. Contributing Editors A Clear Lesson – 7 Almost exactly a year ago, we published our last reg- Ben Speggen ular biweekly print edition before COVID-19 rudely Jim Wertz Erie Coke closure proves impact of slapped the serving platter out of our hands and left Contributors concerted environmentalist efforts us picking up the pieces. The theme of that publica- Liz Allen tion, ironically, was “The Food Issue,” with “10 of Erie’s John Bavaro A Touch of the Tucci in Erie – 8 Can’t Miss Dishes’’ as the main entree. The date that Charles Brown Jonathan Burdick Italian food traditions abound here issue hit the stands — March 11, 2020 — was inciden- Symoné Crockett tally also the same day the World Health Organiza- Anne Helms Tough as a Mother: Working Moms Fight tion declared the novel coronavirus a global pandem- Ally Kutz For Balance During the Pandemic – 10 ic. Christopher Lantinen Tommy Link Moms living and working in Erie County report long Anyone in the restaurant industry could tell you Brad Pattullo hours and mom-guilt throughout the pandemic about what it is to be knocked off balance — odd and Dan Schank unusual requests, finicky or belligerent customers, Melissa Sullivan Shimek RUSafe App Gives Life-saving call-offs and no-shows, broken equipment and miss- Ryan Smith Forest Taylor Help to Abuse Victims – 12 ing ingredients — it’s all just part of the business. Bryan Toy Free interactive app identifies key signals of But shutdown orders and empty dining rooms for Marie Turko months on end? For most, the effect has been seis- Amy VanScoter abuse in intimate partner relationships mic; for some, it’s shattered their entire operations. Larry Wheaton Hannah Wyman Female Journalism Takes Flight – 14 Around 9,600 Erie County jobs were lost in the leisure and hospitality sector by the time the Reader ran its Photographer Barbara Hawley reached new altitudes Jessica Hunter next issue on May 20 of last year. Some of those jobs for her profession in Erie Intern have since been recouped, but compared to other ar- Kimberly Firestine Romolo Chocolates in Master Class of Its Own – 16 eas of the country, recovery has been — as they say Cover Design on the barbecue circuit — low and slow. Nick Warren Four generations of immaculate confections It’s 2021 now, and the thematic lazy Susan has spun 11 Can’t Miss Dishes Around Town – 20 all the way back around to “The Food Issue” — an- 1001 State St. Suite 1315 other multi-course meal of tasty features celebrating Erie, Pa., 16501 Must-try menu selections from the Erie area local fare, because supporting area restaurants not [email protected] Dan Kern Has Something New to Say – 23 only feeds our bellies, but also a vital segment of our economy and our culture. Sit down to a home-cooked The Erie Reader is published every The chef reflects on the decade of 1201 other week and distributed at over Italian feast with Liz Allen. Visit the most magnif- 350 high foot-traffic locations in Kitchen and teases out his new venture icent chocolate factory this side of Willy Wonka as Pennsylvania from North East to John’s Wildwood Pizza Is Warming Up – 24 Matt Swanseger checks in with perennial Best of Girard to Edinboro. In addition to Erie winner Romolo Chocolates, where confectionery appearing in print, Erie Reader The much-loved local pizzeria sets their is an art form. Meanwhile, Ben Speggen catches up adds new content daily at ErieReader.com as well as social sights on an Edinboro reopening with another noted culinary artist, Dan Kern, about media sites. All rights reserved. All his next venture after 1201 Kitchen (where the Erie content © Flagship Multimedia, Movie Reviews – 27 Reader Launch Party was held, by the way, on March Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 1315, Malcolm and Marie and Fern 28, 2011). Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this You’ll have to wait a while for that to open (Labor publication may be reproduced Book Reviews – 28 Day-ish), but in the meantime there are still myri- without permission. The opinions Nonfiction from Talia Lavin and Melissa Gould of our columnists and contributors ad ways to support local — may we recommend the are their own and do not always Our Monthly Podcast Picks – 31 11 “Can’t Miss Dishes” we alluded to earlier? And no reflect that of the editorial board matter whether you’re ready to resume dining in or or organization. Direct sales Too Long, Didn’t Watch, You’re Wrong would rather continue carrying out, be sure to pro- inquiries to 814.314.9364. For About, and Stuff You Should Know pose a toast to the women in your life. Although editorial inquiries, email contact@ ErieReader.com. March is when we officially observe Women’s History Keep It Classy And Buttoned Up With blouses. – 32 Month, we all know that without them, there is no Local post-hardcore band formed during history. The Reader certainly wouldn’t be what it is quarantine has a killer new album to show for it today without all the immensely talented females who have contributed their thoughts, words, artistry, Music Reviews – 34 expertise, and insights over the years. Random Union, music inspired by Judas Cheers to the significant impacts women make each and the Black Messiah, Tomahawk, and every day, in our homes, in their professions, and Fred Oakman and Donny Cosla toward the betterment of everyone. And cheers to you for reading — it is because of you that we still Crossword Puzzle – 35 have a place at the community table. We savor the op- The latest stumper from David Levinson Wilk portunity to continue to serve you for years to come. March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 “ WE ARE 50 MY VOICE NO LONGER TELLS ME THAT I CAN’T, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I CAN. - CHRISTINE Christine lost*

*Actual client. These results may vary. 32 lbs and improved mood, sleep, and energy Meals on Wheels Erie is celebrating 50 years of serving nutritious meals and delivering FREE IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS groceries to the Seniors in the County!

FREE HORMONE ASSESSMENT: www.BeBalancedCenters.com 5031 Peach Street, Erie, PA 452-6930 814.636.5081 www.mealsonwheelserie.org

Civic Leadership Academy 2021 The Jefferson Educational Society, Erie’s think tank for community progress, is looking for leaders to join the 2021 Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy. The program prepares Erie professionals, ages 25 to 45, for meaningful, fulfilling, and impactful engagement in their community by providing a dynamic and unique environment. The Leadership Academy fosters teamwork, growth, and learning through a transformative experience for those seeking to be change-agents for their community.

Employers benefit by having employees enhance their leadership skills while developing their abilities to work in teams. In addition, employers gain access to a broad network of prominent contacts, as their employees participate in this collaborative experience. A In 2019 the Civic Leadership Academy Cohort total of 144 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Academy since 2015. in Harrisburg with Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. Take the next step now: Enroll in the Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy! To apply visit JESErie.org or call 814.459.8000 4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 NEWS & VIEWS

Erie’s Independent Alternative Publication Turns 10 A Reader retrospective on a decade of issues, and the people who made them happen CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

people would pick it up free of charge. The original Erie Reader team — (left to right) By: Ben Speggen So whether you say March 28 or Jaimen Gallo, Brian Graham, Ben Speggen, and Adam Welsh — poses with Volume 1, en years ago, on what would have March 30, at the end of March 2021, Issue 1 during the publication’s launch party been an otherwise quiet Mon- say “Happy birthday,” because the Erie at 1201 Kitchen on March 28, 2011. Tday in March in Downtown Erie, Reader is turning 10. Pennsylvania, a crowd began to gather At the beginning, the lead-up to in its heart. As the people poured into the launch had been months in the weeklies for years — why couldn’t and 1201 Kitchen, drinks began flowing out making. Erie native Adam Welsh, one why shouldn’t Erie have one, too? from behind the bar and food out of of the Reader’s co-founders and edi- Thus came the plan: Study the indus- the basement kitchen below. There was tors-in-chief, had returned to Erie from try by scoping out every member of the music buzzing. But so were conversa- San Diego to both be closer to his fam- AAN (Association of Alternative News- tions. ily and raise his own. Upon beginning weeklies, which we admired then and The chief indicator of what was the again in Erie, Adam, an avid reader of are a proud member of now), and build topic du jour: Copies of a new newspa- the San Diego Reader, headed to news- out the team. Adam and Brian recruit- per strewn throughout the restaurant paper stands to find its Lake Erie coun- ed another childhood friend, Jaimen and clutched in the hands of those terpart. He came up empty-handed, but Gallo, who designed the first iteration talking. full of inspiration. He would create it — of ErieReader.com and the early covers On March 28, 2011, the Erie Reader the Erie Reader. of the print publication, as well as ads, held its official launch party, announc- Not long after, childhood friend and and more. ing to the community that a vacant fellow Erie expat, who had, as Horace Next up, they met with local universi- seat at the media table in Erie would Greeley over a century earlier advised, ty faculty members to scout local pros- be now filled by an alternative, inde- also gone west as a young man, Brian pects. They got my name and number pendent publication. Two days later, Graham plotted the course back to Erie and gave me a call and set up a meeting, the core of the Reader team would be to begin toiling on the business plan: and in January 2011, I joined the crew in their cars in the early hours of that Create a free publication that would as the Reader’s first managing editor, Wednesday, March 30 morning, driving serve as an independent voice in the serving in that post for 122 issues be- the new newspaper throughout the community to cover news and politics fore transitioning to a contributing county to various locations, from gas and arts and culture. editor role. Katie Chriest served at the stations to grocery stores, from bars to After all, cities and towns and metros helm for the next year before passing banks, libraries to restaurants, where throughout the country have had alt the mantle on to Nick Warren, who cel-

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS ebrates his 100th issue at the managing and Jim Wertz holding the other con- to our Great Lakes Online Media part- What does the future hold? We don’t editor post with this very issue. tributing editor post opposite myself. ners at Epic Web Studios. know. But we’ll be there to report on In between then and now, there have Along the way, the Reader’s launched Other milestones and memories? Like it, to help make sense of it, to be a con- been numerous contributors deserv- perennial marquee issues: Year-End the talented contributors, there are versation starter, to be the trusted re- ing of praise for their contributions Reviews (2011), 40 Under 40 (2013), and many. The Reader has hosted political source you’ve come to know over the — from in-depth cover features on is- Best of Erie (2014), launching more in- debates and taken two swings at TV past 10 years. sues running the gamut of fracking in tuitive voting platforms and hosting shows. We’ve sold T-shirts and beach Twice we’ve printed the Horace Gree- Northwestern Pennsylvania, celebrity Best of Erie Experience parties (which towels. Our writers’ work has been fea- ley quote: “Journalism will kill you, interviews, and much, much more; to succeeded early attempts at hosting tured in national outlets and we got a but it will keep you alive while you’re reviews of restaurants, movies, albums; NYE parties), as well as 40 Under 40 Ex- mention in the bestselling Our Towns at it,” first in our 100th issue and again to coverage of upcoming events and perience parties in collaboration with by James and Deborah Fallows. There in our 200th. theater reviews; to local, regional, and Young Erie Professionals. The Reader have been myriad interviews from While there have been late nights national political commentary and features more thematic issues these other local media outlets, including and early mornings, heated discus- analysis; and so much more. days — from the annual Food Issue to one in which a certain piece of art had sions, and impassioned arguments, In many ways, the anatomy of the the Innovation, Industry, and Entre- to be blurred out on air. Yes, we have the trade we labor at and love hasn’t Reader has remained the same over the preneurs (I2E) Issue, to annual looks an eclectic task of art on the walls of killed us yet. And the Reader’s still past 10 years — a backbone of events- at the Jefferson Educational Society’s the Reader offices — which began in very much alive with the passion and based coverage, fleshed out with sto- Global Summit Speaker Series, to Feb- a shoebox-sized space in the Masonic commitment to the cause it had from ries and features concentrated at the ruary’s focus on Black History. Temple before graduating up into big- the start. hyperlocal level. In addition to finding the Reader on ger space there before launching over So, as the second decade of the Read- In other ways, the Reader’s grown and stands, these days you can also find it to the Renaissance Center, first on the er begins, thank you, Reader readers. evolved throughout the years — add- in your inbox with a weekly newsletter ninth floor, later on the 13th. Thank you for all of your support, ing its first editorial cartoonist, Bryan highlighting contents of the current is- But before that, it was working from your criticism, and your encourage- Toy, in June 2012 and now boasting five sue as well as online-only features and homes, out of apartments, and houses ment; onward and upward and into today. There were more columnists in articles. The website predates the print with a Post Office box at the Pony -Ex the future we push. the early days, yet more reviewers now. product (who remembers the count- press on Eighth Street. Today, produc- Today, Jessica Hunter serves in the down clock!?), and several generations tion is once again happening remotely Ben Speggen can be contacted newly created publishing & new media in, it’s more responsive, easier to use, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, which at bSpeggen@ErieReader. role, with Matt Swanseger functioning and features dedicated space now for has taken a toll on the media industry com, and you can follow him as the publication’s vital copy editor, some of those marquee pillars, thanks as a whole, the Reader included. on Twitter @BenSpeggen PREVENTABLE. TREATABLE. BEATABLE. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to draw attention to colon cancer and the importance of preventative screenings. Getting screened for colorectal cancer can help us prevent and detect cancer early. Talk with your doctor about screening options and when you should get started.

Brian Viviano, D.O. William H. Wismer, D.O. Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologist (814) 866-6835 (814) 866-6835

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 NEWS & VIEWS A Clear Lesson Erie Coke closure proves impact of concerted environmentalist efforts

Since the shutdown of Erie Coke in December 2019, the surrounding parison to the benzene levels in the area environment has shown promising signs while the plant was operating. After the of recovery, including the appearance of plant closed, the air monitors did not several migratory bird species that had not capture any benzene concentrations been seen in the area previously. That said, the conscientious cleanup and repurposing above the EPA action level. of this vital bayfront real estate is critical. Long-time, long-term birdwatcher and HECA co-leader Dr. Mike Campbell has happily reported several new and ex- could enjoy. Instead what we have got- citing bird species in the vicinity of Erie ten at this point is a hotel, a convention Coke, including red-headed woodpeck- center, and more impervious parking lot ers and urban raptors like the Cooper’s surfaces. Stevens believed, based on the hawk. The thousands of purple mar- Convention Authority’s presentation, tins congregating at the Lampe Marina the most likely future use of the proper- against the backdrop of Erie Coke on ty would include private condominiums August evenings without the blight from

NICK WARREN which would block the lake forever from behind from Erie Coke’s exhaust were the public view. doubly a joy to behold from the South By: Anne Helms the toxic contaminants on site had been While the Erie Coke property is situat- Pier. Migrating birds are the proverbial rie Coke’s closure coming on the encapsulated instead of removed. ed in an industrial enclave, it is a prime canary in the coal mine. When they are back of the GAF closure is another Wells’ admission draws new attention piece of real estate along Lake Erie. It is absent in an area that would otherwise Eblow to Erie’s Rust Belt heritage in to the post-remediation plans purchas- paramount that Erie does not sleepwalk support them, there is reason to be con- the minds of many long-time residents. ers are required to have under Act 2 through the cleanup process this time cerned about the pollution levels in the A sentimental trip back into Erie’s past of the Land Recycling Act, which sets around. We have the GAF property as area. When they return, it is usually con- reminds us that Erie made fantastically guidelines for compliance for contami- a reminder of what happens when not sidered a sign the quality of the habitat cool stuff from the late 1800s to the 1950s nated properties. There is a possibility enough residents actively take an inter- of an area is improving. Building another like steam boilers, pumps, and engines. It the carcinogenic coal tar was not encap- est in the process. According to the Erie industrial site on the former Erie Coke is easy to get lost in the magnificence of sulated with public health in mind, given Reader, even though over 100 people at- property requiring a Title V Air Permit all that machinery we made right here in the fact the coal tar came back up to sur- tended the Convention Authority’s meet- could very well bring back the malodors, Erie and believe we used to be great while face five years after the cleanup in a high ing, it was not enough and simply too late haze, and associated potentially toxic simultaneously lamenting the so-called lake level event. A closer look should be to have any impact. If the residents of residual waste created during the man- decline of the region. Unfortunately, that taken at what was done to remediate the Erie are waiting for a meeting for some- ufacturing process. It could also poten- nostalgic view of Erie as a booming man- property and whether it met the stan- one to show us the plans for the Erie tially reverse the improvements made ufacturing town neglects just how dirty dards for future use. Residents are now Coke property, then we may forfeit our in wildlife diversity and further degrade the lake was in the late 1970s and early left questioning whether the GAF prop- right to have a say in what happens. The the quality of habitat for thousands of ‘80s as a result of almost a century of erty is safe — will coal tar leak into the lesson learned from GAF’s closure is that migrating birds. intense heavy industry. In one 1975 EPA bay whenever the water table rises in a we as citizens need to take a much higher The enduring lesson from HECA’s cou- report, the lake was described as “brown storm event? As Erie Coke’s site lies dor- degree of active interest in the cleanup rageous stand against Erie Coke is that a and fetid.” Not only was the lake brown mant awaiting cleanup operations, we and development of former industrial homegrown environmental organization but the air was brown, too. The air was need to ask ourselves if we want another properties. can have a tremendous impact on events. practically unbreathable in the central DEP approved cleanup which may not Currently the EPA is in charge of the HECA’s activities influenced Erie City and city and immediate outskirts which was have been executed in a manner to pro- cleanup of hazardous and residual County Councils to sponsor a resolution home to many manufacturing sites in- tect public health. waste on the property, which is expect- against Erie Coke’s pollution, forced the cluding Bucyrus-Erie, American Steriliz- As with any former industrial site, not ed to take up to a year to complete. At DEP to sit up and take notice, and had er, Hammermill, and Erie Coke. only are we concerned about the poten- no point should we back down from helped facilitate federally sponsored air Each time an industrial plant goes out tial for uncontained contamination on holding all interested parties responsi- monitoring prior to shut down. We can in Erie, residents are always left talking the Erie Coke property to cause harm to ble for the execution of proper cleanup. work together to make this a livable city about the same set of problems and solu- residents and wildlife, we are also con- The changes down on the Bayfront are for all its residents, but it requires hard tions. There are cries for the cleanup to cerned about what happens to that prop- already tangible. In fact, one of the most work and dedication. The dream of a 21st be done right mixed among the visions erty in the future. It is worth revisiting visible changes on the Bayfront after century high-tech green economy will for the future use of the property. In the Erie Reader’s 2012 article by Jay Stevens Erie Coke ceased operations is the lack not come by osmosis or accident. Folks, case of GAF, we learned belatedly that the on the Convention Authority’s plan for of haze over the corner of the Bayfront we have to take a stand against polluters cleanup performed by Environmental development of the former GAF proper- and East Bay Drive. The air is visibly and be more active in lobbying for the Planning and Design of Pittsburgh may ty. The article made clear the current ho- clearer and does not carry the charac- kind of city we want, or we will be look- not have been satisfactory. As YourErie. tel and convention center does not even teristic odor of tar and rotten eggs. The ing at another GAF in the making. com reported in August 2019, tar that was come close to the kind of trendy down- air monitors the DEP installed along the supposedly sealed underground came town space envisioned by local architects southern border of the property showed Anne Helms is the owner of Tri-State bubbling back up to the surface. Casey Kidder and Wachter Architecture and De- a significant drop in the benzene levels Urban Mining and was a member of Wells, the director of the Erie Convention sign. Their plan called for market space in the 2 months of continuous readings the environmental activism group Authority, admitted to YourErie some of with a central attraction which everyone performed after the plant closed in com- Hold Erie County Accountable.

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & VIEWS A Touch of the Tucci in Erie Italian food traditions abound here

(from left to right) Sam Barzano of South Erie Pizza, a fixture near the corner of West 26th and Myrtle until its closing in 1984; a spaghetti dinner at Villa Maria Academy during the 1960s; former Erie Times-News food writer Rhonda Schember; and Geri Cicchetti's family members, Brian and Emily Carlin, making pizza at the Napoli Notte 2 Pizzeria and Ristorante in Naples, Italy.

from Calabria. “Growing up in our family meant there was never a short- age of good Italian food. It was a given,” she said. “Our grand- parents, aunts, and uncles all loved to cook and throughout the ’40s and ’50s, various mem- bers of the family at one time or another owned the A & J Di- nor on West 26th and Elmwood and then later the Rathskel- ler’s on State Street.” In 1958, her parents encour- aged her older brother, also named Sam, to finish college and become a history teacher. But after two years at Gan- non College, Sam Barzano left school to buy a small pizza shop at West 26th and Myrtle CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS streets. “Although disappoint- By: Liz Allen their roots to most of Italy’s 20 2008, he named it after his oth- Mary Ida Martone. Her family ed that their only son decided regions, I realized it would be er grandmother, who still lives started DiMichael’s Pizza on to quit college and risk all of atching Stanley Tuc- impossible to identify all the in Mayville. He kept the Cop- West 18th Street in 1947, using his savings on a pizza shop, ci’s new TV series, geographic influences on Ital- pola name when he opened his her mother’s fresh-dough rec- my mom and dad continued to WSearching for Italy, ian food in Erie, with its rich fresh-dough Erie pizzeria in ipe. “This little pizza shop was support Sam by lending their I found myself craving a slice cultural connection with the January 2020. truly unique for the times,” culinary expertise and offer- of fresh mozzarella, a sliver of entire country. One new pizza “A big deciding factor was her brother, the late Ray Di- ing to help develop many of imported prosciutto, maybe a place, though, made it easy: that it had been a pizzeria for a Michael, told me for a feature the delicious menu items at his chunk of aged provolone. Coppola’s Pizzeria, 1042 W. 26th long time,” he said, referring to series on Little Italy in 1988. small but ever-growing busi- In addition to his acting ca- St., in the former Lucchetti’s, the former Lucchetti’s. “People from all over the city ness,” she said. reer, Tucci is also a celebrated includes a green, white and red But his business location became curious, and once they In 1968, her father left his job cookbook author, and on his map of Italy, with a star in the is also paired with tradition. tasted their first pizza pie, they in the maintenance depart- lush and lovely TV show, he’s middle and the name “Collopi- “We use a lot of Italian recipes became regular customers,” he ment at Villa Maria Academy eating his way through Naples etro.” from my grandma. She showed said. to join his son’s business. Sadly, and the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Luke Andriaccio, Coppola’s me how to make sauce, how Julie Barzano Monocello also she said, her father died sud- Bologna, Milan, Tuscany, and owner, explained that his ma- to make fresh bread,” said An- comes from a family with a sto- denly in 1972, before South Erie Sicily. The final two episodes ternal grandmother, Antoi- driaccio, 36. “There’s a lot of ried tradition of introducing Pizza moved from the south air on CNN at 9 p.m. on March nette Coppola, came to this heritage there,” he said as he Erieites to great Italian food. side of West 26th Street to 14 and March 21; the series has country at age four from Col- recalled his grandmother’s “Watching the [Tucci] spe- the north side of 26th Street. been picked up for another lopietro, a tiny village on an Sunday dinners, when she’d cial made me hungry for my The restaurant had its grand season for 2022. Italian hillside. Andriaccio’s plant an Italian flag on top of mom’s sauce and meatballs,” opening in the new location in Tucci’s show inspired me to Restaurant in Mayville, N.Y., al- the food before they said grace. said Monocello, the daughter December 1974 and continued research the regional tastes of ready bears the name of his fa- My search for the history of first-generation Italians there until it closed 10 years Italy available in Erie. ther Mark’s side of the family. of Italian food in Erie led me Sam and Grace Barzano. Her later. But when I learned that Erie’s So when Luke opened a pizza to my recipe box, for a hand- father’s family came from Na- “Folks around here still re- Italian immigrants can trace place in Bemus Point, N.Y., in written recipe for pizza from ples; her mom’s parents were member and talk about the

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 NEWS & VIEWS place,” said Monocello, who sauce?’” East, where “every family cel- night to come home for din- dough with a little bit of sauce, is retired from the Millcreek His bride wondered if she had ebration centered around food ner,” she said. topped by mozzarella and ba- School District. Recently, she done something wrong. On the and the kitchen table,” she said. Her mother’s family came sil, then baked in searing hot and her brother were walking contrary. “I said, ‘You made my That custom isn’t unique to from San Lucido in Calabria; oven. at the Millcreek Mall. “A gen- mother’s sauce!’” he said. “I Italians. “Every ethnicity has her father’s people were from “This is just simple and tleman yelled to us, ‘Hey, Sam, asked her what she did differ- their favorites, and most have Petruro in Abruzzo, Italy. wholesome, just the basics,” I want a half order of cheese ently. She said, ‘I figured your never been written down,” she Cicchetti, the director of ad- she said. “It was fabulous.” and pep — and cut it in four mother never measured a tea- said. The next generation is vancement at the Hagen His- By the way, Cicchetti means pieces because I can’t eat six,’’’ spoon, a tablespoon,’” his wife left to piece together the rec- tory Center, has a special affec- “little meal,” said Ann Carlin. the guy joked. Her brother is told him. “She just dumped it ipes from notes on scraps of tion for Tucci’s Searching for “And we don’t do little meals,” now in his 80s but “absolutely in and that’s what Carol does. paper. Italy series, because she and she joked. Nevertheless, little loves it when his customers re- It turns out the same every Rhonda Schember’s roots in her extended family traveled ones are learning about the member him. He is so proud of time.” North East are a good remind- to Naples and the breathtak- family traditions. Her son Bri- those South Erie days.” His wife still makes about er that Italian immigrants ing Amalfi Coast in May 2018, an has already introduced her Immigrant parents and five gallons of sauce every 10 didn’t just settle in Little Italy to celebrate her nephew Bri- nine-month-old grandson to grandparents are known to days or so. “She puts it in plas- on the city of Erie’s west side. an’s 30th birthday and Geri’s ravioli, spaghetti, and meat- encourage their offspring to tic bags and freezes it. Every Marlene DiTullio Mosco, a 60th birthday. balls. seek educational opportuni- neighbor has tasted her sauce retired PNC bank executive, In addition to seeing spectac- ties they didn’t have available and can’t wait to get more of said that immigrants who set- ular scenery and being enter- Liz Allen learned to make to themselves. That’s the way it.” tled near Holy Rosary Catho- tained by distant Italian rel- spaghetti sauce from it was for Dr. Joseph Cerami, A pinch of this and a cup of lic Church on East 28th Street atives, the family spent time her Italian mother and DDS, 93, whose father opened that works for many cooks. came from the Abruzzi region at the Napoli Notte 2 Pizzeria meatballs and pasta fagioli a barbershop at West 18th and But it really does help to put in Italy. “They all cooked pretty and Ristorante learning to from her Italian mother-in- Walnut at age 12. those recipes in writing — and much the same way — no reci- make the type of simple pizza law. You can reach her at I called Dr. Cerami to learn to get the stories behind them pes, but by feel and touch,” she that Tucci showcased — fresh [email protected]. more about a guy known as while your relatives are here said. Curly the Cook, a chef from to tell the tales. That’s the ad- “A very fashionable dish a famous restaurant in New vice of Rhonda Schember, who today, polenta, was a Lenten Did you know? York City who was enticed to served as the Erie Times-News staple,” she said. “If not Lent, or Italian Catholics, especially those of Sicilian descent, the bring his skills to Erie. Curly food writer, along with Lynn they would add a red pepper- Ffeast of St. Joseph on March 19 comes with special traditions, married Cerami’s aunt, Agnes Clint, her former colleague oni sauce to the polenta,” she including a meatless feast served at the St. Joseph Table. Little. from Penn State Cooperative said. “Traditionally, you ate Grace Bondanella of North East, who turned 100 in November, But instead of Curly’s ca- Extension, for nearly 30 years. the same things on the same and her son, Joe Bondanella, talked about some of the foods their reer, we mostly talked about Schember, who is married to nights. Sunday dinner was al- family ate on St. Joseph’s Day. The dishes include cardoons, made Cerami’s background — and Erie Mayor Joe Schember and ways a stuffed veal breast with from thistles, in which the stalks are stripped of their veins, boiled food, of course. After graduat- is the daughter of the late Jim roasted potatoes, always some until they are soft, then coated with bread crumbs and fried. An- ing from Strong Vincent High and Theresa DeNicola Ma- kind of pasta, much wine and other plant, called mustard greens, is picked when it’s young and School and getting drafted, honey, remembers going to a fruit platter, with biscotti for boiled. “Sometimes you have it in salad with oil and a little salt and Cerami returned to Erie after the home of her great-grand- dessert. Monday was always a pepper,” said Joe Bondanella. “Or you make it with a frittata, mixing the Army, intending to get a mother, Rosalinda Rutolo. “She soup dish, mostly white beans it with egg,” he said. job. His father had other plans. made pizzelles one at a time and greens. Thursday was al- Rigatoni is also served with sardines, but Bondanella said his “If you’re living in my house, over a gas stove. She would ways a pasta night.” mother wasn’t really fond of that dish. you’re going to college,” Cerami flip the iron to cook it and she Rivalries between the east Her favorite treat is stuffed artichokes — filled with grated Roma- said his dad told him. would make hundreds of piz- and west side Italians extend- no cheese and breadcrumbs. Cerami listened to his dad, zelles at a time. I don’t know ed to the food. “Our red sauce St. Joseph Bread is twisted into a braid, brushed with eggs, and going to the University of how she had the patience or is exceptional,” she said, with topped with sesame seeds when it’s baked. For dessert, there’s Pittsburgh Dental School after the strength in her legs to fresh pork and veal, purchased sfingi (cream puffs). graduating from Gannon. stand that long,” she said. from Verdecchia’s grocery at If the food sounds rustic, that’s because when Italian immigrants But in the kitchen, he tried Schember’s great uncle, Phil- East 27th and Brandes, used came here and lived through the Depression, “they made do with to emulate his mom, to master ip Dell’Oso, a self-taught chef for the meatballs. what they had,” said Joe Bondanella. He and his mother remem- her spaghetti sauce. “I had al- from Italy, cooked at Ercu- Geri Cicchetti and her sisters, ber driving to Buffalo to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with extended ready conquered ravioli, meat- liani’s in Gallitzin, Pa., near the Ann Carlin and Tina Donikow- family before Interstate 90 was completed. “It was a great time, a balls, and braciole (rolled flank famous Horseshoe Curve in ski, come from Erie’s east bay- wonderful time, not only religious-wise but family-wise,” she said. steak),” he recalled. “I wrote Altoona. “It was a restaurant front Italian neighborhood. that Frank Sinatra and any- They and their aunts, uncles, every single thing down,” he Mark your calendars said. “When Mom passed away, one who performed in Pitts- and cousins gathered for din- I could never make it taste like burgh would drive up to for a ner every Sunday at 11 a.m. at ew exhibits related to Erie’s immigrant history are coming to hers.” five-star dinner,” she said. Her their grandmother’s house, Nthe Hagen History Center, 356 W. Sixth St. After he married, the first Aunt Edith and Uncle Philip with up to 25 family members When the center holds its grand reopening July 17-18, part of “Erie two times his wife made spa- later started the fine-dining crowded into an East Fifth and the American Dream,” in the new exhibit building, will focus on ghetti sauce, it tasted just like Allegro Restaurant in Altoona, Street flat. Cicchetti’s own Erie neighborhoods. In 2022, an exhibit on the second floor, “Com- the sauce he usually made. now run by her cousin and her mother reserved Thursday ing to Erie,” will feature the waves of newcomers who have “shaped “Then the third time, I said to cousin’s husband. nights for spaghetti. “We all our dynamic community,” according to Geri Cicchetti, director of Carol, ‘What did you do to this Schember grew up in North knew Thursday night was the advancement for the Erie County Historical Society.

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS Tough as a Mother: Working Moms Fight For Balance During the Pandemic Moms living and working in Erie County report long hours and mom-guilt throughout the pandemic

Motherhood is challenging under ordinary during the day.” circumstances, but the pandemic has Psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig told upset the work-life balance of moms even TODAY Parents, “[Many] parents feel further. One study found that over half of moms with children under the age of 10 badly that their young kids can’t be absorbed an additional three hours per with their friends or virtual school isn’t day of household responsibilities since the working. Parents are emotionally feel- pandemic began, which has taken a serious ing negatively that life is not as it was mental toll. even though they have no control over demands of remote learning. it. Parents tend to take on that guilt “It would take two hours for me to whether they can control it or not.” create something that takes my stu- When Shannon had to physically re- dents 15 minutes to complete,” Shan- turn to the classroom, it meant sending non explained. “I had a very terrible her kids to a program for care. “My son, work/life balance. By the spring I felt who loved going to school before the like this isn’t fair; the responsibility at pandemic, was so upset and asked me, home falls on moms. My husband was ‘Why can’t I do school at home like the gone all day and I felt a little jealous he other kids in my class?’” Shannon said. was able to go to work. We would get “So you’re trying to explain the situa- in fights — he would say, ‘It’s 10 o’clock tion to a five- and six-year old, ‘Mommy STEVEE ELCHYNSKI PHOTOGRAPHY ELCHYNSKI STEVEE at night, you’re working. I think you’re and Daddy both have full-time jobs or working too much.’ But it was the only the other parents are allowed to work By: Marie Turko hold responsibilities compared to be- time I could work.” at home.’ My work-life balance is easier fore the pandemic. Mom stress also manifests in the form now, but the mom-guilt is worse.” n March 11, 2020 the World With many women leaving the work- of “mental loads.” Mental loads refer to “We did go to the zoo in the summer Health Organization (WHO) force, moms who are able to continue the intangible work moms perform as and pumpkin patches in the fall,” Rox- Odeclared the COVID-19 out- working feel lucky. the household CEO, like remembering ann explained. “There was also one break a global pandemic, upending “I was very fortunate that I could doctor appointments, scheduling play family we did play dates with and then everyday life across the world. While transfer all of my teaching abilities on- dates, keeping grocery lists, monitor- we stopped everything after the sec- many bemoaned canceled concerts or line,” said Kristy, a full-time professor ing online classes, unearthing ways to ond wave [of coronavirus] hit and the postponed spring break plans, 50 mil- at a local university and mom to a sev- entertain kids, and the list continues. poor kid hasn’t been anywhere. So you lion working parents across the United en-year-old son. “My husband is an awesome partner,” feel the mom-guilt.” States watched their reliable childcare She chose to take her child out of Shannon said. “He does a ton of house- USA Today reported, “Since May, poll- structures crumble. Since then, most school. “I was terrified it was going to work, probably more than me, but defi- ing from the Kaiser Family Founda- of the childcare responsibilities have suck. [Before the pandemic] we had nitely a lot of the school responsibili- tion, a nonprofit health care research fallen on working moms. such demanding schedules to stick to ties fall on me. I am the one who’s going group, has consistently shown women Women working full time, year-round — getting up at 6:30 a.m. and all that to check iPads and backpacks to see if are more likely than men to say the in the United States earn about 82 garbage. I imagined that stress was the kids completed their work. It was pandemic has negatively affected their cents for every dollar earned by men, going to transfer over, but not having so mentally taxing to keep track of this psychological well-being.” according to the National Partnership anywhere to be [during the pandemic] all. At the end of the day, I’m asking the “I have severe anxiety so I started for Women & Families. When in-home shored up so much time to not panic kids ‘Why do you have six incomplete talking to a therapist right before the childcare became the only option for and stress. I feel fortunate [in that as- assignments?’ and then instead of hav- pandemic and when this hit I was a some families, the lower income earner pect].” ing quality time with the kids, it’s spent mess because I was afraid to do my took on the childcare responsibilities, Rolling out of bed without needing to fighting with them to do work.” job,” Roxann explained about working and those who could afford it had one go through the pre-pandemic morning Other taxing items on moms’ pan- with the public. partner quit their job, the New York routine may feel luxurious for some demic to-do lists include tasks like “You feel like you can’t be anything Times reported. workers, but the reality isn’t always as filing for unemployment for the first but positive — this toxic positivity,” The 2020 Women in the Workplace re- easy as hanging out in pajamas all day. time. Shannon continued. “You feel like all port by LeanIn.org in partnership with Data from virtual private network ser- “I always choose to get stuff done but the other moms have it together and McKinsey & Company quantified that vice provider NordVPN Teams shows filing for unemployment is so annoying you can’t even admit it that you don’t working moms spent more time on that Americans are working 2.5 more because I want to sit down at night and have it all together. household responsibilities among du- hours per day on average. Employees figure it out and I can’t because the site “I’m much more short-tempered with al-career couples. Despite moms not- working through their previous com- closes at 10 p.m.,” photographer, hair- my husband and my kids, and I feel ing that partners who step up and help mute times and logging in to reply to dresser, and mother to a two-year-old bad about myself. Sometimes it’s not with chores make daily life more man- email in the evening attribute to some son Roxann explained. “I’ve called the so bad but sometimes it’s not so good ageable, data shows moms are picking of the increased hours. national line and PA line and it’s busy, over here.” up more hours around the house. More Shannon, a local teacher and mom to busy, busy all day. I can’t get through Kristy had to adjust to the changing than 50 percent of moms with children a five-year-old daughter and six-year- to even file and am too busy with work circumstances at home. “It was really under the age of 10 are spending at old son, worked long hours when the [now that salons are open again] and the [lack of] childcare and learning not least three extra hours daily on house- pandemic began to keep up with the childcare to dedicate more time to this to get frustrated because of the stress

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 NEWS & VIEWS

I was under and learning how to not burnout, offering allyship training to take it out on my son or my husband. A bring awareness of issues some are fac- couple of times I failed and had to learn ing during the pandemic, and provid- really quickly to adjust and I feel we ing flexibility by rethinking the norms are doing much better than when we around productivity, mental health, started.” and inclusion in a remote setting. Having support from employers can In September 2020, the U.S. Labor make a difference. Department’s data showed 865,000 When Roxann contracted coronavi- women left the workforce compared rus her employer didn’t provide extra to 216,000 men. By the end of 2020, over accommodations for her. “They just 2 million women permanently left the gave the impression that they didn’t labor force. To read more about how want me to come back for a while.” to alleviate working moms’ stress and Shannon’s school district has not di- prevent losing them from the work- rectly addressed the hardships work- force, visit the 63 page 2020 Women in ing moms face, but offered work from the Workplace report from LeanIn.org home as an option recently if “we had in partnership with McKinsey & Com- a place free of distractions and I don’t pany. have that option.” Moms interviewed for this article are Kristy’s university provided flexibili- only identified by first name to shield ty. “[They said] here’s complete freedom their identities and prevent biases that and do what you need to do and we’ll working moms face in their workplac- get through this. I figured it out and es. made it work how it is best for me.” McKinsey & Company recommends Marie Turko is a full-time working employers offer more support for wom- mom and wife in Erie, trying to sort en to sustain diversity and inclusion in her way through the pandemic like the workplace. They suggest reviewing the rest of the world. You can reach performance criteria to help prevent her at [email protected].

“YOU DESERVE THE VERY BEST!”

Best Auto Repair Shop

ERIE LOCATION 2570 W. 26th St. Erie, PA 16506 - 814-835-4351 FAIRVIEW LOCATION 4230 Franklin Rd. Fairview, PA 16415 - 814-474-5277

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 NEWS & VIEWS RUSafe App Gives Life-saving Help to Abuse Victims Free interactive app identifies key signals of abuse in intimate partner relationships

The RUSafe app, which provides tools to support victims of domestic abuse, is available for free download on iOS and Android devices.

more than 10,500 times. SafeNet is Erie’s only accredited domestic violence agen- cy and has a hotline 24/7 at (814) 454-8161.

Common warning signs of abusive relationships Abusers go to great lengths to control their victim, their interactions, and ev- eryday life. Common indicators of abuse include: • Name-calling or demeaning com- ments • Someone that seems too good to be true early in a relationship; the rela- tionship may advance very quickly LEUNGCHOPAN • Frequent phone calls or texts By: Amy VanScoter created in Pittsburgh and built on the to terms with the relationship, how it • Threats to harm or kill you, your Danger Assessment developed by Jac- is making you feel and affecting you pet(s), or family members t can be very difficult to acknowl- quelyn C. Campbell, PhD, RN, FAAN day-to-day,” Young said. Once an en- • Blaming you for the abusive behav- edge that you or someone who you of Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. try is saved, it is only accessible to the ior; not taking responsibility for ac- Iare close to is experiencing an abu- The Danger Assessment draws direct- victim through a protected email ad- tions sive relationship or domestic violence. ly upon the lives and experiences of dress. Friends are encouraged to also • Preventing you from spending time Yet domestic violence and abuse sta- hundreds of domestic abuse survi- download the app to help victims. The with family or friends and from en- tistics in the United States are stag- vors. The app can identify key signals journal entries are date-stamped and joying hobbies and other activities gering. More than one in three women of intimate partner violence to help can be used to help document the in- • Damaging your credit by exceeding have experienced rape, physical vio- users act before the relationship gets juries in a protection from abuse ap- limits, purposely not paying bills, lence, and/or stalking by an intimate out of control. RUSafe helps to ana- plication against the abuser. Abusers etc; restricting your access to finan- partner. Nearly half of all women and lyze the safety in your own relation- are skilled at using power and control cial resources men in the U.S. have experienced psy- ship or the relationship of a family over their victims, which can make chological aggression by an intimate member, friend, or coworker. leaving the situation difficult and Common warning signs that some- partner. If you or a friend is feeling Here’s how it works: by answering a dangerous. Having a friend download one you know may be in an abusive unsafe in a potentially dangerous few questions about the relationship, the RUSafe app can be helpful in doc- situation: relationship, there’s an app that can RUSafe helps the user understand the umenting the abuse. • Their partner puts them down in help. The RUSafe app aims to reach possible threats that they or a loved Statistics show that abuse often es- front of other people people before they become a statistic one may face and if necessary, con- calates within the first two years after • They are constantly worried about by going where they spend much of nects them with nearby emergency separation — in fact, up to 75 percent making their partner angry their time, on their phones. safe housing services and domestic vi- of women murdered by their abusers • They make excuses for their part- “Every minute, approximately 20 olence hotlines using GPS technology. are killed during that time. “Leaving ner’s behavior people are physically abused by an in- All content is available in three lan- an abusive or violent partner can • Their partner is extremely jealous timate partner in the United States,” guages: English, Spanish, and Nepali. be dangerous and complicated. It’s or possessive said Robyn Young, domestic violence It also has advanced search functions, important as a friend to listen and • They have unexplained marks or services director at SafeNet Domes- links to support services, and a direc- support the person in an abusive sit- injuries tic Violence Safety Network. “Abusive tory of 1,500 shelters nationwide with uation. They have to make their own • They’ve stopped spending time relationships typically begin without 24-hour hotlines. The app can be used decisions but, you can help by letting with friends and family any signs of abuse whatsoever, but anywhere in the continental United them know they do not deserve the • They are depressed or anxious, or slowly over time, as trust builds, the States, is completely free, and also behavior and it is not their fault. En- you notice changes in their person- abusive behavior can come out in contains a secure journal tool with courage them to seek help from an ac- ality many ways, even before there are any audio, photo, and text capabilities. credited domestic violence agency — signs of violence.” “The journal tool is really important in Erie that agency is SafeNet. SafeNet Source: Pennsylvania Coalition This is where the RUSafe app comes for documenting incidents of abuse can help with free and confidential Against Domestic Violence in and can help assess a situation. or harassment and even saving pho- resources such as counseling, legal RUSafe is a free interactive app for iOS tographs of injuries. If you’re in an services, safe housing options, and Amy VanScoter is a registered yoga and Android devices that assesses the emotional or verbally abusive rela- safety planning,” said Young. Since the teacher at School House Yoga and a potential for domestic violence and tionship, keeping a journal of day-to- app’s inception, it has been download- wellness program coordinator. She can harm in a relationship. RUSafe was day interactions can help you to come ed more than 4,600 times and opened be reached at [email protected].

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 Any regular priced 10% merchandise. Includes OFF bikes, parts & accessories. Not including sales items or electric bikes. Expires 4/30/2021

2774 W. 12th St. ● 814.833.0430 ● www.johnadamscycling.com

KNOX LAW WELCOMES NEW ATTORNEYS

Thank you FOR 28 DAYS OF

GENEROSITY. Enjoying the snow and Ashley M. Mulryan and Matthew W. Lasher are new associates sunshine at Presque Isle. at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Ms. Mulryan focuses her practice on Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights and business reorganization. She is a cum laude graduate Lakeshore Community Services is so grateful for the of Allegheny College and earned her J.D. from Case Western numerous individual and corporate donations we received Reserve University School of Law, where she received the Marvin during our 28 Days of Giving! From pancake challenges and Sue Sicherman Excellence in Bankruptcy Award. Her to winter hikes, arts and crafts, online classes and a whole experience includes a judicial externship for Judge Harris of the host of activities your generosity goes a long way to Northern District of Ohio Bankruptcy Court. supporting the people we serve.

Mr. Lasher concentrates his practice on labor & employment Thank you to these area businesses and the many law. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University and individuals and families who donated: University of Richmond School of Law, where he was assistant symposium editor for the University of Richmond Law Review. WICU JENSEN’S TARGET COLLISION He is active in nonprofit and community organizations including GARY’S FLOWER SHOP FLAGSHIP INVESTMENT CO. Catholic Charities, NAMI and Young Erie Professionals. BIANCHI HONDA JET24 They join a team of more than 40 attorneys that has been HUB IHEART RADIO providing quality legal services to businesses, governmental FRISSORA ASSOCIATES THE ERIE READER entities, nonprofit organizations, insurance companies, financial INSURANCE MGT CO. WICU institutions, individuals and families for over 60 years. INDEPENDENCE. IT’S AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. To learn more about Lakeshore Community Services please visit lakeshorecs.org.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Erie | North East | Pittsburgh | Jamestown, NY 814-459-2800 | www.kmgslaw.com

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 FEATURE Female Journalism Takes Flight Barbara Hawley reached new altitudes for her profession in Erie

Hazel Elizabeth Ann Eberhart — better known to the public by her pen name Barbara Hawley — was the first female reporter in Erie to hold a degree in journalism, and the first woman locally to earn her private pilot’s license (1930).

Cray changed her mind. “Neil McCray, a ‘magnificent pilot’ who loved flying aerobatics, gave her a ride that convinced her that she had to do it too,” the Fairview Area Historical Society explained in their story on her. “She said afterwards, ‘It was great fun… /TANYAJOY

) and you would exchange your next morsel for a chance to go up again.’” She helped pay for these lessons by doing the airport’s publicity. She also ALLENTOWN, PA ALLENTOWN, ( began writing a weekly column for the Dispatch-Herald on aviation. Edward earned his private pilot’s license in 1930 and a few months later, she earned hers, becoming the first woman in Erie and

THE MORNING CALL the region to do so. The following year, she joined the Ninety-Nines, the orga- By: Jonathan Burdick Theta Sigma Phi, a society for women in her personal life. nization of women pilots co-founded studying journalism. During her junior “[The name] was bestowed upon me by by Amelia Earhart in 1929. n Aug. 22, 1932, the Erie Daily year, her father died, but again, she my paper when I entered its employ, pri- “I was known particularly as a ‘stunt’ Times reported on a local record persisted through her senior year and marily as heroine of a serial story which pilot and gave weekly shows at local Obeing broken. A woman, taking graduated in 1925 with a degree in jour- was being run, and which since that airports,” Barbara wrote in a family off in her Great Lakes Sport Trainer bi- nalism. time has ‘stuck,’ even to the extent of be- biography. She participated in count- plane from the Erie County Airport, as- Nora married and moved to Texas and, ing upon my U.S. passport,” Hazel, now less exhibitions, dazzling crowds with cended to an altitude of 13,000 feet. with no immediate family left in Kan- Barbara to those in her life, explained. loops and tricks and daring maneuvers. “[She] remained aloft for approximate- sas, Hazel packed her bags for Erie, Pa. The serial story appeared to confuse She was very active in the commu- ly one hour before reaching the 13,000 where she became the first journalist rival Erie Daily Times editors. Upon nity as well. She was also an active mark,” the Times reported. “In descend- for any Erie newspaper to have an actu- reading the serial story and discovering member in the Erie Woman’s Club, a ing to the field, she made nearly 25 con- al degree in journalism. Her first gig was other area newspapers had printed the creative writing club, and St. Matthews secutive loops.” with the Erie Daily Times, but she was same story with location changes, they Lutheran Church. She volunteered Her name was Hazel Elizabeth Ann soon employed by their rival, the Erie weren’t sure if Barbara Hawley was a many times as a judge in city parades Eberhart; although in Erie, she was Dispatch-Herald, where she was the real person and did not initially seem and held weekly children’s story hours better known to the public as Barbara only woman reporter. She had a daily aware that she was their former writer at the public library. Around this time, Hawley or to friends as Barbara Fus- column called “The Nutshell” as well as Hazel Eberhart. they purchased a cottage on Melhorn seder. She was born on March 9, 1901 in a weekly radio program on WEDH, the “Yes, children, Barbara Hawley, of Road in Fairview. Lawrence, Kansas to Michael Obediah Dispatch’s radio station. the Dispatch-Herald, is real,” the Daily and Jessie Winona Lathrop Eberhart. “I covered beats which included the Times editor wrote, then added a jab: n September 1932, Barbara met with In 1904, her sister Nora was born. These city and county courts, did considerable “She belongs with the fiction that the IErie Daily Times writer Marion Reil- early years would be marked by numer- publicity work, and carried on feature Dispatch-Herald leads in ... and if it will ly at a State Street club. Reilly was the ous tragedies, first in 1905 when their assignments which ranged from mur- make your Chrismas [sic] any happi- first woman in Erie to receive her com- mother died. Their father remarried in der and suicide to ‘stunt’ work on one of er believing such myths, we say ‘more mercial pilot license and had her own 1911 and they had a daughter in 1915, but whose assignments, I recollect, I unwit- power to you.’” weekly column on aviation. Together, she only survived three days. tingly ran a New York Central engine off On April 12, 1927, Barbara married a they planned a reception for Amelia Both Hazel and Nora attended Law- the track,” she wrote. German immigrant and well-liked bar- Earhart who was set to visit Erie and rence High School and, after graduating, During these years, she also covered ber named Edward Fusseder in Ripley, who earlier in the year had made histo- Hazel attended Kansas State University many well-known and beloved Erie N.Y. They moved into a modest two-bed- ry as the second person (and first wom- to study journalism. During her fresh- figures, including composer Harry T. room bungalow on 728 W. Fourth St. an) ever to make a solo, nonstop flight man year, tragedy struck the family Burleigh and radio engineer Wendell Soon after, Edward became interested across the Atlantic Ocean. once again when their stepmother died. King. As a reporter, she took on the pen in aviation and began training. Barbara Valerie Myers told the story of Ear- Hazel continued her studies though and name — her “professional cognomen,” soon joined him, although she was ini- hart’s visit in a recent Erie Times News was very active on campus: joining the as she described it — of Barbara Hawley. tially skeptical. A flight with World War article, relaying how she spoke at poetry society, the literary club, and She also began to use the name Barbara I veteran and airport owner Neil Mc- Strong Vincent High School, met the

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 FEATURE mayor, visited with the Behrend fam- licity work on the side until World ily, and how Reilly had “marveled at War II erupted a few years later. She the unpretentious visitor.” reentered the workforce and took In the summer of 1933, Barbara sailed on roles as publicity director for the aboard the German ship The Deutsch- Community Chest and the American land to begin a four-month stay in Red Cross, while also helping perform Germany. Edward stayed in Erie, but informative and entertaining radio the purpose was for her to meet his plays on WERC. parents for the first time. The world Eventually, she and Edward moved had its eyes on Germany that sum- to Driftwood Drive in Harborcreek mer. Adolf Hitler had been appointed Township near Lake Erie. Once there, chancellor that previous January and they embraced a simpler life. Barbara the Enabling Act, passed into law after spent much of her retirement there the Reichstag fire, had just that March hiking the woods and beaches. In ear- granted Hitler emergency powers that ly 1966, she became suddenly ill and would help him tighten his authori- was hospitalized at Hamot. She later tarian grip. died and was buried in the Erie Ceme- While in Germany, she wrote stories tery. Edward lived until November 20, for the Dispatch-Herald about her ex- 1989 and upon his death, he surprised periences including German culture, Presque Isle State Park with a gift to- architecture, and observations about taling $121,521. everyday life under Hitler’s regime. While Barbara Hawley may not quite Her pilot license expired while she be the household name of other well- was in Germany and when she re- known Erie residents, her impact on turned, she did not bother to renew local journalism and aviation cannot it. After three more years of writing, be overstated. she resigned from the Dispatch-Her- ald and became, in her own words, Jonathan Burdick runs the historical a “hausfrau,” the German word for blog Rust & Dirt. He can be reached housewife. She occasionally did pub- at [email protected]

You don’t have to be Irish to get these great deals... They last all month long! 500 Stag-N-Drag 500 AND Business Cards 1,000 50/50 Tickets ONLY ONLY * AVAILABLE * ONLY FOR $29.50 ! THE MONTH $80.00! OF MARCH (Reg. $40.00) 2021 (Reg. $105.00) *DETAILS: 2 Sided Full Color Glossy, 16 pt. Cover. 4-5 day turn around. *Tickets are printed in black ink only *Printing only. Typesetting and design services on your choice of 65# pastel cardstock. are also available for an additional fee. Numbering on tickets will be extra. Helping Our Clients Look and Be Their Best! Design • Print • On-Brand Marketing Presque Isle 814-833-9020 Printing Services 4318 W. Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 2014 ‡2015 ‡2016 ‡2017‡2020 www.presqueisleprinting.com

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FOOD Romolo Chocolates in Master Class of Its Own Four generations of immaculate confections FEATURED WIENER:

Orange cremés are ushered under a milk chocolate waterfall in the enrobing room at Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. Eighth St. The Eagle Fang The finished product is swirled with an “O” before the chocolate hardens to indicate its contents. Nashville hot lo has barely been shaken. Yes, it’s true we’ve needed the solace of chocolate Bacon & chicken tendies this year more than perhaps any oth- er in recent human history (indeed, it a TON of may very well be the reason you’re still standing). But the reason for Romolo’s syrup resilience transcends our reverence for Theobroma cacao — the “food of the gods” manifested in the seeds of the cacao tree. They’re still here because the two pil- lars the Romolo business model rests upon — tradition and diversification — are constantly reinforced. The Ste- fanelli family recognizes they have a legacy and a heritage worth upholding and celebrating, but also realizes the need to evolve with the times. In oth- er words, they’ll never abandon what they’re known for, but they’ll always JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA seek to build and expand upon that reputation. By: Matt Swanseger country will take notes about industry ness at the time of the sale in 1993, he Diversification is literally built into best practices, how to work with fresh vowed to proudly carry on his name as Romolo’s current location at 1525 W. onfectionery, like music, is only fruit, the nuances of caramels and nou- he and Jennie opened Romolo Choco- Eighth St. Not only does it house a can- as good as its foundation. As gats, and more. It’s a level of authority lates the following year in the Schaal dy shop, but also a gift shop (Mercato), Cboth a master confectioner and and respect that Romolo Chocolates Plaza on West 12th Street. an events space (the whimsically deco- an accomplished jazz bassist, Romolo has rightfully built up to over its 26- “To overcome that was the greatest rated Sugar), an outdoor piazza, and the Chocolates frontman Tony Stefanelli plus years of existence, further in- thing that ever happened to me,” re- Cocoa Cafe, featuring hot cocoa, Italian YUGE has an exceptional feel for both disci- formed by a legacy that dates back to counts Tony. “It gave me a chance to espresso, ice cream and an assortment Smith’s plines. over a century ago. start anew, to bring my family into the mouth-watering scratch-made baked Belgian waffle Although the summer concert series A teenage Romolo Stefanelli fled Italy future. We really dove into it and gave goods prepared by pastry chef Jen- Fried egg andouille he hosted at his West Eighth Street to avoid the priesthood, spending most birth to a company with a wide-open nie Stefanelli and her staff. Although made by our neighbors at shop has been retired, Stefanelli’s com- of his first 20 years in America appren- view.” linked together with doors, each space sausage mitment to his craft has not. At 71, Ste- ticing under big name candy makers Central to realizing that vision was is separated to cultivate a distinct and A Waffle Miracle Food Truck fanelli still plays the roles of student such as Bunn and Loft’s (NYC), Tootsie a new location that would offer the immersive experience. and teacher with equal verve, study- Roll, and Brachs (both Chicago-based). immersive experience he and Jennie Over the years, the cafe in particular ing unfamiliar techniques (such as the In 1926, he and his wife Elizabeth settled sought. Tony had long been enamored has been a boon for business, spacious fresh cremé truffle, which almost looks in Erie and opened Stefanelli’s Candies with the Frontier Park area he grew up and flooded with natural light to pro- too good to eat) while passing on those out of their basement at 414 Raspberry in, and the perfect parcel became avail- mote casual chatter. It’s a place you can tried-and-true to his two sons, confec- St. Many a sweet tooth was seduced, able after a bit of haggling with the pre- hang out and relax, whereas the can- LUCKY LOUIE’S tioner Roman and chocolatier/also-mu- and the couple eventually generated vious property owner. The bowling al- dy shop is more a place for marveling sician Anthony (who moonlights as enough capital to open a standalone ley that once stood there had collapsed at craftsmanship and wrestling with drummer for The Groove). shop at 2054 W. Eighth St. — turns out load-bearing structures temptation (although truth be told, BEER & WIENERS Under the capable management of Along with Pulakos 926 Chocolates, are only as good as their foundations, you’re not safe from either of those the elder Stefanelli’s wife, Jennie, the the two family-owned companies were too. Properly supported with a stable things in the cafe either). “All of us look 8238 Perry Highway family has banded together to advance the class of Erie candy for much of the concrete footer and a solid business forward to a full house again,” Jennie both confectionery practice and theo- 20th century, maintaining a friendly plan, the new and improved Romolo articulates. Erie, PA 16509 ry. Next spring, the company expects rivalry. Both survive, although under Chocolates opened in 2003. Speaking of temptation, in the past to host an all-day EduTour as part of different ownership after being sold year alone, Romolo’s has added the fol- (814) 314-9481 Proudly serving locally made, Smith’s Wieners. the Retail Confectioners International outside their respective families. While Diversify, diversify, diversify lowing items to its already tantalizing Annual Convention & Industry Expo, Tony lamented not being able to carry Whereas the ongoing pandemic has portfolio: Caramels and nougats in- where other confectioners around the on his grandfather-and-mentor’s busi- toppled many other businesses, Romo- fused with dried Montmorency cher- WWW.LUCKYLOUIESBEERANDWIENERS.COM

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 FEATURED WIENER: The Eagle Fang Nashville hot Bacon & chicken tendies a TON of syrup

Smith’s YUGE Fried egg andouille Belgian waffle sausage made by our neighbors at A Waffle Miracle Food Truck

LUCKY LOUIE’S BEER & WIENERS 8238 Perry Highway Erie, PA 16509 (814) 314-9481 Proudly serving locally made, Smith’s Wieners. WWW.LUCKYLOUIESBEERANDWIENERS.COM CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY ALL WEEK LONG! +Thursday 3/11: Live Music 6pm-8pm +Sunday 3/14: Irish Brunch 10am-2pm +Friday 3/12: St. Paddy’s Featured Menu -live music 11am-3pm | Dinner 4pm-8pm +Saturday 3/13: Oyster Special 1pm-3pm +Tuesday 3/16: Traditional Tuesday +Wednesday 3/17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY! *Reservations are highly recommended* | following all Covid-19 guidelines | 90 minute table limit

safety is our # 1 priority | www.mollybrannigans.com

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 FOOD

[top left] A baker decorates Valentine’s a-ways, pecan frogs, truffles, barks, Day cookies in the kitchen of the Cocoa etc. being tantalizing bonuses) that Cafe at Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. Eighth St. All bakery items are proudly doesn’t mean it is complacent. New made from scratch by pastry chef Jennie ideas are always circulating, from cus- Stefanelli and her staff. [bottom right] tomers, shows and conventions, and Unlike the overwhelming majority of Romolo team members. other chocolatiers in the country, Romolo Chocolates uses milk cremé in their milk “We evaluate ideas as a team, and chocolate recipe as opposed to the more from there it’s like an R&D depart- typical milk powder. ment. We spend some time refining the product to see if we like it, then it goes nia and Western New York and sadly public,” explains Jennie. Last year, the unbeknownst to most elsewhere. The crew sent out a spicy serenade in the variously sized morsels look beautiful form of a chocolate bark infused with in their imperfections as they make red hot cinnamon candies — custom- their procession through the enrober, ers asked, and they received. But more having begun their journey together importantly, they fulfilled that re- as a giant blob not 24 hours earlier. quest in a fashion they were proud of. Sponge candy’s primordial ooze is Practice, after all, makes perfect. formed when baking soda (sodium bi- So despite Tony’s jazz background, carbonate) is heated along with sugar, he’s not much of an improviser around

JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA corn syrup, and water (the elements the shop. “You can’t just wing it and ries, apples, blueberries, and pistachios. to concoct the much-coveted Grandpa of a traditional toffee). Carbon diox- see what it tastes like … Music is about Coconut macaroons in dreamy flavors Romolo’s Famous Sponge Candy Stout. ide molecules are released and sub- technique and creativity.” like praline, cinnamon roll, strawberry, “We are continually trying to expand sequently trapped as the mixture is Grandpa Romolo internalized the and caramel. Housemade ice creams our footprint. We are not dead-commit- heated, leaving behind countless tiny rhythm and feel of his craft, pitched incorporating a full complement of al- ted to doing any one particular thing,” bubbles. The blobs contract overnight his products to the Erie community, so-housemade delectations — such as says Jennie. into a hardened toffee disk, which is and scaled up his business — lessons banana pudding, peanut butter cups, Nonetheless, she and Tony are very then hand-sawed into the bite-size he passed onto his grandson. As An- birthday cake, strawberry shortcake, mindful of tradition. “Even if you’re pieces that are chocolate-coated. thony and Roman prepare to headline and Monster cookies. On that note, the growing, be who you are.” Sponge candy, of course, remains Ro- Romolo’s next generation, it appears bakery team’s latest creation, the Car- molo’s best-seller — along with the ex- everything is working in harmony. amel Apple Crisp cookie, is practically But never compromise tremely perishable (but so irresistible begging for the creamery treatment. If these expansion plans seem to it doesn’t matter) chocolate-covered If life is a box of chocolates, Matt There are also now more and more smack of industrialization or a dilu- strawberry. But although the compa- Swanseger is probably going to efficient ways to acquire those temp- tion of the product, rest assured. ny probably could make a living off eat all of them and ask questions tations. “The pandemic made us focus “Tony lives and dies by quality,” af- these two marquee products (with later. He can be contacted at on ways to serve customers and new firms Jennie. “We will never compro- its chocolate-covered pretzels, melt- [email protected] channels for getting our product out mise on ingredients. If we can’t find to them,” Jennie explains. “We joined something, we search for it. If some- Grubhub and DoorDash delivery ser- thing’s not good enough, we get bet- vices, we used our patio service win- ter.” dow effectively, and pivoted to ship- Immediately subordinate to ingre- ping even more during the height of it. dients is technique. In the building’s Our team perfected fulfilling customer heart, generations-old machines whip, orders efficiently in store so customers whir, and stir together divine delights can be in and out quickly.” both time-tested and yet-untasted, And they’ve continued to diversify lorded over by honest-to-goodness operations behind the scenes. A new human beings. Given the Stefanellis’ one-shot depositor machine produces obsession for details, automation will payloads of molded chocolate items in always be just a part — never the en- hours instead of days. A new packaging tirety — of its candymaking processes. room and warehouse have allowed for In the enrobing room, an old conveyor a greatly expanded shipping depart- chauffeurs orange and vanilla cremés ment — five times bigger now than under a waterfall of molten chocolate. at the pandemic’s start — to keep up They emerge from the other side with with a barrage of online and wholesale a glorious sheen, where an employee orders. A new development at the cor- swirls an identifying “O” or “V” onto ner of Route-19 and Robison Road (still the crown of each piece — an under- in the planning phase) will facilitate stated nuance that is practical, artful, pushing out more volume to accounts and distinctly human. that span increasingly further. Locally, Next in the queue for a baptism? the brand has tapped into the heady Sponge candy, the crisp, airy, melt-in- potential of cross-promotion— collab- your-mouth toffee widely beloved by orating with Lavery Brewing Company natives of Northwestern Pennsylva- JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 FOOD 11 Can’t Miss Dishes Around Town Must-try menu selections from the Erie area

What: Sausage Gravy over Biscuits Where: Freeport Restaurant Vibe: Decadent and delicious On the Menu as: Breakfast Menu/Sides and Additions Price: $6.45, $5.25 for half order

boasting wraps, burgers, and homemade soups, you’ll want to try just about every- thing here. Bridging the gap between juices and meals is their line of smoothie bowls. The Acai Bowl struck a particular chord with us, with its energizing mix of You may not think that such a stan- blueberries, banana, almond milk, house dard staple as sausage gravy over bis- granola, chia seeds, banana, slices of ADAMOV cuits would be worth mentioning, but kiwi, and of course, acai. ood has always been an important part of Erie life. We have such a fantastic array you clearly haven’t had them from North Fof local, independently-owned restaurants to choose from, and for many, check- East’s Freeport. Featuring their home- What: La Cochinita Tacos ing them off one-by-one has been a badge of honor. Over the course of the last 12 made Country Sausage, their blend of Where: Lavery Brewing Co. months, patronizing these restaurants has become even more important, not just ingredients transcends your standard Vibe: Learned and lush for our appetites and our sanity, but for keeping these places afloat with our orders. breakfast fare. It’s oddly invigorating for On the Menu as: Eats As indoor dining slowly opens up, many Erieites are still living the to-go lifestyle, and such a rich dish, and only available on Price: $10 for good reason. Takeout remains the #1 option for those trying to be safe, and all of weekends. these dishes are available in that fashion. Have you ever wondered what you should try out at a new place? Feast your eyes on this helpful list of some of our favorite What: Gem City Omelette takeaways from some of the best Erie-area restaurants, each with menus filled with Where: Gem City Dinor plenty of other items that will assuredly tickle the tongue as well. But don’t take our Vibe: Unique and universal word for it, let your taste buds be the judge. The following is our second annual se- On the Menu as: Omelettes lection of a few of our personal favorites. We started with ten and added one for good Price: $8.99 measure. Bon Appetit! (Listed in alphabetical order by location)

What: Casablanca Platter What: Brick Chicken Where: Casablanca Grill Where: The Cork 1794 With Yucatan pulled pork, salsa verde, Vibe: Exploratory and exemplary Vibe: Fulfilling and flavorful and pickled red onion, Lavery’s La Cochi- On the Menu as: Entrées/House Specialties On the Menu as: Dinner Menu/Entrées nita (translation: Piglet) tacos have been Price: $15.99 Price: $24 gradually perfected over the years. Chef The Gem City Dinor is aptly home to Ashley Sayre de Rivas created this dish some of the crown jewels of Erie’s break- during her days at the King’s Rook Club, fast royalty. Among the many signature with a carefully tweaked recipe that has offerings on the regular menu, the Gem to be sampled. The luscious menu at this City Omelette is rightfully their trade- local brewpub is truly one to behold. mark dish. It comes filled with burnt ham, Wisconsin Brie, and blackberry What: Pad Thai jam, and is also available in burger form. Where: Like My Thai The smash browns alone are worth the Vibe: Visionary and vibrant visit. On the Menu as: Large Bowls/Noodles Red Letter Hospitality’s gem of a dish Price: $10 This “experience of many flavors’’ fea- at its West Erie Plaza flagship restaurant What: Acai Bowl Chef Mike Augustine’s signature tures Casablanca’s signature Hummus, consists of a half chicken, cilantro, tahini, Where: The Juice Jar dish is his own take on the Thai clas- Baba Ghanouj, Tabooli, Fattoush, Dolma, yogurt sauce, and sumac with garlic pota- Vibe: Fresh and fun sic. At its core, it’s medium rice noo- Falafel, and Fatyer B’Jibin. Discover deli- toes and asparagus. One of the mainstays On the Menu as: Smoothie Bowls dles, egg, lots of shredded vegetables, cious and exciting flavors from Mediter- of The Cork’s ever-evolving menu, the Brick Price: $8.50 bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts ranean and Middle East cuisine from one Chicken is one of their chefs’ favorites and If you think the Juice Jar just did drink- in a lightly tangy sweet sauce — just of Erie’s best-loved locales. a favorite of its discerning patrons as well. ables, then think again. With a menu one reason Like My Thai has rightful-

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 FOOD

for miles around. A palette for the more traditional palate is likely the Mona Lisa, with turkey, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, tomato, Havarti, and pe- sto mayo that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

What: Loaded Potato Pierogi Where: Stuffed Pierogi Co. Vibe: Hearty and homemade On the Menu as: Pierogis ly earned their stripes as one of Erie’s Price: $11.25 for a dozen favorite restaurants for years. Their thick style of tofu is also notable for omnivores and herbivores alike.

What: Herbie Cajun Wings Where: Park Tavern Vibe: Spiced and spectacular On the Menu as: Wings Our Way Price: $9.50 for 10

Made from scratch and baked to or- der, the Stuffed Pierogi Co. offers some of the best gourmet dumplings this side of Pittsburgh. Founder Tim Mooney APR 16 & 17 brought his special recipe northward to LOBSTAH start the Stuffed Pierogi Co., which is FEST! RESERVATIONS available at locations like the Pittsburgh RECOMMENDED Inn as well as online. Try the loaded pota- to variety with its cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onion.

You can get them “sloppy, crispy, ex- What: The Maggio/Happy Wife tra crispy or freakin’ burnt.” The wings Where: Virgil’s Plate at Harborcreek’s Park Tavern have kept Vibe: Indecisive and Idiosyncratic guests coming back again and again. On the Menu as: House Specialties Whether you want them with ranch, blue Price: $1.60 a slice (variable options) cheese, carrots, or celery, their Herbie Cajun blend is one of the most distinct UPCOMING EVENTS and captivating tastes around, for an in- IN THE STORE, THE LOFT OR IN THE MEADOW toxicating concoction of flavor. Thu Mar 11th 6~8pm Open Mic w/50 Miles to Empty Fri Mar 12th 6:30~9pm The CraicJacks – (Irish music and food) What: Mona Lisa Sat Mar 13th 6:30~9pm Rick MaGee and Jack Adams Where: Picasso’s Sun Mar 14th 1~3pm The CraicJacks – (Irish music and food) Vibe: Artsy and Alluring th On the Menu as: Signature Sandwiches Thu Mar 18 6:30 ~ 8pm Jeff Glover (The Loft) th Price: $7.29 for half, $9.49 for whole Fri Mar 19 6:30~9pm Justin Moyar & Nicholas Nasibyan Sat Mar 20th 6:30- 9pm Kevin Wilson Accoustics Sun Mar 21st 11am Breakfast with Jesus – Andy Kerr speaker Anyone who knows about Virgil’s pizza Fri Mar 26th 6:30~9pm Salmon Frank knows that they do things a little differ- Sat Mar 27th 6:30~9pm Fred Oakman ently, with highly customizable pies be- Sun Mar 28th 12~2pm Brunch & Bloody Marys w/John, Rich & Laurie ing their specialty. Two of their flagship Thu Apr 8th 6~8pm Open Mic w/50 Miles to Empty options are the Maggio and the Happy Fri Apr 9th 6:30~9pm Tony Kellogg Wife. The former has a garlic olive oil Sat Apr 10th 6:30~9pm Touch of Gray base with spinach, tomato, red onion, and ricotta cheese while the latter has a ricotta cheese base with spinach, red Leave it to a place named Picas- onion, sweet Italian sausage, and house so’s to get creative. Each selection is red sauce drizzle. Get them both on the named after a famous artist or work of same pizza with room for your own cre- art. Where else can you get a Twinkie- ations. 21747 Cussewago Street • Venango, PA 16440 • 814.422.5323 based sandwich (the Lee Roslyn)? Not Photos by Jessica Hunter and Nick Warren VISIT VENANGOGENERALSTORE.COM/EVENTS FOR DETAILS

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 The Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity Presents the 12th Annual

Russian Festival Friday, May 28, 2021 - 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 - Noon to 6 p.m.

Church of the Nativity Community Center 109 German Street Erie, PA 16507 www.churchofthenativity.net/troika

TROIKA 2021 is a Go! Take Out & Curbside Pick-up Only Hop on over to Romolo Chocolates!

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 FOOD Dan Kern Has Something New to Say The chef reflects on the decade of 1201 Kitchen and teases out his new venture

Chef Dan Kern is tight-lipped regarding At 1201, Kern’s been limited by the con- new details about his next restaurant fines of the space, as the restaurant has venture, built from the ground up in an as-of-yet undisclosed location. Perhaps lived inside of a building born before our astute readers can decipher the clues it. The husk pre-dating the restaurant captured on-site in this photograph? dictated growth, design, and other ele- ments — all of which forced that focus on those 1,000 little things. ferent way could hopefully fire up other For his new challenge, he wants no people to do their stuff, too.” restrictions (I had to work in a kitchen Pivoting comes somewhat naturally to in the basement because that’s the only Kern, as over the years, he and his staff place it fit), no excuses (I had to focus on have routinely refreshed the menu, ro- the problem of 100-year-old plumbing tating with the seasons, taking risks, and pipes today and not on plating the and introducing new elements without steak). He wants to work in a space he’s sacrificing a commitment to cooking designed from the ground-up, built en- with fresh ingredients and a drive to tirely for what it is he wants to do next. achieve a high-quality consistency in Kern’s holding the details on the new ABBY KRYSIAK ABBY each meal, whether they’ve served a venture close to his chef’s apron. That’s By: Ben Speggen 1201 Kitchen at the age of 22, fulfilling dish once, ten times, or a hundred times not because he doesn’t know what, an Kern does not want to keep the dreams he’d had since the age of 10 a night. where, why, and when the new place going just because he can. — to cook, and to own his own restau- Ten years back, if you asked about will open. This has been an idea in the D Dan Kern also does not want rant. ramen, an Erieite might’ve pointed works for three years already. He knows to play the Greatest Hits of 1201 Kitchen But after more than a decade of dish- you to a corner store to fetch a cello- the restaurant’s style, has a name for it, just because he can. ing out contemporary Latin-Asian fu- phane-wrapped block of dried noodles has involved new partners, has been But most importantly: Dan Kern has sion cuisine from the corner of where with a packet of seasoning for less than dreaming up the menu, and construc- something new to say. the city’s east-west and north-south a buck. But ask today and they’ll tell you tion’s already underway with an antic- And he says it’s the best thing he’s had main streets meet, Kern announced via how Kern introduced it to his menu sev- ipated opening after Labor Day. to say to date. Facebook on Jan. 28 that 1201 Kitchen en years ago and helped redefine some- “I really want to bring people along But he won’t say what it is. At least not would serve its last meals on April 15. thing familiar into something artful on this journey of understanding what just yet. To be clear, this is not because 1201 and delicious. we’re trying to do,” he says. “When you Instead, over the next six months, Kitchen has become tired, worn out, “It’s those little 1,000 things a day just let everything out, you open the Chef Dan Kern will tease out the sto- and boring. Nor is 1201 closing because that you just have to show up for ev- floodgates up to people forming their ry — an Easter egg here, a trailer there of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the kitch- ery single day and just do right,” Kern opinion, like, ‘Oh, it’s this kind of place,’ — unfurling the tale to the community en has pivoted and adapted and kept says. “I’ve never taken that for granted, or ‘Oh, it’s going to be this.’ I really want chapter-by-chapter until, well, we all fi- cooking. because people come and spend their to try to curate that experience to where nally know what the 36-year-old chef’s On that, Kern explains shokunin. hard-earned money and it’s something it’s like, ‘No, I’m going to bring you along next venture will be. All the while, he’ll A Japanese term that does have a that I always want to give them — not here.’” be closing his flagship restaurant, tran- translation (“artisan” or “master of only the best experience but show them Over the coming days, weeks, and sitioning that team to Noosa — his oth- craft”), but like most translations falls my passion and why I’m there.” months, more information will come er, seasonal restaurant — for the sum- short of the native word’s true meaning To Kern, 1201 still means a lot. He wants out. Perhaps even there’ll be spoilers for mer before then enlisting them in the and weight. the last dishes he serves there to be “the which we’ll want an alert. chorus that’ll sing his song anew come “The term also translates into hav- best dishes that people have had.” But what we know now: Dan Kern fall 2021. ing a social responsibility to your craft So until that door shuts, he’ll be full doesn’t want people skipping to the last While we don’t — and won’t — yet and the importance that it provides for throttle ahead. sentence of the last chapter of a book know the what and where of that fu- your community,” Kern explains. “I feel “I don’t want to ever play the ‘Greatest before they’ve read the rest. He values ture plan, the path to here started in a social obligation to cook food for the Hits of 1201,’ or of the new place 10 or 15 creating both the experience in cooking the mid-2000s when the Erie native was community.” years from now,” Kern says. “I want to and creating — and here, he’s creating climbing the culinary ranks in Denver From the onset of the pandemic, Kern grow and learn as a cook, and after 13 something anew, from the ground-up after having studied at Johnson & Wales says he’s welcomed what’s come — in- years of 1201, I have something new to for the first time. University. Looking for further growth door-capacity restrictions, social dis- say.” We also know 1201 Kitchen’s expira- but not finding it in the Mile High City, tancing — as a challenge to adapt and That new thing to say was the second tion date. While it’s coming sooner than he heard an opportunity knocking in evolve. half of that Jan. 28 Facebook announce- many would’ve ever wanted, solace can his hometown. “Whether that’s in Erie or worldwide, ment: A new restaurant coming in 2021. be taken in knowing we consumed it So, Kern moved back east to Erie in it’s like, ‘Hey, here’s an opportunity to It’s cheap to write endings beget new when it was still fresh. 2007 to start as the opening sous chef let this spark some creativity, some beginnings — or that new beginnings at the then 1201 Restaurant & Wine Bar. concept that I never ever would have must take the Phoenix flight out of yes- Ben Speggen can be contacted But just six months later, along with his thought of and done before. And if that teryear’s ashes — but, something new at bSpeggen@ErieReader. business partner J.B. Innes, he decided could get me fired up to do what I do, I lurks out on the horizon. And its birth com, and you can follow him to purchase the restaurant to launch feel like us trying to do things in a dif- owes some credit to its predecessor. on Twitter @BenSpeggen

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 FOOD John’s Wildwood Pizza Is Warming Up The much-loved local pizzeria sets their sights on an Edinboro reopening IRONSTONE MEADERY the Erie Region’s FIRST & OLDEST Meadery specializing in Old World Meads.

Follow us on Facebook to see the latest weekly releases! In fact, check it out now!

HOURS: SMITH RYAN Sun – Mon: Closed Wed – Sat: 1-6pm By: Ryan Smith The original John’s Wildwood Pizza at 105 Erie St. in 9333 Tate Rd #205 Downtown Edinboro has yet to reopen after a 2019 fire, but Erie, PA 16509 owner John Bellucci promises the time is growing nearer. amily and friends from out of town call from time to 814-873-5957 Ftime. They check in with us ... How are you? How are the shining stainless steel — has been happening at the www.ironstonemeadery.com kids? Everyone’s still healthy? School’s still going well? historic downtown structure that houses John’s for And work too? quite a while now, and a glance at the building shows a Oh well that’s good to hear. shop basically at the ready. But, since about halfway through 2019 (like, a couple “You can see it’s getting close,” he says. of lifetimes ago) there’s always — always — another The COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the reopen- big, important question baking there too: When, for the ing effort has certainly not made the process less com- love of all things good and fair, is John’s reopening? plicated, Bellucci says, and some customers have ex- Sure, there’s always the newer, also-awesome John’s pressed bitter frustrations at the inability to get their Wildwood Pizzeria location at the Erie Brewing Compa- John’s fix, for pickup or delivery, day, evening, or even in ny near Behrend. People can, and do, make the drive the weest, bleariest hours of the night. there. One hangry person posted a measly one-star review But, the thing is, it’s been hard times all over, and the at one point, Bellucci says, because staff hasn’t been Edinboro-area people — and those close to them — re- answering the Edinboro phones. “We don’t even have ally want that original downtown ‘Boro pizza shop back. phone lines installed yet.” Since my wife and I are both longtime Edinboro folk, But it’s easy to understand that dude’s demeanor. with a combined total of almost two decades of past People love pizza — even bad pizza — and John’s professional experience in the famous John’s Wild- Wildwood isn’t bad pizza. In fact, it’s better than not wood field, our people hope that we might know some bad. It’s actually really good, and it’s got a whole bunch things. of local media best-of food awards — including a 2020 They hope we have some inside info on a clear and Best of Erie award for “Best Pizza” — to prove it (along concise time frame (as in calendar-date and clock- with a pretty fanatical fan base). time) for when, after being shuttered since June 2019 “The support is unbelievable,” says Bellucci. following a major fire, the Edinboro John’s ovens will When John’s does reopen — which is getting sooner fire back up for the hungry masses. rather than later all the time — Bellucci says it’ll likely We haven’t, and we don’t. be soft-style rather than grand. Along with all the oth- And John Bellucci — who’s owned and operated the er Herculean tasks that go along with pulling off such Edinboro shop for over 40 years — says neither does he a feat, he and his management need to train what will … but it’s coming, and getting closer by the day. basically be an entirely new staff. Bellucci says at this point, he’s trying to retire the So take this from someone who’s been on both sides word “soon” from the conversation. “I made that mis- of that line many, many times: Be patient, and kind, and take early on,” he says. “People think I mean tomorrow, enjoy your experience. or next week … it isn’t ‘soon’ enough.” And don’t forget the Big Ranch. But renovation work — which includes new entry and Ryan Smith can be reached at [email protected], and restroom accessibility, new equipment and plenty of you can follow him on Twitter @ryansmithplens.

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 Best Diner & Erie County Best Brunch Human Relations Thanks for your support! Commission

The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) works to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations through identification, consultation, and FLIP CAFE investigation of complaints. Unique breakfast & lunch choices in a relaxed, funky atmosphere! 103 Meadville St. • Edinboro, PA 16412 814.734.3400 • flip-cafe.com • The ECHRC provides a system of equal justice Winter Hours: Thurs. – Sun. 7AM - 2PM; Closed Mon., Tues., & Wed. for employer–employee, landlord–tenant, business–patron, and lending institution– homebuyer.

ECHRC’s Ordinance makes it unlawful to discriminate against protected classes that include:

• Race; Color; Family Status; Religious Creed; HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY Ancestry; Age; Sex; National Origin; Sexual Orientation; Disability; Gender Identity; Criminal FROM MUD PUPPIES History; and Source of Income. March 23rd 1001 State Street, Suite 812 • Erie, PA 16501 NATIONAL 814-451-7021 • [email protected] PUPPY DAY! eriecountygov.org/hrc Stop in between March 23rd and 27th to receive a FREE American Natural Premium Puppy Pack (while Supplies Last) Offering over 50 varieties of the most luxuriant, AmericanNaturalPremium.com single source olive oils, infused olive oils & Each Puppy Pack Contains 2 pounds of American Natural vinegars...a healthy alternative for every palate! Premium Puppy Food, American Natural Premium Treats, A Pet Food Scoop and $7.00 in Coupons for future purchases of American Natural Premium Food. “This store is amazing!” American Natural Premium Puppy Food is Precisely Formulated For Proper Nutrient “A hidden gem Absorption for Healthy growing puppies. in Erie!”

Made and sourced in the USA. No wheat, No corn, No soy. “The owner is wonderful and the DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR OUR PUPPY selection is vast. KINDERGARTEN CLASS WHILE YOUR HERE! I will be a repeat Starts Friday March 19th! customer! Hours of Operation: Self Serve Dog Wash Hours: T-FR 10 -7 Sat 10-6 T-FR 12-6 Sat 11-5 We also offer herbs, bread dipping mixes, olives, salts, hand made glass cruets, pottery and much more!!

Mud Puppies Self Serve Dog Wash OPEN 12-5:30 MONDAY; 10-5:30 TUESDAY—SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAYS 3867 Peach St. • 814-864-0032 • mudpuppieserie.com 814-835-6898 | 1535 W 8th St. Erie, PA | buonacucinaerie.com

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 Time and Temperature at Your Fingertips

Call it for

Call it for the MEMORIES! Sponsored by TINA FRYLING, ESQ. Bankruptcy Attorney

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 MOVIE REVIEWS Zendaya and John David Washington Bring Color to New Netflix Noir

After returning home from Elliott’s movie premiere, the couple launches themselves into a tense, undeniably toxic nightlong argument. Jones accuses Elliot of not caring for her and is angered that he did not credit her for his work, which her past drug addiction inspired. Elliot counters with criticism over her insecurities and her lack of passion for acting. You know, typical marital dis- agreements. Yet perhaps the most notable aspect of the experience is Malcolm and Ma- rie’s self-awareness and critical commentary on Hollywood. Elliot laments over how his debut movie is received by critics and thus, what it means to be per- ceived as a Black artist making art. Midway through the movie, a white female film critic applauds Elliot for shed- ding light on the healthcare system for people of color in his movie. In turn, Elliot is angered at having now been labeled as political in his filmmaking as a Black artist. He argues that not everything he does has to be about his race and therefore does not always have to be political. “You can’t hang everything on identity,” Elliot yells. “You can’t say that I bril- liantly subverted this trope cause I’m Black, but I fell into this one because I’m a f***ing man. Identities are constantly shifting.” Playing on her expertise in grunge and angst from Euphoria, Zendaya further matures her acting through the complex and troubled Jones. David Washing- ton matches her energy as their chemistry ebbs and flows over the course of an hour and 45 minutes in a sexy grayscale backdrop. NETFLIX Viewers are forced into each character’s individual perspective as Levison allows Malcolm and Marie to play out in real-time. Each pause, each drawn- out monologue is given realistic breadth, offering viewers a nocturnal glance at etflix’s Malcolm and Marie is the epitome of a pandemic project. Filmed in what is either a beautifully passionate or tantalizingly harmful love. — Hannah Nsecret with a concentrated cast and crew, director Sam Levison (Euphoria) Wyman creates a capsule drama set in a rented house shared by filmmaker Malcolm Currently available on Netflix // Written and directed by: Sam Levinson // Starring: Zendaya, Elliott (John David Washington) and girlfriend Marie Jones (Zendaya). John David Washington // 106 minutes // Rated R

See You Down the Road: Nomadland is Captivating, Engrossing Cinema

vious films are populated entirely by nonprofessional actors, this story is elevat- ed by a veteran actor giving quite possibly her best performance to date. The result is a powerful journey through a fascinating subculture. Fern (Frances McDormand) is a woman in her sixties still feeling the emotion- al scars of her husband’s death. When the Great Recession causes her home- town to literally disappear, Fern packs her van and sets off across the Midwest as a modern-day “nomad.” We follow her and others as they travel throughout an America that many may find unfamiliar. Much like Zhao’s other films, most of the cast are nonprofessionals who ac- tually live this lifestyle (in this case, real-life nomads traveling across the country). However, their authentic but awkward performances are ground- ed by McDormand’s presence. She can deliver more emotion with a nod of the head and a half-hearted smile than other actors could with their en- tire bodies. Also, the film is content with just existing with these people and their situations rather than psychoanalyzing them or worse, putting their lives into some kind of “bootstraps” narrative (I’m looking at you, Hillbilly Ele- gy). The lack of narrative makes this primarily a film about people rather than ideas, and that just makes the ideas that it may stir up all the more impactful.

SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES SEARCHLIGHT — Forest Taylor Nomadland is currently playing in select theaters and is available on Hulu // Written and directed by: Chloe Zhao, based on the book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty- hloe Zhao (Songs My Brothers Taught Me, The Rider) has already made an First Century by Jessica Bruder // Starring: Frances McDormand, David Straithairn, Linda Cimpact in her young career with simple, humanistic stories set in America’s May, Gay DeForest, Patricia Grier, Angela Reyes, Carl R. Hughes, Douglas G. Soul, Ryan heartland. Her latest film Nomadland continues that tradition. But while her pre- Aquino, Teresa Buchanan, and Swankie // 108 minutes // Rated R

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 BOOKS Book Review: Culture Warlords: My Journey into the Dark Web of White Supremacy Activist Talia Lavin peers into the Internet’s abyss

wenty-something Ashlynn was having trouble find- Lavin’s first-person voice makes her case urgent and Ting love in her small Iowa town. She wanted a man readable, but her scope is occasionally too limited to who shared her affection for firearms and her fears the 21st century. There are informative asides about about white genocide. As a beautiful blonde on a rac- New Deal-era antisemites like Henry Ford and Father ist chat forum, she soon met David, a lonely Ukrainian Charles Coughlin, but I found myself wanting a clearer Nazi assembling a small militia thousands of miles sense of the lineage that led up to the present. And away. her confessional style, relying primarily on her direct But there’s a catch. “Ashlynn” is actually Talia Lavin, experiences as a Jewish woman, occasionally forces a bisexual, Jewish leftist embodying everything David issues like Islamophobia (one of our most overtly nor- loathes about the world. Ashlynn is one of several on- malized forms of bigotry) to the book’s periphery. line disguises adopted by Lavin for Culture Warlords, That said, Lavin’s fearless plunge into hateful sub- a book dedicated to examining (and unveiling) the cultures is impressive and informative. There’s a most deranged people on the Internet. The text reads chapter devoted to infighting between racist Chris- as a cautionary primer to the most dangerous online tians and Pagan Odinists that is as hilariously insu- reactionaries, profiling incels (aka “involuntary celi- lar as it is objectively terrifying. Prior to 2016, many bates”), Boogaloo Boys, far-right accelerationists, and of these groups may have seemed like isolated cu- the Ku Klux Klan. riosities more deserving of a short article than a If you’ve spent the past four years watching — horri- full book. But as we (hopefully) conclude an era fied and bewildered — as Nazis gather in Charlottes- where overt bigots like Stephen Miller, Sebastian ville and insurrectionists parade through the Capitol Gorka, and Steve Bannon all had direct access to building with Confederate flags, Lavin’s book will help the president, the book feels vital and necessary. you understand the nightmare world we’re living in. It’s — Dan Schank equal parts history, memoir and call-to-action, with Hachette Books // 197 pages // Nonfiction, Activism, the latter two making the strongest impression. Current Events

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 BOOKS Book Review: Widowish Melissa Gould transforms grief into something to reclaim rather than resent

hen Melissa Gould married the man of her felt partly connected to the traditions of the faith. It, Wdreams, Joel Oberstein, she never envisioned a however, became a large part of her grieving process life without him. But years after a multiple sclerosis di- — including observing Shiva, the Jewish custom of agnosis, Joel became ill with West Nile virus and even- mourning for seven days following the burial of some- tually succumbed to the disease, dying in November one who has died. of 2013 at the age of 50. Left behind were Gould and The final part of Gould’s book can be best represent- their 13-year-old daughter Sophie, both reeling from ed by her coining of the term “widowish”: “I didn’t look his death at such a young age. like a widow. I wasn’t acting like a widow. But I felt like In her memoir, Widowish, Gould heartbreakingly de- a widow. I guess I was just widowish.” tails her life with Oberstein, his illness and death, and Throughout her memoir, Gould’s writing touches the aftermath of trying to find a new normal. In the first very deeply on subjects that sometimes feel too heavy section of her book, Gould touches on the history she for normal conversation. Grief is something that can and Oberstein shared. Following their marriage and be difficult for many to write about, but Gould’s experi- the birth of their daughter, Oberstein was eventually ence in her own words is so heartfelt and sincere that diagnosed with MS, leading to a difficult but still ful- it makes the topic more accessible to those others filling family life. Later falling ill with West Nile virus who may have trouble finding the right words to speak. due to a weakened immune system from a round of Gould’s Widowish shines a light for those who feel steroids for his MS, Oberstein ended up in a coma with that their grief may last forever, while Gould herself no chances of recovery and was taken off all life-sus- is the perfect example of how it can be transformed taining measures, allowing him to pass. into something more. While you may never stop miss- The second part of the book deals directly with ing those you’ve lost, Gould proves that grief can in- Gould’s grief in the aftermath of her husband’s death. stead be something to reclaim rather than resent. She describes herself as “Jew-ish,” in the sense that — Ally Kutz she did not fully practice Judaism and therefore only Little A // 219 pages // Nonfiction, Memoir

Thanks for voting us the Best Radio Station the last 5 years!

best oF best oF 2016 2017

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 The music you grew up with from the 60s, 70s and 80s

Your #1 local radio station playing at least 55 minutes of music per hour!

Erie Reader Online Ads Work No sales pitch. Ads start immediately. Cancel anytime.

advertising.eriereader.com EAST WEST 810 East 38th Street 3201 Greengarden Blvd. 459-1145 864-5322 Mon-Sat 11am - 8pm Mon-Sat 11am - 6pm Sun 10am - 6pm Sun 9am - 2pm

NOW SERVING OUR FULL MENU. CALL AHEAD FOR SAFER, FASTER SERVICE. VISIT OUR TERESA’S ITALIAN DELI FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS. FULL MENU LOCATED AT WWW.TDERIE.COM 30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 PODCASTS Our Monthly Podcast Picks Enthralling audio infotainment we can’t stop listening to

Too Long, Didn’t Watch You’re Wrong About Stuff You Should Know Hosted by: Alan Sepinwall Hosted by: Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall Hosted by: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant Rolling Stone and Obb Sounds // Television, Pop Culture Stitcher / Media, Social Issues Stuff Media and iHeartRadio // Educational, Comedy

oo Long; Didn’t n 1964, a woman n a time where the TWatch, the new Inamed Kitty Geno- Ianswers to (almost) podcast from televi- vese was brutally mur- everything are right at sion critic Alan Sepin- dered on a New York our fingertips, it is no wall and Rolling Stone City street corner. wonder that a podcast is at once compelling Soon after, the New like Stuff You Should and kind of cruel, an York Times incorrectly Know would be so pop- interesting product claimed that 38 strang- ular. of a flawed structure. ers witnessed this trag- In 2008, Stuff You Actors like Alison edy and did nothing. Should Know (stylized Brie (GLOW) and Jon The case proved instru- as SYSK) was start- Hamm (Mad Men) are welcomed in to watch both mental to the concept of the “bystander effect” — a ed with the intent of repurposing articles from the the pilot and finale of a TV show they previously psychological theory proposing that we’re less likely to website HowStuffWorks, where hosts Josh Clark and “didn’t watch.” Sepinwall and his guest talk through help victims when others are present. Chuck Bryant are writers. From there the idea took both episodes, the guest tries to suss out what hap- Listeners of You’re Wrong About, an addictive pod- off, with the podcast amassing hundreds of thou- pened between the beginning and end via a quiz, cast that reassesses media narratives, will learn that sands of fans across the world and millions of down- and there’s typically talk of pandemic TV habits. But the Times’ account was dangerously flawed. It turns loads each month. In January of 2019, SYSK became there’s always one moment I pay particular attention out that 38 people had indeed heard something, but the first podcast ever to reach one billion downloads to. How much did the celebrity-of-the-week like the only two could accurately identify these sounds as and is consistently ranked in the top 10 on the iTunes pilot, and how bummed are they that the show is murder. And people did intervene! One woman rushed podcasts chart. It’s also spawned a YouTube channel, about to be ruined for them by watching the finale? to the scene too late to prevent Genovese’s death. An- a TV show, and most recently, a book. “That really makes me mad at myself for not having other called the cops after a friend arrived to ensure With a tri-weekly release schedule and more than watched it at the time,” said Rob Huebel, for exam- he was safe. But the myth of malevolent human apathy 1,400 episodes under its belt, SYSK has something for ple, after taking part in this experiment for HBO’s The persisted. everyone. Often utilizing popular culture in reference Leftovers. These inaccurate mythologies are the bread-and- to the topics, Clark and Bryant have no shortage of The best way to listen is picking out episodes for butter of You’re Wrong About. With careful reporting relevant, comedic quips and jokes to add to the al- TV you’ve personally seen, while then having fun as and a crackling sense of humor, Sarah Marshall and ready interesting information they present in each the guest attempts to explain the plot. Kumail Nanji- Michael Hobbes delve deep into our toxic moral pan- episode. With episode lengths ranging from a few ani is the early standout, as he applies his analytical ics. Often they’re less interested in refuting facts than minutes ( “Short Stuff”) to just shy of two hours, it is skills from the now-defunct (and excellent) podcast in changing narratives. The topics range from the triv- very easy to fit SYSK into your daily commute or differ- The X-Files Files to the neo-noir American teen dra- ial (apparently the bat eaten by Ozzy Osbourne was ent points in your day. ma mystery series Veronica Mars. already dead) to the extremely substantive (better Don’t know where to begin with 1400+ episodes I’ll be interested to see how the show grows in access to homeless shelters are a more effective solu- staring you down? Check out the top five most lis- future seasons (the first season recently end- tion to human trafficking than misleading “awareness tened to episodes: “The Disappearance of the Yuba ed with comedian Paul Scheer of The League campaigns” on Facebook). County Five,” “Gerrymandering — How to Stifle De- attempting to decipher the blood-soaked For skeptical types with a keen sense of humor and a mocracy,” “What Does a Tire Company Know About Showtime series Dexter), and also see if the afore- basic sense of decency, it doesn’t get much better than Food?” “Ballpoint Pens? Heck Yes, Ballpoint Pens!” mentioned regret becomes common among guests. You’re Wrong About. and “How the Stanford Prison Experiment Worked.” — Christopher Lantinen — Dan Schank — Ally Kutz

How long should your pet live? Need someone Help your pet live a longer, healthier life. that speaks fluent insurance?

Cam El-Farouki, Agent I’m your agent for that. Nickel Plate Mills 3319 W 26th Street No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with my help, you won’t have Erie, PA 16506 to. I’ll help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the Bus: 814-833-6663 1932 Parade St, Erie, PA 16503 best coverage at the best price. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® www.teamerie.com www.nickelplatemills.net CALL ME TODAY. Like us on facebook 1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 MUSIC Keep It Classy And Buttoned Up With blouses. Local post-hardcore band formed during quarantine has a killer new album to show for it

Local post-hardcore band blouses. roles as guitarist. Previously, he entine’s Day. These platforms consists of (left to right) Dominick played together with bandmate provide positive outlooks for Quirk (vocals), Anthony Liotta (bass), Derek Hoenes (guitar), and James in Sea of Teeth. With his the near future, especially with James Quirk (drums). own unique style, he lays the the hopes of venues re-opening groundwork that lets the rest for live performances. of the band be equally as cre- “Even though we weren’t Vocalist and songwriter Dom- ative. rushed to create anything, and inick Quirk has been in the Last but certainly not least is we had that time to create music industry for a few years Liotta, who has been a blessing whatever without a time frame, now, with experience in the in disguise since his late arriv- the worst part of it all was that local band Closing Remarks al. He picked up the bass after we couldn’t show off all the ma- previously. Contradicting his dabbling in both guitar and pia- terial we worked so hard putting naturally calm demeanor, this no in his past. He continues to together,” expresses James. man will wow you on the mi- learn as he goes while playing Despite their angst about their crophone with high pitched with the band because he says limited ability to perform live, screams that stay in sync with they offer him “structure and they have continually drawn every melody being played in discipline.” The band as a whole their audience in with the pro- the background. He states, also offers a big thanks to duction of upcycled merchan- “I focus on the sounds in my Shawn Hammer, who was there dise and are slowly but surely head flowing into the poetry from the beginning recording working on another album and essentially, which then follows every bit of material produced music video release. DOMMY CREWLIFE into lyrics and comes together during their come-up. “Just give us a shot. Although By: Symoné Crockett Derek Hoenes and James Quirk when all of us practice and per- Their premiere performance we play whatever we want, we spent a long night binge watch- form.” was right before Halloween do it because we don’t want to hey’ve had time to Eat Glass ing the iconic sketch comedy James is the band’s drummer with a socially distanced under- think too much about it, which Tsince Valentine’s Day with series Chappelle’s Show (i.e., and is no stranger to the music ground showcase. This was the is something everyone can the release of their debut, and the classic “shirts vs. blouses” scene. He started his career beginning of growing their fan be found guilty of. If you just now that they’ve cut their teeth, skit wherein Prince’s flamboy- around 14 years ago and is well- base outside of social media. go with the flow and give our new local rock alternative band antly dressed squad schools known for his work with VWLS. With the newly released music music a chance, you’ll appre- blouses. is ready to show Erie Charlie Murphy’s in a game of From hardcore to psychedelic video for the song “Burn and ciate it and us,” says James. In what they’ve been working on pick-up basketball). After cre- to rock alternative, James has Repeat,” directed and filmed by the Chappelle’s Show episode, during this very long yet pro- ating the name and playing proven adept at switching up DOMMY of Crew Life Produc- Murphy states, “Don’t judge a ductive quarantine hiatus. around with frequencies, mel- the vibe whenever necessary. tions, they now have visuals to book by its cover.” Because you With a post-hardcore sound odies, and lyrics, they recruited Hoenes, who is considered by offer. “Burn and Repeat” is also never know who will win. reminiscent of bands like Every- the rest of the bandmates — all members of the band to be one of the songs from their “Game...blouses.” time I Die or Touché Amoré, the Quirk’s brother Dominick and “the backbone of it all,” plays newlyI released eight-track EP Symoné Crockett can be reached band came to be after members Anthony Liotta. one of the most important Eat Glasstothe that came out on Val- at [email protected] and back

SEIZESEIZESEIZE THE THE DAYTHE DAY DAY SEIZESEIZE THE THE DAY DAY CARPECARPECARPE At MercyhurstAt Mercyhurst University, University, we believe we the believe best education the best education CARPE At Mercyhurst University, we believe the best education CARPE Your hometown At Mercyhurst University, we believe the best education At Mercyhurst University, we believe the best education liberal arts. We believe that a university best prepares you liberal arts. We believe that a university best prepares youwith new technology, new facilities and new hands-on liberal arts. We believe that a university best prepares withyou new technology, new facilities and new hands-on experiencesexperiences combine time-honored combine time-honored traditions with traditions with with new technology, new facilities and newexpanding hands-on opportunitiesexperiences in our academic combine programs time-honored traditions with expanding opportunities in our academiccutting-edge programs innovations. That’s why we’re always liberal arts. We believeexperiences, that a university while best remainingexpanding prepares true opportunitiesyou to our roots in in our the academiccutting-edge programs innovations. That’s why we’re always liberal arts. We believeexperiences, that a university while best remaining prepares true youwith to our new roots technology, in the cutting-edge new facilities innovations. and new hands-on That’s why we’reexperiences always combine time-honored traditions with experiences, while remaining truewith to ournew roots technology, in the new facilities and new hands-on experiences combine time-honored traditions with expanding opportunities in our academic programs expanding opportunities in our academiccutting-edge programs innovations. That’s why we’re always experiences, while remaining true to our roots in the cutting-edge innovations. That’s why we’re always experiences, while remaining true to our roots in the DIEMDIEM for what liesfor ahead what by lies always ahead lookingby always forward. looking forward. DIEM for what lies ahead by always looking forward. DIEMDIEM for what lies ahead by always looking forward. for what lies ahead by always looking forward.

GO GOTROJANS GOTROJANS TROJANS GO GOTROJANS TROJANS

/HurstU /HurstU /HurstU

/HurstU /HurstU

@MercyhurstU @MercyhurstU

@MercyhurstU

@MercyhurstU print shop!. @MercyhurstU

@MercyhurstU @MercyhurstU

@MercyhurstU @MercyhurstU @MercyhurstU

UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY TOP-TIERTOP-TIER U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report NORTHNORTH REGION REGION TOP-TIERTOP-TIERTOP-TIER U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report NU.S. News & WorldNORTH Report REGIONNORTH REGION A TNORTH REGION OT I-SO N 2018-20192018-2019

MercyhurstU 2018-2019 2018-2019 MercyhurstU 2018-2019 C

MercyhurstU MercyhurstU MercyhurstU M I A A I L Brian Gorman mercyhurst.edumercyhurst.edu mercyhurst.edumercyhurst.edumercyhurst.edu Vice President Operations

Waldameer Park Inc. P.O. Box 8308 • Erie, PA 16505 • 814/838-3591 Fax: 814/835-7435 • Toll Free 1-877/817-1009 www.waldameer.com • [email protected] I A G M IN JU C ST DISTAN

2040 W. 8th St. • Erie, PA 16505 www.kimkopy.com

Keep ERie Snacks We do it all! 2019 “TROJAN LEADERS” M C D O W E L L F O O T B A L L 32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 ALBUM REVIEWS

Random Union Various Artists Tomahawk Fred Oakman and Donny Cosla Neon Waves Judas and the Black Messiah: Tonic Immobility Split EP Self-Released The Inspired Album Ipecac Recordings Self-released

fter “going ne of the n Toma- ustic and rol- Aghost” for Omost rivet- Ohawk’s fifth Rlicking, the about five years ing films in re- album they cele- newest effort in the music cent memory is brate 20 years as from local sing- scene, Random the controversial a band by mak- er-songwriter Fred Union makes a Judas and the ing their most Oakman sees him vibrant splash Black Messiah, straightforward teaming up with back into the spotlight with their recent the story of the Illinois Black Panther rock record yet. There are still plenty of fellow troubadour Donny Cosla. At five album release. The two lyrical genius- leader Fred Hampton and an FBI infor- off-color lyrics, angular guitar riffs, and tracks clocking in at 17 minutes, there’s es behind this heavy-hitting tracklist mant who infiltrated the party in the late driving beats that you would expect plenty to unpack in this short EP from the are DOMMY (of Crew Life Productions) 1960s. A soundtrack to the movie was from this supergroup consisting of vo- two Meadville-centered raconteurs. Fans and Mercury Moon (formerly known as available the same day as the film and calist Mike Patton and bassist Trevor of Oakman will know him from his solo NeimaN). These two, who are certainly features a star-studded list of artists. Dunn (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and work (backed up by his band, The Flood), not unfamiliar in the local rap/hip-hop The album speaks to modern-day and Fantômas), guitarist Duane Denison (The his punk band One If By Land, and his well- community, created this album to not historical oppression, revolution, street Jesus Lizard, and drummer John Stanier loved time with The Twirpentines and Sig- only rebrand themselves musically but life, and more. Opening the soundtrack (Helmet). Tonic Immobility opens with an nal Home. Cosla has been making waves also to give their listeners a pleasing au- is Fred Hampton Jr., speaking in the aggressive song ironically called “Shhh!” in the local scene recently with his band dial experience. With songs like “Danny spirit of his father with conviction about As the album progresses, it becomes Sunday at the Station. Functioning as the Zukos” and “RUN,” one perceives the the injustice and inequality of today’s more dynamic than their previous four re- title implies, their Split EP sees both song- almost cinematic vibe present in the American system. After the powerful cords. For fans of Faith No More and Pat- writers giving listeners two songs apiece, album, a key inspiration for Mercury monologue, the album dives right into ton in general who need another release with the last track being a collaboration Moon’s lyrics and the melodies through- message-heavy R&B and hip-hop from to tide them over till their next record, between them in “Save Me the Corners.” out. DOMMY aims to remind his fans of some of urban music’s contemporar- the songs “Doomsday Fatigue,” “Side- Each song was recorded at Oakman’s his versatility as an artist, using partic- ies and legends such as H.E.R., Black Winder,” and the Ennio Morricone-in- home studio, “The Pit,” and was mixed and ular melodies and lyrics to tell the sto- Thought, G Herbo, Nas, and more. One spired tune “Howlie” should fill that void. mastered by Oakman’s longtime band- ry of his growth over the past couple of of the soundtrack’s highlights and un- The pre-released singles stand out even mate Troy Messerall at Paper Box. The re- years, epitomized in the song “DARK.” deniably one of the most talked-about when listening to the album as a whole. sult is a seamless and streamlined produc- Working with three outsourced produc- songs in 2021 thus far is the song “What “Business Casual” has a driving bassline tion, with similar acoustic guitar chimes ers left plenty of time to focus on cre- It Feels Like,” performed by the late great and comical lyrics that ponder the mean- throughout. With Oakman’s gruff vocals ating an album that will be relatable to Nipsey Hussle featuring Jay-Z. The song ing of middle age, while “Dog Eat Dog” and Cosla’s smooth delivery, an aging many. This LP can be found on all digital was finished after Hussle’s untimely de- has a catchy melody with a memorable punk rocker could easily recall the acous- streaming platforms, including Amazon, mise with Hov stepping in to complete chorus. Tomahawk have proven that a tic works of the Lawrence Arms, with Co- Apple Music and Spotify. Random Union the vocals. Each track complements the supergroup can turn into a full-time band sla providing the Sundowner-esque side expresses, “Don’t knock this album next to create a highly listenable doc- without relying too heavily on their previ- of the coin, especially on his immense- until you knock it on your speakers!” ument of today’s complicated society. ous bands for their sound and success. ly catchy standout track “The Road.” — Symoné Crockett — Charles Brown — Larry Wheaton — Nick Warren

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com March 2021 CROSSWORD

Across cannot be more painful to Artist) 1. “The freakin’ weekend is listen to!! 21. Swivel around here!” 56. Bill, the Science Guy 22. Wasabi-coated snack 5. Big seller of camping gear 57. Down the road 23. Sick 8. Jet popular in the 1960s 58. Je ne sais quoi 24. Chart type and ‘70s 60. “Yours truly” alternative 26. Hear here! 14. Texas politico O’Rourke 61. Smear campaign com- 28. Chris Christie or Kamala 15. Texas politico Richards mercial ... or this puzzle’s Harris, for short 16. Don who won an Oscar theme 32. Novelist Rand Answers to last puzzle for “Cocoon” 65. 10-time NBA All-Star 33. Homer’s TV neighbor 17. His performances on TV’s Kevin 34. Homer’s outburst ‘NewsRadio’ and Comedy 66. ____ gow (gambling 35. Area 51 sighting Central roasts are atro- game played with dominoes) 36. Bryn ____ College cious!! 67. Sharpen 39. Noted Chinese-American 19. Fastball, in baseball 68. French impressionism fashion designer 20. Fish sometimes served pioneer Alfred 40. Hangs around tartare 69. “____ the Force, Luke” 41. Bring in 21. Stirring time? 70. Baby ____ 42. Nutritional fig. 22. Backup singer for Gladys 43. Many Beethoven pieces Knight Down 44. Bond creator Fleming 25. Her political activism is 1. Not yet on the sched. 45. “Don’t just give up!” terrible!! 2. Lead-in to X, Y or Z 46. Slice of pizza? 27. Peace Nobelist Wiesel 3. “____ be my pleasure!” 47. They may be dressed for 29. ____ de cologne 4. Winner of four Indianapo- dinner 30. “Am ____ brother’s lis 500s 51. Former Massachusetts keeper?” 5. Wilson of “The Office” governor ____ Patrick 31. His novel “The Three 6. Behind bars 52. “Goodnight” girl of song Musketeers” should be 7. Squid squirt 53. Number with all its let- banned from libraries!! 8. Pre-Columbian Mexican ters in alphabetical order 37. Easter egg coloring 9. Modify, as the Constitu- 54. ____ patootie 38. Friend ____ friend tion 55. British pop star Rita 39. He was absolutely O.J. 10. Stiller’s longtime wife and 59. Sore Simpson’s worst lawyer!! comedy partner 61. “The Simpsons” shop- 47. ____-Cat (winter vehicle) 11. Brand of probiotic yogurt keeper 48. Bother 12. Best-selling PC game 62. “Rock and Roll, Hoochie 49. Like a steak that’s “still released in 2000 ____” (1974 hit) mooing” 13. Joan of Arc’s crime 63. & 50. Her folk rock music 18. ____ Lipa (2018 Best New 64. Narc’s grp.

March 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 WHAT’S YOUR AMERICAN STORY?

WATCH & LEARN DURING WQLN PBS AMERICAN PORTRAIT MARCH 18 AT 8PM |

Funding for PBS American Portrait pbs.org/americanportrait is provided by #AmericanPortraitPBS