The local voice for news, arts, and culture.

Sep. 30 - Oct. 13, 2015 / Vol. 5, No. 20 / ErieReader.com REVENGE PORN What to do if it happens to you

Tough Choices and Harsh Realities Facing Erie’s Public Schools

Erie’s Bayfront East Side Taskforce: Breathing new life into a once-fading neighborhood

Rocky Horror Picture Show - Arlo Guthrie - Bobcat Goldthwait - Godsmack & Rob Zombie FREE

Contents - Sep. 30, 2015 From the Editors

Erie at Large - 4 emember when bullying ended once the tims who’ve been awarded damages, or casework- The Hard Costs of school dismissal bell rang? When a breakup ers who’ve chaperoned those suffering through Public Education Rwas bitter but personal? When photos you’d the legal system. rather not share with the world could be destroyed If we were optimistic — and utterly naive — we Harrisburg with a lighter or scissors? might assume that’s because we don’t have a re- Happenings - 5 Enter the internet. Unquestionably phenomenal. venge porn problem here. More likely, though, is Partisan-fueled grid- Infinitely useful. And — if your ex-partner wants the fact that most victims have been enduring the Editors-in-Chief: lock perpetuates the revenge — potentially terrifying. compounded anguish of the violation itself and Brian Graham & Adam Welsh budget impasse. It’s hard to comprehend the loss of privacy we’ve the feeling of sheer helplessness. Managing Editor: embraced along with the internet. For the most Oliver addressed myriad ways women are vic- Katie Chriest News of the Weird​ - 6 part, privacy breaches are simply inconvenient. timized online, but particularly through revenge Contributing Editors: From punctuation to Even in cases where real damage is done — sto- porn. And even more appalling, how a “distinctive Ben Speggen pregnancy, the weird len identities, hacked bank accounts, and the like victim-blame-y sentiment of, ‘If you didn’t want Jim Wertz just keeps getting — there is a clear path toward recourse. Pursuing this to happen, you shouldn’t have taken photos’ is Associate Editor: weirder. justice may be a nuisance, but at least — with the hard-wired into mainstream culture.” Alex Bieler law on our side — we survive relatively unscathed. “Sometimes these photos come from hacked web- Contributors: Odyssean Times Revenge porn isn’t like that at all. It’s devastat- cams,” Oliver continued, “but regardless of that, it Lisa Austin, Civitas Call for an Odyssean ing. And until recently, there wasn’t much victims doesn’t matter how it happens.” Mary Birdsong “It comes down to fundamentally changing the Rick Filippi Hero​ - 9​ could do if angry ex-partners made their intimate Frank Garland The emblematic lives go viral. way we think about the internet,” Oliver explained, James R. LeCorchick relationship between Revenge porn laws still only exist in half the “because too often, you hear people playing down John Lindvay EPS and the City of states. Federal copyright laws are often stand-ins. the dangers of the internet by saying, ‘Relax. It’s Bob Protzman not real life,’ But it is. And it always has been … Dan Schank Erie.​ But, as the ever-brilliant John Oliver pointed out William G. Sesler in June on Last Week Tonight, they can require Nowadays you can click a button and buy a book, Chris Sexauer Alice’s victims to protect their privacy by sending naked meet your spouse, or ruin someone’s life. Tommy Shannon Wonderland - 11 photos of themselves to the copyright office. Penn- We hope featuring this legal approach to revenge Ryan Smith porn — as related by litigator Elisa D’Amico — will Sara Toth Presque Isle Printing sylvania enacted revenge porn laws in July, 2014. Bryan Toy is looking good. While researching revenge porn for his piece in raise awareness of the issue itself and assure vic- Cover Photo: this issue, Dan Schank found little local evidence tims that they don’t have to suffer alone: helpless, Brad Triana Fighting Revenge of perpetrators who’ve been brought to justice, vic- hopeless, and living a ruined life. Publicly. Photographers: Porn through the Ryan Smith Legal System 29 Brad Triana Litigator Elisa D’Am- Publisher’s Assistant ico visits Penn State Emily Hanisek Erie Just a Thought 1001 State St. Suite 901 Erie, Pa., 16501 Erie’s East Bayfront: By: Katie Chriest plifying excellence. For every fallen family, there’s [email protected] A Most Defensible one epitomizing the unconditional support that

The Erie Reader is the local voice Space - 32 bike to our downtown office through a neigh- has sustained humanity for thousands of years. for news, arts, and culture, and is BEST breathes new borhood where shots rang out this summer. If every life matters, then the way we talk about Erie’s only independent, alternative life into a once-fad- One recent morning shimmered with Septem- every life matters, too. But how does it feel to be newspaper. Founded in 2010, the I Reader has quickly become the ing neighborhood. ber perfection. Sunrise had ushered the exception- from a “bad” place? If places are made up of people, region’s award-winning source for arts coverage, a strong cultural al blue of late summer into the theatre of the sky. does that make you bad? compass, and a dynamic resource Beyond Slanty light glinted off gold-tipped tuliptrees. The other day, I set out for a pre-dawn walk for news and opinion. With a dedication to long-form journalism Braddock - 36 To the trees, there are no bad neighborhoods. through my neighborhood: nothing fancy, but and a commitment to provoking John Fetterman, On one front stoop sat a man and his little son: homes are owned and cared for. Outdoor lighting thoughtful discussion, the Reader tells the stories of the people and the “Mayor of Hell,” the son chatting away, the man listening and smil- is more decoration than security. Safety is expect- places making and shaping Erie, makes a run for the ing. Only listening, in fact, in the distraction-free ed. while highlighting the events and issues influencing life in U.S. Senate. way made rare by proliferating smartphones. I owe my life here to a set of circumstances, in- northwestern Pennsylvania. The The dad beamed, his countenance rivaling the cluding the inherited privilege of my race in this Erie Reader is published every other week and distributed at Geeked Out - 37 sun’s radiated light. He waved as I coasted down confusing — but mostly civil — nation. I didn’t over 250 high foot-traffic locations The Martian the block, past old houses divided into apartments, work harder than all who hail from “bad” neigh- in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In shadows of their formerly stately selves now in- borhoods (or a war-torn regions, or impoverished addition to appearing in print, Erie Save it for a Sunny habited by tenants too transient or hand-to-mouth countries). I don’t deserve peace more than they Reader adds new content daily at ErieReader.com as well social Day - 37 to repair siding, or working too many jobs to worry do. media sites. All rights reserved. All Rain barrels are re- about weeding. Meanwhile, in that “bad” neighborhood, I often content © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, imagined into works I’m generalizing. I know. There are as many expla- see neighbors talking on porches, laughing on side- 16501. No part of this publication of art for “Don’t Give nations for the way things are as there are people. walks. It’s jubilantly cacophonous, compared to my may be reproduced without permission. The opinions of our Up the Drip.” But that’s the point we risk missing when we label neighborhood. Here, people keep to themselves. columnists and contributors neighborhoods — or countries, or ethnicities — Quintessential neighbor Fred Rogers said “Peace are their own and do not always reflect that of the editorial board ER Sports - 38 “bad.” means far more than the opposite of war.” No place or organization. Direct inquiries to High school football For every deadbeat dad, there’s one surrendering — neighborhood or nation — is perfect. And if we 814.314.9364 or contact@ErieReader. com. provides priceless his morning to a chatty child. For every teenager stopped labeling each other, we might actually entertainment. corralled into the penal system, there’s one exem- start learning from each other.

September 16,, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION Erie at Large The Hard Costs of Public Education to say that the real consequences of the budget impasse are far greater than the political capital accumulated by the strange theater that accompanies the legislative process. It’s this third option that has gar- nered the most attention, and for good reason. As Badams eloquently pointed out to a capacity crowd at the Jefferson Educational Society on Sept. 22, closing schools in October means more than making up school days next summer. It puts the city’s children at risk, leaving them on the street where the potential for violence looms larger than it has in many years past. After the deaths of three Erie public school students in two senseless shootings this past July, Badams sent an impassioned let- ter to the homes of all children – those enrolled in parochial as well as public schools – in the City of Erie at the start

TERRAPIN FLYER of the school year reminding parents that in spite of all the violence we’ve experienced in this community, schools By: Jim Wertz near future, it stands poised to lose remain the safest harbor for the chil- millions of dollars in fees and interest, rie Public Schools (EPS) Super- all of which would have to be repaid. intendent Jay Badams faces an Monthly operating expenses near $15 In the most dramatic Eimpossible decision. By way of million. Repaying such debt is no easy move yet, Badams recently the budget impasse between Gov. Wolf task. The Secretary of the Budget sug- and the General Assembly, the school gested to Badams that the Common- requested and received district is broke, teetering on the edge wealth might cover those fees and authorization from the of its own fiscal cliff. interest and help negotiate the best school board to close Erie’s The school district’s options are, ef- possible terms of such a deal, but that’s fectively: 1) to operate with no cash on all part of a larger debate in Harrisburg public schools, grades K-12, hand, asking teachers and staff to work and no guarantees are being made … by because the district simply for free until legislators in Harrisburg anyone. won’t have the money to reach an agreement; 2) to borrow mil- In the most dramatic move yet, Bad- lions of dollars at a yet-to-be-deter- ams recently requested and received keep the doors open. mined cost to the district and taxpay- authorization from the school board to ers; 3) to close the doors, turn out the close Erie’s public schools, grades K-12, lights, and go home until public funds because the district simply won’t have dren of Erie. In a world of instability are released from the state coffers the money to keep the doors open. Oth- and uncertainty for so many students when the budget is passed. er schools have longer timelines to con- who attend Erie’s public schools, the To Badams’ credit, and the credit of sider these difficult options because classroom offers consistency and cer- the Erie Education Association, the lo- they have larger local tax bases. EPS titude. cal teachers’ union, an agreement was does not. EPS receives 67 percent of its So if the act of closing Erie’s schools made between the parties that would budget from state and federal funding, sounds like a “scare tactic,” you can be keep teachers in the classrooms for a all of which is distributed from Har- sure it is not any more a scare tactic finite amount of time without pay. But risburg. In contrast, school districts than the game of Russian roulette be- deferring salaries in the name of keep- across the Commonwealth receive, on ing played on the floor of the General ing kids in school only provides slight average, just 38 percent of their bud- Assembly. It’s a means to an end, an act relief because the overhead of oper- gets from state and federal money. of self-preservation, and a hard cost in ating the district far exceeds payroll. Badams may well have been the first what’s become the business of public There are bills to be paid, maintenance superintendent in the Commonwealth education. to be done, and services to render be- to initiate such drastic measures. He fore students and teachers enter the did so to sound an alarm for our policy- Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ equation. makers – particularly those with public ErieReader.com, and you can follow If the district chooses to finance its education at all levels in their sights – him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Harrisburg Happenings Partisan-fueled gridlock perpetuates the budget impasse.

each passing day of the impasse. EPS stands to gain an additional $5.58 mil- lion under the budget proposal offered by the Governor, and taxpayers in the City of Erie would see $37.4 million in relief, with those paying $1,000 or less in property tax levies seeing an elimi- nation of their bill. Additionally, the District stands to save almost $3 mil- lion in charter/cyber school costs by the Governor’s 10 percent tuition reim- bursement proposal which limits cyber charter tuition profit margins. The legislature can suture this wound — and many others just like it — with surgical precision by ratifying a fair, re- sponsible, and equitable spending plan, and restoring cuts to education, human services, and job creation. But instead, precious time is squan- dered by partisan-fueled gridlock, and the doomsday clock ticks closer to clo-

Mid-way through RINA PITUCCI the second day of Senate “stop-gap” By: Sean Wiley best interest of the Commonwealth, all an alternative form of revenue specif- the while knowing full well that Gov- ic to education funding such as a tax deliberations, Erie’s ignifying the start of autumn, ernor Wolf would immediately veto the on Marcellus Shale drilling, not a peep Public Schools windows are left open for cool bill as soon as it landed on his desk. The about property tax relief, and nothing Snight’s enjoyment, cider mill Senate squandered precious time by about necessary investments for fund- announced it is presses are busily working, and the not engaging in meaningful conversa- ing human services and job creation. leaves on the trees are beginning to tion and discussion about a final solu- Is not the definition of insanity to en- on the brink of turn golden yellow and deep orange. tion. The House of Representatives gage in the same behavior on multiple As we look forward to the full scale convened last week to waste more time occasions expecting a different out- closure without seasonal splendor across our beautiful passing the “stop-gap” measure, a true come? Commonwealth, we should be enjoying exercise in futility fueled by partisan Mid-way through the second day of rapid, meaningful nature’s bounty without a ninety-day rancor. Senate “stop-gap” deliberations, Erie’s intervention. cloud hanging over us as a wet blanket Senate Bill 1000 is simply a smaller Public Schools (EPS) announced it is of fog obscuring the view. version of House Bill 1192: the original on the brink of closure without rapid, Ninety days … ninety days have passed vetoed budget. One-third of something meaningful intervention. Much debate without a genuine solution to end the that was originally inadequate is still surfaced in the community about the Commonwealth budget impasse. inadequate. Both measures have failed potential for the “stop-gap” measure to sure for EPS. Our area nonprofits will The Senate returned to voting the to address the agreed-upon structural be that necessary intervention; and at begin to turn the lights off and flip week of Sept. 14 and spent three days deficit of $1.3 billion and have engaged a time of crisis like that, it is difficult to their signs from open to closed, and deliberating Senate Bill 1000, a “stop- in budget tricks of shifting money articulate why such a measure isn’t the some of my colleagues will bury their gap” proposal that includes roughly around. I’ve written this before in pre- right move. In that regard, I circle back heads further in the sand. one-third of the previously vetoed vious columns specific to this issue: to the fact that one-third of something This is what people across Pennsyl- spending plan. This measure claimed if you move the proverbial ball under that was originally inadequate is still vanians hate about politics. Myself in- to fund core services, like education, one cup, the other cup is still empty. inadequate. cluded. human services, child welfare, etc., Unfortunately, with a pervasive busi- A Band-Aid on the wound of EPS is from July 2015 through Oct. 31, 2015. ness-as-usual mentality over the last not going to stop this type of bleeding. Senator Sean D. Wiley can be Three days were uselessly spent by several years, there are many empty This wound began with a $4.5 million contacted at SenatorWiley@ the other side of the aisle pontificat- cups across the Commonwealth. deficit on day one of the school’s fis- pasenate.com, and you can follow ing about how and why this was in the Additionally, there is no provision for cal year and continues to grow larger him on Twitter @SenatorWiley.

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION

mer as Mariam Malak, one of to state law) but apparently News of the Weird the top-performing high school too young to exchange nude students in the entire country, photos. Copening was charged From punctuation to pregnancy, the weird just keeps getting not only failed all six of her fi- with five counts of "sexual weirder. nal exams but received scores exploitation" -- for receiving of "zero" in each. Her family, "sexts" from Denson and hav- By: Chuck Shepherd and a legion of supporters on ing nude photos of himself social media, have demanded on his phone (i.e., "exploiting" tax-friendly business owners. received gifts, had a baby show- that the prime minister investi- himself). Denson accepted a Your English Teacher However, the Council somehow er, joined expectant mother gate, especially whether anoth- lesser sentence and is serving Was Right missed that college student Jen groups and even frightened her er student had paid to acquire a tedious, restrictive probation; n September, Tennessee At- Henderson, 23, actually lived 16-year-old boyfriend enough Mariam's scores or whether she had also been charged with Itorney General Herbert Slat- there and had registered to vote, that he began looking for full- Mariam was failed intentional- self-exploiting. After much ery concluded that records of meaning the business owners time work to feed the soon-due ly because she is of Egypt's Cop- criticism for threatening fel- an investigation need not be could not vote and that the tax "babies." However (obviously), tic Christian minority. ony charges and sex-offender released to the Memphis City increase would be decided by ... the ruse fell apart in the 10th registration, prosecutors of- Henderson. (In late August, the month (in August), drawing fered Copening a similar te- Council -- because there was Bright Ideas no comma. The law requires Council "postponed" the elec- community outrage, but ac- dious, restrictive probation in the records' release "only in tion and at press time were in cording to the sheriff, none of he Cambridge, Massachu- September. [Fayetteville Ob- compliance with a subpoena a quandary, as Henderson said the "victims" who were fooled Tsetts, company AOBiome server, 9-12-2015; WRAL-TV, 9-11- or an order of a court." Slatery she's against higher taxes.) [Co- have come forward to press believes we have dangerously 2015] said if there had been a comma lumbia Tribune, 8-25-2015, 8-31- fraud charges. [WJBK-TV (De- stripped "good bacteria" from after "subpoena," a council sub- 2015] troit), 9-1- 2015] our skins via "excessive clean- Perspective ing" and has introduced for poena would get the records, en years after Hurricane sale "Mother Dirt" spray to add but without the comma, only The Entrepreneurial Spirit Cultural Diversity Katrina left tens of thou- it back. Chemical engineer and T court subpoenas. And in July, sands homeless in New Or- pike's Tactical of Apopka, hile "Deep South" states' co-founder Dave Whitlock told Andrea Cammelleri prevailed leans and neighboring Gulf Florida, introduced its ver- courts are notorious for WBZ-TV in September that on her parking ticket challenge S W states, many of the 120,000 sion of the AR-15 assault rifle death sentences, the "epicenter" he personally has "not tak- because there was no comma. A hastily constructed box-type this summer "designed to never of capital punishment in recent en a shower in over 12 years," West Jefferson, Ohio, ordinance trailers ordered up -- and later be used by Muslim terrorists." years has shifted to South- but instead uses his odorless banned parking of any "motor condemned for concentrations Laser-etched on one side is a ern California, according to a bacteria-restoring mist twice vehicle camper, trailer." A state of carcinogenic formaldehyde symbol of the Christian Cru- September Slate.com analysis. a day to cover himself with appeals judge ruled that, with -- by the Federal Emergen- sades and on the other, lan- While neither Texas, Georgia, helpful "dirt" that activates a comma after "vehicle," Cam- cy Management Agency are guage from Psalm 144. Spike's North Carolina, nor Virginia the "good" bacteria. The com- melleri's truck would have been still being used in the U.S., Tactical CEO Angela Register has issued a death sentence pany will soon begin clinical banned, but without it, only though most living in them predicted brisk sales: "Men like this year, Riverside County, trials to demonstrate whether campers and trailers were. [The have no clue about the risk. to accessorize their guns more California, has recorded seven, Mother Dirt (which also comes Tennessean, 9-3-2015] [WSYX-TV The most recent users were than women like to accessorize and since 2010, Riverside and in shampoo form) can addi- (Columbus), 7-3-2015] oilfield workers in North Da- their outfits." [Orlando Senti- Los Angeles County have led tionally improve certain skin kota boomtowns, but shady Great Moments in nel, 9-2-2015] the nation in death-row assign- conditions. [WBZ-TV (Boston), entrepreneurs had also bought Gerrymandering ments. (Ironically, of course, 9-4-2015] California rarely actually exe- trailers at FEMA auctions and The Continuing Crisis n April, the City Council of cutes anyone; its death row has sold them for tornado and IColumbia, Missouri, rigged teenage girl in Wyandotte, 748 residents, and no one has Fine Points of the Law flood victims -- after removing a specially drawn "Communi- AMichigan, using $9.95 tools walked the last mile since 2006.) ormega Copening, 17, and FEMA's "Not For Human Hab- ty Improvement District" to from a website called FakeABa- [Slate.com, 9-7-2015] Chis girlfriend Brianna Den- itation" stickers, according to pass a sales tax increase. Under by.com, pretended for months son, 16, of Fayetteville, North a major investigation by Grist. the law, if the District had no to be pregnant (with abdomen gypt's notorious corruption Carolina, are old enough to org, released in August. [Grist. "residents" to vote, the "elec- extenders and ultrasound Eapparently reached a new have sex ("adults," according org, 8-27-2015] tion" would be decided by the photos of her "triplets"). She level of victimizing in the sum-

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA — BY: B. TOY

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 The Je erson Educational Society Presents GLOBAL SUMMIT VII WEEK ONE WEEK TWO US Foreign Policy & Our Role in the The Importance of Erie, Pa. in World – a debate moderated Understanding the Changing by C-SPAN’s Steve Scully Dialects of America’s Language Monday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Nile Gardiner, Director of the Heritage Eric Raimy, Ph. D., University of Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center Wisconsin-Madison Professor for Freedom & Dr. Aaron David Miller, and Department Chair Vice President at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Mission Mars – Forwarding our Dreams into Reality An Evening with Author, Columnist, & Television Commentator: Cokie Roberts Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Bas Lansdorp, CEO Mars One Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Cokie Roberts, Contributing NPR Senior News Analyst

Growing Human Tissues: Can Reading the Declaration of Independence We Print Organs Instead of in Defense of Equality Transplanting Them? Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m. Luncheon Danielle Allen, Author and Professor at the Anthony Atala, M.D., Director of the Wake Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Gigacities: How Broadband is The Future of Osteopathic Medicine Reshaping the World and Osteopathy: A Global Perspective Friday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Darrell West, Ph. D. Vice President Norman Gevitz, Ph. D., Author of The Do’s: of Brookings Institution Governance Osteopathic Medicine in America Studies and Founder of TechTank

Thomas B. Hagen Dignitas Award Presented to Drs. John M. Ferretti and Silvia M. Ferretti

Global Summit VII Thank you to all Registration our sponsors Tickets $35 Per lecture VIP Tickets $60 Per lecture All program Pass $175 VIP all program Pass $375 (Register On line or in person at 3207 State St. Erie, PA 16508 JESErie.org 3207 State St. Erie, PA 16508) 814.459.8000 * VIP tickets and passes provide preferred seating ** Schedule subject to change Say Hello To Now Our New Home! Open!

Come And Check Us Out! M-F 9am-5pm We Are Now Located At Loft Style Living 4318 W. Ridge Road • Erie, PA 16506 Located conveniently downtown! Go Ask Alice! 814-833-9020 Presque Isle 4318 W. Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 $685 153 East 13th St., Suite 1200, Erie, PA 16503 Printing Services www.lovellplace.com - 814.217.9250 www.presqueisleprinting.com @GoAskAlice08

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Odyssean Times Call for an Odyssean Hero The emblematic relationship between EPS and the City of Erie.

six-headed monsters or dent than the state average velop a comprehensive plan. their way. By: Ben Speggen whirlpools, the options Bad- – belt-tightening measures “What were your immedi- Badams’ title of his recent ams faces don’t look good: made in an attempt to erase ate take-aways from those lecture at The Jefferson Edu- Take out a loan to float the deficit and build surplus. two days of public meetings?” cational Society — “As Erie’s ith the impending schools’ operations until Har- For years ESD financial asked Flowers. Public Schools Go, So Goes budget impasse in risburg passes a budget that woes went unaddressed, and “This community hasn’t had Erie” – was perhaps more apt WHarrisburg, Erie’s would resume the funding of once it began tackling them an adult conversation about than he realized when he Public Schools (EPS) Su- public education (meanwhile, (kudos to Badams), it was the condition of the city of planned it two months ago. perintendent Jay Badams the funding of things like Erie in about 40 years,” Buki During a post-lecture ques- confronts an Odyssean chal- the lottery and state prisons responded. “There’s a lot of tion-and-answer session, he lenge. remains unfettered) while is- work to be done, and there’s revealed that the EPS had During his voyage home in suing IOUs to teachers dated a lot of opportunity. Success been exploring more consol- Homer’s epic, Odysseus, king “sometime soon, we promise won’t happen quickly, and it idation to be able to channel of Ithaca, came upon Scylla (hopefully)”; or, close up shop Ignorance has won’t happen cheaply.” efforts into improving its and Charybdis. The path was for as long as legally possible Ignorance has begotten cost, infrastructure. According to narrow, with no conceivable to stave off a cash bleed or re- begotten cost, and we’ve been issued the bill. Badams, Buki approved of alternative. To one side: a sorting to charity. And cost isn’t just money: It’s this idea. Which makes sense six-headed monster; to the If you’re expecting me to and we’ve been time, energy, effort, and grit. given that Buki recommend- other: a deadly whirlpool. tell you that closing up shop “Do you believe there is a ed Erie consider reducing His options were limited. is Charybdis, or taking out issued the bill. collective will among elect- its housing stock by 50,000 Turn around? Men of less grit millions in loans is Scylla, let’s ed leaders and others to be to better align with current had. stop there. I’m just a sailor And cost isn’t aggressive when it comes to population, combat blight, If you remember Homer’s on the boat, a resident in the just money: It’s blight, improving infrastruc- and improve overall housing epic saga, then you recall the city, and I don’t have the an- ture, transportation and value. advice Circe gave the hero: swer or a Circe. Maybe Bad- time, energy, other things the plan will After decades of study, Sail closer to Scylla. Why? Go ams does. Or better, maybe address?” Flowers continued. scholars contextualize, com- too close to Charybdis and Badams has the grit and for- effort, and grit. “There may be. I haven’t seen pare, weigh, and write history he’d risk losing his entire ship; titude to make the right call. I it yet,” Buki said. with the benefit of distance. sail nearer to the monster, he believe he does. In the moment, making dif- Odysseus couldn’t have been may just lose a few. But the more pressing ques- ficult but necessary decisions popular on the boat when he Odysseus found himself be- tion is how we got here. between limited and unfa- told his men to sail between tween a monster and whirl- Worse than living paycheck vorable options isn’t easy or a rock and hard place. But pool, an ancient rock and a to paycheck, EPS has been too late. No one anticipat- fashionable. But leading a there’s a reason we still use hard place. locked in the cycle of paying ed a state budget impasse in school district or a city isn’t that saying to size up a situ- But you know the story – or last year’s expenses with this the future because their eyes supposed to be easy. Progress ation. Erie School District has at least its outcome. Odys- year’s money. I’m no finan- were affixed on the past. doesn’t just show up unan- its Odysseus. Does the City of seus makes it home, reclaims cial expert, but I know that The same could be said for nounced. Schools don’t just Erie? his kingdom, restores order doesn’t leave much – if any – the City of Erie. Consider get new roofs magically over- to his land, and lives happily room for creating a surplus or Kevin Flowers’ interview in night, and cities don’t just be- Ben Speggen can be contacted ever after. But he does lose six savings. the Erie Times-News with come hubs of manufacturing, a bSpeggen@ErieReader. men to Scylla. EPS isn’t inefficient; in fact, Charles Buki, planner for of innovation, of tech because com, and you can follow him Although they’re not it spends $2,000 less per stu- CZB, tasked by the City to de- the winds mysteriously blew on Twitter @BenSpeggen. 2 5 % West�Location

OFF 2818 W 8th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania, 16505 any tapestry at either location at any tapestry (814) 836-9545 Located between the Bel-Aire Clarion® Hotel & Joe Roots Grill East�Location 2518 Peach Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16502 Hours of Operation (814) 454-9545 Monday�– Thursday, 10 a.m.�– 6 p.m. Friday�– Saturday, 10 a.m. –� 8 p.m. Sunday, 12 p.m.�– 4 p.m.

Contact us by phone,�or at [email protected]�today!

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 Q&A

Current Broadband 10/1Mbps

1Gbps

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 BUSINESS Alice’s Wonderland Presque Isle Printing is looking good. .com . vnetfiber BRAD TRIANA www

three years and had some chal- Thelma, Bonnie, and Big Mama. Above: Marlee Malpiedi, owner By: Mary Birdsong lenges. They found leaks, mold, The offices and workrooms feel Alice DeGeorge, and Michelle Zewe poorly executed repairs, and a friendly and relaxed and employ- brighten the colorful new office of Presque Isle Printing. Opposite: the ested by taking the survey at: resque Isle Printing’s new host of other surprises, including ees seem genuinely contented. office’s welcoming entrance.

digs on West Ridge Road are frogs living in the damp base- Those happy employees are ourGig facebook.com/ vnetfiber Pas bright and welcoming as ment. “It took us a while to figure Marlee Malpiedi, who has a BFA owner Alice DeGeorge’s person- out where they were coming in. I in Graphic Design from Clarion the print industry, she saw some ality. Home of the former Grode escorted many frogs out the door University and has been with the gaps in service. “Small or startup e inter Florist, the expansive interior of until we did,” she relates with a company since 2012, and Michelle companies and customers who the farm-style house is freshly laugh. Zewe, who came on board in 2013, had minor printing jobs were of-

painted. The walls hold original Now, though, the place is filled with a BFA in Applied Media ten left to fend for themselves. d. #GetY artwork, a large tie-dye wallhan- with bold colors and the happy Arts-Graphic Design from Edin- They need things to get done ging graces what was the dining buzz of people who like what they boro University. as quickly and economically as room, and each room is flooded do. “This is a creative industry,” The growth is a testament to the next person and were often- with sunny natural light. says DeGeorge. “We did not want how far Presque Isle Printing times forced to resort to big box It is evident DeGeorge is proud this place to be a typical stuffy has come from its start in 2008. retailers, where they found the

and thrilled with the new space business office. Clients need to DeGeorge had just begun work- service lacking and the work dis- ll us that you’r as she cheerfully gives a tour. see artistry at work here.” ing for a company that was soon appointing. They are why I start- Te With good reason. She and her By design, it is a very individual acquired by another firm, and ed Presque Isle Printing, to serve ead the wor husband Dave have been working space and DeGeorge operates the suddenly found herself jobless. everyone no matter how small the hard to turn it around since they business in a personal manner. Although she was discouraged, an job.” purchased the building in March. She even names the machines. idea started rolling around in her Although she had a solid reputa- The property had been empty for Stop by sometime to meet Louise, head. After years of working in tion for good graphic design, she Help spr

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 BUSINESS BRAD TRIANA had no business experience “We were growing and need- portant for her to learn the she now has a large airy office teer efforts, supports arts and and learned along the way. ed more space,” says DeGeorge. customer’s style so they can for client meetings. music events and organiza- Her experience in numerous “We felt we needed 2,000 produce a product the custom- And when it comes to serv- tions, and is generous with her other industries helped as she square feet and to rent it was ing her customers, DeGeorge charitable giving. “It’s not just had contacts and friends who not financially possible for us.” doesn’t stop there. She likes cool, it is important to support filled gaps in her knowledge. She and her husband started to educate them about the the arts scene,” she says. She She also had a few guardian looking to purchase a place to Even a casual printing process so they can is also willing to work in trade angels. “One of them was Bob house her business, and store feel more confident. “If my with someone who has a limit- Melani, owner of Flexi-Hinge, equipment and supplies for observer of customer understands the dif- ed budget but has something who graciously offered me his contracting business. ference in file types or what to share with her. space in his building to get Today, Presque Isle Printing DeGeorge photo resolution is, we have a The bottom line for De- started. And he even gave me has about 400 regular custom- better experience throughout George is reputation and in- the first two months’ rent for ers and a lot of one-time “walk- and the way the process.” tegrity. When renovating their free, saying ‘someone helped in” clients. They make every- Even a casual observer of new home, she chose small me out once, now it’s my turn thing from business forms she operates DeGeorge and the way she op- local contractors because she to help someone else.’” to restaurant tent cards and will notice erates will notice how much believes small businesses need She also struggled getting wedding invitations. They’ve of people person she is. Hav- to support one another. She a small business loan. “It was added equipment with more how much of ing worked in a wide range also believes each customer’s 2008 and the financial world sophisticated capabilities re- of businesses from food to job is the most important and was crashing down,” she says. ducing job times tremendous- people person human services, she knows customers must trust the busi- DeGeorge persevered, though, ly. “A job that used to take a a little something about how ness. It’s the old saying, she eventually getting a loan for half a day, now takes half an she is. many industries work, and tells me, “If you look good, we equipment and hanging out hour,” DeGeorge explains. “It she applies that knowledge look good.” her shingle on Asbury Rd. frees all of us for more design — along with the people skills The expansion of Asbury re- and planning duties.” er will find pleasing. “Sitting she picked up along the way — Mary Birdsong can be quired a move to West Ridge Which for DeGeorge means down with them in a relaxed to connect with her customers. contacted at mBirdsong@ Rd., where the business flour- spending more time with her atmosphere allows us both to This comes easily for De- ErieReader.com, and you ished. But by 2014, another customers, something she is explore their needs more thor- George, who has a big heart. can follow her on Twitter move was in order. very fond of. She says it’s im- oughly,” she adds. Accordingly, She gives her time to volun- @Mary_Birdsong.

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 There’s nothing worse than rough hands on my soft skin.

Hey MEN! Get a Spa MANicure GET WORK DONE at SandCille for just $26 FOLLOW US A Coworking Space For: (sandcille_spa) Creative professionals, Freelancers, Teleworkers, Startups Your Desk Open Desks Drop in Insta 24/7/365 M-F 9am-5pm Daily $185/mo $80/mo $15 2640 West 8th St. Erie, PA 16505 for daily specials. www.radiusco.work @RadiusCoWork 814.456.7400 • sandcille.com

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 % OFF Running & Walking 15Min. $50 purchase of any reg. priced item. Not valid with any other offers or specials. Expires 10/28/2015 SPECIALTIES Our free gait analysis will help you nd the shoe that’s right for you! 2309 W 12th Street Erie, PA 16505 the ultimate medical & technical running & walking shop 814-871-6320 Running & Walking Shoes • Apparel • Accessories www.achillesrunning.us We actually t you for shoes!

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 CALENDAR

Music Center Recital Funktional Flow Frank Singer Duo Evening with of the Jam MUSIC Hall, 110 Kiltie Rd. Laura Nelson events.edinboro.edu. Oct. 2 — 9 p.m. Oct. 3 — 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 9 — 6 p.m. The Black Dahlia Kings Rook Club, 1921 Grape Discovery Oct. 8 — 7:30 p.m. Basement Transmissions, Murder, Harms Way, Cattle Decapitation Peach St. facebook. Center, 8305 W. Main Erie Maennerchor Club, 145 West 11th St. facebook. Cruel Hand with with Special Guests com/kingsrookclub. St. jazzerie.com. 1607 State St. gcsoe.org. com/gimpguyunderground. Special Guests Oct. 2 — 6 p.m. Old Skool Yosemight Erie Philharmonic Goat, Kyozin Yueni Sept. 30 — 6 p.m. Basement Transmissions, Oct. 2 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Oct. 3 — 9 p.m. Pops Concert Dekai, Johnny James Basement Transmissions, 145 West 11th St. & the Indeterminates 145 West 11th St. facebook.com/ Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Kings Rook Club, 1921 Oct. 8 — 7:30 p.m. facebook.com/ beardedbabyproductions. State St. facebook.com/ Peach St. facebook. Louis C. Cole Auditorium- Oct. 9 — 7 p.m. beardedbabyproductions. sherlocksparkplace. com/kingsrookclub. Memorial Hall, 205 Erie Ale House, 416 W. Blues Friday Meadville St. events. 12th St. facebook.com/ Dave VanAmburg Night Jazz MET Opera - II Faculty Recital Series edinboro.edu. events/993117684063467. Trovatore (Verdi) Oct. 1, 8 — 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2, 9 — 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 — 7 p.m. Oct. 3 — 12:55 p.m. Dr. William P. Alexander Faculty Recital Tyler Smilo & Max Bel Aire Marriott Hotel, Oasis Pub, 3122 West Series: Faculty Garcia Conover 2800 W. 8th St. jazzerie.com. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Mary D’Angelo Performing Music Center Recital Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Hall, 110 Kiltie Rd. Collage Oct. 9 — 9 p.m. events.edinboro.edu. Colony House Band Onewayness St. mercyhurst.edu. Oct. 8 — 8 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. facebook. Oct. 1, 8 — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 — 7:30 p.m. Saliva & Kelen Heller Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. Crown the Empire 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. com/kingsrookclub. Colony Pub & Grille, 2670 Girard Unitarian Oct. 3 — 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 7 — 9 p.m. W. 8th St. jazzerie.com. Universalist Church, Midnight 107 Myrtle St. facebook. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Tear from Grace: State St. facebook.com/ Voodoo Band Arlo Guthrie: com/girarduuchurch. State St. facebook.com/ Godsmack sherlocksparkplace. sherlocksparkplace. Alice’s Restaurant After Party Oct. 9 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. DJ Red & Candi Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Oct. 1 — 8 p.m. Julio Quezada Godsmack & Oct. 8 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fresca Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 State St. facebook.com/ Warner Theatre, 811 State and Friends Rob Zombie sherlocksparkplace. St. erieevents.com. Oct. 2 — 5 p.m. State St. facebook.com/ Oct. 3 — 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 8 — 7 p.m. B Side Liquor Lounge sherlocksparkplace. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Cellist Zuill Bailey First Friday Concert & Arcade, 2785 Oasis Pub, 3122 West Euclid Hts. Blvd. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. French St. erieevents.com. Sykosis, Blunt Force, Oct. 9 — noon Oct. 2 — 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. bsideliquorlounge.com. Bravura, Cringe Studio Q, 8425 Peach Dr. William P. Alexander Bruce Johnstone and An Alpine Musical & Brotherhood St. wqln.org.

Thursday, Oct. 1 “I’ll do it again for the 60th anniver- would be used to the grind of public intrigue him regardless of whether or sary, or I’ll be dead. Whichever comes speaking and air travel. not he’s wrapped up something else Table for One at Alice’s first,” he quipped. You’d be wrong. first. Restaurant: Arlo Guthrie Like all great folk singers, Guthrie is “Those are the two things I do every “I’m doing all of [my projects] all at Plays the Warner Theatre nothing if not brutally honest. — Matt week at work: I go on stage and get the same time,” Goldthwait says with Swanseger on a plane,” Goldthwait tells me over just a hint of fatigue in his voice. “I’m the phone, in just one of a number of promoting my stand-up right now. I’ll 8 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // promotional chats he has scheduled. be doing some interviews for Call Me 452.4857 // erieevents.com “Those two and handling spiders would Lucky, and then I’ll go over to an ed- be the top three fears. Maybe I should iting bay and edit a television show Thursday, Oct. 1 just start handling spiders on stage.” I directed. Tonight I’ll do a set here in Bobcat Goldthwait Kicks Goldthwait’s anxiety over public L.A. and get on a plane for Houston. I’m Off Three-night Run speaking and flying aren’t what you not bragging or complaining. It’s a little would expect, which is appropriate for kind of crazy the way I live.” at Jr’s Last Laugh a man who’s made a career out of doing Based on the results of his work, a lit- JOHN KLOEPPER the unexpected: evolving into a criti- tle crazy seems to be working out just cally-acclaimed filmmaker after first fine. — Alex Bieler n Thanksgiving Day 50 years ago, making waves as a goofy character Oas a gesture to hosts Alice and Ray with a memorable voice in ‘80s flicks 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:40 and 9:30 p.m. Brock, folk singer Arlo Guthrie loaded like the Police Academy series and his Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 // 1402 a red VW microbus with a “half-ton” of off-the-wall stand-up sets. State St. // jrslastlaugh.net trash and headed for the city dumps Now Goldthwait is moving about the Friday, Oct. 2 of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, country, including a three-night, five- only to find it closed. So he threw it off show run at Jr’s Last Laugh starting All an Act Productions Stages the edge of a cliff instead. While the Thursday, Oct. 1. Even before he re- Death and the Maiden amount of trouble he got into was un- turns to Erie after a stop at Jr’s in Feb- usual (he was arrested for littering the ruary of 2014, he’ll be trying to conquer otalitarian regimes have a way of next day), even more improbable was CONTRIBUTED PHOTO his busy schedule. This involves heavy stripping away citizens’ humanity, the trouble he got out of (being drafted T obcat Goldthwait is a busy man. promotion for his award-winning doc- and their minds. for the Vietnam War). The longtime comedian and direc- umentary Call Me Lucky, an affecting Take the events of Ariel Dorfman’s Thus was born Guthrie’s signature B tor currently balances a three-headed work about comedian Barry Crimmins Death and the Maiden, performed this tune, 1967’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” which monster of a career between his work and his crusade against child abuse. month by Erie’s All An Act Produc- he will play in its 18-minute entirety on TV, in film, and on the stage. Given The film is just another high in tions. Years ago, Paulina was a political (among other things) Thursday, Oct. 1 his time in the entertainment busi- Goldthwait’s impressive run of diverse prisoner repeatedly tortured and raped at the Warner Theatre for the first time ness, you would think that Goldthwait projects on screen and stage, although by someone whose face she never saw. in a decade. he can’t help but go after projects that Flash forward to the present day: the

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 CALENDAR regime has fallen and Paulina’s hus- and adults love Pumpkin D’Light. It’s a group that helped to carve displays band, Gerardo, is in charge of investi- Halloween frolic without the fright. their creations in their own section of gating human rights abuses. The Erie County Conservation Dis- the one-mile trail. There are likely to When Roberto Miranda accompanies trict hosts its annual walking tour be giant pumpkins there. In past years, Gerardo home one night, one feature with pumpkins carved by children some gourds have weighed as much as is familiar to Paulina: Miranda’s voice, and adults from 43 different organi- 450 pounds. Bring flashlights and wear which is the voice of her rapist. zations. Erie County Master Garden- appropriate footwear for the trail. This She takes him hostage, interrogating ers co-chairpersons Beth Hardy and event will be held rain or shine. — Bry- him and demanding a confession. What an Toy follows is a dance of guilt and sanity, of sadism and paranoia, as Paulina’s CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 5 to 10 p.m. // Erie County Conservation own husband — the man in charge of District Headwaters Park, Wager Rd. investigating such abuses! — does not lo-based crew starts to rock out. Funk- Sunday, Oct. 4 believe her. tional Flow overwhelms crowds with Word to the wise: though it may not some searing hot sonic blasts. When the five-piece band hits the Rook stage, Timbuktu Offers a be clear who is innocent at the end of Thoughtful Response to the play, it’s always a good idea to side you’ll be ready to give in to the reggae with your lady. Trust me. — Sara Toth and let the funk flow through you. Islamic Fundamentalism Head to the Rook and treat yourself to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17; 3 p.m. Oct. a special Funktional Flow show for free 4, 11, 18 // All An Act Productions, 652 W. with a Club membership (and become MANSOUR DE TOTH 17th St. // Tickets $12 adults; $8 seniors a member if you aren’t already). — Alex and students // 450.8553 or 449.6554 // Bieler Patty Dicks put on this event. It also allanact.net 9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/ includes a sound and light display by the students in Erie Central Tech’s engi- Friday, Oct. 2 kingsrookclub neering program, games and activities Funktional Flow Brings Saturday, Oct. 3 for children, and a pavilion filled with educational displays about those cool “Jam Band Goodness” FILMS DU WORSO LES Pumpkin D’Light: creepy crawlers everyone associates to Kings Rook Club A Lovely Sight with Halloween: spiders. Pumpkin D’Light is held at Headwa- rie will get a heavy dose of jam band ee a thousand jack ‘o lanterns glow bderrahmane Sissako’s 2015 film ters Park on Saturday, Oct 3. Kids are Timbuktu Egoodness when Funktional Flow with a friendly light. Walk through A is worth seeing on ac- S always excited to show off their pump- avoids plays the Kings Rook Club. the woods on an October night. Kids count of what it as much as It’s hard not to dance when the Buffa- kins, which are easy to find, since each what it depicts.

Rage Against The Oct. 11 — 4 p.m. Taylor Little Theatre, 501 E. St. allegheny.edu. Machine Tribute Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. FOOD & DRINK FILM 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. The Visionary Oct. 10 — 11:46 a.m. Uncork a Cure Tiny Giants Partisan Paintings of William Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Meadville Jazz Jam Oct. 3 — 2 to 5 p.m. Ongoing through Feb. 26 Oct. 7 — 7 p.m. Thomas Thompson State St. facebook.com/ — 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. sherlocksparkplace. Oct. 11 — 2 to 2:30 p.m. Arundel Cellars & Brewing Erie Art Museum, 411 State Ongoing through Oct. 31 Co., 11727 East Main Rd. Meadville Market House, Tom Ridge Environmental St. erieartmuseum.org. arundelcellars.com. Bruce Gallery, Doucette Tales of Hemingway 910 Market St. jazzerie.com. Center, 301 Peninsula Hall 215 Meadville St. Drive. trecpi.org. The Stanford Prison brucegallery.info. Oct. 10 — 8 p.m. He is Legend with Cocktails & Color Experiment Warner Theatre, 811 Paint Night Deepsea Challenge Minyao State St. eriephil.org. Special Guests Oct. 8 — 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 — 6 to 8 p.m. Ongoing through Dec. Oct. 14 — 6 p.m. Frank G. Pogue Student Ongoing through Nov. 15 21 Brix Winery, 6654 W 31 — noon & 4 p.m. Spiritual Rez Basement Transmissions, Center, 405 Scotland Rd. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Main Rd. 21brix.com. Tom Ridge Environmental events.edinboro.edu. St. erieartmuseum.org. Oct. 10 — 10 p.m. 145 West 11th St. facebook.com/ Center, 301 Peninsula Kings Rook Club, 1921 beardedbabyproductions. Dogtoberfest Drive. trecpi.org. VISUAL ARTS 41st Annual Peach St. facebook. Oct. 10 — 5 to 8 p.m. October Evenings com/kingsrookclub. DANCE Living in the Age Biennial Under the Erie Brewing Company, Clock Exhibit Juried Exhibit 1213 W Veshecco Dr. of Airplanes An Afternoon 4th Annual Retro Oct. 2 through Oct. 31 eriebrewingco.com Ongoing through Oct. Ongoing through Oct. 2 of Winds Record Hop-Oldies — (Opening Reception 30 — 2 & 5 p.m. NPAA, 10 East 5th St. Oct. 11 — 3 to 4 p.m. But Goodies Dance npaaonline.org. Oct. 2 — 7 to 9 p.m.) Wine and Music Tom Ridge Environmental Blasco Library Oct. 10 — 8 p.m. Pairing Center, 301 Peninsula Heeschen Gallery, Auditorium, 160 E. Front Art Among Friends 910 Market St. to midnight Oct. 10 — 7 to 9 p.m. Drive. trecpi.org. St. gemcitybands.org. artsmeadville.org. Rainbow Gardens, 21 Brix Winery, 6654 W Ongoing through Oct. 6 Waldameer Park Main Rd. 21brix.com. Mary Poppins Glass Growers Every Child is 220 Peninsula Dr. On the Surface Oct. 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 — 7:30 Gallery, 10 East 5th St. Beautiful Tour visiteriepa.com. Works by Jamie Celebrity Bartending & Oct. 11 — 2 p.m. glassgrowersgallery.com. Oct. 11 — 7 p.m. Borowicz Reshimo by Vertigo Fundraiser Barrow-Civic Theatre, Erie First Assembly of God, Faculty & Alumni Oct. 5 through Nov. Dance Company Oct. 14 — 6 to 8 p.m. 1223 Liberty St. 8150 Oliver Rd. wctl.org. barrowtheatre.com. Exhibition 1 — 9 a.m. (Reception U Pick 6 Tap Oct. 13 — 7 p.m. Ongoing through Oct. 27 Oct. 8 — 5 to 7 p.m.) Choral Concert: House, 333 State St. Mary D’Angelo Performing stayfocusedforthefuture. Timbuktu Allegheny College Art Cummings Gallery, 501 E. Early Works Arts Center, 501 E. 38th 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. com. Oct. 4 — 2 p.m. Gallery, 520 N. Main St. mercyhurst.edu.

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015

CALENDAR

The film concerns the small Malian and Ocean’s Thirteen). Alexander’s also Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture city from which it takes its name as a trained assassin, and as he learns to jihadists arrive and attempt to impose think for himself, he throws his father’s shariah law. Sensational as this prem- idyllic (and frankly messed up) way of ise may sound, don’t expect tyrannical life into jeopardy. 2015-16 SEASON lunatics or indulgent depictions of tor- So what happens when the innocence ture. While you’re at it, don’t assume of childhood is used for murderous some benevolent Western do-gooder ends? Go see Partisan and find out. will arrive to work everything out, ei- — Sara Toth ther. Instead, Sissako offers a nuanced, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 // Erie Art Reshimo philosophical examination of power, Museum, 411 State St. // Tickets $5 by Vertigo Dance Company religious doctrine, and their abuses. It’s available at the door// filmsocietynwpa. a straightforward story: A cattle herder org named Kidane finds his quiet life dis- Thursday, Oct. 8 rupted following a conflict over a slain Tuesday, Oct. 13 · 7:30 p.m. cow. The region’s new fundamentalist Godsmack and Rob Zombie Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center rulers must resolve the dispute, which Overtake Erie Insurance Arena leads to tragic consequences. But this synopsis leaves out the com- These Israeli contemporary plex, understated performances – and the way that little details reveal a rich dance innovators will emotional landscape. Sissako’s jihadis present Reshimo, a are confused, conflicted, and occasion- ally bored – they seem almost as un- hauntingly beautiful work easy about their objectives as the folks inspired by the Kabbalistic they oppress. Their victims aren’t ide- alized martyrs either. Many are defiant idea of the impression and outspoken; one or two are incred- light makes in darkness.

ibly thoughtful. Above all, Timbuktu CONTRIBUTED PHOTO is rendered in three dimensions. Set aside some time to take it all in. — Dan This engagement of Vertigo Dance Company is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of Schank uffering the adverse effects of low Stestosterone? Has the tameness of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. 2 p.m. // Taylor Little Theater, Mercyhurst daily life been interfering with a primal This performance is sponsored by The Jewish Community Council of Erie's Schuster Cultural Fund. University // 501 E. 38th St. // miac. urge to flail as if being descended on mercyhurst.edu by swarms of stinging, biting insects? Does a frustration with the humdrum Wednesday, Oct. 7 have you clenching your fists? Channel your aggression the right Bollywood Masala Orchestra FILM at EAM: Partisan way by punching your ticket to see & Dancers of India veteran rockers Godsmack and Rob Zombie play Erie Insurance Arena. Col- lectively, the bands have sold over 35 Tuesday, Oct. 27 · 7:30 p.m. million records as they tour in support of their sixth albums. Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center Zombie, former frontman of White Zombie, released his fifth (and easily The driving rhythms and dazzling colors of India come best-titled) studio album Venomous alive in this lavish display featuring traditional Indian Rat Regeneration Vendor in 2013 and plans on unleashing his sixth later this instruments, singers, dancers, acrobats and a fakir. year. If you haven’t dusted off your copy ANIMAL KINGDOM of The Scorpion King soundtrack late- ly, which produced the 2002 Godsmack hink of it as a cross between Boy- hit “I Stand Alone,” or haven’t other- Thood and Leon: The Professional. wise paid attention to these groups And throw in a cult. since your angsty pubescence, fear not OK, that might not be the best de- – they remain faithful to their origi- scription of Ariel Kleiman’s Partisan, nal sounds. Zombie’s Venomous con- showing Oct. 7 as part of FILM at the tains all the industrial beats, schlocky Erie Art Museum, but it’s what comes B-movie lyrics, and headbanging riffs to mind reading up on the winner of (courtesy of shreditor-in-chief John 5) the Sundance 2015 World Cinema Spe- that made Hellbilly Deluxe a 1998 hit. cial Jury Award for Cinematography. Godsmack’s 2014 release, 1000 HP, ad- Partisan is the coming-of-age story heres to the nu-metal/post-grunge for- of Alexander, a child who lives in a hid- mula that drew comparisons to Alice In TICKETS: den paradise with his father, Gregori Chains on their self-titled debut. miac.mercyhurst.edu (played by Vincent Cassel, whom, if — Matt Swanseger 814-824-3000 you’re a plebian like me, you’ll recog- nize from his roles in Ocean’s Twelve 7 p.m. // Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St. // 452.4857 // erieevents.com

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19

CALENDAR

Friday, Oct. 9 are sure you are (despite their name). Smilo and Conover instead use simple, You’ll hear elements of Sonic Youth, beautiful songs — like Smilo’s rousing Goat, Kyozin Yueni Dekai, the Dead Kennedys, and even the Pix- “Dust in a Grave” and Conover’s gor- and Johnny James and ies in their musical repertoire. — Matt geously-picked “Our Father’s House” — the Indeterminates Swanseger with heartfelt lyrics to draw listeners in for a tremendous experience that’ll at Erie Ale Works 7 p.m. // 416 W. 12th St. // eriealeworks. hit you right in the gut and stick with

com you long after you head back home. — CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Alex Bieler Friday, Oct. 9 campaign to raise money to repair its Tyler Smilo and Max Garcia 9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/ kingsrookclub slate roof. A percentage of proceeds Conover: Modern Folk from art sales will benefit the project, Lessons at Kings Rook Club Friday, Oct. 9 which seeks to raise $60,000 for the needed repairs. — Mary Birdsong Artists Raise the Roof at the Woman’s Club of Erie Fri. 5 to 9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun. noon to 5 p.m. // 259 W. 6th St. // Free // n art- and craft-filled weekend is 452.3844, eriewomansclub.com Aslated for Oct. 9 to 11 as more than 60 artists’ works will be on display at ooking forward to the start of a CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Friday, Oct. 9 Lnice, peaceful weekend come Oct. the Woman’s Club of Erie in their 3rd 9? Then you’ll probably want to stay Annual Fine Art Gallery Show. Repre- Time Warps and Transvestites: away from Erie Ale Works that night, sented will be members of the North- The Rocky Horror Show because Goat, Kyozin Yueni Dekai, and CONTRIBUTED PHOTO west Pennsylvania Artists Association, Haunts PACA through Oct. Johnny James and the Indeterminates Lake Erie Fiberarts Guild, Erie Photog- will be bringing the noise. he Kings Rook Club will host a pair raphy Club, Presque Isle Artists Associ- ever been to a performance of The Goat’s noise is precise and percussive, Tof intimate acoustic performances ation, and Photographic Arts Society of NRocky Horror Show? Dammit, Jan- as if a Japanese clockmakers guild got when Tyler Smilo and Max Garcia Con- Northwestern Pennsylvania. et! This is the most interactive musical together to form a drum circle with a over put on a lesson in modern folk. Artwork in a wide variety of media in theatrical history — the audience is grieving elephant. (Yes, there is saxo- The talented duo of singer-song- will be for sale and can be taken at the half the fun. You can purchase props at phone!) Guitar/drum duo Kyozin Yueni writers will each play a solo set at the time of purchase. On all three days, re- the show that you can use to help out Dekai’s chaos is a little less organized, Peach Street establishment, proving freshments will be served and tours of the cast. (Don’t worry, you’ll know what but you’re cuckoo for cacophony, right? you don’t need a backing band and the historic mansion will be available. to do with them when the time comes.) Johnny James and the Indeterminates booming rock to captivate an audience. The club is currently conducting a Dress in character if it strikes your fan-

Artists Raise Don’t Blame it Efforts to Reshape Chanting Night Oct. 1, 8 — 6 to 8 p.m. Northwest PA the Roof on the Movies Our Community Sept. 30 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Collegiate Academy St. lifeworkserie.org. Oct. 9 — 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 — noon Ongoing through Jan. 10 The Bhakta School of Walk-a-Thon Woman’s Club of The Station Dinner Erie Art Museum, 411 State Transformation, 1421 W Who Was George Oct. 2 — 9:45 a.m. Erie, 259 W. 6th St. Theatre, 4940 Peach St. St. erieartsandculture.org. 41st St. bhaktaschool.org. to 1:30 p.m. eriewomansclub.com. canterburyfeast.com. Washington: Primus inter pares Presque Isle State Goodell Gardens Manufactures & Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. Second Sundays Rocky Horror Farmers Market Business Assoc. Oct. 1 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Presents MFG Day Oct. 11 — 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30 — 8 Sept. 30 — 3 to 6 p.m. Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Erie Art Museum, 411 State p.m. & Oct. 34 — midnight Oct. 1 — 9 a.m. Gorilla Americanus: Goodell Gardens, St. jeserie.org. St. erieartmuseum.org. PACA, 1505 State St. 221 Waterford St. Bayfront Convention Race, Primates, and Stereotypes paca1505.com. goodellgardens.org. Center, 1 Sassafras Bobcat Goldthwait THEATRE Pier erieevents.com. in the American National Theatre LifeWorks Erie Oct. 1 — 7 p.m., Oct. Search for Order National Theater Beyond Polarization: 2 — 6:40 p.m. & Oct. Live: Skylight Open House Oct. 2 — 11:30 a.m. of the Deaf Cleavages and Cross- 3 — 9:30 p.m. Oct. 10 — 12:55 p.m. Sept. 30 — 4 to 6 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30 — 7:30 p.m. Party Support in the Jr.’s Last Laugh Comedy Mary D’Angelo Performing LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Jefferson Educational Club & Restaurant, 1402 Louis C. Cole Auditorium, Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. lifeworkserie.org. Future of America Society, 3207 State State St. jrslastlaugh.net. 205 Meadville St. events. St. mercyhurst.edu. St. jeserie.org. edinboro.edu. Oct. 1 — 9:30 a.m. African Deibold Center for the COMMUNITY/VARIETY Erie Open Figure Reiki: What is A Canterbury Feast Conservation Performing Arts, 217 Sessions - Figure Meadville St. events. It and What are Pottery Sale Experience Oct. 2, 9 — 7 p.m. & edinboro.edu. Drawing & Painting the Benefits? Oct. 3, 10 — 5:30 p.m. Ongoing through Oct. 5 Sept. 30 — 6 p.m. for Artists Oct. 2 — 12:30 to 2 p.m. The Station Dinner Glass Growers Woman’s Club of Media and Law Oct. 1, 8 — 6:15 to 9 p.m. Erie, 259 W. 6th St. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Theatre, 4940 Peach St. Gallery, 10 East 5th St. Enforcement Panel Basement Transmissions, canterburyfeast.com. glassgrowersgallery.com. eriewomansclub.com. St. lifeworkserie.org. Oct. 1 — 7 p.m. 145 West 11th St. visiteriepa.com. Death and the Holocaust Exhibit Mind, Body, 107A Compton Hall, 210 Chanting Night Beer - Yoga E. Normal St. events. Maiden Ongoing through Oct. edinboro.edu. Vibrant Life Series Oct. 2 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30 — 7 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 — 7:30 28 — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2 — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. & The Bhakta School of Transformation, 1421 W 41st p.m. & Oct. 4, 11, 18 —3 p.m. Erie Ale Works, 416 Digital Camera Gannon University, 619 Oct. 12 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. St. abodeoftheheart.org. Sassafras St. gannon.edu. West 12th St. facebook. Basics with All An Act Theatre, 652 com/ErieAleWorks. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach W. 17th St. allanact.net. Lou Cioccio St. lifeworkserie.org. Painting with Connect: Grassroots

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 CALENDAR 25% OFF 1 ITEM tapestries, posters, curtains, rugs cy. Practice your steps for “Time Warp.” earthshine company Then get ready to be horrified by this 118 Meadville St. extreme rock-and-roll send-up of fifties Downtown Edinboro sci-fi movies. 814.734.5858 Open 7 Days a Week! Yes, it’s Rocky Horror Time! PACA 1 Item per coupon, consignment items excluded Expires 10/13/15 is reviving this classic with a new cast and performances that will run throughout this haunted month. You won’t have to go all the way to Tran- sylvania to find a Sweet Transvestite though: Brit Soule, who has obsessed about all things Rocky Horror since CONTRIBUTED PHOTO childhood, will be playing Dr. Frank- N-Furter in a double-gender-bending and mind-bending performance. Sweet and sultry Camille Jones should be perfect as Janet. According to director and their piece, Reshimo.The perfor- Directed by and Roadhouse Theater Rocky Horror mance is inspired by a Kabbalistic idea David W. Mitchell veteran, Jeff Rodland, everyone in the exploring the understanding of what cast just slid right into the roles they a human being is, and the fine outline seemed to be born for. When he called that remains around a being when the October 2nd - 18th. Werner Books is a locally Matt Boland about stepping in for one lights are gone. It’s heady stuff, these Rated R for language and Adult Situations owned new and used bookstore song as Eddie, the rock-and-roll deliv- ideas Vertigo will bring to life at the Columbus Square located in Erie, PA. ery boy, Boland jumped at the chance. Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center; 652 West 17th Street STORE HOURS He may even kick the part up a notch but it’ll be fun, too: The performance Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30pm from Meatloaf’s performance in the incorporates rhythmic physical anima- Sundays @ 3:00pm Monday – Friday: movie. tion and playfulness, evoking “passion 10:00 – 17:30 Adults $12/Seniors (55+) and Students $8 So come down to PACA on October toward everything that is contained Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 weekends. There’s a light on over at within time and space.” OK, we did go Call 450-8553, 449-6554 Closed Sundays the Frankenstein Place. It’s close by: It’s back to the heady stuff there for a sec- just a jump to the left and then a step to ond. or visit allanact.net [email protected] the right … — Bryan Toy Vertigo is known for being innova- www.wernerbooks.com tors in Israel’s contemporary dance Ask about la bella Dinner/Theatre Package 3514 Liberty Street, Liberty Plaza, Erie, PA 16508 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Oct. 9-10, 16-17, community and has performed on the 23 & 30; special midnight show Oct. 24 TEDGlobal stage. For your own taste of // 1505 State St. // 434.0687 // paca1505. the company’s explorations of society com and humanity, join the crowd at Mer- cyhurst and see what these bodies can Tuesday, Oct. 13 do. — Sara Toth Vertigo Dance Company 7 p.m. // Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Performs Reshimo at MIAC Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th he human body is capable of amaz- St. // Tickets $17-$20; $14-$17 for seniors Ting things. For proof, look no fur- and military; $11-$14 for students and ther than the Vertigo Dance Company youth // 824.3000 // miac.mercyhurst.edu

$5 @ 7pm • Trailers & Details filmsocietynwpa.org Dawn Ziegler Oct. 3 — 5 to 10 p.m. First-Time Archery Oct. 2, 9, 16 & Nov. Headwaters Park, Program at Erie 1927 Wager Rd. Bluffs State Park 10/7 PARTISAN (2015) 6, 13 — 6 p.m. headwaterspark.com. Oct. 4 — 9 to 11 a.m. Drama/Thriller North East Arts Council, 25 Vine St. northeastarts.org. Neighborhood Erie Bluffs State Park, JURY AWARD FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY Sole Search 11122 West Lake Rd. Applefest events.dcnr.pa.gov. Oct. 3 — 1 to 4 p.m. SUNDANCE 2015 WORLD CINEMA SPECIAL Oct. 2, 3, 4 Bethany Outreach Positive Youth Franklin Area Chamber of Center, 254 E. 10th St. Development’s Scary Commerce, 1327 Liberty St. bethanyoutreachcenter.org. franklinapplefest.com. Fun Zombie Run Erie Otters vs. Flint Oct. 4 — 4 p.m. MERCHANTS OF DOUBT (2014) Harvest Season 10/14 Oct. 3 — 7 p.m. Wilson Picnic Grove, WITH CLIMATE CHANGE PANEL Carriage Rides 4701 Behrend College Dr. Through the Erie Insurance Arena, 809 youtherie.com/zombie-run. Documentary/Enviroment/Drama Vineyards French St. erieevents.com. Mandarin and More Oct. 3, 10 — 2 to 4:30 p.m. Filmmaker Robert Kenner exposes evidence of Mercyhurst with Shouping Li Liberty Vineyards & University Fall public deception by tobacco companies and Winery, 2861 U.S. 20 Open House Oct. 6, 13 — 1 to 3 p.m. libertywinery.com. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach corporations intended to miseducate the public. Oct. 3 — 9 a.m. St. lifeworkserie.org. Pumpkin D’Light Mercyhurst University, 501 Sponsored by the Community Night Walking Tour Shopping Safely Resilence Working Group E. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu.

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 CALENDAR Need someone During the Diebold Center for the Homecoming Parade Holidays with Performing Arts, 217 Meadville St. events. Oct. 10 — 11 a.m. to noon that speaks fluent Pamela Marlowe edinboro.edu. Edinboro University, Oct. 6 — 6:30 to 8 p.m. 219 Meadville St. events. insurance? LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Personal Protection edinboro.edu. St. lifeworkserie.org. with Mercyhurst Police Academy Erie Otters vs. Cam El-Farouki, Agent I’m your agent for that. Anything But Windsor Oct. 8 — 12:30 to 2 p.m. 3319 W 26th Street No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with my help, you won’t have Common: The Oct. 10 — 7 p.m. Erie, PA 16506 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach to. I’ll help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the History of the Bus: 814-833-6663 St. lifeworkserie.org. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 best coverage at the best price. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Common Terns, French St. erieevents.com. www.teamerie.com CALL ME TODAY. a Seabird, and its Lost Women Nesting at Gulf Point of History Planetpalooza: The Wandering Oct. 6 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Stars In Our Sky 1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Jefferson Educational Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Society, 3207 State Oct. 10 — 5 to 6:30 p.m. St. jeserie.org. St. jeserie.org. University Planetarium, 230 Scotland Rd. events. A Voyage through Erie Otters vs. edinboro.edu. WE ARE the Solar System Niagara Fall Fest Erie's leader in Oct. 6 — 7 p.m. Oct. 9 — 7 p.m. Oct. 10, 11 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 furnace maintenance 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. French St. erieevents.com. Peak’n Peak Resort, 1405 New Customer? Schedule your Olde Rd. pknpk.com. clean & check this month & receive Exploring Erie Advanced 10% Off your entire bill! By Foot Manufacturing Go! Lego Go! Creative Schedule filling Builders Club Oct. 7 — 8:20 to 9:45 a.m. Forum Existing customers receive a $69.95 Oct. 11 — 2 to 4p.m. Up fast call VAL LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Oct. 9 — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. FREE furnace clean & check FREE!UE St. lifeworkserie.org. Ambassador Banquet North East Arts Council, with 2 new customer referrals. & Conference Center, 25 Vine St. facebook. Today! com/North-East-Arts- Connect: Community 7794 Peach St. Free estimates on New Installations! Engagement Session psbehrend.psu.edu. Council-117702454919923. 459-8255 Oct. 7 — 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Karen Williams Hymn Festival PA0005218 Erie Art Museum, 411 State (LGBTQIA Humorist) with Director St. erieartsandculture.org. David Cherwien Oct. 9 — 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 — 5 p.m. Glass Mosaics with Louis C. Cole Auditorium, Joy Luebbert 205 Meadville St. events. Erie Chapter of the edinboro.edu. American Guild of Oct. 7, 21, 28 — 4:30 Organists, 250 W. 7th St. to 6:30 p.m. Life Run 5K erieartsandculture.org. North East Arts Council, 25 Vine St. northeastarts.org. Oct. 10 — 7:30 a.m. Bhakta School Burch Farms, 9210 Sidehill Introductory Event Rd. peopleforlife.org. Creativity Matters Oct. 13 — 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Making Strides The Bhakta School of LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Against Breast Transformation, 1421 W St. lifeworkserie.org. Cancer 5K Walk 41st St. bhaktaschool.org. Oct. 10 — 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Supper with Community Single Friends Perry Square, State Awareness Night and South Park Offer Expires: 10/27/15 Oct. 7 — 5:30 to 7 p.m. Row makingstrides. Oct. 13 — 5 to 7 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach acsevents.org. St. lifeworkserie.org. Mercyhurst University, For Women 501 E. 38th St. cvcerie.org. Lou Tullio: A Only Expo Real Erie Guy University Oct. 10 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Spotlight Series Oct. 7 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 — 12:30 to 2 p.m. Jefferson Educational Bayfront Convention LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Society, 3207 State Center, 1 Sassafras St. lifeworkserie.org. St. jeserie.org. Pier erieevents.com.

Exploring Erie Adventure of An Evening of By Foot Creative Hymnody Conversation with Noa Wertheim Oct. 8 — 8:20 to 10 a.m. Oct. 10 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 — 7:30 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Erie Chapter of the St. lifeworkserie.org. American Guild of Mary D’Angelo Performing Organists, 250 W. 7th St. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Anglo-Saxon erieartsandculture.org. St. mercyhurst.edu. Religious Writings Oct. 8 — 9:30 a.m. Edinboro University

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 MUSIC REVIEWS

Telekinesis Battles Glen Hansard Ben Folds Ad Infinitum La Di Da Di Didn’t He Ramble So There Merge Warp Anti- New West Records

elekinesis’ Michael a Di Da Di, the espite the years he’s fter a decade of TBenjamin Lerner has Llatest album from Dspent making mu- Ahuge success, a lot a knack for creating en- experimental trio sic, Glen Hansard may of artists get compla- joyable power pop nug- Battles, is at its most always be best known cent and lazy: release an gets. His latest album Ad exhilarating when for a single triumph. For album of B-sides or strip Infinitum is no different, except for the fact you let it take you for a ride instead Hansard, it’s the Academy Award he de- down their usual stylings into a bunch that he swapped out the guitars for synths. of analyzing every specific moment servedly won for “Falling Slowly,” a delicate, of drum-machine-backed schlock. Ben It’s not a complete transition, mind you, of the trip. Sure, there are plenty of beautiful track from the film (and eventual Folds takes the opposite tack here. The but it’s a notable one, with soothing keys technical bits from the trio — Ian Broadway musical) Once. It’s a shame, be- first eight songs use the talents of the taking the forefront, particularly on the Williams, John Stanier, and Dave cause Hansard’s been a reliable musician nuevo-classical group yMusic to add sweeping opener “Falling (In Dreams)” and Konopka — that are fascinating for over two decades; and one who’s skilled rich layers of strings and horns to Folds’ the two-part title track that closes the al- both on their own and in how they at creating impassioned stunners just like often funky piano riffs. The title track’s bum. While Lerner peppers the album with interact with other elements of his Oscar-winner. It’s no different on his bridge is a prime example of the strik- themes about forgetting certain things, each track. But delving in too deep- second solo album Didn’t He Ramble, a col- ing depth that can be achieved by seven Ad Infinitum very much sounds like Lerner ly slows down the momentum, like lection of 10 intimate tracks. While his last adroit musicians. But Folds doesn’t lose remembers his trademark sound. Ad Infini- missing the thrill of a speedy turn album Rhythm and Repose had a tendency the usual quirky schtick of his lyrics, of- tum is classic Telekinesis, just with a twist, because you were trying to read the to come across as mopey, Ramble presents ten combining the subtle trivialities of highlighted perfectly by the delightfully small font on a sign you drove past. Hansard singing from the gut without ever everyday life with the sublime and ma- bouncy “Edgewood.” Elsewhere on the al- Not everything on La Di Da Di’s son- sounding too precious. Album standout jestic. And speaking of majestic, one can bum, Lerner drops in neat little elements ic voyage is exciting, though. Long “Her Mercy” is a track that evolves along find it in the final three tracks: “Concerto that intrigue, such as when the lulls in “Syl- stretches in the middle of the album with Hansard’s strengths, going from a for Piano and Orchestra” was performed via” draw you in before Lerner washes over sound cool at first; but after awhile, quiet guitar confessional to an emotion- by Folds with the Nashville Symphony. you with synth-driven goodness. The best they end up coming across as re- al outburst. Some people may only know There’s nothing complacent about an part about Ad Infinitum is that just like Le- petitive. Still, it’s a trip worth tak- Hansard for Once, but Ramble is a solid set artist whose compositions remind a lis- rner’s past material, it’s simply a really fun ing, even with the occasional speed of songs that show off why he’s more than tener of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” album to listen to. —Alex Bieler bumps. —Alex Bieler just a one-song award winner. —Alex Bieler —Bryan Toy

**NO COVER EXCEPT ok SPECIAL EVENTS** s Ro FRI 10/2 King FUNKTIONAL FLOW Club [FREE] SAT 10/3 YOSEMIGHT SAT [FREE] FRI 10/9 TYLER SMILO OCT24 + MAX GARCIA CONOVER [FREE] SAT 10/10 SPIRITUAL REZ + WSG: JOOSE FRI 10/16 THE MIGHTY SEA STRATOSPHEERIUS + BROOKE SURGENER + MATT CRAYS [FREE] + WSG: LIQUID NIXON FRI 10/17 CHICKSTOCK 3 D OORS 8PM | MUSIC 9PM CLAIRE STUCZYNSKI + CHARITY NUSE DOWNSTAIRS +HEATHER DEVORE CONCERT COMPLEX [FREE] FRI 10/23 AFTER PARTIES AFTER FUNK IN UPSTAIRS LOUNGE + SIX YEAR STRETCH W/ ERIC BREWER & FRIENDS MA [FREE] TTY B’S SAT 10/24 STRATOSPHEERIUS EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! + WSG: LIQUID NIXON FRI 10/30 Grab your gear and get here! • 9pm STRANGERS & LIARS + CLAIRE STUCZYNKI No Cover • Drink Specials • Open 8pm [FREE] SAT 10/31 MUSIC AT 9:30•NO COVER EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS HALLOWEEN FREE POOL, SHUFFLEBOARD & GAMES ALWAYS!!! EXTRAVAGANZA 1921 Peach St. Erie Pa•Private Parties Available•MEMBERS & GUESTS Contact: [email protected] & find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 YOU FitnessFitness Membership Membership AA Plan Plan Some things are better Together.

Never feel lost on the fitness floor While the path to fitness can start with joining a fitness center, Join now and receive we believe that the key to making exercise a lifestyle starts with a plan. That’s why we partner with you from the beginning to conduct a fitness assessment and create an exercise plan just 75% off enrollment for you that’s tailored to your goals and fitness level. We show Expires 10/31/2015. Monthly dues still apply. Not valid you where to find what you need and demonstrate the safe, with any other offer. Must mention this mailer to effective way to perform each exercise. redeem offer. First‑time members only.

Working together, fitness feels better.

Resources to help you achieve your goals

W The latest in cardio and W Group exercise and aquatics strength training equipment W Personal training, nutritional W Supportive team, dedicated to helping counseling and massage you make the most of your workouts W Full‑service locker rooms with all the amenities

® Medical Fitness MEDICAL 814.868.7800 FITNESS LEARN MORE | LECOMWELLNESS.COM / together | ASSOCIATION Association

5401 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 Find us on Facebook! 26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015

LECOM-Fitness-Center.indd 1 24-09-2015 23:44:31 YOU FitnessFitness Membership Membership AA Plan Plan Some things are better Together.

Never feel lost on the fitness floor While the path to fitness can start with joining a fitness center, Join now and receive we believe that the key to making exercise a lifestyle starts with a plan. That’s why we partner with you from the beginning to conduct a fitness assessment and create an exercise plan just 75% off enrollment for you that’s tailored to your goals and fitness level. We show Expires 10/31/2015. Monthly dues still apply. Not valid you where to find what you need and demonstrate the safe, with any other offer. Must mention this mailer to effective way to perform each exercise. redeem offer. First‑time members only.

Working together, fitness feels better.

Resources to help you achieve your goals

W The latest in cardio and W Group exercise and aquatics strength training equipment W Personal training, nutritional W Supportive team, dedicated to helping counseling and massage you make the most of your workouts W Full‑service locker rooms with all the amenities

® Medical Fitness MEDICAL 814.868.7800 FITNESS LEARN MORE | LECOMWELLNESS.COM / together | ASSOCIATION Association

5401 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 Find us on Facebook!

LECOM-Fitness-Center.indd 1 24-09-2015 23:44:31 28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 FEATURE Fighting Revenge Porn through the Legal System Litigator Elisa D’Amico visits Penn State Erie

Revenge porn, according to Miami-based litigator Elisa D’Amico (pictured opposite), “refers to the distribution of sexually explicit images without the consent of the pictured individual.”

what it’s like to deal with such a deli- cate, troubling, and important subject as a lawyer. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Erie Reader: What legal resources are available to victims of revenge porn, and how does the Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project approach the majority of its cases? Elisa D’Amico: Victims of revenge porn can seek legal recourse but the available remedies vary greatly de- pending on the facts, the circumstance, and the applicable laws. And then of course, it all depends — sometimes — on connecting with someone in the right place at the right time. Twenty-six states currently have laws in place that address revenge porn. Many of those statutes — such as the ones in Pennsylvania and Florida — permit victims to bring a civil cause of action for revenge porn, and some include statutory damages. A federal AMANDA MILLS AMANDA revenge porn law has been drafted and is expected to be introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) this fall. Depending on the facts of the case, a By: Dan Schank social security number.” These reve- a popular social media site. Without be- victim may be able to seek redress by lations, when combined with explicit ing too specific (since the case is still in way of the criminal legal system, or f you’re unfamiliar with the term content, “expose [victims] to cyber ha- progress), a local police officer was able the civil legal system, or both. Victims “revenge porn,” prepare to lose a lit- rassment and cyber-stalking,” as well to view and capture the content with- can report incidents of revenge porn or Itle faith in humanity. as “in-person harassment at work or out a search warrant. A member of the other online harassment to their local According to Miami-based litigator school.” Some victims are even physi- alleged victim’s family also claims to police stations. Sometimes victims pre- Elisa D’Amico, the phrase “refers to the cally attacked. have received threatening calls from fer speaking to a detective working in distribution of sexually explicit images In Pennsylvania, legislation was the defendant, an ex-boyfriend who the cyber-crimes or sex crimes units. without the consent of the pictured passed in July of 2014 to address this warned that more incriminating con- An investigation by law enforcement individual.” A spiteful ex-partner (usu- issue, making the distribution of im- tent could be released as well. may lead to an arrest and prosecution. ally male) is often the perpetrator, but agery “with intent to harass, annoy or Fortunately, Elisa D’Amico and her Victims can also seek protective orders D’Amico says that person might also be alarm a current or former sexual or in- partners at the Pittsburgh-based law if they feel unsafe and fear physical “an individual who feels wronged and timate partner” illegal. By June of this firm K&L Gates are providing victims harm. seeks to shame or humiliate the victim, year, 11 cases had been brought forth with the resources they need to fight When a law enforcement officer or an individual seeking profit or notori- by prosecutors, including one that led back. In 2014, she collaborated with Da- civil attorney analyzes a particular ety, or in some cases, an individual that to the conviction of a 32-year-old child vid A. Bateman (a partner in K&L’s Se- matter, many factors affect what is the victim has never met — like a hack- rapist in Pittsburgh this August. attle office) to establish the Cyber Civil done. For example, one important in- er.” I spoke to Bob Catalde, the Erie Coun- Rights Legal Project (CCRLP), which of- quiry is whether the victim knows the Worse still, the shared information ty Clerk of Courts, to determine wheth- fers pro bono legal service to victims of identity of the perpetrator. Many vic- often goes well beyond an intimate er or not this legislation has been non-consensual pornography. tims are certain they know the identi- photo or video. D’Amico adds that “in invoked in our area. It has. A case is On Oct. 1, D’Amico will discuss her ty of the perpetrator because the mate- most cases even more personal infor- currently slated for the November trial work with CCRLP at Penn State Erie’s rial at issue was shared only with one mation is provided, like phone number, term involving sexually explicit videos Reed Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. I corre- person. Others know who the perpe- date of birth, school, class schedule, or and images made publicly available on sponded with D’Amico recently about trator is because he (or she) threatened

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 One of a Kind Erie Guild of Craftsmen Fabulous Finds! Fall Craft Show

Zem Zem Shrine Club Admission: $3.00 OFF 2525 West 38th St. Erie,PA 16506 (Children Under 12 Free) 20% Saturday, October 17, 2015 Free Parking, Demonstrations, your whole purchase 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshops, Hourly drawing Sunday, October 18, 2015 Gift Raffle Items donated by Guild Members Store Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 50 cents off with this ad 845 Pittsburgh Ave.Erie, PA 16505 Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm, Sat 10am - 6pm

814-833-0517 *SOME EXCEPTIONS APPLY EXPIRES: Oct. 31, 2015 Partial Proceeds Benefit: Inner City Neighborhood Art House. ER

Drop Spindle Workshop Hand Painting Wool Fall and Winter Hours (after Labor Day) Saturday, October 17 Saturday October 3 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-10:00 - 5:30 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday- 10:00 - 3:00 Workshop fee: $90 includes 5 oz of Workshop fee: $70 Saturday- 10:00 - 4:00 fiber, and a Hi-Lo Schacht Drop Spindle Sunday and Tuesdays - Closed

Kettle Dyeing Beginner Knitting [email protected] Saturday October 3 Wednesday October 14, 21, & 28 3141 West 26th St. Erie, PA 16506 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Phone: (814) 836-PURL (7875) Workshop fee: $70 $30 plus materials Fax: (814) 836-7879

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 FEATURE

process what has happened to them tional distress, invasion of privacy, (in some sense this is similar to the public disclosure of private facts, and grieving process), and organize their identity theft. thoughts and goals. The former type of ER: Can you highlight a recent victim very frequently reaches out to achievement by the CCRLP? the CCRLP for help but then never fol- ED: In one particular case, the CCRLP lows up to our response; I believe these worked with Canadian-based attor- victims want help but the response neys at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP from an actual human who is asking to obtain forensic proof of an online them questions about their specific cir- posting of sexually explicit material. In cumstances makes it too real, so they that case, an unknown individual cre- flee. The latter type of victim is often ated an imposter profile on an online someone who has compartmentalized dating website and posted the victim’s the pain and anguish and is conversing sexually explicit images along with the with me or one of my colleagues in a victim’s name, address, telephone num- methodical, logical manner; these vic- ber, and other personal identifying in- tims usually have no problem sharing formation. The profile also contained their intimate material with us because defamatory language, depicting the vic- they have already accepted the fact tim as a drug dealer who liked to host that in order for attorneys to help, that and attend sex parties. Osler helped the is something they need to do. CCRLP obtain an order from a Canadi- ER: I’ve heard that copyright law can an court, directing the website to pro- be useful in addressing these issues. Is duce account information about the that true? individual who created the imposter ED: Most victims have one main goal: profile. Ultimately, the CCRLP was able remove the sexually explicit images to uncover the identity of the perpetra- from the Internet. Civil attorneys of- tor, who was subsequently pursued by ten refer to this action as a “takedown.” local law enforcement and arrested. Typically, a takedown is done by send- ER: If a victim of revenge porn is read- ing a notice, pursuant to the Digital ing our article, what resources can she Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), (or he) turn to for help? CONTRIBUTED PHOTO where the website where the offending ED: There are many resources for material resides. Among other things, revenge porn victims who are seeking the victim with the posting of the inti- torneys who work on the project are the sender must attest that he or she immediate help: mate material and then carried out the trained on how to handle these cases, is the copyright holder of the subject threat. In other cases, the victim has no and also on how to manage the sensi- material in order to send a valid notice. Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project idea how the explicit material got into tive information. The CCRLP keeps all Whether a victim is the copyright - cyberrightsproject.com the hands of a third party and thus the electronic data on secure servers. holder is usually an easy question to perpetrator’s identity is a mystery. I spent some time as a suicide-hotline answer because the proper inquiry is End Revenge Porn - Civil attorneys [like the CCLRP’s counselor, so I understand how victims whether the victim was the photogra- endrevengeporn.com lawyers] can help victims seek legal of this heinous crime need to feel se- pher or videographer. If so, the victim redress. The overall purpose of seek- cure and safe before they can even be- is the copyright holder. If someone else Cyber Civil Rights Initiative - ing civil redress is to compensate the gin to start discussing the incident(s). took the photograph or video, the vic- cybercivilrights.org [and its 24-hour victim for damages incurred as a con- A delicate balance between counsel- tim is not the copyright holder. In the crisis helpline – 844-878-CCRI] sequence of the perpetrator’s harass- ing and lawyering must be reached latter situation, the victim cannot send ment. The particular course of action because victims require an attorney a proper DMCA notice without first Women Against Revenge Porn (WARP) depends again on the facts of the case. that can dedicate enough time and obtaining the copyright from the copy- - womenagainstrevengeporn.com ER: Since revenge porn often involves care, but attorneys must be pragmatic right holder. intimate subject matter, romantic re- and inevitably ask very matter-of-fact In some situations where takedowns Internet Crimes Against Children lationships, and extreme violations of questions. These cases involve the con- are either not needed or already com- (ICAC) - icactaskforce.org/Pages/ privacy, how do you work to create a sideration and analysis of photographs menced or completed, and where vic- TaskForceContactInfo.aspx safe space for your clients? and videos that victims never wanted tims do not know the identity of the ED: In terms of cybersecurity and any third party (outside of the original perpetrator, civil attorneys can file law- CopyByte - copybyte.com/stop- confidentiality, all matters handled by intended recipient if there was one) to suits to try and uncover the identity of revenge-pornography/ the CCRLP are kept confidential with- see. Victims who have recently been vi- the perpetrator. in the project. The CCRLP encourages olated and exploited are, in some sense, In cases where a lawsuit successfully Elisa D’Amico’s lecture, “Revenge victims to visit the project’s website forced to expose themselves again. I unmasks a perpetrator or where the Porn and Online Identity” will take (cyberrightsproject.com) and to sub- take extreme care to be sensitive to my identity of the perpetrator was known place on October 1 at 7:30pm at Penn mit their information and inquiry by clients’ and potential clients’ needs. all along, civil attorneys often can file State Erie’s Reed Auditorium. The way of an online form. The CCRLP’s When I first speak to victims, I try to lawsuits in state or federal civil court event is free and open to the public. Intake Team is dedicated to evaluating understand whether they are the type seeking to recover damages. Victims inquiries and determining whether the of victim still dealing with fresh, raw can allege various causes of action, Dan Schank can be contacted project can help and if so, how. All at- wounds, or if they have been able to such as intentional infliction of emo- at [email protected].

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 FEATURE Erie’s East Bayfront: A Most Defensible Space Bayfront East Side Taskforce breathes new life into a once-fading neighborhood.

Left: gardens tended and shared by residents of the East Bayfront neighborhood. On page 35: BEST executive director Jeremy Bloeser assumes his typical, action-ready position.

ished 45 blighted properties during the past 14 years. Where homes could not be salvaged, green spaces and commu- nity gardens have taken their place. Where there was hopelessness, the res- idents of East Bayfront now see hope. “There were really crummy two-story rentals and there were landlords who were tired of being landlords,” Bloeser remembers. But that was before the expansion of Erie Insurance across the lower East side. That was before BEST. BEST has embraced the idea that the physical characteristics of a home or neighborhood can change people’s be- havior, reduce crime, and create more livable communities. It’s a philosophy that’s often the center of political rhet- oric, but rarely the expression of polit- ical will. “We’d like to attract people who want to live downtown, who want to live near the lake, and we feel like this is a safe, comfortable place to live and eco- nomically it is very feasible,” Bloeser says. It’s feasible because, where necessary, BEST has modeled what it means to be JIM WERTZ a good citizen: to care for one’s neigh- bors and to stand up for those who struggle to defend themselves. BEST By: Jim Wertz are clean, and the neighborhood – com- es and corporate neighbors, includ- owns and manages 13 rental properties pared to its adjacent communities – is ing UPMC Hamot and Erie Insurance, and is in the process of purchasing two eremy Bloeser stands inside his safe. The relative safety and security of banded together to fund BEST with more. Bloeser visits sheriff’s sales and, office on lower Parade Street the East Bayfront neighborhood is due, the primary mission of revitalizing and when possible, negotiates with banks Jtending to the affairs of the East in large part, to Bloeser and BEST. care-taking the East Bayfront Neigh- to purchase foreclosed homes. But Bayfront neighborhood. The office is The nonprofit oversees revitalization borhood. that’s a last resort, not a starting point. small, contained within a single-story and ongoing maintenance of a 25-block “This is our home. We’ve been here for In many ways BEST operates within cottage-style home. The living room neighborhood extending from Holland 90 years,” says Karen Kraus Phillips, the legacy of famed city planner Oscar is an office with monitors for the or- to Wayne Streets and East Sixth Street vice president of corporate communi- Newman, whose work was motivat- ganization’s security cameras and a to Front Street, along the east side bluff cations at Erie Insurance and secretary ed by the belief that crime, in all of its desk space that’s full of paperwork and that overlooks Presque Isle Bay. of the BEST board of directors. “The manifestations, was caused by a sense impending projects. The dining room Two decades ago the neighbor- vibrancy of Erie is very important to of loathing in communities where resi- is purposefully cluttered with tools, hood looked quite different. Blight us. It’s where our employees live and dents felt no genuine responsibility for maps, and implements of progress. The was spreading, crime was on the rise, work, and where our customers live their homes or their surroundings be- building is owned by Erie Insurance, a and there seemed to be little hope for and work, and we really are committed cause of the density of the population corporate sponsor of the Bayfront East long-term security. The East Bayfront to Erie. It’s our namesake, and so it’s and the quality of their housing. Basi- Side Taskforce (BEST), the organization Neighborhood Watch took on the is- important for us to have a safe and vi- cally, the more decrepit the homes and Bloeser serves as executive director. sues facing the community, but efforts brant downtown.” apartments, and the more crowded the BEST is responsible for the building’s to hold the neighborhood’s decline at BEST has purchased blighted homes buildings, the greater the risk of crime upkeep and ongoing maintenance. bay were inconsistent, a reality faced and rental properties, and repaired or and violence. Outside of his office, houses and by many volunteer organizations. razed those structures depending on Newman’s solution was simple: es- properties are well maintained, streets So the community’s local business- each building’s condition. It’s demol- tablish housing and communities that

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 Be part of a great work environment. at Join accountants, artists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, non-profits, retail owners, and more. now open ccis accepted emphasis on fun MAKE US YOUR HOME activites on large AWAY FROM HOME! indoor turf field Second Hand Rose nutritious meals CONSIGNMENTS 1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501 before and after 351 W 26TH ST. ERIE, PA 814-451-1101 school care 814-455-3061

HOURS: Wed - Fri 11-5 3515 MCCLELLANd AVE. Sat NEAR BAYFRONT CONNECTOR 11-3 814.451.1555 MOVING & ESTATE SALES FITKIDSERIE.COM Sail into Second Hand Rose for your Fall Wardrobe

From professional to casual, we have the office setting for you. All Natural Holistic Pet Foods FOR CATS AND DOGS

- USDA inspected • Office, Retail, Restaurant and Medical Space Nickel - No by-products Plate • Custom spaces from 500-10,000 Square Ft. - Human grade protein Mills - No artificial ingredients • Centrally located in the heart of downtown - Grain free or whole grain only • Convenient parking in attached garage - No fillers 1932 Parade St. Erie, PA 16503 • Affordable rates! www.nickelplatemills.net Like us on Facebook

Open Daily 10am - 5pm All proceeds are used to enhance & Gallery Presque Isle State Park Brian Berchtold Located in Tom Ridge Environmental Center Ph: 814.836.9107 | DiscoverPI.com

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 yogaErie GOT A www.kneibdentistry.com FACELIFT COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW RENOVATIONS TODAY 3325 W.26th Street Erie, PA 814.838.6354 YOUR FIRST CLASS IS

Brianne Kneib, RDH Now with extended evening hours! FREE

General Dentistry WE DO Dental Implants Located in the Colony Plaza Cosmetic Dentistry 2560 West 8th Street, Erie PA 16505 IT ALL Braces 814-520-6998 www.yogaerie.com

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 FEATURE the residents could and would treat marketing departments moved into tax exemption on the land it’s acquired absentee nonetheless. That means the as their own. People would create and the armory, which has been redesigned during the past decade: its green space quality of the upkeep varies greatly “preserve those areas in which they to meet historical preservation stan- and residential properties. But Bloeser from home to home. [could] realize their commonly held val- dards. says that’s not part of his or the BEST Bloeser would prefer that homes and ues and lifestyles,” Newman wrote. In “When the national guard had to board of directors’ plan. storefronts not sit empty in his neigh- short, they would defend their space. move out of the armory and it sat va- “We pay all of our own property tax- borhood. It’s a gateway for trouble More than forty years after the pub- cant for a while,” says Kraus Phillips, “it es,” Bloeser insists. “We do what we’re ranging from looters and squatters to lication of Newman’s landmark study, just seemed the right thing to do. We’ve supposed to do. We’re paying for the degradation and decreased property Defensible Space, you can drive across always been east of State Street and police and we’re paying for the firemen. the City of Erie and observe firsthand the east side is part of our campus. The We want to support them and we don’t “We pay all of our own the very conditions that inspired his vibrancy of that community and the want to be a drag on our neighborhood work. Gross concentrations of poverty safety of that community has always by opting out. We have 35 lots and we property taxes. We do compounded by blight and hopeless- been important to us.” pay taxes on all of them.” what we’re supposed to ness create ideal conditions in which The expansion of Erie Insurance ex- It’s part of the culture of ownership do. We’re paying for the crime and violence thrive. Overgrown tends north on Sixth Street where and territoriality that’s prevalent in lawns, broken windows, and shuttered Victorian homes have been restored as that neighborhood. When a property police and we’re paying homes remind us that people who feel professional offices, and rental units is unkempt, BEST calls a zoning offi- for the firemen. We want they have been abandoned also, at have been made anew. Open spaces cer; When there’s a criminal complaint, to support them and we some point, abandon themselves. between homes are often filled with BEST liaises with police; When renters don’t want to be a drag But on the north end of Parade Street garden boxes used to grow herbs and want to move into homeownership, and across the East Bayfront Neigh- vegetables, some of which are native to BEST helps them find grants to make on our neighborhood by borhood things look different. the migrant and refugee families that a downpayment. Its accomplishments opting out. We have 35 lots As you cross Sixth Street, the old make the East Bayfront their home. are many, but its work is unfinished. and we pay taxes on all of National Guard armory is bustling “Our community gardens are adopted Bloeser contends that one of the big- once again, filled with Erie Insurance by individual families,” Bloeser says. gest problems now facing the neigh- them.” employees, and ten lots previously “They adopt the box and we give them borhood is what he calls “zombie populated with blighted homes on the everything they need to get started. Af- homes.” These are properties that sit values. That’s why BEST created the southeast corner have become green ter that, the family does it all.” unoccupied, foreclosed on by banks, East Bayfront Eats and Arts this past space that look more like a city park Some beds yield produce for the which in some cases are unwilling to summer at the northeast corner of than a plot waiting to be developed. neighborhood, some are exclusively for negotiate a land sale with BEST or pri- Third and Parade Streets, which fea- More than 150 Erie Insurance employ- the families who tend them. vate parties. In many cases, the banks tured locally grown produce from area ees from its information technology, Like other nonprofits in the city, are out-of-town institutions: responsi- farms and a wide variety of arts, crafts, customer experience, and strategic BEST is eligible for tax abatement or ble for the upkeep of the property, but and wares. BEST saw this as an oppor- tunity to capitalize on the tradition of corner stores that used to anchor local neighborhoods, while providing anoth- er amenity to its neighborhood. Bloeser’s energy and commitment to the East Bayfront Neighborhood is impressive. Standing behind his desk inside the BEST office – he gives the impression that sitting down at work is not really his style – he answers the phone. A neighbor on Parade Street worries that someone suspicious was hanging around his house the evening before and, although no crimes were committed, Bloeser assures the man that he’ll check with nearby homes that have security cameras to see if anything was going on. These kinds of adjoining spaces become security mechanisms where cameras are effec- tive and neighbors are watching out for one another. Two phone calls and a few minutes later, he’s talking again to the concerned resident, whom he assures that he need not worry. The neighborhood was safe last night.

Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ ErieReader.com, and you can follow

JIM WERTZ him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 FEATURE Beyond Braddock John Fetterman, the “Mayor of Hell,” makes a run for the U.S. Senate.

ty, inequality in healthcare … programs across the country. even inequality in the quality “The thing I care about most,” of the air we all breathe.” he said in 2013, is that “things Fetterman has laid a ground- continue getting better. The work of change for those kinds direction is more important of issues in Braddock, and, he than the plan.” That’s good, I said, they’re the kinds of issues thought then (and think now). that need be represented on But, like I’ve said before, Pennsylvania’s behalf at the there’s little room in that tables of national politics. kind of headspace for old “I just really want a bigger ways of thinking, for the busi- platform,” he said, and, when it ness-as-usual model of mu- comes down to it, running for nicipal leadership. And, for the Democratic nomination more process-oriented, poli- for Senate “is pretty much a ve- tics- prone leaders and plan- hicle” to carry that cause. “It’s ners, that seems to be what’s the same campaign” it’s always still sort of scary about Fetter- been — “just in a different sta- man: It’s that — far more than dium.” his size or tattoos or anything Fetterman made it clear else — that keeps him on their during his 2013 appearance in fringe. Erie that he doesn’t have all Now, when I spoke with Fet- the answers for solving the terman again recently, he was, issues of poverty, crime, and as far as I could tell, in full-on other problems that come campaign mode: Eager to talk with industrial collapse and shop, to outline the issues in subsequent decay — not for general, to state the ways that Braddock, not for Erie, not for he’s a good pick for the job. And any Rust Belt city, or anywhere all of that’s important if he’s else. to have any chance of gather- What he has brought to ing the kind of major support Braddock, though, are actions (and major funding) that will

KRIS KRUG that have led to some real, de- be needed to make a legitimate monstrable results. Since first run against the other well-sea- winning office there in 2005, soned candidates vying for the By: Ryan Smith ties — what struck me as most John Fetterman, above, doesn’t Fetterman, as I pointed out in a Democratic nomination (re- unusual wasn’t the look of the look like a politician. Better yet, he 2013 Reader article, has devot- tired Navy admiral and former doesn’t sound like one. es, John Fetterman is guy at all, but the sound of ed his work as mayor (a tech- congressman Joe Sestak, and one hell of a big guy. him. nically part-time position that Katie McGinty, former chief Y And no, he doesn’t look He doesn’t really sound like pays about $150 a month) to of staff for Gov. Tom Wolf), let anything like a typical politi- a politician at all, I thought practical, hands-on actions to alone to challenge the power- cian. then. Unpolished. That’s good. brimming-with-business, make the town’s streets safer; ful incumbent, Republican U.S. It’s always been easy — an In that brief conversation a 20th century model of indus- establish youth employment Sen. Pat Toomey. imperative, even — for the couple of years back, and lat- try-born affluence. But be- programs; attract artists to its But for Fetterman’s sake (and press to home in on those er that night during his talk tween the middle and end of cheap and available working more, for the sake of what points, and that’s certainly at the Jefferson Educational the last century, it became a and living spaces; and pursue he’s standing for) I’m hoping, been the case since Fetterman Society, Fetterman discussed modern model of the effects urban renewal and redevelop- way down deep in my heart of announced on Sept. 14 that what was finally, actually hap- of industrial abandonment, ment projects. hearts, that playing through he’s jumping into Pennsylva- pening for the better in Brad- losing 90 percent of its busi- He’s been dubbed by The the political routine doesn’t nia’s not-easy (and not-cheap) dock after decades of continu- nesses – and 90 percent of its Guardian as “America’s coolest mean becoming a routine poli- primary race for the U.S. Sen- ous, mass-scale structural and population. mayor,” by the New York Times tician. Because win or lose, and ate. social implosion and decay. In Braddock — and to dif- as “The Mayor of Rust,” and as in Braddock itself, it’s what’s But the first time I spoke Here’s Braddock’s backsto- ferent extents across other featured in Rolling Stone as still left unpolished that truly on the phone with the may- ry in (very) brief: The site of Rust Belt cities — what’s been “The Mayor of Hell.” He’s done deserves our attention. or of Braddock — a now-tiny Pittsburgh steel baron Andrew left in that implosion’s wake numerous TEDx talks, ap- ghost of a steel town that’s top Carnegie’s first mill — along is inequality, Fetterman said peared on The Colbert Report, Ryan Smith can be contacted among the Pittsburgh region’s with Carnegie’s first library during a talk with the Reader and brought Braddock’s evolv- at [email protected], poorest (and, in recent years, — the 20,000-plus-population last week: “Inequality in in- ing story into the headlines of and you can follow him on most innovative) communi- borough was once a bustling, come, inequality in public safe- major news publications and Twitter @RyanSmithPlens.

36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 CULTURE Geeked Out Save it for a Sunny Day The Martian Rain barrels are reimagined into works of art for picts much of the real science and “Don’t Give Up the Drip.” By: John Lindvay problem-solving required as we try to reach beyond Earth. The largest problem facing Watney while stranded on Mars is the Mar- tian Habitat, or HAB, that is designed to sustain life for 31 days, when it will take four years for the rescue mission to reach him. So first, he needs to fig- ure out how to grow food on the dry red planet. Second, he needs to figure out how to get back in touch with NASA on Earth. Everyone thinks he

GENRE FILMS is dead, so it’s not like they are going to be looking for him. ark Watney is going to sci- I won’t get into details — and this ence the hell out of Mars. isn’t a spoiler — but he finds a way to MThe Martian, a film adapted reconnect with NASA on Earth. The from a sci-fi novel, is set to release on resulting story is a mixture between Oct. 3. The story is about an astro- a heist, a rescue mission, and a dash naut who gets stranded on Mars af- of MacGyver, to save Watney. After ter a partially-failed evacuation from his crew finds out about his survival the surface. I enjoyed the book and they make it their priority to find a am looking forward to catching the way to bring him back. film once it’s released; but let me get With the film looming around the you prepped on what you might’ve corner, I recommend picking up the been missing. book. It’s an easy read that also high- If you’ve been following my column, lights a lot of the exciting real possi- you know I am a sucker for all things bilities for space exploration inside concerning celestial bodies. The Mar- our solar system. There are actual tian is one part Apollo 13 and another analogs to the ARES missions and ROBINSON CLYDE part Castaway; but instead of Tom potato farming on Mars. NASA has Hanks, we get Matt Damon. Damon already announced the “Journey to is the perfect match for the charac- Mars” initiative and detailed the plan “Don’t Give Up the Drip” invites artists to ter Watney: an astronaut, botanist, to get humans on Mars by 2030. They By: Mary Birdsong give the once old-fashioned rain barrel a mechanical engineer, and everyone’s also announced just recently their makeover. favorite wise-cracking party guest. success in growing lettuce on the In- ain gets a bad rap. Some of us The story is about his survival on ternational Space Station (ISS). And grumble about it when it ruins they’ve designed a public art project, the surface of Mars, where he was the HAB in The Martian currently Rour plans; others — gardeners a la Go Fish! and Leapfrog, in which 50 left for dead after his crew had to has a NASA equivalent in the HERA, most specifically — feel differently. But artists will be given unadorned plastic evacuate due to a sandstorm disrupt- or Human Exploration Research An- if a season’s rainfall is uneven, with too rain barrels for them to re-imagine into ing the mission location. The trailer alog: a habitation module designed much then and not enough now, even works of art. depicts much of the overall plot: he for deep-space missions like going to they get grumpy. To the rescue is the Kristen Currier, Environmental Edu- gets left behind, he uses science to Mars. once old-fashioned rain barrel that col- cator at the ECCD, says that the project survive and contact earth, and the Unsurprisingly, with Ridley Scott at lects rain when it’s plentiful and stores will directly address the need for com- world’s largest rescue mission is set the helm, the film is already being re- it for when it’s not. munity education about the necessity in motion. viewed positively. The star-studded Barrels are making a deserved come- of clean water and also the harvest- The original book was the work of cast led by Damon also includes Jes- back; they were smart in the past and ing of rainwater for various uses. “Our Andy Weir. A fast-paced book, it’s a sica Chastain, Kate Mara, Jeff Dan- they’re even smarter today, with rising hopes are that having the artistic bar- real page-turner in the same vein iels, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Donald municipal water prices and shortages rels installed in public locations will as The Hunger Games; except in- Glover, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. making headlines. There’s nothing like inspire more people to save and reuse stead of a dystopian future, we get Most importantly, the astronauts free water to a gardener or anyone else rainwater, putting it back into the wa- well-researched science that NASA aboard the ISS got an advance copy who uses water in their yard. ter table, rather than clogging our over- is actually using. Weir is the son of of the film to watch while in orbit. To encourage a greater usage of rain loaded storm sewer systems.” a particle physicist and has his own How cool is that?! barrels in the region, the Erie County Artists wishing to be considered must background in computer science. In Conservation District and Environ- submit an application that includes a preparation for the book, he stud- John Lindvay can be contacted ment Erie have joined forces to spread rendering of the proposed artwork and ied the history of astronomy and at jLindvay@ErieReader. the gospel of their advantages to the a recent CV, resume or biography high- manned space flights. NASA scien- com, and you can follow him general public. lighting past public art projects and tists love this book. It accurately de- on Twitter @Fightstrife. Dubbed “Don’t Give Up the Drip,” related professional experience. Ap-

September 30, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37 CULTURE / SPORTS ER Sports plicants must be at least 18 years old, and must live or maintain a studio address in High school football provides priceless entertainment. Erie County. There is no registration fee and applications must be submitted by By: James R. LeCorchick 1. GENERAL McLANE 28 Conneaut 27 —- Should be a Oct. 30. A $600 stipend will help the art- crowd-pleaser. ist cover costs and pay for their time and here are very few things I enjoy as much as high talent. school football. Case in point was the recent Cen- COLLEGES For those wishing to be involved in oth- Ttral Tech-Meadville clash that epitomized the rea- CLARION 24 Mercyhurst 21 er ways, sponsorships are available in sons why I feel this way, including a perfect venue (the GANNON 28 Slippery Rock 24 two flavors. For those wishing to display home of the Meadville Bulldogs), two well-coached teams, IUP 35 Edinboro 24 a finished barrel at a business or agency, several sensational athletes, no extracurricular activities Mississippi 34 FLORIDA 21 host sponsorships are $200. Businesses or (trash-talking), plenty of scoring, and several outstanding VIRGINIA TECH 27 Pitt 24 agencies wishing to financially support defensive plays. PENN STATE 38 Army 14 the project without hosting a barrel have However, the best part is sitting in a section with people CLEMSON 30 Notre Dame 21 sponsorship opportunities from $200 — who share my passion, which was the case in this partic- PROS which supports a barrel for another orga- ular contest. Adding to an already entertaining evening BILLS 27 Giants 24 nization — up to $1,500. was the fact I was able to enjoy the event with an inter- CHARGERS 28 Browns 17 An artist information sheet and spon- esting mix of fans including the likes of Judge Danny STEELERS 38 Ravens 27 sorship forms are available at eriecon- Brabender (Erie’s leading sports historian and Cathedral Prep grad), Richard Conner (Academy), Duane Conner Week 6 (Academy), Freddie Williams (Academy), and Aubrey Dil- Cambridge Springs 34 COCHRANTON 20 lon (East). Hickory 28 GREENSVILLE 27 Barrels are making a Even if the game hadn’t been so enjoyable, the banter in SHARON 38 Grove City 14 Erie... see what everyone is talking about! deserved comeback; they this area was worth the price of admission. As a matter SLIPPERY ROCK 32 Warren 12 of fact, throw in the cost of seeing this great game as an- Fairview 40 GIRARD 20 were smart in the past and other plus. What an entertainment value when you can HARBOR CREEK 28 Northwestern 26 You have a NEW opportunity in Erie they’re even smarter today, be treated to this atmosphere for just $5 for an adult. You North East 21 SENECA 20 with rising municipal water can’t put a price on a good time! Fort LeBoeuf 27 MERCYHURST PREP 16 Adding to the intensity of an already emotional evening Conneaut 49 MEADVILLE 44 prices and shortages making was the fact that the father of CT coach Rob Matz passed Cathedral Prep 27 CENTRAL TECH 26 for medical career training! headlines. There’s nothing away the evening before. I left the stadium drained for a McDowell 24 GENERAL McLANE 22 like free water to a gardener variety of reasons. STRONG VINCENT 22 East 20 I should point out I predicted the Bulldogs to win, 55-52, FARRELL 34 Rochester Bishop Kearney 18 or anyone else who uses while the Falcons emerged victorious, 48-43, in a thriller water in their yard. that wasn’t decided until the final play. Top 3 Games I do have a question: I attended the game to support an 3. HARBOR CREEK 28 Northwestern 26 — Huskies like Erie team in a big game and I was just wondering, How close games. Medical Assisting many people from the Central Tech administration or 2. Conneaut 49 MEADVILLE 44 — Another interesting Accepting transfer servation.com. Completed sponsorship school board made the short trek down I-79 to Meadville? game at the home of the Bulldogs. Phlebotomy forms or artist applications may be sent And I went to Prep! 1. Cathedral Prep 27 CENTRAL TECH 26 ... Ramblers on up- students... bring by email to kcurrier@erieconservation. set alert as Falcons believe they can win. Medical Billing and Coding com or by mail to Kristen Currier, ECCD, Week 5 your transcripts 927 Wager Rd., Erie, PA, 16509. In-person HIGH SCHOOLS COLLEGES ERIE’S ONLY PHLEBOTOMY deliveries should be taken to Nate Millet CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS 30 Maplewood 12 Mercyhurst 30 GANNON 28 for review at the EnvironmentErie offices in the Tom IROQUOIS 28 Cochranton 14 Clarion 31 EDINBORO 20 TRAINING INSTITUTE Ridge Environmental Center, 302 Peninsu- EISENHOWER 40 Saegertown 12 CLEMSON 34 GeorgiaTech 30 la Dr. UNION CITY 26 Youngsville 8 PITT 35 Virginia 27 For artists, the work begins around Nov. GREENVILLE 32 Corry 20 NEBRASKA 24 Wisconsin 21 30 when they will be notified and barrels GROVE CITY 21 Titusville 20 PENN STATE 26 Indiana 21 will be available. The fun begins for every- Sharon 34 WARREN 18 NOTRE DAME 34 Navy 31 one else when the works will be revealed FAIRVIEW 26 Fort LeBoeuf 22 MICHIGAN 27 Northwestern 20 FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO with a big splash in a public exhibition HARBOR CREEK 30 Mercyhurst Prep 20 THOSE WHO QUALIFY and reception at the Home and Garden NORTH EAST 32 Girard 20 PROS Show in March. NORTHWESTERN 28 Seneca 20 Steelers 34 CHARGERS 24 When the show is over, the barrels CATHEDRAL PREP 27 Buffalo St. Joe’s 18 RAVENS 24 Browns 20 4-day Schedule will make their way to their permanent Meadville 49 STRONG VINCENT 14 Bills 30 TITANS 17 Institute of Medical and Business Careers homes, just in time to capture those im- McDowell 24 CARDINAL MOONEY 21 Morning, afternoon, evening schedule portant April showers, that, ya’ know, Punxsutawney 35 DuBOIS 26 For the record: bring May flowers. CENTRAL TECH 42 Bradford 12 Week 3 5617 West 26 Street Erie, PA 16506 GRADUATE JOB PLACEMENT High Schools: 18-2, Colleges: 7-6, Pros: 1-2 Mary Birdsong can be contacted at TOP 3 GAMES Week 4 814.208.4933 | imc.edu CONSUMER INFORMATION: IMC.EDU [email protected], and you can 3. HICKORY 30 Slippery Rock 24 — Two very good teams. High Schools: 14-4, Colleges: 7-6, Pros: 2-1 follow her on Twitter @Mary_Birdsong. 2. Farrell 28 WILMINGTON 22 — Two very good teams. Season: Overall: 103-32

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com September 30, 2015 ALLIED HEALTH CAREERS START HERE.

Everyone is Talking About.indd 1 14-09-2015 21:52:37 Erie... see what everyone is talking about! You have a NEW opportunity in Erie for medical career training!

Medical Assisting Phlebotomy Accepting transfer Medical Billing and Coding students... bring your transcripts ERIE’S ONLY PHLEBOTOMY for review TRAINING INSTITUTE

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO QUALIFY 4-day Schedule Institute of Medical and Business Careers Morning, afternoon, evening schedule

5617 West 26 Street Erie, PA 16506 GRADUATE JOB PLACEMENT

814.208.4933 | imc.edu CONSUMER INFORMATION: IMC.EDU ALLIED HEALTH CAREERS START HERE.

Everyone is Talking About.indd 1 14-09-2015 21:52:37