Contents: From the Editors The local voice for news, We must cultivate our garden. arts, and culture. December 9, 2015 Editors-in-Chief: oltaire’s Candide is the story of a naive traveler Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Just a Thought 4 trying to reconcile his tutor’s philosophy that this Managing Editor: Katie Chriest Orwell was right. War is peace. And Vis “the best of all possible worlds” with the litany Contributing Editors: vice versa. of horrifying events and desperate characters he encoun- Ben Speggen ters during a long, outrageous journey. Thousands perish Jim Wertz in the Lisbon earthquake. Women are raped and owned. Contributors: Growing Erie by Feeding Erie 5 Priests get away with decidedly non-Christian behavior. Lisa Austin, Civitas Mary Birdsong It’s time to embrace, celebrate, and Soldiers are punished for inadequate barbarism. Wealthy Rick Filippi champion the culinary arts of Erie. countries plunder and enslave those less “developed.” Frank Garland Though Candide was first published in 1759, its satirical Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp James R. LeCorchick take on current events is painfully contemporary, given John Lindvay News of the Weird 6 the onslaught of horrifying headlines we’re bombarded Brianna Lyle Bob Protzman Now DJs can spin records of the spin with daily. Thus, Candide’s sense of overwhelming help- Dan Schank cycle. lessness and exhaustion feels utterly familiar. William G. Sesler Tommy Shannon His tutor attempts to justify even the worst of society’s Ryan Smith ills with “everything happens for a reason”-style dismiss- Matt Swanseger al. But Candide loses faith in this intellectualizing and Sara Toth Erie at Large 9 Bryan Toy Next Generation 911 explaining, which distance him from his own human em- Nick Warren pathy. Senator Sean Wiley Cover Design: Toward the end of the story, he meets a contented Turk Mark Kosobucki Why Congress Must Support the who doesn’t overly concern himself with the trials of Photographers: Iran Nuclear Deal 9 nearby Constantinople. “I presume in general that they Ryan Smith Brad Triana Introducing an online series of six who meddle with the administration of public affairs die Publisher’s Assistant articles exploring the JCPOA. sometimes miserably, and that they deserve it,” he tells Emily Hanisek Candide. The Turk, instead, has turned his attention to 1001 State St. Suite 901 his family’s ability to grow sustaining food on their little Erie, Pa., 16501 Flash Trumps Substance at GOP plot of land. [email protected] Commonwealth Club Luncheon 10 “Our labour preserves us from three great evils — wea- Pennsylvania Republicans unleash a riness, vice, and want,” the Turk explains. The Erie Reader is the local voice for bull in a china shop. Martin, Candide’s most Taoist traveling companion, news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only independent, alternative newspaper. agrees. “Let us work,” [says] Martin, “without disputing; it Founded in 2010, the Reader has quick- is the only way to render life tolerable.” ly become the region’s award-winning Kraus Department Store 13 Though ignoring the world at large would be wholly source for arts coverage, a strong cul- tural compass, and a dynamic resource If they don’t have it, you don’t need it irresponsible, Candide is a great reminder that choosing for news and opinion. With a dedication ... but Erie needs them. action gains us power over paralysis. And this issue once to long-form journalism and a commit- again features several examples of those spearheading ment to provoking thoughtful discus- sion, the Reader tells the stories of the right action locally. people and places making and shaping Spotlight on Erie 18 In arguing that “Erie desperately needs a win, having Erie, while highlighting the events and Here we are now. Entertain us. long ago reached a point where financial woes became issues influencing life in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is pub- excuses for doing nothing,” sociologist Josh Morgan lished every other week and distributed states that “The McBride Viaduct is a platform for inno- at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in Made Here, Paid Here 23 vation waiting to be utilized.” A group of local leaders Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in Great gifts made in Erie invites supporters to convene at City Hall on Dec. 16, to print, Erie Reader adds new content dai- convert advocacy into action. ly at ErieReader.com as well social media In recommending a few great options for locally-pro- sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Overlooking the East Side 29 duced gift ideas, Jim Wertz says that “The holidays give Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this Viaduct SOS: Stop city hall’s biggest us an opportunity to support some pretty great local em- publication may be reproduced without mistake since the downtown mall. ployers as well as a host of independently employed local permission. The opinions of our colum- nists and contributors are their own and people, many of whom give back to the region in ways do not always reflect that of the editorial both seen and unseen, celebrated and unmentioned.” board or organization. Direct inquiries to K2 Madness 31 And in explaining how Kraus Department Store has 814.314.9364 or [email protected]. Synthetic cannabinoid abuse spikes maintained a symbiotic relationship with its surround- in Erie. ing community for over 125 years, general manager Rory Nowosielski tells Matt Swanseger, “I care about Erie.” The last line in Voltaire’s masterpiece is spoken by Can- Geeked Out 34 dide, himself. Reflecting on all that he has witnessed, he It’s about damn time! determines the ideal way to make sense of the world: “Let us cultivate our garden.” Likewise, the best shot we have at bettering our com- ER Sports 38 munity comes from our ability to remain locally active A tribute to Dan Brabender despite intensely distressing news. And as always, we need look no further than our fellow Erieites for inspi- ration.

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION Just a Thought Orwell was right. War is peace. And vice versa. JASON ILAGAN JASON

By: Katie Chriest CNN.com referenced a passage from Ridge’s book: “I consider the n Marshall Drive, along the episode to be not only a dramatic THE ART fence enclosing Erie Interna- moment in Washington’s recent his- Otional Airport, a sign reads, tory, but another illustration of the “Caution: Low Flying Aircraft.” intersection of politics, fear, credi- OF GIVING I’ve driven, biked, and walked that bility, and security ... After that epi- road, but I’ve never figured out what sode, I knew I had to follow through that sign is trying to tell me. Is it with my plans to leave the federal suggesting, in the event an aircraft government.” flies a little too low, that I duck? Ridge resigned, and the color-cod- Color-coded Homeland Security ed threat system was retired in 2011. ratings at airports after the Sept. 11 But the political practice of fear- attacks were similarly baffling.- In mongering keeps getting promoted. termittently, a recorded loudspeaker Our bodies react to fear via our voice would, with just enough cau- sympathetic nervous system, creat- tionary authority (what were those ing a “fight or flight” response that auditions like?), announce that an ramps up adrenaline and puts us in “orange alert,” for instance, had been a reactionary, anxious state. issued. Color charts explained just Conversely, our parasympathet- how terrified we should be. ic nervous system – halted during But the most these warnings could times of panic – is responsible for ever do was worry us. Generate fear. the “rest and digest” response. It Breed suspicion. Plant the seed of lets us integrate sensory input with wariness that grew into defensive- earned wisdom. Take a breath. Gain ness against our fellow humans. perspective. Then calmly determine If there was an orange alert, how to rationally respond. weren’t we more likely to look du- After President Bush’s post-9/11 biously at other passengers who fit statement that America was in a the racial profile of the accused du state of war (despite life as usual for jour? most of us), Slavoj Žižek wrote that Isn’t this exactly where we are we entered “a time in which a state right now? of peace itself can at the same time Even Erie’s own Tom Ridge, for- be a state of emergency.” mer Homeland Security Secretary, History tells us that peace will not questioned the ratings’ viability. As be created by leaders who use fear CNN.com reported, “in 2009, Ridge to manipulate power. We owe it to wrote in a tell-all book that some- ourselves to take a deep breath and times officials such as Ashcroft and create our own. Our freedom de- Rumsfeld pressured the depart- pends on it. ment to change the level, describing a 2004 event in which his arguments Katie Chriest can be contacted against raising the alert worked.” at [email protected].

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Growing Erie by Feeding Erie It’s time to embrace, celebrate, and champion the culinary arts of Erie.

With creative food options blossoming, including the emergence of food trucks like The Que Abides, imagine a restaurant week in Erie where the downtown comes alive to celebrate culinary innovation.

urbanists frequently look with envy to the foodies for their huge cultural accomplishment.” They have spurred new American creations, Solomon ar- gues, and they’ve affected the places around them, like grocery stores and

BRAD TRIANA supermarkets, by encouraging a shift from the propensity to stock pre-pack- By: Ben Speggen The Trail is a no-brainer to market to aged, processed products to offering Erieites and out-of-towners alike. The fresh produce and more carefully se- ike its Keystone State brethren of celebration of good beer made by good lected ingredients. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Erie people served at good prices knows no Smart cities showcase these achieve- Lhas largely been a shot-and-a- age restriction (aside from being over ments, understanding their implica- beer kind of place. Maybe it stems from 21). Young or old, people visit regions tions for the city as a whole. long hours in hot factories relieved by just to sample craft beer. “The analogy between cities and food a cold, crisp pilsner. Perhaps it comes So why – aside from the recent- is clear: In both cases, the changes we from a quick nip of brown elixir to stiff- ly-launched and closed-during-the- are trying to bring about require us en the spine after a day of backbreak- winter independently-operated Erie to remake an entire industry while at ing toil. Perchance simplicity was the Food Tours – aren’t we doing the same the same time changing deeply held order du jour. for restaurants in Erie? cultural tastes,” writes Gabriel Metcalf, Likewise, Erie has been a meat-and-po- Take Morgantown, W.Va., for example. president of the urban planning and tatoes kind of place. You know, the On Dec. 5, this Appalachian city on the policy think tank SPUR, in Democratic standard fare of a protein drowned in come-up, notching less than a third By Design. a sauce borne of its own making, sided of Erie’s population, offered Morgan- We are reconciling our shot-and-a- with a heavy starch, and garnished by town Eats Culinary Crawl: a four-hour, beer tendencies with our craft-beer cu- an over-boiled green something served $35-per-person romp through six dif- riosities; so should we be shaping Erie’s steaming hot. A stick-to-your-ribs kind ferent restaurants, organized through potential through our foodie future of sleep-inducing meal that gets you the partnership of 20 WVU Reed Col- – the foundation of which is present ready to grind again tomorrow. lege of Media students and the Greater now. With creative food options blos- But in the 21st century, much like our Morgantown Convention and Visitors soming (here’s looking at you, too, food bigger urban brothers, Erie’s tastes are Bureau, Main Street Morgantown, and trucks!), imagine a restaurant week in evolving. Kind of. the Monongalia Arts Center. Erie where the downtown comes alive True, macro-produced swill remains But that’s really just the appetiz- to celebrate culinary innovation. Imag- on tap and on special for less than two er. On the same day, the First Annual ine such a week in winter – when we hours of paid street parking at a fair Morgantown Restaurant Week kicked hear most loudly that there’s nothing number of Erie establishments. But off. During this seven-day stretch, to do here. Imagine daring to do this the Erie region now lays claim to more restaurants offered special menu items twice a year, perhaps also during Cel- than ten microbreweries, illustrat- and reduced prices to attract the nev- ebrate Erie, to enjoy a true, fuller taste ing that the craft beer movement has er-been-befores and the I’ve-always- of Erie. found fertile ground in the soils just off wanted-to-try-that-but-thought-it- Then, a booming urban core in our fu- of Lake Erie. And while greasy spoon might-be-too-expensives. ture isn’t hard to imagine at all. diners and bar-food-slinging pubs still This concept isn’t novel to Morgan- But if we continue to ignore our food- abound, craft food isn’t hard to find ei- town. A lot of urban areas attract food- and-drink crafters, creators and mak- ther. ies with crawls and weeks. These incen- ers of great new products and menus But the city embraces, celebrates, and tivize trying something new and eating here just might start looking for eager champions beer and food differently. something local, aiming to diversify places elsewhere to serve their dishes We have the Lake Erie Ale Trail. and expand people’s palates. and drinks in weeklong celebrations Spanning north from Westfield, N.Y. to And their success is being noticed and more. North East, to Venango and Meadville outside the culinary realm. in the south, with Erie situated in be- In Global City Blues, Dan Solomon, Ben Speggen can be contacted tween, the trail proves that this Rust director of Solomon E.T.C., a WRT com- at bSpeggen@ErieReader. Belt region still excels in making stuff pany, and principal of the architec- com, and you can follow him – delicious liquid stuff. ture firm WRT, writes, “architects and on Twitter @BenSpeggen.

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION News of the Weird Now DJs can spin records of the spin cycle.

By: Chuck Shepherd he Baltimore-based "ex- plications of "white privilege" the bacteria into brains of a Bright Ideas Tperimental music" creators in society (e.g., "what does it man and two women who had Matmos announced the release he exasperated drug en- mean to be white?" and "how highly malignant glioblastoma It's Snot Hygienic of their new album, "Ultimate Tforcement chief of Indone- does whiteness impact you?"). tumors (each patient having he manager of the agen- Care II," consisting entirely of sia told reporters in November [CampusReform.org, 10-21- consented). However, two died Tcy in Louisville, Kentucky, "music" made by a Whirlpool (following confiscation of a 2015] [CampusReform.org, 11- within weeks, and although responsible for, among other washing machine (the Ultimate massive quantity of metham- 18-2015] the third survived more than things, development planning, Care II model). According to a phetamine from China) that a year, UC Davis found numer- the ordinary death penalty zoning changes and historic November report in Time mag- Government Inaction ous protocol violations. Dr. landmarks revealed in Novem- azine, the machine's 38-minute was insufficient for drug run- Muizelaar's new supervisor he Queens (New York) Red- ber that his headquarters has wash cycle will be "sampled ners, who should instead be told the Associated Press that bird Tourist Information a "boogers" problem and or- and processed" to lighten the forced to overdose on their T he nonetheless felt lucky to Center was finally ordered dered users of the third-floor original sound. (Matmos pre- own shipments. Budi Wase- land him because "not every- to close in July following an men's room to stop hocking viously "played" canisters of so also mused that crocodiles body wants to move to Appa- extraordinarily unsuccessful them onto the walls adjacent helium on stage at Radio City would make better prison lachia." [Associated Press via seven-year run in which, pos- to the urinals. According to an Music Hall and a cow's uterus guards than humans because Charleston Gazette-Mail, 7-4- sibly, not a single tourist ever internal memo cited by Insider- at the San Francisco Art Insti- crocs can't be bribed and lat- 2015] walked through the door. The Louisville.com, Metro Planning tute.) [Time.com, 11-9-2015] er added tigers and pirhanas New York Post, interviewing and Design Services manager to the proposed guard roster. neighbors in Kew Gardens, Ironies Joe Reverman called the mu- Even so, Waseso's boss reiter- Cultural Diversity found no one who ever saw a eputy sheriff Michael cus buildup "a very serious ated that the government is visitor, and the center's lone Szeliga of St. Petersburg, situation" and had his execu- n an enterprise somewhat committed to rehabilitation D staff member said she recalled Florida, in Fort Lauderdale for tive administrator post signs Iresembling "American Idol," over punishment. [Australian only lunchtime drop-ins from a weekend training session in instructing restroom users on amateur performers in China Broadcasting Corp. News, 11- jury duty at the criminal court July, was to receive a commen- the basics of proper disposal become self-supporting online 13-2015][Jakarta Globe, 11-22- building down the block. [New dation at the formal banquet, of "anything that comes out of not by soliciting money direct- 2015] York Post, 7-10-2015] for exemplary DUI enforce- or off a person's body." [Insider- ly, but through virtual gifts from enthralled fans, with per- ment, presented by Mothers Louisville.com, 11-18-2015] New World Order The Continuing Crisis formers getting a cut of each Against Drunk Driving. (This sale. Beijing's YY.com hosts atch Your Language: (1) arshall University (Hun- is News of the Weird; you've Great Art! original performances, and two WRecently added to the Mtington, West Virginia), already guessed the outcome.) he 1968 Cy Twombly "black- of the site's favorites, Mr. Earth list of words and phrases to be seeking a "star free agent" He, escorted by two fellow Tboard" painting sold for and Ms. Cloud, earned the officially discouraged on cam- for its medical faculty, hired deputies, arrived for dinner $70.5 million at New York City's equivalent of about $160,000 pus, according to the Univer- neurosurgeon Paul Muizelaar "staggeringly drunk" (though Sotheby's auction in November last year from their universe of sity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's in July despite controversy he did not drive), according to (higher than experts' estimate 1.8 million fans (according to a website: "political correct- from his previous work at an internal affairs investiga- of $60 million). The painting November Wall Street Journal ness." The phrase is said to be a the University of California, tion, and he was ordered to go consists of six horizontal lines report). In an ancillary indus- "microaggression" that might Davis. There, Dr. Muizelaar sleep it off. (Szeliga wrote an of continuous circular swirls try (led by 9158.com), hard-core make some students feel un- and colleagues, in a daring apology and was transferred (white chalk on a "blackboard") fans can purchase access (think comfortable or unsafe if they experiment, introduced live out of DUI work. Sheriff Bob -- perhaps the same swirls that "virtual limousines," shown hear it or read it. (2) In Novem- bowel bacteria into the brain Gualtieri said Szeliga was a might be made by an extremely "arriving" at a "concert"), giv- ber, the University of Vermont -- on lab rats -- supposedly to good deputy but that the in- bored, aggressive first-grader ing them bragging rights. (A held a (voluntary) three-day stimulate the immune system cident was "one of the most given a supply of chalk and the simple "applause" icon after a "retreat" open only to students when other remedies had fal- ridiculous things" he'd ever absence of the teacher. [Artnet song costs about a penny.) [Wall who "self-identify as white," tered. However, Dr. Muizelaar, heard of.) [WFLA-TV (Tampa), News, 11-11-2015] Street Journal, 11-11-2015] so that they can study the im- emboldened, also introduced 11-5-2015]

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 the people you care for by giving them the gift of health this Holiday Season. Gift cards are available for membership, spa services, specialized fitness programs and more.

814-868-7800 LECOMWELLNESS.com

5401 Peach St | Erie, PA NEWS & OPINION Erie at Large the people you care for by giving them the gift of Next Generation 911 health this Holiday Season. Gift cards are available By: Jim Wertz volumes in the face of a cat- single location from talking to lives. that includes computer-aided few days before astrophic event. It also uses one another. The ability of first respond- dispatch, graphical informa- for membership, spa services, specialized fitness Thanksgiving, the mapping software and cel- That means if multiple fire ers to communicate is crucial. tion systems, radio interopera- programs and more. ANew York Times pub- lular GPS to route calls and companies, police depart- So the value of the new Erie bility, and emergency manage- lished an op-ed by FCC Chair- pinpoint real-time location ments, or medical crews are at County 911 system in provid- ment functions. Joining the man Tom Wheeler in which of 911 calls made from mobile ing this service can’t be over- network made Erie County he offered a clarion call for devices. Additionally, it sup- “By Jan. 1, we’ll stated. It will allow respond- NG911-ready. The transition the country’s leaders – local, ports data, text, photo, and ers to act faster and more to the new 911 system, which state, and federal – to address video communication as well be accepting 911 efficiently. That will help save is expected to be fully opera- the technology behind the na- as voice calls. In an era when texts,” says Erie lives. But in the wake of Chair- tional in 2018, will make Erie tion’s network of 911 systems, many people have chosen to County Executive man Wheeler’s call to action, it County NG911. which he deemed “dangerous- ditch their landlines for cell seems we may have buried the “Being one of the early adopt- ly out of date.” phones and voice-over-inter- Kathy Dahlkemper. lede. ers positions us in a great “Many local 911 call centers net-protocols (VoIP) services “National standards Erie County’s new 911 is place,” Dahlkemper believes. can’t receive a text, photo, or like Vonage, Skype, and Google for photos and video NG911. In fact, it’s one of the “We’re a model for how this video from a person in need,” Hangouts, NG911 isn’t simply are currently being first in the country. can go forward.” Wheeler wrote, “capabilities an option. It’s the only option. “By Jan. 1, we’ll be accepting Transforming the nation’s that are considered common- Locally, Erie County gov- developed. So in 911 texts,” says Erie County emergency ecosystem at the place for any American with a ernment has approved a new many ways, we in Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. scale necessary to secure com- smartphone.” $26.5 million 911 system. the northwest are “National standards for pho- munities large and small is go- Wheeler is looking for gov- Thus far, the conversation tos and video are currently ing to require regional leader- ernment officials in Wash- driving support for the new ahead of the curve being developed. So in many ship that is unified, informed, ington, D.C. and across the system has focused on the in Pennsylvania and ways, we in the northwest are and forward thinking. It’s en- country to support what he capability for first respond- also nationally.” ahead of the curve in Pennsyl- couraging to know that Erie calls “Next Generation 911” or ers to communicate on a sin- vania and also nationally.” leads the pack. NG911. gle network using common In 2014 Erie County joined NG911 links emergency call frequencies rather than the one fire, shooting, or accident, what’s known as Pennsylva- Jim Wertz can be reached centers to Internet Proto- patchwork channels used now, they may not be able to coor- nia’s Northern Tier 911 Net- at [email protected], col-based networks that allow which sometimes prohibit dinate their activities, which work – a 10-county consor- and you can follow him responders to handle high call multiple emergency crews at a could cost time, money, or tium sharing an NG911 system on Twitter @jim_wertz.

Why Congress Must Support the Iran Nuclear Deal Introducing an online series of six articles exploring the JCPOA.

By: William G. Sesler, ESQ. and international peace and security. series will highlight the very positive, 242 Republicans and 25 Democrats he Joint Comprehensive Plan Because of the complicated provi- favorable reactions by many American against the bill. 814-868-7800 of Action (JCPOA) is the nucle- sions of this agreement and the fact experts on nuclear energy, including On the same day, the House approved Tar agreement made in Vienna that the diplomatic negotiations actu- diplomats and national security lead- HR 3460 to postpone until Jan. 21, 2017 on July 14 between Iran and the five ally took place over several years, it is ers (people who really understand the the authority of the president to waive, LECOMWELLNESS.com permanent members of the United Na- difficult for any article or press release issue). That perspective will be con- suspend, reduce, or otherwise limit the tions Security council – China, France, to condense or summarize all prior re- trasted with Congressional opposition application of sanctions spelled out in Russia, United Kingdom, United States lated or relevant events. Consequently, (primarily Republican), apparently JCPOA. Fortunately, both of these bills – plus Germany (P5+1), and the High readers are unable to understand in a aimed at killing the Iranian nuclear went nowhere in the Senate. Representative of the European Union comprehensive fashion what has oc- deal; not because of the merits of this The approval and acceptance of this for Foreign Affairs and Security Poli- curred because of the convoluted na- accord, but basically for political rea- long-term comprehensive agreement cy. The agreement is a long-term com- ture of JCPOA and the confusing reac- sons, particularly knee-jerk reactions by both the U.S. and Iran, and the five prehensive agreement on the nuclear tions of Congress. to any proposal made by President permanent members of the U.N. Secu- program that Iran will be permitted to It is the purpose of this series of six Obama. This includes the votes of Mike rity Council, would be in bold contrast carry on. JCPOA will ensure that Iran’s successive articles to provide a thor- Kelly and Glenn Thompson, who repre- to the terrible acts of terrorism by ISIS. nuclear program, henceforth, for the ough background and review of the sent Erie County and other counties in Let us begin to walk down the path to next ten years and probably longer, important events that have occurred northwestern Pennsylvania. peace. will be exclusively peaceful, and antic- leading to the adoption and accep- On Sept. 11, the House rejected HR 5401 Peach St | Erie, PA ipates that the full implementation of tance of the agreement, together with 3461, a bill to approve the JCPOA signed The first of this six-article series this agreement will make positive and subsequent actions of Congress and in Vienna on July 14, by a vote of 162 to by William G. Sesler is now significant contributions to regional certain members thereof. This online 269. Kelly and Thompson voted with available at eriereader.com.

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 Shop for the Women NEWS & OPINION In your life At Flash Trumps Substance at GOP Commonwealth Club Luncheon Pennsylvania Republicans unleash a bull in a china shop.

Men’s night Holiday And it puts folks like Toomey on the hot seat. Shopping But Toomey’s seat is already a bit In Downtown Edinboro warm. Perhaps the reason such a firee- Thursday Dec. 17th ater and firebreather is being brought in to drum up attention. Irrespective of the temperature of Toomey’s seat, it’s up for grabs in 2016. While he first needs to win the pri- mary election against security intelli- gence consultant Everett Stern, most known as the HSBC whistleblower, in the spring, he stands to face a strong challenger from the Democratic Party. - Open late till 8 p.m. From the Dems, it’ll either be May- - Free gift wrapping or of Braddock dark-horse underdog - Expert help on gifts John Fetterman; former Chief of Staff to Gov. Tom Wolf, who also served as Secretary of the Pa. Department of Earthshine company MIKE LICHT Environmental Protection Katie Mc- 118 Meadville St. Ginty; or former U.S. Representative Downtown Edinboro By: Ben Speggen dential field is not being regarded as a Joe Sestak. And there’s Joseph Vodvar- welcome development.” ka, who, according to his website, bills 814.734.5858 ithout hearing his name, Kapur added that “Pennsylvania himself as “the Democratic Underdog you know who he is. One Sen. Pat Toomey paused for a long, that nobody wants you to hear about!” Wway or another, you have a awkward silence and looked down According to recent research, Nobody strong opinion of him. Which is un- at the bright carpets in a Capitol el- has been doing a good job upholding likely to change despite the mount of evator,” when asked what he makes Vodvarka’s motto. gaffes on which he’s building his free- of this bombastic billionaire’s lead in But of Fetterman, McGinty, and Shop local this speakin’, tell-it-as-it-is, people-trust- the polls. “‘Not much,’ he finally said.” Sestak, there’s a lot of promise given me-I-have-a-solution-but-won’t-tell- After taking another long pause to that the race should be tight, interest- you-the-plan-until-you-support-me contemplate Kapur’s question as to ing, and ultimately the producer of a Holiday brand of politics. whether the real estate mogul was stronger candidate forged by debates Season Of the clown car of hopeful Repub- good for the GOP, Toomey responded and press engagements. Regardless of with our 12days of lican candidates seeking the Oval Of- “I’ll have more on that for you later.” who emerges, each would prove to be fice, he’s the lead clown, shoved into Luckily for Toomey, later is happen- a real challenge to Toomey. Christmas the spotlight by his own brazenness ing now. Friday, Dec. 11, in fact. In Har- Which is made all the more interest- Sales and the media’s incessant obsession risburg. Over lunch. ing by inviting a bull to the china shop Details on over him. On Nov. 25, Republican Party of to hear his visions for the country and www.facebook.com/TheSassyPeacock/ 845 Pittsburgh Ave. Erie, PA 16505 Why? He’s the opposition to the Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Glea- how they would affect Pennsylvania 814.833.0517 norm. The rule-breaker because he’s son announced the headliner of the – if elected. Unfortunately, the Com- a self-declared rule-maker. He gets Pa. GOP Annual Commonwealth monwealth Club Luncheon is off lim- eyeballs. Keeps people talking. A su- Club luncheon. In that press release, its to the press, “following the many Second Hand Rose pernova that refuses to fade away af- Gleason called He-who-must-not- years of tradition,” the release noted. CONSIGNMENTS ter enveloping the rest of the political be-named “a successful and dynamic But at the risk of poor political galaxy surrounding him. businessman,” and said that “we are prognostication, it appears that for 351 W 26TH ST. ERIE, PA Ridiculing him, criticizing him, excited to hear about his vision for the the Pa. GOP, flash trumps substance. standing agape in awe at his ascension future of our country.” Although small talk during the lun- 814-455-3061 to the top has become akin to throw- Of all the candidates in all of the cheon might get awkward for Toomey, ing kerosene commentary into his world, why this one? more awkward will be his conversa- HOURS: coal-swallowing furnace. “The importance of Pennsylvania tion with the voters afterwards if he Wed - Fri For American voters, that is. to the presidential campaign is clear,” saddles up with the bull. 11-5 Because he’s also the candidate Re- Gleason said. Having this particular Sat 11-3 publican senators “really want to go candidate “addressing Pennsylvania Ben Speggen can be contacted away” Bloomberg Politics’ Sahil Ka- Republicans puts us in the middle of at bSpeggen@ErieReader. MOVING & ESTATE SALES pur wrote in July 2015, adding that his the national stage.” com, and you can follow him Last minute shoppers will love “swift rise to the top of the GOP presi- It sure does. on Twitter @BenSpeggen. Second Hand Rose

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 Velocity Network, Inc. Presents VNET FIBER Starring

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 BUSINESS Kraus Department Store If they don’t have it, you don’t need it ... but Erie needs them.

Left and opposite: Scenes from Kraus Department Store illustrate a long-held priority of administering to the community’s needs, by providing attentive customer service and a dizzying variety of sundries. Neighbors kept Kraus on their feet during the Great Depression and two world wars; Kraus keeps the neighbors – and Erie – afoot now.

curating a legacy a century older than him. He holds a degree in entrepreneurship from Gannon University, but it seems almost a formality. He speaks as if he was born for this. “Notice anything missing?” he asks as he hands me a business card. “No name and no depart- ment.” It’s unorthodox, but con- sistent with the mantra. The only department his employees are to concern themselves with is customer service, which implies BRAD TRIANA they are knowledgeable enough .com about everything to render it, re- Kraus employee is willing and ea- tones general manager Rory gardless of where a customer is By: Matt Swanseger ger to help me. Nowosielski. “That’s it.” seen standing. That translates to f we don’t have it, you don’t But I am neither seeking a new Nowosielski, 30, is of the fifth roughly 100,000 items spread out need it.” A bold assertion, lever handle to my solarium nor generation of store leadership over 11,000 square feet of retail but such is the long-stand- a coat of Mauve Magic for my and one of its heirs apparent space.

“I youtube.com/vnet_IT ing slogan of Kraus Department bedchamber (where the Mauve (along with Ian and Adam). His It is an egalitarian system, re-

Store, Erie’s oldest continuous- freshingly bereft of rank and re- . vnet fiber ly-operating retailer. As a human ferrals (in other words, the exact being, I count among my needs opposite of what you’d expect food, water, clothing, and shelter. The kinship between a small business from someone with a military Kraus has at least three of those background). Whereas a trip to a www covered (I’m a little too big-boned such as Kraus Department Store “big box” retailer such as Lowe’s to squeeze into a communion or Home Depot might entail dress at this phase of adulthood). and its community is inimitable – more laterals than Stanford-Cal As a freelance journalist and and epitomizes civic-commercial in 1982, Kraus maintains posses- would-be detective, I must also sion of its customers by carrying subsist on answers. In this case, mutualism. Communities need small through from start to finish. It is ested by taking the survey at: how do they do it? businesses and small businesses need this combination of consistency The investigation is essential- and conscientiousness that sepa- ly over before I can adjust my communities. Kraus Department Store rates small businesses like Kraus

would-be monocle. Within a span from its behemoth competitors. e inter of minutes, it becomes blatant- has been wed to its Lower East Side You came into the store as an in- facebook.com/vnetfiber ly obvious why Kraus has stuck neighborhood for nearly 130 years. dividual, and you won’t leave as a around since 1886. I am acknowl- statistic. edged almost the instant I set In the natural world, symbiosis foot in the store. I am acknowl- is defined as the “living togeth- edged again as I absentmindedly er of two dissimilar organisms.” wander into the doorknob aisle, Magic happens) on this occasion. father Tom and Uncle Joe became Symbiotic relationships also ex- and once more as I absentmind- Instead, I seek the truth. co-owners in 2001, following the ist in our (sometimes) civilized edly wander towards the paint And the truth boils down to a partial retirement of widowed world, as businesses and commu- swatches (some people don’t even simple mantra. grandmother Lou Ann Miller nities – distinct entities with dif- ll us that you’r get this much attention in their “Customer service, customer Nowosielski (husband Dan). He is fering modes of self-preservation @vnetfiber own homes!). Anywhere I turn, a service, customer service,” in- not only running a store, but also (making money vs. saving mon- Te

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 BUSINESS

old together, witnessing both good times and bad. While Kraus remains in robust health, the community around it has been slow to recover from the bruises of age and the scars of crime. “The way I look at the neighborhood is this: They’re not going anywhere, and we’re not going anywhere either,” says co-owner Tom Nowosielski. There are interesting parallels to be drawn between the social climate way back when and now, as disparate as they may seem. When German im- migrant Edward Kraus built his five- and-dime general store in the late 19th Century, Parade Street was the area’s premier shopping district, and neither automobiles nor electricity were yet in vogue. The population had recorded a tenth consecutive decade of growth, BRAD TRIANA but would not eclipse 40,000 people ey) – live and die together. until 1890. Given the lack of technology, The degree and manner in which the community was very much fixed in their fates are intertwined seems to be place. inversely proportional. For instance, Lou Ann Nowosielski addresses this Time-Warner Cable is more inclined to phenomenon in a YouTube video hon- parasitize its customers with hidden oring the store as 2012 Pro Hardware fees and surcharges (fine print is just Dealer of the Year: “In those early years, barely visible to the naked eye) because [the store] had … whatever [the neigh- it is more likely to get away with it. It bors] needed, because [they] were here. is so widespread and pervasive that it’s They weren’t walking too far.” That intangible to the common-folk. Sure, included pans, kettles, men’s/women’s/ they don’t want you to flush them out children’s clothing, fishing, and hunt- of your system, but if you do, oh well. ing supplies, and even animal feed and You are but a grain of sand on the farming equipment. beaches of Presque Isle. The word “need” echoes throughout Brick-and-mortar retailers can be the generations. Administering to needs seen and felt; they are not an abstrac- has been the store’s priority across the tion floating around in the ether. None- board. As the neighbors kept Kraus on theless, the franchises flanking our their feet during the Great Depression community on upper Peach Street are and two world wars, Kraus keeps the not going to exhibit the same level of neighbors – and Erie – afoot now. Re- interdependence with their custom- placement plumbing? Kraus that off the ers as small businesses surrounded list. Window repairs? Custom lamp res- by that community. Circuit City went torations? Jackhammer rentals? Kraus bankrupt; retailers pop in and out of those off, too. the Millcreek Mall regularly – very few And road salt after a city-wide shortage of us mourn. They’re there, but they in 2014? The management team ordered are not ingrained in our culture or in- an entire truck, reserved for Erie only. timately tied to our identity. Grieving An out-of-towner offered to buy their the loss of a distant relative does not entire stock at an increased price, but take the same toll on the psyche as they would not budge. That’s dedication. grieving the loss of close kin. Said Rory, “I care about Erie.” The kinship between a small business The city may have stumbled as of late, such as Kraus Department Store and but as long as community and small its community is inimitable – and epit- business continue to prop each other up, omizes civic-commercial mutualism. we will survive, synergistic organisms Communities need small businesses taking our next step forward. and small businesses need communi- ties. Kraus Department Store, located Matt Swanseger can be reached at at 810 Parade Street, has been wed to [email protected]. You can its Lower East Side neighborhood for follow him on Twitter @SwazzySwagga nearly 130 years. The two have grown or read his blog at squanderoza.com.

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 Events Calendar December 9 to 22, 2015

RATM2 (The Ultimate Madball Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 Center, 8305 W. Main Rd. MUSIC sleepingchainsaw.com. grapediscoverycenter.com. Rage Tribute) & Kevlar Dec. 13 — 5 to 10 p.m. Mercyhurst North Dec. 11 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 The Breeze Band Christmas Small East Cultural Series: Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 State St. facebook.com/ Dec. 19 — 9 p.m. Bites Pairing Herald the Season! State St. facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace. sherlocksparkplace. Presque Isle Downs & Dec. 12 — 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 — 7 p.m. Hundredth Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Liberty Vineyards & Winery, St. Mary’s Chapel at presqueisledowns.com. 2861 Rte. 20 Sheridan Tuba Christmas Dec. 14 — 6 p.m. Mercyhurst North East, 16 libertywinery.com. W. Division St. northeast. Dec. 12 — 1 to 3 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 145 Yosemight mercyhurst.edu. McGarvey Commons in the West 11th St. facebook.com/ Ethnic Holiday Lunch: beardedbabyproductions. Dec. 19 — 10 p.m. Reed Union Building at Penn Greek Cuisine Holiday Performance State Behrend, 4701 College Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. by New Horizons Dr. lifeworkserie.org. Messiah facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Dec. 14 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music Project of Dec. 15 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Roger Montgomery Six Year Stretch St. lifeworkserie.org. LifeWorks Erie St. Peter Cathedral, 230 Dec. 12 — 6 to 9 p.m. W. 10th St. eriephil.org. Dec. 19 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 10 — 4 to 6 p.m. High Tea at the Sprague Farm & Brew Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 Big Dog Acoustics State St. facebook.com/ Stonehouse Inn St. lifeworkserie.org. sleepingchainsaw.com. sherlocksparkplace. Dec. 17 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15 — noon to 2 p.m. Stonehouse Inn and Spa, 4752 Rick Magee & Guest Saturday Night Blues, Sprague Farm & Brew Kenny Rogers Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 W. Lake Rd. lifeworkserie.org. Dec. 10 — 6 to 9 p.m. Latin and More sleepingchainsaw.com. Dec. 22 — 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sprague Farm & Brew Dec. 12, 19 — 6 to 9 p.m. Warner Theatre, 811 State Ethnic Holiday Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 Acoustic Jukebox St. erieevents.com. Lunch: Hanukkah sleepingchainsaw.com. Oasis Pub, 3122 West Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Dec. 18 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18 — 6 to 9 p.m. DANCE Peter Mayer Stars and Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Amanda Post Promises Concert State St. facebook.com/ 2015 Barber St. lifeworkserie.org. and Friends sherlocksparkplace. Christmas Ball Dec. 10 — 7 p.m. Dec. 12 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. & FILM Wayside Presbyterian Dec. 12 — 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 13 — 2 to 4:30 p.m. Punk Acoustic Church, 1208 Asbury Rd. Bayfront Convention Deepsea Challenge Warner Theatre, 811 State Christmas blendedspiritsranch.org. Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Ongoing through Dec. St. erieevents.com. Dec. 18 — 6 to 9 p.m. barberinstitute.org. 31 — noon & 4 p.m. Acoustic Jukebox Basement Transmissions, 145 Mosh for Tots West 11th St. facebook.com/ The Nutcracker Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 11 -- 5 to 9 p.m. & basement.transmissions. Center, 301 Peninsula Dec. 18 -- 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 — 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 19, 20 — 7 to 9 p.m. Drive. trecpi.org. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Basement Transmissions, 145 The Highlife Warner Theatre, 811 State State St. facebook.com/ West 11th St. facebook.com/ St. erieevents.com. Tiny Giants basement.transmissions. Dec. 18 — 6 to 9 p.m. sherlocksparkplace. Ongoing through Feb. Sprague Farm & Brew FOOD & DRINK 1 — 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Salmon Frank A Family Christmas Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 Quick and Easy Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 12 — 7:30 p.m. sleepingchainsaw.com. Dec. 11 — 6 to 9 p.m. Appetizers Center, 301 Peninsula Cathedral Prep Auditorium, Drive. trecpi.org. Sprague Farm & Brew Blues Beaters Dec. 11 — 1 to 3 p.m. Works, 22043 US Hwy 6 & 19 250 W. 10th St. gannon.edu. sleepingchainsaw.com. Dec. 18 — 8 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach D-Day: Normandy DePue Brothers Presque Isle Downs & St. lifeworkserie.org. 1944 Movie Friday Night Jazz Grassical Christmas Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. presqueisledowns.com. Breakfast with Santa Ongoing through Feb. 1 — Dec. 11, 18 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 — 7:30 p.m. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Dec. 12, 19 — 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oasis Pub, 3122 West Struther’s Library Tom Ridge Environmental Gnosis CD Release & Dec. 13, 20 — 10 a.m. to noon Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Theatre, 302 W. 3rd Ave. Party & Stereo Nest Center, 301 Peninsula strutherslibrarytheatre.com. Erie Children’s Drive. trecpi.org. Chris Higbee Dec. 18 — 10 p.m. Museum, 420 French St. MoChester + Andy Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. eriechildrensmuseum.org. Dec. 11 — 8 p.m. & Some Guy Who Kills & Adam of Six facebook.com/kingsrookclub. People (2011) Dec. 12 — 9 p.m. Year Stretch Breakfast with Santa Presque Isle Downs & Hodge Podge Dec. 11 — 8 p.m. Dec. 12 — 10 p.m. Dec. 12 & 19 — 9:30 a.m. Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Erie Movie House, 3424 Dec. 18 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. presqueisledowns.com. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. Riverside Inn at Cambridge Westlake Road. facebook. facebook.com/kingsrookclub. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Springs, One Fountain Ave. com/ErieMovieHouse. Charlie Wheeler State St. facebook.com/ theriversideinn.com. Six Years After sherlocksparkplace. Met Live in HD: Trio & Haewa Christmas in the The Magic Flute Dec. 11 — 10 p.m. Dec. 12 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tiger Maple Vineyards Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Dec. 12 — 1 p.m. Dec. 19 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 — noon to 5 p.m. facebook.com/kingsrookclub. State St. facebook.com/ Mary D’Angelo Performing sherlocksparkplace. Sprague Farm & Brew The Grape Discovery

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 CALENDAR

Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Ongoing through Jan. 8 Dec. 10, 11, 12 — 8 p.m. Tree Ship events.dcnr.pa.gov. St. mercyhurst.edu. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Schuster Theatre, 109 Dec. 11 — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. University Square gannon.edu. Walter Campbell It’s a Wonderful Erie Maritime Museum, 150 E. Dec. 18, 19 — 6:40 & 9:30 p.m. Life (1946) Ian Brill: Storm Next Fall by Front St. flagshipniagara.org. Jr.’s Last Laugh, 402 State Dec. 12 — 8 p.m. Ongoing through Jan. 10 Geoffrey Nauffts Basement St. jrslastlaugh.net. Erie Movie House, 3424 Erie Art Museum, 411 State Dec. 12 — 8 p.m. Transmissions Westlake Road. facebook. St. erieartmuseum.org. Renaissance Centre, 2nd Fl. T-shirt Contest Erie Otters vs. Sudbury com/ErieMovieHouse. 1001 State St. dramashop.org. Dec. 18 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Connect: Grassroots Dec. 11 — 6 to 9 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Scrooge (1935) Efforts to Reshape Cirque Dreams Holidaze Basement Transmissions, 145 West 11th St. facebook.com/ French St. erieevents.com. Dec. 17 — 8 p.m. Our Community Dec. 14, 15 — 7 to 10 p.m. basement.transmissions. Erie Movie House, 3424 Ongoing through Jan. 10 Warner Theatre, 811 State Natural Noise Makers Westlake Road. facebook. St. erieevents.com. Winter Wonderland com/ErieMovieHouse. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Dec. 19 — 10 a.m. to noon St. erieartsandculture.org. Dec. 11, 12, 13, 27, 28, 29, Tom Ridge Environmental Black Nativity The Dicks from Texas 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Art of the Comic Book events.dcnr.pa.gov. Documentary and live Dec. 19 — 7:30 p.m. Asbury Woods Nature Ongoing through Feb. 7 The Bethany Center, 254 E. 10th Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. band, Maniacal Device Natural Christmas Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. bethanyoutreachcenter.org. asburywoods.org. Dec. 18 — 8 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org Ornaments Erie Movie House, 3424 COMMUNITY/VARIETY Harmony for Dec. 19 — 1 to 3 p.m. Westlake Road. facebook. Assembled Visions the Holidays com/ErieMovieHouse. Lighting the Presque Tom Ridge Environmental Ongoing through Mar. 26 Isle Lighthouse Dec. 11 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Bolshoi Ballet - Jewels Ongoing through Jan. Jefferson Education Society, St. erieartmuseum.org. 3207 State St. jeserie.org. Dec. 20 — 12:55 p.m. 1 — 5 to 9 p.m. Holiday LEGO Build Mary D’Angelo Performing Holiday Show Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie BayHawks & Film Challenge Arts Center, 501 E. 38th 301 Peninsula Dr. events. Dec. 19 — 1 to 4 p.m. St. mercyhurst.edu. Dec. 13 — 1 to 4 p.m. dcnr.pa.gov. vs. Maine Bayfront Gallery, 17 Dec. 12 — 7 to 10 p.m. Box of Light Studios, 419 State St. boxoflight.org. Christmas Evil (1980) E. Dobbings Landing “Time of the Season” Erie Insurance Arena, 809 npaaonline.org. French St. erieevents.com. Dec. 20 — 8 p.m. Student Art Sale Erie Otters vs. Sarnia Erie Movie House, 3424 Dec. 9 — noon to 7 p.m. Second Sundays Families Go Hiking Dec. 19 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Westlake Road. facebook. (Reception 5 to 7 p.m.) & com/ErieMovieHouse. Dec. 13 — 2 to 4 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Dec. 10 — noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State French St. erieevents.com. Bruce Gallery - Doucette Presque Isle Lighthouse Elf (2003) St. erieartmuseum.org. Parking Area, 301 Peninsula Hall, 215 Meadville St. Ugly Christmas Dec. 23 — 8 p.m. events.edinboro.edu. Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. THEATRE Sweater Party Erie Movie House, 3424 Westlake Road. facebook. A Taffeta Christmas Evening Fireside Talk: Make a Holiday Dec. 19 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. com/ErieMovieHouse. Mammals in Winter Centerpiece Riverside Inn at Cambridge Dec. 9, 15 — noon & Dec. Dec. 15 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Springs, One Fountain Ave. VISUAL ARTS 11, 12, 18, 19 — 7 p.m. & Dec. 9 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. theriversideinn.com. Dec. 13 — 2:30 p.m. Rotary Pavilion, 301 Peninsula Tom Ridge Environmental Clay and Fiber Partners Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Riverside Inn at Cambridge events.dcnr.pa.gov. Sugar Plum Fairy Party Springs, One Fountain Ave. Ongoing through Dec. 13 Dec. 20 — noon to 1:30 p.m. theriversideinn.com. Ms. Loretta’s Story Time Heeschen Gallery, 910 Market Make and Take Jewelry Community Room at First St. artsmeadville.org. Dec. 10, 17 — 11 to 11:30 a.m. A Christmas Story with Kathy Denning Niagara Bank, 801 State Erie Children’s St. lakeerieballet.org. Senior Projects & the Musical Museum, 420 French St. Dec. 16 — 1 to 4 p.m. Advanced Studio Dec. 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 & eriechildrensmuseum.org. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach A Festival Service of St. lifeworkserie.org. Projects Jan. 2— 7:30 p.m. & Dec. Lessons & Carols Lachlan Patterson Ongoing through Dec. 13 13, 20 & Jan. 2, 3 — 2 p.m. Talk, Chanting and Dec. 20 — 4 p.m. Dec. 10 — 7 p.m. & Dec 11, Allegheny College Art Gallery, Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 Meditation with Kedarji The Episcopal Cathedral 520 N. Main St. allegheny.edu. St. erie playhouse.org. 12 — 6:40 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. of St. Paul, 134 W. 7th St. Dec. 16, 23 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jr.’s Last Laugh, 402 State cathedralofstpaul.org. Stitches: Contemporary Christmas Memories St. jrslastlaugh.net. The Bhakta School of Transformation, 1421 W Fiber Art Show Dec. 10 — 4 p.m. & Dec. 11, 18 All Aboard The Vine Decorations 41st St. bhaktaschool.org Ongoing through — 7 p.m. & Dec. 12, 19 — 5:30 Polar Express Jan. 3 — 9 a.m. p.m. & Dec. 13, 20 — 2:30 p.m Dec. 11 — 1 to 3 p.m. Outside the Window: Dec. 22 — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cummings Gallery, 501 E. The Station Dinner Tom Ridge Environmental Winter Birds LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Theatre, 4940 Peach St. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. St. lifeworkserie.org. canterburyfeast.com. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Dec. 17 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Discovery Room, Tom Winter Stroll Afternoons with Henry Ridge Environmental The Twin Menaechmi 12th Annual Holiday in the Park Ongoing through Jan. 5 Art Show & Sale Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Dec. 10, 11, 12 — 7:30 p.m. Glass Growers events.dcnr.pa.gov. Dec. 23 — 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 11 — 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery, 10 East 5th St. & Dec. 13 — 2:30 p.m. Presque Isle Lighthouse glassgrowersgallery.com. Diebold Center for the Blossom’s Clay Presque Isle After Parking Area, 301 Peninsula Performing Arts, 219 Meadville Studio, 138 E. 26th St. Dark: Pine Tree Trail Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. St. laughrioterie.com. bloomcollaborative.org. Land, Sea and Sky: Dec. 18 — 6:30 to 8 p.m. Details from Nature Twelfth Night The Christmas Beach 10 Parking Lot, 301 Peninsula Dr.

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 Time Is Running Out

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 Spotlight on Erie December 9 to 22, 2015

Wednesday, Dec. 9 Thursday, Dec. 10 sumer of the words. The ambiance of thrifting, don’t let the name fool you the Renaissance Centre theatre, locat- into thinking this sale is themed strict- Take a Shot at Some Classic Twelfth Night Continues ed in the tallest building in Erie, with ly around punk paraphernalia. This is Christmas Fun with A at Gannon University’s its jazz age murals and intimate seating the same as any flea market, save for Christmas Story: The Musical Schuster Theatre arrangement, makes the experience the fact that it’s indoors, and inside a of live theater even more satisfying. punk music venue. Expect to find just f music be the food of love, play on.” about anything from old records, to “I These, the opening lines of Shake- dusty old board games, and anything speare’s Twelfth Night (or What You Dramashop’s Staged Reading else you can imagine. And if you’re Will), hold a promise for the following Series brings a play’s words interested in selling, contact blackea- play. And when it comes to music, and glegoods@gmail to reserve a table. — love, Gannon University’s production from the page to the stage, Tommy Shannon of Twelfth Night is sure to have both in with no blocking or sets and spades. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. // Basement The play, halfway through its run at minimal cost. Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // $1 entry the Schuster Theatre, looks (based on Saturday, Dec. 12 the promo video making the rounds on Dramashop’s Staged Reading Series Facebook) simple and straightforward brings a play’s words from the page to Punk Rock Holds True in its presentation — shades of white, the stage, with no blocking or sets and CONTRIBUTED PHOTO at Bobby’s Place mostly, with a sparse set. It’s the kind minimal cost. Scripts in hand provide a s we launch head-long into the of thing that lets the words take center unique opportunity to focus on the au- Afrenzy of the holiday season, the stage. thor’s written words spoken aloud. Erie Playhouse is offering up A Christ- And what words, indeed. Twelfth Director David Baltusavich has as- mas Story: The Musical to take both Night is one of Shakespeare’s most-be- sembled a cast of newbies and old adults and children to the brink of an- loved comedies, and one of the most pros to present Next Fall, a Tony ticipation as they follow Ralphie and Award-nominated drama about an un- his brother Randy through those last conventional love affair and how peo- agonizing few weeks before Christmas. ple come together in the face of loss Modeled after the 1983 movie of the and tragedy. Luke (read by Nicholas same name (which is based on the writ- Emmanuele) is a godly man in a rela- ings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd), tionship with Adam (read by JR Fabin) CONTRIBUTED PHOTO this story is well known to most who who is an atheist. Next Fall paints a have an affinity for Christmas. The portrait of modern romance, asking time is the 1940s, Ralphie Parker longs hard questions about commitment, t’s a punk rock show – nothing for a Red Ryder BB gun from Santa, love, and faith. — Bryan Toy “Ifancy”, Carlos Rivera asserted. The and he’s scheming to figure out a way Mala Sangre frontman knows there’s CONTRIBUTED PHOTO for his parents to be aware of his de- 8 p.m. // Dramashop, 1001 State St., no need for a spectacle when you sires. In the classic charm of a bygone Second Floor // dramashop.org have raw energy. Bobby’s Place will be era, he and Randy have to face the enduring (why do you think you giggle bringing together bands that share the neighborhood bullies and put up with so much at Amanda Bynes in She’s the Saturday, Dec. 12 same DIY roots on Saturday, Dec. 12. the smothering attention of Mom, who Man?). There are misunderstandings, Punk Rock Flea Market at Local mainstays Mala Sangre (spanish wants to make sure her children are assumed identities, a dash of slapstick, for “bad blood”) will bring their light- well fed and dressed warmly for the and a fair amount of gender-bending Basement Transmissions ning-paced, hardcore punk to the stage. cold. thrown into the mix as characters find Anyone who knows the word “nard- The Old Man, meanwhile, curses up themselves falling in love with one an- core” will become an instant fan. Erie’s a blue streak from the basement and other. Get thee to the Schuster! — Sara own Till the End will open the show, falls in love with his quirky new prize Toth representing the harder edge of 90’s from a crossword puzzle contest: The style skatepunk. Pittsburgh veterans 8 p.m. Dec. 10-12 // Schuster Theatre, now famous leg lamp. the Crooked Cobras will lay down their 620 Sassafras // 871.7494 // gannon. All set to perky music and including chaotic buzzsaw sound, reminiscent of edu/Visitors-and-Community/Area- numerous dance numbers, A Christ- later Black Flag. Acoustic songwriter Attractions/Schuster-Theatre mas Story follows the storyline of the Bill Jasper – who recently overcame movie quite closely. So it should please a rare hearing disorder – will growl Saturday, Dec. 12 CONTRIBUTED PHOTO traditionalists who love the movie, en- out his Rust Belt roots setlist midway tertain fans of Broadway-style musi- Next Fall: A Staged through the night. Lastly, back-to-back cals, and keep antsy kids occupied for Reading at Dramashop inter is coming. To many yard sale REMA award winners, Oh NO! It’s Mus- at least a couple of hours. Wand flea market fanatics, this too tard Gas, will be a hit for any fan of the And no one will get his or her eye hink of a staged reading as an audio means the end of thrifting season. But Bouncing Souls who likes a dash of shot out. What more could you need? Tbook where you can see the actors’ fear not, fellow bargain hunters: Base- ska thrown in. Singer Roman Glass ex- — Mary Birdsong expressions. It’s also a theater experi- ment Transmissions has just the cure: claimed that the band might “add some ence, which is to say that as an audi- the Punk Rock Flea Market. fun changes to our set.” Noting that Dec. 3 to Jan. 3, Thursday through ence member, you are a participant in Although this writer prides himself “consistency is awesome for a band be- Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. // Erie the drama rather than a passive con- on scavenging punk rock rarities while cause it gets people familiar with your Playhouse, 13 West 10th St. // 454.2852

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 **NO COVER EXCEPT ok SPECIAL EVENTS** 3 GREAT NEW YEAR’S PARTIES s Ro FRI 12/11 King CHARLIE WHEELER TRIO Club + HAEWA [FREE] SAT SAT 12/12 MOCHESTER DEC + ANDY & ADAM OF 31 SIX YEAR STRETCH [FREE] FRI 12/18 GNOSIS + STEREO NEST [FREE] SAT 12/19 YOSEMIGHT [FREE] N E W FRI 12/26 DAYBREAK RADIO + LEC [FREE] AQUEOUS THUR 12/31 New Year’s Eve Blast AQUEOUS Y E A R S SAT 01/02 SPECIAL GUEST +THE REMNANTS DOWNSTAIRS CONCERT COMPLEX [FREE] FRI 01/08 $ 10| T WO SETS | MUSIC 10PM MAT STONED & BEAUTIFUL E V E TY B’S [FREE] SAT 01/09 EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! SIRSY + ANDY & ADAM OF Grab your gear and get here! • 10pm SIX YEAR STRETCH No Cover • Drink Specials • Open 8pm [FREE] BAS H FRI 01/15 QWISTER DJ MATT BARNES MUSIC AT 10PM•NO COVER EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS [FREE] Crystal Ballroom FREE POOL, SHUFFLEBOARD & GAMES ALWAYS!!! 1921 Peach St. Erie Pa•Private Parties Available•MEMBERS & GUESTS NEW THIS YEAR Contact: [email protected] & find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub MIAMI STYLE LOUNGE / TOTAL DJ REQUESTS Hemingway Ballroom

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 138 E. 26th St. in Erie

12 thANNUAL

Hol ida y SHOW

ART SALE &

Friday, December 11, 2015 5:00 – 8:00pm

Enjoy original works of art from BLOOM and community artists. Select from fresh inventory in paint, collage, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry and metal.

Artist Meet & Greet - Refreshments - Art Demos

And Clay Studio I n tr o d u c i n g NEW THIS YEAR CLAY STUDIO Our event will Community PARKING be held in the Garden newly completed, fully accessible PARKING BLOSSOM’S Clay Studio. PARKING

BLOOM Collaborative is a program of Stairways Behavioral Health.

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 CALENDAR work, but shaking it up is always a rec- each other in an almost perfect way. compositions. message of hope, love, and tenderness. ipe for awesomeness!!” — Nick Warren Reviewers, however, criticized the al- At the end of January, the band To celebrate one year of productions bum for being possibly too similar to launched a IndieGoGo page to help in the Gem City, Erie Theater Compa- 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1202 W. 18 St. // previous releases and lacking any truly fund the record. Less than a month lat- ny will conclude its inaugural season 455.9840 memorable tracks. er, they exceeded their goal. Drummer with a one-night-only exploration of Seven years into their career, Hun- Sam Edwards thanked their donors, the text, music, and choreography of Sunday, Dec. 13 dredth has toured the world over, and updating that “We’re so blessed to have Hughes’ holiday masterpiece: a criti- Madball Sets it Off along the way gained a great amount the love and support to help us reach cally-acclaimed play featuring classic at Sherlock’s of empathy for the struggles of their our next big goals!” holiday songs but also including a few fellow human beings. This perspective Crowdfunding completed, the band numbers crafted specifically for this in- and emotion is not only reflected in sat down with producer and Erie na- terpretation. the band’s music, but in their actions tive, John Beveridge, at Walking and So while the historically long runs of as well. In 2012, Hundredth launched Chewing Gum Studios. Judging from this production continue in cities rang- Hope Into Humanity, a nonprofit or- the groove of “Shall We,” listeners will ing from Boston to Seattle, you don’t ganization described by vocalist Chad- be treated to a crisp recording that have to travel far for literary wonder wick Johnson as “about realizing our showcases their prowess as musicians. brought to life on stage. — Ben Speggen human responsibility of doing every- Fans will be able to pick up the self-re- thing we possibly can to help other leased album at the show. IndieGoGo 7 p.m. // The Bethany Center, 254 E. 10th people, whether it be across the world donors will have the opportunity to see St. // $15 // 646.406.1546; ErieTheaterco. or in a backyard.” the fruits of their support right in time org for the holidays. Be sure to also check

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Saturday, Dec. 19 out trance loopmaster Stereo Nest, who will open up the show. — Nick Six Year Stretch and Strangers Warren egendary New York Hardcore band and Liars Rock Sherlock’s LMadball is coming to Erie, playing 10 p.m. // Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. alongside a set of Lake Effect Hardcore // facebook.com/kingsrookclub veterans. Madball was a pivotal band in the Saturday, Dec. 19 1990’s hardcore scene, being one of Erie Theater Company the bands that helped give hardcore a heavier, more metal influenced sound, Presents Langston which is a staple of the scene even to- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Hughes’ Black Nativity day. The 1994 release Set It Off will go down as a seminal album in the annals Capsize and Motives both play a simi- of hardcore history. lar style to Hundredth, while Royal/Re- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Locals on the bill are Human Animal, vise takes on a more metal sound, and an Erie hardcore supergroup made up Hellsent, made up of members of Erie’s of members of former Erie bands like xRepresentx and Domestic War, puts ark your calendars, kids: ’Twill be Brother’s Keeper, Disciple A.D., and a darker, thrashier spin on the classic Mthe week before Christmas when Shockwave. Also on the bill are Erie’s Lake Effect Hardcore style. — Tommy some good ‘ol body-and-soul-moving straight edge kings, xRepresentx (the Shannon rock will raise the roof all through irony of a straight edge band playing Sherlock’s house. in a bar is not lost on this writer), and 6 p.m. // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. Teaming up for the night to get some Livid Life, the newest band to carry 11th St. // $12 advance, $14 at the door things stirring, hometown rockers Six the Lake Effect Hardcore torch. This Year Stretch and Strangers and Liars will be Livid Life’s debut performance, Friday, Dec. 18 are bringing their best bags of grooves so expect to be handed a demo CD at Gnosis Mines for Silver Matter to Sherlock’s.

some point during the show. — Tommy DELANO JACK “Infectious melodies, tight harmonies, Shannon at their CD Release Party and music that is good for your soul!,” is how Six Year Stretch describes itself. 5 p.m. // Sherlock’s, 508 State St. // All rawing from the Gospel of St. Luke That five-piece, three-brother-bear- Ages // $12 advance, $15 at the door and combining poetry and gospel ing band finds much love in fans of the D sounds of the Dave Matthews Band, 3 Monday, Dec. 14 music, poet, playwright, and social ac- tivist Langston Hughes first reimag- Doors Down, Maroon 5 and other al- Hundredth Headlines at ined the classic Nativity story in De- ternative-pop heavy-hitters. Strang- Basement Transmissions cember 1961. What was one of the first ers and Liars, billing itself as “Original off-Broadway productions written by Electrified Music in the American Tra- he melodic hardcore scene is alive a black man and performed by an all- dition,” is a group of longtime musi- Tand well, and few bands embody black cast has since become a holiday cians with ears and instruments well- that sound better than South Caroli- tradition presented throughout the tuned to classic stylings more along the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO na’s Hundredth. world. lines of Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, and And now, Hundredth is bringing This year, that includes Erie, Pa. The Band. their sound to Basement Transmis- rie favorites Gnosis have their new The beauty and endurance of Hughes’ Whether you’ve been bad, or good (or, sions, along with Capsize, Royal/Re- Ealbum in mind. The jam band’s first work comes from its room for explora- kinda both), some solid, cool rock ‘n roll vise, Motives, and Hellsent. Hundredth full-length effort, Silver Matter will be tion. Local companies are free to imbue could probably get you straight into released their third full length album available for the first time on Friday, their flavor, making each performance the holiday spirits. Free this summer, which carried the Dec. 18, and Kings Rook Club will host distinctive. Likewise, as a well-crafted Er, spirit. same mood as their previous releases the band’s free celebration. Get your narrative planted firmly in the soil of You know what I mean. — Ryan Smith – contrasting fast, heavy guitars with brain ready for a night of progressive the Nativity story, it highlights the uni- 10 p.m. // Sherlock’s, 508 State Street // slower melodic leads that complement instrumental improvisations and agile versality of the holiday season and its facebook.com/sixyearstretch

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 McLane Church

2015

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

Join us this Christmas Eve as we celebrate the light that is the hope of the world.

Edinboro Erie Union City 12/23- 7pm 12/23- 7pm 12/23- 7pm 12/24- 3pm, 5pm, 7pm 12/24- 3pm, 5pm 12/24- 5pm 12511 Edinboro Rd 2319 W. 38th St. 16 Market St

www.mclanechurch.org Be Illumined

A Festival Service of Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 20, 2015 4 pm Sung by the Cathedral of St. Paul Choirs

A candlelight service of Christmas readings and music THe Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul 134 West 7th Street • Erie (814) 452.3779 cathedralofstpaul.org Free and Open to the Public • Childcare provided

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 FEATURE Made Here, Paid Here Great gifts made in Erie

By: Jim Wertz solution. night’s rest. Since she made the move The Art Box Studio is a monthly sub- from M.D. to marketeer, SleepPhones mall business Saturday has come scription service that delivers all the have revolutionized the world of sonic and gone, but the spirit of shop- artistic tools you’ll need for one great sleep aids, taking the Consumer Elec- Sping local lingers like a hangover art project. Whether the medium is tronics Show by storm last year and in the midst of perpetual holiday fetes. pastels, watercolors, craft paper, or winning the 2015 Ben Franklin Big Idea And there’s plenty of reason to em- pencils, the box contains supplies and business competition. brace it. instructions to get you started. These flat headphones wrapped in a

If you didn’t get a chance to swing by Don’t assume this craft kit is for kids. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO soft headband have been featured on the Made In Erie Marketplace hosted Each box is designed for teens and national television and an abundance by the Bayfront East Side Taskforce on adults, but there are options available Station ($35) and Lavery Brewing ($50). of online tech sites. The headband con- Thanksgiving weekend, all is not lost. for younger kids ages 5-12. One month Membership has its privileges includ- nects to your mobile device wired ($) You can check out many of the partic- subscriptions begin at just $25, but if ing Tuesday night specials at the Brew- or wirelessly ($$$) with lots of options ipating vendors on the Made in Erie you’re committed to art and the per- erie for card-carrying members of the in between, allowing you to slip into Marketplace Facebook page. You’ll help son receiving it, you can pre-order up mug club, not to mention the couple REM to your own tunes or something support the burgeoning Maker Move- to two years in advance. Check out the extra ounces you get in that big ass from the SleepPhone CD collection. ment that’s gaining traction across total package at rlbartboxstudio.com. stein. Lavery mug club members get a Everything is available online at sleep- the region and looks poised to have a free pint on Wednesdays. Both Lavery phones.com or through a variety of na- strong 2016. Beer ($-$$$) and Brewerie have end-of-year parties tional retailers. Events like this Marketplace provide at which you can renew your member- local entrepreneurs a great opportuni- ship and from which you walk away Memberships ($-$$$$) ty to get in on the holiday action, but with your collectible mug. It’s the gift Usually around the holidays parents they also accentuate the variety of that keeps on giving. and grandparents want to gift things skilled artisans, artists, and moonlight If mugs aren’t your thing, there’s plen- that they “know you’re going to use.” moguls who dot our local landscape. ty of other great swag ($) to go around. Well now’s your chance to let them set With that in mind, we wanted to high- Whether you’re ringing the cowbell at you up for a whole year with mem- light a few – just a few – of our favorite Voodoo Brewery in Meadville, playing a berships to some of the region’s best items that not only make great gifts, round of disc golf behind Sprague Farm cultural attractions and amusements. but are also made in our own backyard. and Brew Works in Venango, or taking If you’re a parent, aunt, or uncle — or the taste testing tour at Erie Brewing ($ = under $50, $$ = $50-$75, $$$ = $75- Company, you’ll feel like part of the Now’s your chance to let $100, $$$$ = over $100) team in branded gear from one of these CONTRIBUTED PHOTO relatives set you up for a fine breweries. whole year with memberships RLB Art Box Studio ($-$$$$) Brewerie at Union Station, Lavery And what better way to show grati- to some of the region’s best Brewing Company, Erie Ale Works, Erie tude to your holiday party hosts than Brewing Company, Millcreek Brewing with a branded growler ($) filled with cultural attractions and Company, Sprague Farm & Brew Works, hoppy, heavenly brew. Just a note on et- amusements. Voodoo Brewing, Blue Canoe Brewery, iquette: pour the beer, leave the growl- TimberCreek Tap & Table er. It’s part of the gift and the experi- your friends have kids and you’re look- ence. Who knows, it might even show ing to earn some points — this town What better way to show up refilled on your doorstep someday has you covered. What’s particularly soon. great about memberships is that you gratitude to your holiday can drop in for an hour rather than party hosts than with a SleepPhones ($-$$$$) multiple hours and still feel like you branded growler filled with got your money’s worth. hoppy, heavenly brew from a local brewery. Experience Children’s Museum ($$-$$$$)

There are nine great craft brewers in northwestern Pennsylvania, and we CONTRIBUTED PHOTO rightfully and routinely celebrate the Has your brother ever wanted to trade and all the joy it brings. Give the

replicate the Kandinsky that hangs in gift of liquid gold – in one of its many CONTRIBUTED PHOTO dad’s study? Or has mom mentioned varieties – and share the love. that she’d like to make faux stained Here are a couple of ideas to get you If your partner complains because CONTRIBUTED PHOTO glass out of paper to mirror the rose started: The holidays are a great time your sleep apnea is in overdrive when window above your entryway? The to initiate new members into the an- you come home from the pub, Dr. Wei The Experience Children’s Museum is RLB Art Box Studio may be just the nual mug clubs at Brewerie at Union Shin Lei has the prescription for a solid a year-round attraction for people with

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 www.kneibdentistry.com

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24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 FEATURE pre-teens. Kids can role play in the sec- high art, you can support one of this mortgage, so your investment is based ond floor mini-town, roll and tumble community’s most celebrated cultur- on solely on your interest in support- on the ground floor, create art of their al assets with a membership to the ing local artists. If you’re downtown, own, and just be kids. The museum Erie Art Museum. The museum hosts check out Glass Growers Gallery, Ur- also hosts birthday parties and spe- multiple exhibits throughout the raro Gallery, PACA, and the Bayfront cial events including the ever-popular year featuring painters, sculptors, and Gallery. But there are great galleries Noon Year’s Eve Party that allows fam- photographers, among others, with ilies with young kids to ring in the new year before the sun goes down. Mem- berships range from $55-$130 depend- If you want to help your ing on the size of your family. More friends get rid of the info: eriechildrensmuseum.org. poorly framed Monet The Erie Zoo ($$) CONTRIBUTED PHOTO posters they’ve been free to enter the park and use the pub- lic picnic grounds. But access to Water moving around since World can get expensive fast, especial- dorm days, do it by ly if you’re a repeat visitor. A single sea- supporting local artists. son pass, which includes rides and Wa- ter World, is $73 for the under 48-inch crowd and $93 for the big kids. That’s national and international acclaim. the cost of three single combo passes. If chiaroscuro isn’t in your vocabu-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO So whether you like rattling along at lary, galleries that feature “Art of the Comic Book” and multimedia like the The Erie Zoo is one of the most un- upcoming Ian Brill installation that derrated treasures in Erie County. Cit- Season passes at uses light and sound as part of an in- ies this size rarely have zoos. If you Waldameer are perhaps teractive experience might be for you. GALLERY CROWERS GLASS don’t get there at least a few times a the most cost-effective Memberships, beginning at $20 for stu- throughout Erie County, each special- year, you’re missing out. In addition dents, include unlimited admission to izing in its own niche collections. to the nearly 400 animals, there are way to indulge your the museum and reduced tuition for We write and talk a lot about the val- children and your inner EAM sponsored art classes. More info: ue of jobs in our community. The holi- child during the summer erieartmuseum.org. days give us an opportunity to support some pretty great local employers as months. Art ($-$$$$) well as a host of independently em- ployed local people, many of whom more than 60 mph on the Ravine Fly- give back to the region in ways both er II, or smooching with your partner seen and unseen, celebrated and un- atop the ferris wheel overlooking Lake mentioned. Erie, the season pass will keep you If you do shop locally this holiday sea- from raiding the reserves to pay for son, $68 of every $100 you spend stays your next big thrill. More information: waldameer.com. We talk a lot about the value Erie Art Museum ($-$$) of jobs in our community. The holidays give us an opportunity

BAYFRONT GALLERY BAYFRONT to support some great local employers as well as a host of Buying art for others is always a independently employed local CONTRIBUTED PHOTO risky proposition. Because let’s face it: people, many of whom give changing one’s wallscape is a personal back to the region. educational activities and programs, endeavor. But if you’ve got an artist’s indoor and outdoor play areas, small eye and you want to help your friends amusements, and, of course, train rides get rid of the poorly framed Monet in the local economy, according to the around the zoo. Memberships begin at posters they’ve been moving around American Independent Business Alli- $65, but for an extra $10 you get a fam- since dorm days, do it with gusto and ance. Compared to the $43 that stays in ily pass that includes 10 guest passes. support local artists. Erie’s vibrant art the local economy when you shop at a More info: eriezoo.org. community produces enough gallery big box retailer and the $1 that trickles worthy sculpture, pottery, woodwork, in from online sales, shopping locally Waldameer ($$-$$$) painting, drawing, etc., etc. to ensure just makes cents – lots of them. Season passes at Waldameer are per- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO that you’ll never again need to look at haps the most cost-effective way to mass-produced media in your home or Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ indulge your children and your inner If you’ve outgrown the children’s mu- the homes of your friends. Prices range ErieReader.com, and you can follow child during the summer months. It’s seum and you’re ready to move into from inexpensive to refinancing your him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 MUSIC REVIEWS

Forq Sunn O))) Sudakistan Shovels and Rope Batch Kannon Caballo Negro Busted Jukebox Vol. 1 groundUP Southern Lord Records PNKSLM Recordings Dualtone Music

he union between oak up the drone s South Americans t’s easy to fault cover Tbassist/compos- Smetal swells of Sunn Aliving in Sweden, Ialbums. Usually thrown er/producer Michael O)))’s latest. It’s been Sudakistan drafts up a together in haste, they League and jazz-fusion six years since Stephen borderless nation of hyp- conjure up images of ensemble Snarky Puppy O’Malley and Greg An- notic rhythms. Imagine a band riding out their has been a fruitful and prosperous one, derson have released a proper album. this album as mistranslated world music, record contracts. Collaborative albums with nine beautiful albums and two more Kannon fires out three eponymous tracks, as told by the MC5. A slow, intense burn can hint at the same kind of writer’s-block on the way. Although he may seem like clocking in at a relatively brief 33 minutes. fires up during the first section of Caballo stagnation. Busted Jukebox Vol. 1 is si- the model bandleader, he’s been known The band’s signature wall of high-gain Negro. The frenzied tracks of “Mundo multaneously both of these, while hinting to Forq around. Forq’s sophomore effort is sound comes cranked out of the ampli- Mamon” and “Dale Gas” raise the energy at neither. With only three albums under a sure sign of good tines, as the capable fiers of the same name. Sunn O))) rumi- levels to a fever pitch. A raucous, unique their belt, Shovels and Rope certainly ar- quartet of League, Chris McQueen (gui- nates on feedback, along with full, fuzzy sound slowly begins to take shape. The en’t in a career slump. The husband and tar), Henry Hey (keys), and Jason Thom- tones. Vocal parts range from guttural band employs a full-time bongo player, wife team of Michael Trent and Cary Ann as (drums), prod at listener expectations croaks to monastic mantras. But unlike in addition to an already hard-hit drum Hearst is an instantly lovable one. This while twisting through a diverse blend of some of the more distracting sections of kit. Swirling phasers underpin the psy- alt-country duo has no problem winning influences. “Gerrard” begins as something Monoliths and Dimensions, everything chedelic guitar riffs. Spanish and English over fans of all genres. Their sweet har- between Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” and blends seamlessly into the overall tone. are used interchangeably from song to monies and rootsy instrumentation blend Jimi Hendrix’s “Third Stone From the Sun” There’s an entire spectrum of heaviness to song. The sing-alongs are slurred enough into an authentic, hipster-friendly hoe- before the Doors barge in with a psyche- take in here. This album could undoubted- amidst the drunken atmosphere that you down. The Charleston troubadours have delic organ solo. “Burr” sounds like John ly serve as the doorway to many people’s might not even notice right away. The invited all of their best friends over to cu- Scofield carousing with Tribal Tech, as a first foray into the slow-motion world of echoey pulses of modern garage bands rate a variety hour worthy of the Grand Ole drunken Mellotron flute staggers along ambient noise. Light a candle and see how like Thee Oh Sees and Ty Segall shine Opry. Every track has a guest star. Stand- to a dirty blues shuffle. “Lenburu” whisks this could be a meditative experience, lit- through (and it’s more entertaining than a outs like Shakey Graves, the Milk Carton together elements of Weather Report, erally. The title of the album comes from T. Rex cover album). Bouncing, dance-de- Kids, and Butch Walker highlight the Brand X, and Headhunters-era Herbie the bodhisattva known as the Goddess manding beats blend with punk rock to bunch. Even the most over-played covers Hancock with Latin spice for a track that of Mercy and Compassion, Kannon (a.k.a. create something wholly original. As the (“Perfect Day”, “Peace, Love, and Under- truly cooks. If you have a palate for musi- Guanyin). Interestingly, this stoner doom debut album from a relatively unheard of standing”) get a satisfying arrangement. cal mischief, there is a place set for you has even been adopted by Pittsburgh’s band, Caballo Negro truly could be quite While no masterpiece, it’s a respectable with Forq. – Matt Swanseger Black Yo)))ga collective. – Nick Warren the dark horse. – Nick Warren little modern-folk mixtape. – Nick Warren

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28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 FEATURE Overlooking the East Side Viaduct SOS: Stop city hall’s biggest mistake since the downtown mall. Pedestrians, especially students going to school and workers going to their jobs, routinely make use of the McBride Viaduct. Demolishing it would require them to cross the tracks using only the 9-foot wide, much longer Bayfront Connector bridge.

Other benefits Jane Jacobs and other urban studies researchers have long observed that the connectivity of a neighborhood is linked to the quality of life and social capital its residents enjoy. In general, more pathways between neighbor- hoods tend to correlate with safer, more positive living experiences. Con- verting the Viaduct into a permanent pedestrian and bike path would likely parallel an increase in social interests, as well as increases in positive social forces over time. We have found that this is already happening for the Via- duct, and that benefit will continue to grow, enriching the local population. The McBride Viaduct pedestrian and bike path is a landmark in the making. If cleaned up, painted, and lighted, the bridge could reenergize the surround- ing economy and instill a sense of pride among residents of the east side. As is,

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO the McBride Viaduct is an unquanti- fied channel of social capital, trust, and the environment, and foster economic highway – should become the pre- reciprocity for east siders and the city By: Josh Morgan (with Civitas development – was not adequately on ferred mode of transportation on the at large, as the bridge enables count- members Lisa Austin and LRK’s radar. east side, even though travel by car is a less social interactions among the res- Adam Trott) privilege unavailable to many. idents who use it. Money and jobs Rather than making a bad situation The retention of the McBride Viaduct ayor Joseph Sinnott, who de- To build the Viaduct today, the price worse, the Viaduct should remain path will symbolize generosity and serves applause for getting tag is estimated to be $15-$20 million. in place as a pedestrian and bicycle trust from the city government toward MErie’s budget under control, Estimates of the cost to tear it down bridge over the railroad tracks. residents of the east side, social dimen- seems to believe that the McBride Via- have risen from $1.2 million to $2.3 mil- sions that are now grossly deficient. duct is just a liability haunting the city. lion (and are likely to rise further when Safety Some in the administration suppose all environmental hazards are identi- The proposal to retain the Viaduct in The potential effects of demolishing that the Viaduct could become a finan- fied). Whatever the cost ends up to be, its present use has been criticized as the McBride Viaduct cial debacle, undoing the Mayor’s hard the demolition and clean up money an unsafe municipal liability attracting LRK’s preferred alternative of de- work. The firm of L.R. Kimball (LRK), will likely go to out-of-state contrac- crime, injuries, and even suicide. How- molishing the Viaduct would offer contracted to determine the most pru- tors. In contrast, the $3 million needed ever, there is no known record of any two benefits: the removal of structure dent course of action for the Viaduct, to stabilize the Viaduct (for its current of this occurring during the Viaduct’s in need of repair, and the quashing of nurtured such concerns. use as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge) five years as a pedestrian and bike a debate for an outgoing administra- It is important to note that despite can be tied to a Community Benefits path; these criticisms are frivolous. tion. However, demolition would cause John Nolen’s century-old call for Erie Agreement ensuring that locals get the LRK and the supporters of demoli- significant problems for surrounding to hire someone with urban design ex- jobs. tion claim that Viaduct users will be neighborhoods. pertise, the City of Erie does not have safely and adequately accommodated LRK has recommended that pedestri- a city planner. Lacking an articulated Railroad divides Erie with only the 9-foot-wide path along ans and bicyclists be directed to cross vision for a walkable, bikeable commu- Erie’s east side neighborhoods have the Bayfront Connector. We suggest the Bayfront Connector at the Broad nity from their “employers” (the City of terrible north-south connectivity. the next time it rains or snows, take a Street or East 12th Street intersections. Erie), the LRK team of traffic engineers From the Ash Street underpass to comparison walk. Having children and They acknowledged that these routes naturally focused on moving cars and Downing Avenue – a mile and a half teens traveling to school along a four- would result in longer walking and bik- trucks through the east side. Sadly, – only the Viaduct and the highway lane highway with 22-ton trucks bar- ing times, but LRK failed to assess their walkability – a key urban planning cross over the tracks. In LRK’s vision, reling by is not something a responsi- practicality. strategy to promote health, protect automobile traffic – especially on the ble community should endorse. Because the Via- [Cont. on page 35]

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30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 FEATURE K2 Madness Synthetic cannabinoid abuse spikes in Erie.

First appearing on the market around 2006, even worse: There’s a lot of talk about synthetically-engineered cannabinoids, hardcore addiction – the real, physical commonly referred to as “K2” or “Spice,” have become frighteningly more ubiquitous kind. of late. Here in Erie, law enforcement and Horrible freak-outs, and even some medical professionals are struggling to seemingly life-threatening ailments – respond to increasing abuse cases. often leading to long (and crazy-weird) emergency-room visits – are reported and alarming (like much of that inde- with alarming frequency by users, as pendent NYC-based alternative news well as in disturbing news features na- source’s content). tionwide. And I headed to erowid.org, a nonprof- And so it’s been in Erie, too. it online resource for open, honest, reli- Around mid-October, it started being able, and accurate information-sharing reported that police and medical per- about psychoactive drugs – legal, ille- sonnel around the city were seeing a gal, or otherwise – and their effects. major spike in synthetic pot overdoses. As erowid.org notes immediately UPMC Hamot alone had approximate- (and, as user experiences and reports here, there, and everywhere demon- strate), “K2”-type synthetic cannabi- noid-containing products have been Around mid-October, around for some time. But for any num- it started being ber of reasons, those products (usually sold as inert plant material that’s been reported that police sprayed or coated with the synthetics) and medical personnel have reportedly become more danger- ous this year. around the city were From the sounds of it, they’re morph- seeing a major spike ing into a set of Frankenstein chemical cocktails that have batches causing in synthetic pot real, true, and – when it comes to long- overdoses. UPMC term effects – still-unforeseen prob- DAMANY S. COLEMAN DAMANY lems for many, if not most, users. Hamot alone had By: Ryan Smith about every once in awhile (but, by all And there is no shortage of horror approximately 20 cases accounts, happening a lot more often). stories. form of synthetic marijua- Wild hallucinations. Severe breathing One guy who smoked a product con- in one week, according na is filling local emergency problems. Seizures. Violent psychotic taining one or more synthetic cannabi- to local news reports. “Arooms,” read one Erie Times- outbursts. Worse. noids was convinced it triggered a full- And not much has News story’s lede. Now, I’ve heard some stories over the on, long-lasting, terrifying psychotic Another, a few days later: “The Erie past decade or so – some pretty scary break. changed since. Bureau of Police issued another warn- ones, too – about the rising abuse of “It felt as if my body was dying, piece ing to the public about the dangers of products containing synthetically-en- by piece, before me,” the 24-year-old ‘designer drugs’ … known as K2 or Spice, gineered cannabinoids: the stuff most wrote in his account of the experience. ly 20 cases in one week, according to in the wake of more overdoses in the people call “K2” or “Spice,” but which ac- After three bong-hits of one branded local news reports. city.” tually goes by a glut of different pseu- “K2” product, “I felt horrible,” stated a And not much has changed since, ac- In one night’s handful of cases, a do-brands and varieties. 17-year-old in another self-submitted cording to local drug investigators and group of seven teenagers who were But after multiple local headlines user report. healthcare officials. partying together were all rushed to about spates of recent emergency room “I couldn’t relax,” he added. “It was While there have also been arrests Erie hospitals – some even later trans- visits, I became more curious. Before I constant struggle, constant discom- in Erie on K2-related cases as recently ferred to Pittsburgh for further emer- began calling local authorities, I read fort. No haven in sight.” as early December, when a 34-year-old gency treatment – after reportedly local news stories about how investi- His only connection to reality for woman was apprehended and jailed overdosing on “synthetic marijuana.” gations into cases involving synthetic some hours, he says, were the piles of for allegedly selling unspecified quan- One early afternoon not long after marijuana ingestion were developing vomit soon spewing from his wretch- tities of the drugs from her East 12th that, authorities were called to a down- in Erie (people freaking out and/or get- ed-feeling guts. Street residence, “we went two or three town McDonald’s, where three adults ting ill from smoking “K2,” or “Spice,” And, as is becoming universally ap- weeks [recently] where it was ridicu- had reportedly OD’ed, too, and were or “potpourri,” or “synthetic weed,” or parent, those experiences aren’t unique lous. It was nonstop,” Det. Ryan Victo- likewise taken to city hospitals’ ERs. whatever it’s called). whatsoever. ry of the Erie Police Department’s vice Their symptoms? Weird and dan- Then, I checked out other reports, Indeed, for a whole lot of people, unit tells me. gerous stuff, along the lines of those including some of vice.com’s extensive things in the wide, wild world of canna- And still, “we’re getting upwards of six crazy “bath salts” freak-outs we hear coverage: interesting, eye-opening, binoid abuse have gotten that bad and to 12 calls a day where our patrolmen

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 FEATURE are responding to these cases of ‘K2’ ing this stuff have only one concern: overdoses.” money,” Victory adds. That’s up to a dozen calls every day, And in the meantime – so long as police say. And it’s considered a qui- what comes and goes stays controlled eting down since the uptick of local from the underbelly – people get hurt. emergency cases back in October. Now, it seems to me that humanity’s All, mind you, among people who are basic desire for recreational and con- apparently just seeking cheap, easy sciousness-altering drugs and the ex- ways to catch something like a weed periences they engender – which cross- buzz. And who, in the process, are often es generations and societies despite encountering something altogether prohibitions and controls – may never way, way different. go away. Here’s a bit of further background on And all the problems caused by pro- the whole cannabinoid/synthetic pot hibition-born drug markets won’t go phenomenon, courtesy of the research- away, either. Not until society at large ers at erowid.org’s Erowid Center: thinks harder about changing its views First appearing on the market some- on, approaches to, and demands for time around 2006, Spice, or K2 (as the drugs in general. To think, for example, mixtures are now known generically) about the plain-as-your-nose, obvious were and still are branded product differences between naturally-occur- lines, “sold as a legal herb-based alter- ring plants, and the literal, dangerous native to cannabis,” and “perhaps the chemical reactions that repeatedly oc- cur in the absence of those plants’ ac- ceptance and availability. “We’re seeing an increase On that note, I found some more in the volume of worthwhile food for thought published patients suffering from in a 2009 Erowid research article. Con- sidering where things have ended up – the side effects of K2 or and could be headed – it reads a lot like ‘Spice’ ingestion,” says a premonition: Spice is a fascinating test case for un- Wayne Jones, D.O., Saint usually potent drugs of the future. The Vincent Emergency Spice story is part sci-fi, part Prohibi- ERIE POLICE DEPT. ERIE POLICE Department’s medical tion-style bootlegging, and part crass commercial venture. This new genera- director. “We started merous international organizations just bad batches, or potentially myriad tion of recreational “research chemical” seeing this type of drug began testing the stuff. They found other reasons, it’s creating a lot of prob- cannabinoids and cannabinomimetics products to include varying ranges of lems for a lot of people. are in the first wave of high-tech cryp- probably five years ago, research chemicals (or designer drugs): Whatever the cause, “we’re seeing to drugs, more of which may be just but not to a high degree. synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-018, an increase in the volume of patients around the corner. The evolutionary … It [currently] seems to HU-210, and CP-47,497, among many suffering from the side effects of K2 pressures of the last century have cre- others. or ‘Spice’ ingestion,” says Wayne Jones, ated a climate where new potent drugs be a worsening trend.” State and federal bans followed soon D.O., Saint Vincent Emergency Depart- are [obscured] using specialized techni- thereafter, including new laws set forth ment’s medical director. “We started cal knowledge that even expert labora- first [products] to popularize synthetic here in the Keystone State. seeing this type of drug probably five tories have difficulty sorting through. cannabinoids deposited on plant mate- But as with many other unregulat- years ago, but not to a high degree. … The Spice phenomenon gives us a rial as alternatives to natural cannabis.” ed, legal-gray-area compounds (again, It [currently] seems to be a worsening glimpse of the complexities to be faced The ingredient lists on the “Not for think of some of the things sold as trend.” in the future when providing harm-re- Human Consumption”-marked pack- “bath salts”), producers and vendors And, being that the modern era of duction and health information for an ages (which, again, are actually often of synthetic pot have thus far largely marijuana prohibition keeps spawning ever-shifting, ever-expanding profu- packaged under a wide range of pseu- been able to stay ahead of the law with all-new, ever-changing generations of sion of psychoactive drugs, drug combi- do-brands) contain only safe, friendly, fast-developed and ever-shifting sets high-tech – and sometimes highly dan- nations, and technologies. all-natural herbs, and no cannabinoid of cannabinoid chemicals being syn- gerous – pot substitutes, it’s hard for Sound scary? Maybe. chemical compounds. thesized far more quickly than they both police and medical officials any- Our worn-out drug policies are worth That said, the ingredients are “suspi- can be added to legal ban lists. where to speculate how or when things considering as part of the problem in- ciously unlikely to produce [the prod- And, of course, they have their ubiq- may get better – or worse. stead of the solution. It’s time to start ucts’] reported effects,” states erowid. uitous – and, utter bullshit – “Not for “I’m not a professed expert in K2,” says thinking straight – with awareness and org. Human Consumption” labels. Victory, and “I haven’t met anyone who information guiding the way – about Because of that, after the products But people do consume it. That is why is. It’s such a new and evolving thing.” where we’re headed now, everyone. started gaining wider popularity and it’s made. But as with other scourges like her- availability as quasi-legal highs – and And whether it has to do with new oin, meth, and crack, some things stay Ryan Smith can be reached at rsmith@ causing the kinds of headlines across generations of compounds being rolled the same in the hard-drug game. Who- eriereader.com, and you can follow the U.S. being seen locally now – nu- out to stay ahead of those ban lists, or ever they are, “the people who are deal- him on Twitter @ryanmsmithplens.

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 CULTURE Geeked Out It’s about damn time!

power is mind control. He speaks a command and victims are impelled to complete the action. Subconsciously, his captives are aware they are doing something unusual or forced, which adds layers of terror to this power. Kil- grave spots Jessica’s strength and falls in love, commanding her to follow him and do his bidding. From there he abuses her, rapes her, and forces her to commit murder. Fi- nally, she summons the willpower to break free from him, and attempts to kill him. Thinking she has succeeded and wanting to flee the scene of where she just murdered another one of Kil- grave’s victims, she splits before con-

NETFLIX firming Kilgrave’s death. This is the start of the series. From By: John Lindvay that point, Jessica opens a private essica Jones is the latest Netflix investigation business and tries to Original Series in the Marvel Cin- deal with her PTSD from the Kilgrave Jematic Universe, or MCU, and event. She drinks, she investigates also the first entry starring a woman. Where Daredevil was punchy, in many Comics have always wrestled senses of the word, Jessica Jones is hard-boiled noir that is dark, brutal, with issues of our time. Jessica and sometimes difficult to watch. Jones, who is somewhat of a Jessica Jones was released on Netflix lesser known super-heroine, on Nov. 20. Normally I binge on these was a great choice for the next things over a weekend, but it proved storyline entering into MCU to be a bit more challenging this time Hell’s Kitchen. around. This is not because of a lack of quality. The acting is excellent: Krys- ten Ritter does a fantastic Jessica, and cheating couples, and in general she is David Tennant, whom you might know pretty miserable. from Dr. Who or Harry Potter, is chill- This series is much grittier and more ing as the series villain, Kilgrave. The powerful than Daredevil as its con- challenge has much more to do with tent is very heavy. I applaud the writ- the content and themes that are dealt ing and directing for bringing these with in this series. issues to bear and treating them with Comics have always wrestled with respect, giving audiences a very adult issues of our time. Jessica Jones, who experience. Many comic book adapta- is somewhat of a lesser known su- tions hold onto the more lighthearted per-heroine, was a great choice for the nature of comics (see Guardians of the next storyline entering into MCU Hell’s Galaxy, which is great!). But I’ve always Kitchen. Whereas in Daredevil we saw been a fan of comics that focus on the the birth of a superhero as he strug- drama within the adult issues of love, gled to distinguish himself from men sex, and personal trauma. like the Kingpin, Jessica Jones shows Jessica Jones delivers on these as- us what happens when the good fail, pects in what is best described as an and the personal trauma that follows. excellent noir thriller: Where bad Jessica discovered at a young age things happen to good people, and that she had powers. She is extremely good people need to do bad things to strong, and though she can’t fly, she can make it right. jump and fall great distances. She tries the superhero thing; but as she saves John Lindvay can be contacted at someone from the streets, she bumps [email protected], and you into Kilgrave. A sociopath, his special can follow him on Twitter @Fightstrife.

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 FEATURE

[Cont. from page 29] duct serves as does not anticipate, and that the city is a channel for human interaction and not prepared to take on. connectivity on the east side, remov- Had LRK assumed due diligence and ing it would have depressive social and conducted a Phase II site assessment, economic effects. The effects of urban the next step above general fact-find- isolation have been documented in ing, the debate over the Viaduct’s fu- case studies by political scientists and ture might carry a different weight. urban sociologists. It is reasonable to Overall, LRK’s approach to urban de- expect crime and violence to increase sign is subjective in that they would after the Viaduct is demolished. prefer all forms of human movement It is safe to assume that everyone on the east side to conform around who uses the Viaduct does so because motorized traffic. This auto-centric it is safer and more pleasant than the approach to urban design is almost as one alternative route. Students going old as the automobile, and is facing ob- to school and workers going to their solescence in many settings — not au- jobs, two key groups that currently use tomobiles themselves, but their domi- the Viaduct, would have no choice but nance over urban mobility. to cross the tracks using only the 9-foot LRK’s preferred alternative works wide, much longer Bayfront Connector against the natural patterns of pedes- bridge. trians and bicyclists on the east side Sadly, people under no pressure to instead of with them. Granted, LRK cross would avoid the longer routes tailored its recommendations to the and stop crossing as often. city’s limited terrain and resources, but The impacts on life in the east side the methods in which it chose to do so would be measurable, and would also should be revisited. include declines in civic engagement, LRK published an incomplete study CONTRIBUTED PHOTO local business revenues, and labor that was lax in its methodologies, mud- force participation. A 2011 study out of by time of day, time of year, weather, able response rates. This survey did dying the debate over the Viaduct’s fu- Penn State University found that walk- temperature, visibility, and other fac- not deliver 10 percent. ture. ing and biking infrastructures in the tors, data for two points in time are Had the survey’s authors attempted U.S. facilitate long-term job creation by not enough to allow for any significant to draft a proper methodological state- Recommendations an average of 12 new jobs per $1 million analysis. ment, perhaps they would have discov- Mayor Sinnott and city council must invested. The reliability of these counts is also ered that a sample size of 98 is nowhere be urged to table their plans to demol- Removing the Viaduct would further unclear because LRK did not provide a near large enough to represent the to- ish the McBride Viaduct. Ideally they hinder the ability of the east side’s methodological statement to support tal population of their study area. As should move forward with stabilizing economy to support itself. them. What other studies have used it stands, the statistics they calculated this city asset, and work with commu- the same or similar research methods? from their survey are not reliable and nity organizers to help establish a pub- LRK’s flawed urban study What did those other studies observe? should be recalculated from new, more lic-private partnership (like LEAF at LRK did not properly acknowledge LRK chose not to explain. Thus, the reliable data. Frontier Park) to help the city care for that demolishing the Viaduct would precedent for their research method is the Viaduct. disrupt the lives of individuals who unknown. LRK’s flippant environmental analysis At the very least, the current admin- rely on it to cross the CSX railroad Despite poor transparency, LRK’s The Environmental Protection Agen- istration must address the shortcom- tracks between East 12th Street and data show that pedestrians and bicy- cy (EPA) requires all state and federal ings of LRK’s study by undertaking the East 19th Street. Shockingly, they clists used the Viaduct more frequent- contractors to conduct at least a Phase following three recommendations: based their recommendations about ly than the Bayfront Bikeway or other I environmental site assessment on One, a longitudinal study of inter- the Viaduct on data collected on two routes, which they ignored during their projects that would modify the built sections around the Viaduct, account- winter days. recommendations. Further research environment. Generally speaking, a ing for pedestrian and bicycle traffic LRK’s methodologies and case for is needed to indicate how people walk Phase I assessment identifies obvious throughout the year, should be a prior- demolition lacked scientific rigor, par- and bike in the area year-round. environmental liabilities, and involves ity. Two examples of successful models ticularly in their assessments of pe- One of the study’s most blatant of- combing through public records, inter- for counts like these can be found with destrians’ and bicyclists’ needs. For fenses comes from their survey of res- viewing property owners and neigh- Ann Arbor’s Transportation Authority, reference, the entire study can be idents about the Viaduct (in Appendix boring residents, and surveying a site and in a 2012 study of non-motorized downloaded at mcbrideviaduct.com, C2). According to LRK, “Nearly 1,000 for environmental clues. LRK conduct- traffic in Minneapolis by Steve Hankey under the “Getting Involved” section. surveys were distributed via email, ed a Phase I assessment of the Viaduct, and associates. For one, LRK conducted pedestrian postal mail, and hand delivery. Nine- as required. Two, a more extensive survey re- and bike counts at intersections near ty-eight responses were received.” The problem is that the Viaduct sits search to identify the needs of those the Viaduct and near the site of their This dismal response rate to LRK’s on an industrial site that was active for who rely on the Viaduct would be proposed Buffalo Road interchange (in survey is a failure of survey design, not decades before EPA regulations. There ideal. Emails, requests via postal mail, Appendix D1 of the study), but they of the target population to respond, is a real risk of soil contamination that and phone calls will receive fewer re- only collected data during peak hours and would be embarrassing for any will require extensive cleanup if the sponses than face-to-face interactions, on two dates: one in November 2011, professional survey firm to publish. Viaduct were to be demolished. Such a so volunteers would have to be rallied and another in December 2012. Among survey researchers, 20 percent cleanup would require millions of dol- for such an effort — not an impossible Given that these types of traffic vary is considered the low end for accept- lars over budget that LRK’s assessment task.

December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 • Criminal FEATURE • DUI Three, a Phase II assessment of soil trends to the contrary. • Divorce quality should inform the city’s final The McBride Viaduct is a platform for decision about the Viaduct site. Other- innovation waiting to be utilized. Erie • Custody wise, Mayor Sinnott’s progress toward desperately needs a win, having long financial stability could be challenged. ago reached a point where financial • Personal Injury Still, the demolition of the Viaduct woes became excuses for doing noth- Kenneth A. Bickel, Esq. remains a stubborn possibility. Should ing. Those who are moving away are Bickel Law Office that come to pass, here are two more doing so to escape that tired, old nar- 557 West 8th Street recommendations: rative. One, pedestrians and bicyclists need Last Fall, Pittsburgh hired a new Erie, PA 16508 routes to travel beyond LRK’s preferred Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator alternative. Period. There is a mile and to improve its walking and biking in- • FREE CONSULTATIONS • a half between East 12th Street and frastructure. Buffalo is now rolling Broad Street where people live and out its new Green Code, an overhaul cannot cross the CSX railroad tracks of the city’s development strategy safely without the Viaduct. Expecting that encourages pedestrian and bicy- residents to follow the alternate routes cle-friendly construction. In February, without consequence dismisses our the Cleveland City Council approved a rational tendencies as humans. Unfor- plan for a pedestrian bridge on its lake- tunately, the Viaduct is the only north- front, among other improvements. south track crossing that aligns with In June 2015, the former Milwaukee the only north-south business corridor Mayor, John Norquist, wrote in his Erie in this region of the east side: East Av- Times-News op-ed that “the Viaduct enue. Demolishing it greatly diminish- should be preserved as a convenient es East Avenue’s attempts at economic walkway.” At the Booker T. Washington turn-around. Center last August, the Columbia Uni- Two, proper signage, education, and versity professor, Dr. Mindy Thompson beautification would improve the safe- Fullilove, urged Erie to keep the Via- ty and usage of alternate routes. LRK’s duct in order to create a “Safe and Con- recommendation to install fencing and nected City.” barriers at dangerous crossing points Let’s keep pedestrians safe and create in the area is callous and does not go local jobs. far enough. A 2014 study of American Let’s seize this unique Erie opportu- adolescents suggested that it may be nity. possible to persuade pedestrians to Let’s rethink the McBride Viaduct. walk farther by providing high-quality, stimulating routes. What do you think about this? The Mayor and City Council will soon Opportunity decide the Viaduct’s fate. Come The McBride Viaduct is a misunder- and voice your opinion during the stood asset. With commitment, Erie first-come-first-serve segment of could use it to attract and retain res- the “(Viaduct) Citizens-to-be-Heard” idents and entrepreneurs in unique portion of the City Council meeting at ways. East siders need comfortable and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at City convenient ways to walk, bike, and en- Hall, 626 State St. Details on Facebook: joy the outdoors, and the Viaduct can Rethink the McBride Viaduct. facilitate all three. In addition, Erie needs to repair its self-image problem, Josh Morgan, a sociologist and with or without the Viaduct, but that freelance writer for the Washington will never happen as long as city offi- Post and other publications, cials allow their fear of risk to override specializes in quantitative research their desire for innovation. and produces The Plural of You, a It makes sense for Mayor Sinnott and podcast about people helping people. other critics to question the Viaduct’s Architect Adam Trott, a member feasibility, but LRK’s unreliable find- of Civitas, can be reached via his ings have tainted their opinions. LRK’s website, ajtarch.com. Lisa Austin, study of the Viaduct was flawed in that a social sculptor and co-founder of their research methods violated scien- Civitas, can be reached via civitaserie. tific standards. Also, their recommen- com, via Facebook at CivitasErie, dations focused on financial factors, by email [email protected], or not social ones, and they implied that by scheduling a Friday morning driving should be the dominant mode meeting at the Civitas office in the of transportation, despite national Masonic Building, 32 West Eighth St.

36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 Now available for 2016

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December 9, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37 SPORTS ER Sports A tribute to Dan Brabender

By: James R. LeCorchick ry, but no one knew for sure. That was includes some incredible features that tournaments), and an unbelievable sec- any times people call me with when he knew this had to be done. will blow you away. Also, he showed a tion on the Erie Parochial League. a question about local sports, “It was almost like a calling,” he said. “I collection of over 1,000 photos that he Just before I left he showed me his Mand when I don’t know the an- wrote a history of the fraternity I was still has to go through to decide which collection of yearbooks for all the local swer, I give them Dan Brabender’s phone in when I was at Dayton. I love writing ones will make the final cut. schools. I can’t wait to go back and start number. I remember a lot of things, but histories of things and details so it came His features include – my favorite – a perusing them cover to cover. no one comes close to Danny: a true naturally. Once I started I was almost section that has every basketball play- One book that caught my eye was the sports historian with unmatched knowl- possessed.” er who performed on the varsity at C.P. 1966 CP yearbook, which I had never edge of past greats from Erie athletics. He started on Oct. 31, 1993, when he and where they went to grade school. seen before. When they wrote about the If you don’t agree, I will provide some went down to the Erie Public Library Yes, you read this correctly. He also did 1965 baseball season, they thought my evidence and let you be the “judge.” As a (the one that had to cut hours because unprecedented work for the Erie School name was spelled LeChorchick and not matter of fact, I will anoint him King of of the wonderful job our state politi- District, as he has the yearly records of LeCorchick. But I was still just as proud Research because I firmly believe some cians did with the budget) and became all the local teams. of being on that championship team. of the details I pass on will stun and immersed in old newspapers and year- Included in this amazing publication I hope you’re as excited about this amaze you. books. will be chapters on the 1920s through to- book as I am. I have know him for 40 years, but even The sad part of this story showed up day, with C.P.’s greatest victories, plays, As I said earlier, “Incredible.” And let I was shocked at his commitment to when I asked why he remembered the and defeats, opponents greatest plays, me add, “Thanks, Judge!” detail when I sat down with him at his exact date, and he said, “That was the all-time records, awards and honors, home and we discussed his past and day my mother died in a car accident.” yearly records of local teams, C.P. OT James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at ongoing projects. If I said it once that He admits three years into the project games, three-point play, C.P. records [email protected], and you evening, I said it numerous times: “in- it was almost overwhelming. But he felt against opponents, Catholic champs (all can follow him on Twitter @JRLSports. credible.” if he didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done. Brabender, a highly-respected attorney A fan of all Erie teams, he added that for many years, is now a judge for the he didn’t want it to be just Prep, but all Erie County Court of Common Pleas. the schools. DANIEL J. BRABENDER, JR FILE The work ethic in his professional life And when he was done, he’d written a that he carries over to his “hobby” abso- history of Prep (and Erie) football that GRADE SCHOOL: St. George (1966) lutely amazes me. contained over 900 pages, weighed over HIGH SCHOOL: Cathedral Prep (1970) When asked about this talent, he cred- three pounds, and was nearly three COLLEGE: University of Dayton (1974) its his father for getting him headed in inches thick. GRADUATE: University of Dayton Law School the right direction. “I used to go through In his search to get everything correct (1978) the newspaper with him at a very young he visited high schools as far away as SIBLINGS: Mary Ann, Tim age and we would look at schedules, Texas. The Erie paper was at the mercy CHILDREN: Alexis 15, Rachel 13 standings, and statistics,” he explained. of the school calling in. Many times, they HALL OF FAME: Cathedral Prep “I was always into stats and details.” didn’t have the correct names of the op- OCCUPATION: Judge for Court of Common And is he ever. posing players, so they made up names. Pleas A former Cathedral Prep wrestler, he Brabender, through thousands of hours FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: was captain of the Rambler grapplers of going through yearbooks and out-of- 1. Sitting on my father’s lap as a 6-year-old and in the 1969-70 season, and wrote a book town papers, corrected these errors. reading baseball standings and schedules out about the history of C.P. football that He added that he received hundreds of the paper. dazzled sports fans of all schools. When of letters and not one person said, “You 2. Attending Prep games with my father, who he told me he was going to do this, I should’ve done it this way or that way.” was a Prep grad. thought, “How nice. It should be done in That’s the ultimate compliment from 3. Going to the “Audi” to watch Gannon about six months.” Erie people. basketball from the mid-50s on. Six was close. But six years – not So what has he been doing for the past HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: Captain of the CP months. 12 years? What else would you think he’s wrestling team for the 1969-70 season. His motivation first arose in 1983, as he been doing? Writing a history of Cathe- FAVORITE SPORTS MEMORIES: pointed out, “Craig DeMarco caught a dral Prep basketball. 1. The 1967 East-Prep football game won by Prep CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS long touchdown pass against Gateway And during our interview, I could just 13-6. East had a “dream team” and was heavily High School in the first game of the sea- feel the pride he has in this effort as he favored. (ed. note – The Warriors were coached son and the Erie paper reported that this commented, “There’s nothing else ever by Dan’s uncle, the legendary Billy Brabender.) was probably the longest touchdown re- done like this in Erie. You won’t find this 2. The 1965 Strong Vincent-Prep wrestling ception in Prep history. information anywhere in the world. match that the Ramblers rallied to win, 23- “This showed me that Prep must not “It’s done and ready to go. It will be out 22. (ed. note – The Colonels were coached by have any records if the school didn’t pass before next basketball season.” another uncle, Billy’s twin brother Bobby.) this on to the paper.” He gave me a sneak preview and the 3. Bill Mazeroski’s home run when the Pirates Brabender then talked about how book is going to be beyond belief. beat the Yankees in the 1960 World Series. “I ran Coach Mina George may have been the It starts with the 1924 season and it’s home from grade school and saw the final two all-time leading rusher in school histo- almost impossible to quit reading, as he innings,” Danny explained.

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 9, 2015 A SHORT DRIVE TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

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