CONTENTS: From the Editors The only local voice for A new economy evolving toward news, arts, and culture. April 26, 2017 Editors-in-Chief: innovation Brian Graham & Adam Welsh ndustry is what drives our national economy. It Managing Editor: Nick Warren Just a Thought – 5 can be the very reason why cities spring into ex- Copy Editor: Changing the climate of isolation Iistence, or the reason they decay and crumble. Katie Chriest The success or decline of a community is ultimate- Contributing Editors: ly dependent upon its businesses. Ben Speggen We’ve seen that firsthand. Jim Wertz The Candidates on Innovation, We’ve watched as the jobs left. We watched as ca- Contributors: Business, and the Future – 6 Maitham Basha-Agha reers capable of supporting a prosperous working Ed Bernik Erie’s mayoral candidates weigh class faded away. The promise of job creation be- Mary Birdsong came a rallying cry for two Republican presiden- Tracy Geibel in on redevelopment, industry, Lisa Gensheimer tial campaigns in a row. The second time around, it Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp and their plans for our city. helped win the office. Erie became the face of that Dan Schank Tommy Shannon promise. With national reports from NPR, Front- Ryan Smith line, CBSNews.com, and others, voices of our disaf- Ti Sumner The Future of Farming in the Matt Swanseger fected voters were given a megaphone. Bryan Toy City – 13 Will that be a promise kept, or, as so often happens Cover Design: in the political world, one that’s broken? Nick Warren Erie’s urban farming initiative up This conversation continues to fuel discussion Photographers: for final vetting at May 3rd public Maitham Basha-Agha on a local level as well, and for good reason. Nine Ryan Smith hearing candidates want to be your mayor, and each has his Brad Triana or her own plan. Some of these plans seem to have Publisher’s Assistant: Emily Hanisek News of the Weird – 15 a little more thought behind them than others. In Intern: this issue, Ben Speggen continues his coverage lead- Angie Jeffery Even a $150,000 bowl of ice ing up to the May 16 primary election. We decided to 1001 State St. Suite 901 cream won’t help you stop a fan go straight to the source. Reaching out to each and Erie, Pa., 16501 every mayoral candidate, we asked eight questions, [email protected] blade with your tongue all centering around business and innovation. Due to limited space, we were only able to print five of The Erie Reader is the local voice for Three Businesses Owned by those eight sets of answers, but check out erieread- news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only er.com for the full transcripts. For a firsthand ex- independent, alternative newspaper. New Americans – 18 Founded in 2010, the Reader has quickly perience, be sure to attend the Erie mayoral debate become the region’s award-winning Local refugees and immigrants on Thursday, May 4 at the Jefferson Educational source for arts coverage, a strong cul- Society, where C-SPAN host and Erie native Steve tural compass, and a dynamic resource show a true entrepreneurial for news and opinion. With a dedication Scully will serve as moderator. to long-form journalism and a commit- spirit In the tradition of our annual industry, innova- ment to provoking thoughtful discus- tion, and entrepreneurship issue, you’ll find a va- sion, the Reader tells the stories of the people and places making and shaping Following Up with 40 Under riety of business spotlights. Matt Swanseger and Erie, while highlighting the events and Nick Warren team up to highlight eight innovative issues influencing life in northwestern 40 – 23 businesses in the area. Ranging from multination- Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is pub- lished every other week and distributed Business advice from a few of al companies with decades of history to growing at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in business that began in a garage, we’ve showcased a Pennsylvania from North East to Girard our past honorees few of the many area employers that are worthy of to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content dai- praise. Maitham Basha-Agha takes a closer look at ly at ErieReader.com as well social me- Open for Business – 27 another thriving group of entrepreneurs, talking to dia sites. All rights reserved. All content three New Americans who own their own business- © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of Eight innovative companies es. Tracy Geibel also helps track down four past 40 this publication may be reproduced influencing our region Under 40 honorees, to see how their businesses are without permission. The opinions of doing now. If their advice reminds you of anyone our columnists and contributors are their own and do not always reflect that you know, or if you know a business owner or lead- of the editorial board or organization. Spotlight on Erie – 33 er in the community, remember that nominations Direct sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. for this year’s 40 Under 40 class are currently wel- For editorial inquiries, email contact@ But I know it’s a lot more than ErieReader.com. come online at eriereader.com. just being bored. Well I know it’s As the narrative of our local economy continues nothing more than just being to shift, it’s important that we have a goal in mind. born. If we continue to be complacent in the face of ad- versity, we lose. Having responsible leaders in place is absolutely crucial. We have the power to guide Music Reviews – 42 that economical shift. One of the small things we Kendrick Lamar, Father John can do to help is to be informed voters. Make sure that the next elected leader of the city is someone Misty, Future Islands, and with the right plans and vision to rebuild and serve Moonlandingz Erie.
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4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS Just a Thought Changing the climate of isolation Podiatry Associates of Erie, Inc. This message on a doorstep says it all: Action happens not by moving mountains, FOOT & ANKLE but rather one rock at a time. CENTER Richard D. DiBacco, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. Wayne Park on East Sixth Street with Board Certified: ABPS, ABQAURP a rally of speakers and music until 4 p.m. Nail Incidentally, if you’re feeling a little Restoration march weary by now, I’m with you. I’d for discolored really rather sit by the water, breathe deformed deeply, and contemplate damselflies. &nails But those damsels – and all other The most experienced office sentient beings, including us – are in the Tri-State area! in distress. Despite my love of alone time, this present climate crisis makes Erie, PA me feel lonely. Helpless. So, so tired. 4402 Peach St. KATIE CHRIEST KATIE And to paraphrase Pulitzer (814) 864-4874 Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedg- es speaking at Mercyhurst University Meadville, PA world to do the work. in 2011: If you’re at home, alone, post- 105 Mead Ave. By: Katie Chriest McKibben humbly classified him- ing on Facebook and signing online (814) 337-0404 hen author and activist self as a typical writer: pretty intro- petitions – and never actually show- Conneaut, OH Bill McKibben spoke at Ed- verted, solitude-loving – certainly not ing up – you’re right where “they” 167-B W. Main St. Winboro University in 2014, your usual “face of a movement.” want you. (440) 593-6476 he highlighted the work of 350.org, a But despite his inherent discom- So I’ll be there, marching with you global nonprofit he founded. The 350 fort, everything he was witnessing Erie area allies – you who’d also prob- www.eriefootdoctors.com signifies parts per million of carbon in compelled him to jump in, learn as he ably rather spend a Saturday after- the air at which the earth could con- went, and trust others around him noon relaxing in the soft loveliness of tinue to sustain stable life as we’ve for support. an Erie spring. known it. McKibben probably couldn’t have Today, we’re over 405 ppm, says ever imagined that those others NASA. And counting. would quickly comprise millions If you’re feeling a little Incredibly, 350.org, now active in globally, ready to take to the streets march weary by now, I’m over 188 countries, was started by whether dirt or paved; ready to rep- McKibben and a few Middlebury Col- resent the other side of the story: No, with you. I’d really rather lege students in Vermont. They want- it’s not okay that those who are poor, sit by the water, breathe ed to build a global climate movement nonwhite, and “underdeveloped” deeply, and contemplate – epitomized by the People’s Climate are disproportionately subject to damselflies. But those March on April 29, which they’ve health-destroying pollution; No, it’s damsels – and all other helped to create. not okay that fossil fuel magnates are That they have galvanized people in bed with political leaders (or are sentient beings, including from far-flung places like Burundi one and the same); No, it’s not okay us – are in distress.
and Papua New Guinea to join in that renewable energy – which “cre- campaigns, and entities like Syracuse at[es] jobs 12 times faster than the rest University and the city of Ann Arbor, of the economy,” according to Fortune And we’ll join our fellows globally Michigan to commit to fossil fuel di- magazine this past January – is re- who’d likewise rather spend the fleet- vestment, is incredible – and proves peatedly suppressed. ing moments of their lives enjoying Margaret Mead’s well-known quote: And no, it’s not okay that corpora- the wonder of their natural surround- “Never doubt that a small group of tions who’ve polluted their surround- ings. All of us acknowledging that our thoughtful, committed citizens can ing communities can pay their way efforts might not amount to much change the world. Indeed, it is the out of permanent, provable changes measurable change – or they might. only thing that ever has.” – as Erie Coke Corporation has been All of us recognizing that regardless What struck me most while listen- accused of doing with its release of of the outcome, we’d rather show up ing to McKibben, during his enthu- carcinogenic benzene into Erie’s air and be seen, so that next time a sense siastic presentation to a full theater, for decades. of isolation creeps in, picturing each was his confession that he’d really On April 29, Erie’s version of the other can be a source of solace. rather not be playing this role. He’d People’s Climate March will begin at prefer sitting in a quiet room, typing the East Avenue boat ramp at 2 p.m., Katie Chriest can be contacted away, then sending his ideas into the continue past Erie Coke, and end at at [email protected].
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS The Candidates on Innovation, Business, and the Future With less than three weeks until polls open, Erie’s mayoral candidates weigh in on redevelopment, industry, and their plans for our city.
Republican candidate John Persinger coverage April 12 with a look at why de- (right) is an attorney at MacDonald, Illig, bates and forums matter in the run-up Jones, and Britton LLP, and a Harvard to the May 16 primary. graduate. We’ve now come full circle and are back to those key concerns we iden- will have more of a public persona – tified: advocating for smart place- much like when they chose the fiscal making, building up new initiatives austerity of Sinnott to the fiscally lib- like Erie’s Innovation District, and im- eral approach of the Filippi administra- plementing Erie Refocused, amongst tion he followed. others. This issue hits stands throughout We tossed all of our responses into Erie on Wednesday, April 26, leaving the proverbial editorial blender and 20 days for voters to decide who they Nick Warren dished out the questions think is best equipped to lead Erie forward into the third decade of the 2000s. When we first started mapping In the Erie Reader’s perennial the coverage of this race in January, I asked Editors-in-Chief Brian Graham I2E issue – a look at and Adam Welsh and Managing Edi- innovation, entrepreneurship, tor Nick Warren to submit the top four and the economy – we’re things they cared most about when featuring the candidates in judging the quality, caliber, and capa- their own words. bility of Erie’s next mayor. Each sub- mitted his thoughts independently. I added my own, and those helped color and guide February 15’s feature: “What in the same serving size to each candi-
MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA History Will Erie Elect to Make?” date. On the same day. With the same Since then, we’ve offered a brief over- directions. All in fairness to the candi- view of the City Council race – which dates. By: Ben Speggen been swinging in the past. After a long is twice as populated with candidates In the Erie Reader’s perennial I2E is- conservative agenda, voters tend to and matters just as much as the may- sue – a look at innovation, entrepre- here’s a lot a mayor has control favor more centrist or liberal politics, oral race – and resumed our mayoral neurship, and the economy – we’re over – taxes, infrastructure, pub- fearing a stay on the right might result Tlic safety. And there’s a lot a may- in pushing even further to the right. or does not have control of – schools, American democracy – by design – job creation, weather. moves slowly and for the most part in- While a mayor exerts control over tentionally, even at the local level. your property taxes, he or she can in- Whether or not voters look favor- directly impact things like job creation ably on the overall impact of the three by creating smart policy to incentivize terms of current Erie Mayor Joe Sin- businesses to stay – or to relocate to nott, most would agree that his admin- the city. He or she has the ability to istration’s approach has been one of create more policing for the region, fiscal responsibility first. Compared to and can also be a cheerleader for edu- those he succeeded, he’s been terse cation, for instance, by boarding a bus with media, has offered fewer public and taking the first seat on the way to appearances, and put a premium on Harrisburg to advocate for fair funding viewing the role of mayor as a manager. and other state-level measures. The Sinnott administration’s austerity Any way you slice it, a city’s execu- measures did bring the city back from tive is seen as the go-to person in any the brink of Act 47 – and history will crisis. Whether or not said crisis is di- likely record this as the great accom- rectly under the mayor’s jurisdiction, plishment of his time in office. But -af citizens see the mayor as the person ter 12 years of a finance-first approach, to address it – either through action voters seem hungry for a mayor who or advocacy – in many ways similar to how wins and losses on the national Democrat Lisa Austin is a co-founder of level fall first at the feet of a president several organizations around the city, instead of a congressman. including All Aboard Erie, Innovation Erie, Preservation Erie, Made in Erie Training, the Political pendulums swing back and Made in Erie Marketplace, and Erie CPR, MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA forth based on which direction they’ve and a Yale University graduate.
6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS featuring the candidates in their own Democrat Joe Schember served as an words. Truncated for space, yes, but Erie City Councilman and worked as a relationship manager at PNC Bank. each insightful. Full responses are available online at ErieReader.com, which we encourage you to visit. vation? What makes Erie innovative? Their responses are telling. First, does What would make Erie more innova- a candidate jump off of the stump? Do tive? they have a stump from which to jump? DEMOCRATS Can they pare their longer, more elo- quent – or bloviating – responses to Rubye Jenkins-Husband: Innovation short, concise answers? is transformational, new ideas, and ad- That is: When pressed, what comes vances in technology. What makes Erie out? innovative are plans for the Erie Down- Below, in the order in which they town Innovation District. appear on the ballot, you’ll find what Joe Schember: Innovate means to stood out to us. Which is to serve as pioneer new approaches and technol- amuse-bouches to full entrees, which ogies that move the Erie community you’ll find unedited, unabridged, forward and improve our lives. What and ready for consumption online at makes Erie innovative now: shared ErieReader.com. work environments, incubators for In the last issue before May 16’s pri- start-ups, etc. What would make Erie
mary elections – which hits stands May more innovative: the establishment of MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA 10 – you’ll find our last look at the can- the Innovation District, the creation of didates. We’ll dive deeper into these a community college, increase in de- answers, focus on how the candidates sign competition, seeking additional innovative risk-taking Erie must em- ported professionals. We must focus perform in debates, and assess the grant funding, and more. brace. Erie has many untapped assets: on becoming a digitally-progressive, field as it stands less than a week from Lisa Austin: Perry’s and Dobbins’ bold varied industries, transportation op- physically-connected and walkable the opening of the polls. building of “a fleet in the wilderness” tions – and long-time residents, New city, expanding projects like Innovation Erie Reader: To you, what is inno- embodies the “all in” commitment and Americans, college students, and im- Erie and offering exciting networking
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April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & VIEWS
One of these people will be Erie’s next mayor. All nine candidates (left to right), Jay Breneman, Rubye Jenkins-Husband, John Persinger, Bob Merski, Joe Schember, Steve Franklin, Jon Whaley, Lisa Austin, and Almi Clerkin sit down for a forum at Mercyhurst’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Monday, March 27.
ER: With Erie being one of 38 munic- ipalities in the county all vying for the same business, what will you do to both foster new growth and retain the businesses we have? RJH: I would meet with new busi- nesses and existing businesses in our city, to discuss business needs to re- tain and attract new businesses. JS: Rather than compete, we need to work with the surrounding municipali- ties. We are one community. We need to build relationships with surround- ing municipalities for the good of the region. We need to create a regional identity that fosters innovation and MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA growth. I will be a champion for busi- ness leaders. and funding opportunities like Pitts- ability to adapt, inspire, and renew. business, for how to live, and for how to LA: To leverage Erie’s density and burgh’s Sprout Foundation. Erie is blessed to have a framework of play. Erie would be more innovative if it businesses, people, and ideas, we Almi Clerkin: Innovation is finding a innovation because of its historic role had a mayor that was a champion for will showcase assets online, through new way of doing something, chang- in American manufacturing. Erie has the city’s innovators and proactive in media, and in City Hall itself. We will ing the rules and finding a new way to always been a community that has re- connecting local businesses and resi- consult with employers and prioritize approach a situation. What makes Erie solved to innovate, but over the past dents with opportunities and potential policies to foster job growth. We will innovative is the creativity and ingenui- two decades, we’ve allowed lackluster partners outside of the city’s limits. streamline the permitting process and ty of the people who live here. We need political forces to stand in the way of to embrace that and support innova- progress. Erie has the entrepreneurial tion and entrepreneurship. The devel- tools it needs to be a region of distinct opment of the new Innovation District innovation. Now it needs the political – and the financial investment in it – is leadership to match. promising. REPUBLICANS Bob Merski: I would like to see Erie support and encourage pushing the Jon Whaley: Innovation is finding limits of whatever our citizens do. In- a new/better/faster way to do some- novation often comes with risk and thing. Erie is not innovative. City Hall breaking the status quo. If we as a city runs like it’s 1970, downtown looks like cannot support those who are willing it did when I came to Erie in 1985, and to take risks for big rewards, Erie won’t many people from Erie have never lived be viewed as a place where new ideas anywhere else, worked anywhere else, flourish and are developed. or demanded new ideas from elected Steve Franklin: Innovation, to me, is officials. Erie needs to completely rein- a way to better people’s lives via im- vent itself. Painful changes must occur. plementation of a new idea, device, or Erie must manage itself in new ways, method – thinking “outside the box,” as adopt technology, and create an eco- the saying goes. What makes Erie inno- system that encourages change. The vative is its ability to foster its continu- mayor must be the change agent. ing engagement in the many available John Persinger: Innovation is the initiatives that promote the needed process of creating new ideas and partnerships so critical to regional ob- concepts. Erie is innovative because, jectives. Erie will become more inno- despite our challenges, people are vative as it expands these efforts and creating new ideas and concepts for realizes future successes, thereby en- couraging even further innovation and Democrat Jay Breneman was elected to success. Erie County Council in 2013, and served in MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Jay Breneman: Innovation is our the United States Army for seven years.
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April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS
Democrat Almi Clerkin has served as practices and more to do with the per- executive director of the Erie Playhouse ception of our city and the compara- since 2006. tively high taxes. We have to compete with Millcreek, Harborcreek, and other flourishing, specifically in terms of cur- municipalities where taxes are low- rent regulatory practices? er, and that are perceived to be safer. RJH: Reaching out to business own- Business attracts business. As more ers, our conversation would include businesses see the value in a commer- any obstacles, if any, that are holding cial hub in the city, growth will happen back new businesses from flourishing. organically. JS: In addition to the obstacle of BM: Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net workforce preparedness, there is a Income Tax rate is the highest not need for review and revision of two reg- only in the Northeast U.S., but also in ulatory practices: Zoning variances are the Great Lakes region. Erie is wedged difficult to get; we need to simplify and between two states that have a signifi- streamline this procedure for new proj- cantly lower CNI rate, or in the case of ects that will benefit the city. And prior- Ohio, none at all. I would lobby to at itize and expedite new major projects least bring down the CNI rate to a level that include significant job creation. more in line with the region. This would include consolidating mul- JB: Erie’s convoluted LERTA (Local tiple hearings. Economic Revitalization Tax Assis- LA: Lengthy delays in obtaining city tance) program, matched by a hands- permits result in costly extension of off attitude from City Hall, and a gen- construction time, thus delaying in- eral practice by its political class to fail come-generating activity. We must ex- in getting its own act together, all con-
MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA amine the form-based code adopted by tribute to a lack in confidence in Erie’s Buffalo to encourage economic devel- market by area investors. opment and reinvestment in the city. JW: As the only business owner run- address outdated zoning issues. Work- of our neighboring municipalities. I will In addition, we must take advantage of ning for mayor, I have firsthand experi- ing through the Erie Council of Govern- support the Innovation District, our regional, state, and federal funding op- ence here. I don’t think any regulatory ments, County Planning, and municipal local universities and industries that portunities, such as the now-underuti- practices are holding any business – and business – leaders, we will lever- conduct research and development, lized CRIZ program, to encourage ur- back. Those are excuses. Those are age the findings of Destination Erie/ and my administration will target state ban economic development. empty words, spoken by politicians Emerge 2040 to improve services and and federal funds to strengthen in- AC: It has less to do with regulatory who have never created one job. I pay foster sustainable growth – as a region. frastructure, while working to restore AC: We can make Erie busi- confidence in municipal leadership. ness-friendly by providing employers JW: Small-business growth will save with a trained workforce to fill their Erie and must be nurtured. I will be jobs. That’s why I support the commu- Erie’s No. 1 salesman and cheerleader. nity college initiative, and it should be I will staff City Hall with competent, located in the city. Infrastructure, like talented, and experienced leaders. We fiber internet connections, smart park- will offer loans, grants, advice, and help ing meters, better lighting, and security to all businesses. Retain and recruit. cameras in the city all make Erie more We will innovate and create opportu- business-friendly. nity, like Milwaukee did with its water BM: Far too often, Erie rolls out the research park – we will never again be red carpet for out-of-town investors beaten like that. while doing nothing for local business- JP: Invest in education – we have to es who want to expand. That is why I have a good, quality, public school sys- continue to host local business round- tem in the city; clean up Erie – we have tables to hear their concerns and find to get rid of the blighted properties and positive solutions to their problems. the drug-fueled violence; and fight for SF: Ensure that all new businesses, Erie’s future – we have to have a mayor as well as established businesses, are who is willing to travel to D.C. and Har- educated in developing a business risburg to collaborate with federal and growth strategy that brings the most state officials. results from the least amount of risk ER: What current obstacles, if any, and effort, consisting of sound busi- are holding back new businesses from ness principles. JB: Erie is our region’s urban core and Democrat and former Erie City Police should be the center of regional inno- Chief Steve Franklin talks to Republican vation, as well as the reason that many candidate Jon Whaley, businessman and MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA manufacturers choose the city or one former aide to Mayor Joe Sinnott.
10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS healthcare for my employees; that’s share system. The Innovation District the cost of doing business. Now, if you will also provide great jobs for millen- can’t get a building permit online, can’t nials. get an inspection on time, and can’t get LA: Erie can attract/retain a younger help from the city, that’s the problem. population by leveraging the “wealth JP: From a local perspective, the of cites” to increase density, encour- combined city and Erie School District aging culture, shopping, and nightlife. taxes discourage businesses from in- We must promote and celebrate diver- vesting in the city, their business, and sity and prioritize walkability and good their employees, which stifles these transit. Let’s establish a “welcoming businesses’ ability to innovate and center” for new visitors and residents grow. and engage them as volunteers or in- ER: In regards to Erie’s younger popu- terns. lation (i.e. 20-40), what would you and AC: We need to support the spirit of your administration do to ensure that entrepreneurship and innovation not Erie is seen as a place to stay – or relo- just by being a place where people cate to – in the spirit of entrepreneur- want to work – we need to be a place ship and innovation? where people want to live and play, too. RJH: Job innovations and advances in We’ve got to have housing that meets technology would attract Erie’s young- the needs – and price range – of young er population to stay, and/or relocate. I professionals, and we need to make will support job innovations, creations, home ownership a possibility for peo- and advances in technology. ple who are just starting their career JS: I will: Create a task force of 20- to and family so that young people estab- 40-year-olds (comprised of both cur- lish roots in the city. rent residents and those who have BM: As part of my jobs and economic
left) to recommend strategies for brain development plan, I would like to host MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA gain; encourage building of more single a “Holiday Opportunity Fair” where bedroom, 600-square-foot apartment employers can market themselves to complexes in downtown Erie; create individuals returning back to Erie for seize upon that opportunity to market JW: We need to eradicate the status walking and bike paths; create a bike the holidays to visit family. We should our city as a place for young families quo, business-as-usual thought pro- and potential entrepreneurs to come cesses at City Hall. We need a true here and thrive, with the added bonus “business incubator” with free rent, of being close to family and longtime free Wi-Fi, and grants to business plan friends. contest winners. Encourage people to SF: Aggressively pursue every oppor- try. To fail. I will visit classes at Gannon tunity to provide support services and and Mercyhurst to tell this story. Erie partnerships that will advance each was founded and grown by entrepre- and every effort to develop entrepre- neurs like Zurn and Behrend and we neurship, especially for the younger need to foster that mindset. population that represent the future JP: I will work to create a vibrant of our region with their dreams and vi- downtown, a place with plenty of af- sions. fordable and desirable options for JB: Erie’s young people, like myself, Erie’s younger population to live, work, want a jungle-gym of opportunity, not and play. an escalator where we wait our turn. ER: What do you find to be the biggest My administration will work with our challenges in implementing Erie Refo- educational institutions, nonprofits, cused? If you disagree with the plan, and our private industries, to create please tell us why. opportunities for our young people to RJH: I find the biggest challenges be involved in solving the social and to be investments needed to finance economic needs of today in a meaning- the improvement plan. However, there ful – and perhaps financially rewarding are challenges that we can achieve – way. Entrepreneurs are problem-solv- through workable action plans. I would ers, risk-takers, and hard workers, and provide the leadership to accomplish it’s a mindset that anyone can adopt if the action plan goals. provided the encouragement and sup- JS: Erie Refocused gives us great di- port to experience it. rection. Before implementation we need three things: Obtain community input on the proposed plan and initia- Democratic candidates Bob Merski (top right) and Rubye Jenkins-Husband tives with forums throughout the city; (bottom) both served terms on Erie City develop a plan to finance the $60 mil- MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Council. lion per year cost of implementation
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 NEWS & VIEWS over the next 10 years; create a com- We have to have the right stakehold- practice applications as we implement explaining where this money will come passionate plan for relocating services ers involved, including residents. The it. It will be through this carefully craft- from. I will identify the exact costs and for the underprivileged to provide second challenge is funding. In some ed implementation that we will be able potential funding sources to imple- them with better services in a central- ways, the order in which pieces of the to succeed where past plans have ei- ment the Buki plan. ized, convenient location outside of plan are implemented will be tied to ther faltered or failed to come to fru- For the full responses to ition due to unsound management our core. We can learn much from oth- what funding is available. And the third these questions and more, er communities, such as Pittsburgh, challenge is that we don’t have a city practices. visit eriereader.com Buffalo, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, who planning department or city planner. In JB: The biggest challenge is a City are further along in implementing sim- a city that’s been so focused on devel- Hall led by short-sighted officials bent CITY OF ERIE MAYOR ilar plans. oping plans, it’s pretty remarkable that on isolation. I will change that. DEMOCRATS LA: The principals for decision-mak- we don’t have a planner. JW: The Buki “plan” is not a plan. It is a Rubye Jenkins-Husband: facebook. ing laid out in the Buki plan echo the BM: While I think Erie Refocused is book report, a state-of-the-city report, com/electrubyemayor/ Joe Schember: joeschember.com/ advocacy and action that Civitas has a great guiding document, and I have and it has some basic, down-to-earth Lisa Austin: austinforerie.com/ undertaken over the past decade. To implemented parts of my platform to good ideas. But I agree with almost Almi Clerkin: almiforerie.com/ ensure implementation of “the Buki align with the plan, I have maintained everything Charles Buki and his team Bob Merski: bobmerski.com/ plan,” we will endeavor to partner with all along that the price tag of imple- have said about Erie and its “leaders.” I Steve Franklin: stevefranklin.org/ all stakeholders to gain financial part- mentation is the biggest challenge. like the idea of 17 sub-sections of Erie, Jay Breneman: jaybreneman.org/ ners and overcome distrust by resi- We need to consider the cost to the pride in your neighborhood – a distinc- REPUBLICANS dents who have not been engaged or taxpayers along with the potential tive identity for each. The number one Jon Whaley: jonwhaley.com/ consulted in the process of gathering benefits of the plan before we move idea in the plan for each area is better John Persinger: persingerformayor.com/ data, reviewing Erie Refocused, or in forward. code enforcement, street signs, and creating the Action Plan. SF: In agreeing with the plan, I find the like. Basic stuff that should already Ben Speggen can be reached at AC: The biggest challenge to any that Erie Refocused is the premium be done. [email protected] and you can follow him on Twitter @ type of progress in Erie for the last plan for revitalization of the Erie com- JP: The biggest challenge is funding. BenSpeggen. Nick Warren also decade has been failure of collabora- munity but must be tempered with The Buki plan identifies $600 million of contributed to this feature and can be tion between the right stakeholders. sound financial engagement and best investment, without citing specifics or contacted at [email protected].
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12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS The Future of Farming in the City Erie’s urban farming initiative up for final vetting at May 3rd public hearing
An urban farm in Chicago helps to provide fresh produce to the inner city. With food deserts an escalating concern in the city of Erie, there is an increased need for zoning changes to allow urban farming, soon to be determined by City Council.
to stay right here in the Erie market – supporting small businesses and the jobs they create. Does California re- ally need or deserve our hard-earned dollars for their underripe tomatoes? Does the supposed convenience of California-grown produce really out- LINDA weigh our need for local jobs? I for one don’t think so. By: Carrie Sachse strides. While the necessary zoning There are so many pieces to a strong changes have not yet been imple- local food system – it’s much more t was just over a year ago when I mented, we’re finally in the home than just eating our own tomatoes in first approached the Erie Rede- stretch. August and September. Especially in a Ivelopment Authority about the In the interest of transparency I’ll town as snowy as Erie, preserving lo- possibility of buying some vacant lots admit that this initiative is a means cal food, so that we can still eat locally in the city for the purpose of urban to an end for me: I want to grow food come February, is critical. farming. I stayed up late the night commercially. Small-scale, specialty, And while things like the proposed before, drafting a long list of things I intensive production, close to both food hub at the new EMTA facility, hoped would persuade Scott Henry my home and the city residents and and true farmers’ markets in locations (the ERA’s then-executive director) to businesses I plan to target as custom- throughout the city would go a long let me farm in the city. ers, is what I’m after. The political pro- way in connecting producers and con- The list looked something like this: cess that I’ve helped nudge along over sumers, access issues will still abound. Increasing access to fresh food in the the course of the last year is in some How, for example, can we incentivize city will help to eliminate our food ways just hoop-jumping to clear the the purchase of locally produced food deserts. More generally, food pro- way for what I want to do. for people on food stamps? How can duced and sold in the city will serve But the initiative is also much larg- we increase the public’s understand- as a partial antidote to what many er than that. I wholeheartedly believe ing of not only the importance of city residents consider an insufficient that a widespread urban farming/ sourcing food locally, but how to go number of grocery stores. The vacant local food movement could be trans- about eating more seasonally? city land most likely to be repurposed formative for Erie. After all, for a man- But first things first: On May 3, at for food production is currently in de- ufacturing town that has historically City Hall at 9:30 a.m., City Council is mand by no one, so putting that land taken great pride in local production, holding a public hearing on the pro- Furniture • Decor • Jewelry to use will be great for both the city’s the extent to which we’ve outsourced posed zoning changes, which would tax rolls and those neighborhoods our food supply is shocking. allow for commercial urban farming struggling with disinvestment. As Rubye Jenkins-Husband pointed in certain, more-vacant parts of Erie. Distinctive Decor The list went on, but my overly-im- out at the recent mayoral candidates’ Those who can’t attend the May 3rd for Inspired Homes passioned plea was probably more forum at the Blasco Library, “We love hearing are encouraged to email ex- than Scott Henry needed to hear. My food in this town.” And we do. But pressions of their support to Erie City reasoning made sense to him, but as we also need it. It’s something for Council President Cas Kwitowski at head of the ERA I think he was less in- which – unlike Hammermill paper or [email protected], or call the terested in the nuances of local food GE trains – every single household, City of Erie Clerk’s office at 870.1291. politics than he was with just getting regardless of income level, has a line If we want to dig into the broader Hours some of the ERA-controlled land back item in their budget. work of building a stronger local food Mon through Fri: 10am-6pm into private hands. He agreed to look By clearing the political way for economy, it is absolutely critical that Sat: 10am-5pm into current zoning regulations, and commercial urban food production, supporters of this initiative make promised to get back to me. City Hall would actually be clearing their voices heard. Fast forward a year, and thanks es- the way for a more autonomous local 814.520.8055 pecially to Scott Henry, City Council- food system, and a more robust local Carrie Sachse is a local-foods 2208 West 8th St. Erie, PA 16505 man Dave Brennan, and City Zoning economy as a whole. One in which advocate and aspiring urban Officer Matthew Puz, the urban farm- the money we all spend on our daily farmer. She can be contacted Shop Online at bread, so to speak, has the potential at [email protected]. ing initiative has made considerable www.claudinesconsignment.com
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14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS News of the Weird Even a $150,000 bowl of ice cream won’t help you stop a fan blade with your tongue
By: Chuck Shepherd believes male use of erectile-dysfunc- entire episodes. Acting on a tip from Leading Economic Indicators tion drugs should be regulated as the photos, police arrested Sarah abortion is. Under her bill, individual Kraus, 33, on March 28. [Milwaukee he eight elite Ivy League univer- Training Day use of Viagra or similar drugs must be Journal Sentinel, 3-29-2017] Tsities are better thought of as June 2016 police raid on David Jes- preceded by "counseling" similar to "hedge fund(s) with classes," accord- ollege activist Pablo Gomez Jr., 22, sen's Fresno County (California) that required by abortion laws, and ing to a March report by the activist A was arrested in Berkeley, Califor- farmhouse caused a $150,000 mess since male masturbation involves C Open The Books, and thus there is nia, in March and charged with the when sheriff's deputies and Clovis the "wasting" of precious sperm cells, little reason for taxpayers to have brutal stabbing death of an elementa- Police Department officers "rescued" it, too, would require "beforehand" given them the more than $41 billion ry school teacher. Gomez, a senior at it from a trespassing homeless man counseling. [Texas Tribune, 3-12-2017] in grants and entitlements they re- with the massive destruction lead- University of California, Berkeley, is ceived over a recent six-year period. ing to Jessen's lawsuit announced in ason Sexton told KFSM-TV in Fort well-known on campus for insisting The schools are already legendary March. The misdemeanant helped JSmith, Arkansas, in April that he on a gender identity for which (as an for their $119 billion "endowments" himself to an ice cream bar, some alone had been digging the massive example) the pronoun "he" is an in- (based on donations from alumni milk and half a tomato, but was oth- hole neighbors noticed, now 34 feet appropriate reference. (Hence, "they" and aggressive investment). Those erwise "unarmed"; however, by the deep and with separate tunnels ex- was charged with what is so far the endowments are enough, according time the police standoff ended, the tending off of the main hole. Police only homicide in Berkeley this year.) to Open The Books, that (assuming "crime scene" included more than 50 had come to check it out, since it was [San Jose Mercury News, 3-27-2017] donations continue to arrive at the on another person's private property same pace) schools could provide cop cars, a SWAT team (and backups), aul Perry Jr., 39, sound asleep be- (and not the city's, which Sexton had free tuition to every student in the two helicopters, standby ambulances, hind the wheel of his car, with assumed). He said he had been dig- P eight schools in perpetuity. (Even a police robot, and a crisis negotiation motor running, at 6 a.m. on April 2, ging off and on for three years to get if no new donations are made, the team. Windows, walls and wrought- was in no position to talk his way out an answer to whether "the Spanish" eight schools could provide such iron doors were destroyed; tear gas of a DUI ticket, but did offer a gentle had been in Fort Smith centuries ago, free tuition for 51 years.) [Fox News, and a "flash bomb" were employed. challenge to the Youngstown, Ohio, mining iron, and, if so, the site should 3-29-2017] (Jessen suspects that the farmhouse's police officer. Several times, accord- therefore be a lucrative tourist desti- isolation enticed police to decide that ing to the police report, Perry offered nation. Sexton said he felt he had to it presented an excellent training op- to "thumb wrestle" the officer to get Ironies give his explanation: "Nobody in their portunity.) [TechDirt, 3-13-2017] out of the ticket. From the report: right mind," he said, "would dig a hole ederico Musto was suspect- "Perry was advised officers would not (this big) for no reason." [KFSM-TV, Fed recently by Wired.com of thumb-wrestle him." [Youngstown Compelling Explanations 4-13-2017] audaciously inventing academic ro-choice" activist Jessica Far- Vindicator, 4-4-2017] credentials to help land his job as CEO of the company Arduino (a cir- rar, a Texas state legislator, in- Crime Report ait, What? A father, 43, and his "P cuit-board manufacturer popular in troduced a bill in March to create con- t a time of growing awareness son, 22, argued on April 9 about W the computer industry among cod- sistency between the state's rigorous that some people seem almost who would walk the dog at their home A ers creating, among other things, regulation of women's reproductive addicted to their cellphones and in- on Chicago's South Side. They appar- robots and motion detectors). Ardu- functions and those of men (regu- stant 24/7 communication, police in ently thought to settle the issue with a ino's work is "open source" creating lation which, by the way, in either Brookfield, Wisconsin, released sur- gunfight, and police, who recovered the hardware that others, by design, can case she calls "invasive" and "unnec- veillance photos of a woman in the two weapons, said both men received exploit and modify for their own essary"). Because Texas's anti-abor- act of robbing banks on March 25 and multiple wounds. The son was killed, loftier projects. It might thus be tion laws highlight "procreation" as 27 while standing at teller counters and the father was in critical condition. said that Musto's claimed academ- a crucial government interest, she and talking on the phone during the [WLS-TV (Chicago), 4-10-2017] ic "accomplishments" (his so-called
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 NEWS & VIEWS
MBA from New York University and through sleuthing, tracked down claimed Ph.D from MIT) are them- 17 of her "competitors." (2) A male MAYORAL selves the product of his having schoolteacher reported in February "open-sourced" his own, previously that he had been kidnapped by four modest curriculum vitae. [Wired. women near Lupane, Zimbabwe, com, 4-16-2017] drugged with a beverage and sexual- ERIE DEBATE ly assaulted, in what appears to be a return of the "sperm bandits" said to Erie’s Downtown Debate Series Bright Ideas FREE EVENT operate in the area; previously, police n January, local government and set up roadblocks and arrested three Isexual-assault critics unveiled a women with 31 condoms full of se- MODERATED BY consciousness-raising exhibit on men. [BDNews24 (Dhaka), 1-24-2017] Mexico City's trains: a plastic seat [Daily Mail (London) via MyNewsGH onto which is subtly molded con- (Ghana), 3-1-2017] tours of a male body, except with genitals sharply exposed. (Men sup- The Passing Parade posedly have been spotted absent- Steve Scully mindedly lowering themselves onto n same-day competition in March, the seat only to leap up in shock.) A Iperennial Guinness Book records C-SPAN’s Senior note on the floor by the body read (in jockeys Zoe L'Amore and Ashrita Spanish): "It's uncomfortable to sit Furman squared off over the record Executive Producer here, but that's nothing compared for stopping blades on an electric to the sexual violence suffered by table fan the most times in one min- Political Editor women on their commute." [New ute using only their tongues. On York Times, 3-31-2017] Italian TV, L'Amore stopped blades Primary Host 32 times, but Furman, at a different venue, later stopped 35. (2) Norway The Foreign Press unseated Denmark as the world's illage police in Bangladesh ar- "happiest" country, according to the Vrested Yasin Byapari, 45, in Jan- UN's Sustainable Development Solu- uary on the complaint of his wife tions Network. (There was no word May 4, 2017 after she had learned that she was on whether Denmark was unhap- not, as he had told her, his second py about losing the top spot.) [UPI Jefferson Educational Society spouse, but rather the 25th of his News, 3-31-2017] [Reuters, 3-20-2017] 28. (Police found him at the home 3207 State Street COPYRIGHT 2017 of No. 27.) The accuser said she had, CHUCK SHEPHERD
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April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 FEATURE Three Businesses Owned by New Americans Local refugees and immigrants show a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Muhsin sounded very optimistic people died from starvation and dis- about Erie: “It provides many resourc- ease. We didn’t have anything, not es for new arrivals to help them with even water,” Ghising recalled. job placement and provides them With the help of the Red Cross and with training on how to start a busi- international journalists, their situa- ness.” tion came to light. The United Nations This New American business own- became aware of the issue and refu- er also mentioned that local govern- gee camps were built, where Ghising ment could do more to make the gen- spent the next 20 years of his life. eral public aware of ethnic markets During those years, he received per- available to everybody. Immigrants mission to go out of the camp to seek already know about these businesses employment, but he had a better idea. by word of mouth. The New Sara’s Markets are only one of many businesses in Erie operated On a recent visit, I by New Americans, bringing a sense conversed with customers of diversity to the city. We need to from Syria, Iraq, Congo, welcome them, help them, and invest
MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA and Somalia. I even met in them. *** students from Allegheny Muhsin and his family arrived in “To be an entrepreneur you must College who were buying By: Maitham Basha-Agha America in August of 2011, two weeks be able to run a functional and stable items to take back to school. adim Muhsin, 53, is the owner prior to the 9/11 attack. business.” That’s what Gyan Ghising of two New Sara’s Markets, one He knew the process of starting over replied when I asked him what entre- Kon 12th and Reed streets, and was going to be difficult. preneurship means to him. Ghising is Instead, he collaborated with locals one on 12th and Wallace streets. Both Becoming a doctor in America was the owner of My Way Bar and Grill on and opened up a private boarding markets offer a complete variety of on top of his list. Through the Mul- East Lake Road. school outside of the camp. Middle Eastern food, from Halal meat ticultural Resource Center (formally Ghising’s life as a refugee started In 2011, he and his family were reset- to pita bread to fresh produce, attract- known as The Hispanic-American at age 11 when his country of Bhutan tled in Erie; but without his parents or ing customers of many ethnic back- Council), he was advised about where became a war zone. Many had to flee, his two brothers, who didn’t want to grounds. On a recent visit, I conversed to go and what to do. including Ghising, his two younger go through the lengthy and stressful with customers from Syria, Iraq, Con- For four years, he studied for his brothers, and his parents. resettlement process. go, and Somalia. I even met students doctoral board exam while working They arrived in Nepal without a After 26 days here, Ghising received from Allegheny College who were multiple jobs to make ends meet for plan or a place to live. They had to sur- his first job as a cashier at a lower east buying items to take back to school. his family. vive in the woods using tree branches side gas station. Through this posi- In order to run a successful busi- In 2008, he successfully completed to make a place to sleep. “It was rough; tion, he learned customer service and ness in Erie, Muhsin stated, “You have his board exam and applied to numer- to have passion and determination. ous hospitals throughout the U.S. for Some businesses will fail, but with the residency. Although he had extensive right attitude, you can make it in Erie.” medical experience in Iraq and many Muhsin’s determination in running interviews, the denial letters seemed a successful business goes back to endless, so he had no choice but to his younger days in Iraq. He was a change career plans. He opted to go medical lecturer at a private hospital into business and ended up purchas- but found this was not adequate to ing New Sara’s Market. support his family, so he opened his His two stores are very successful. own private clinic. For eight years, he The continual arrival of refugees in taught students the science of medi- Erie has meant more and more cus- cine and also treated the sick. tomers for his business. Now he is In 1997, he had to give all that up and looking to expand and add a Halal fight for his life. Saddam Hussein’s sandwich shop to one of his stores. regime was after doctors, lawyers, and anyone who opposed the regime. (top) Kadim Muhsin, an Iraqi refugee and Muhsin’s two brothers were killed, former doctor, looks over produce at one and he was interrogated multiple of his two New Sara’s Market locations. (right) A Bhutanese refugee since age 11, times. He knew his time was running Gyan Ghising now stands proudly in front of out. He gathered whatever he could his business, My Way Bar and Grill on East and escaped to Jordan with his wife Lake Road in Lawrence Park.
and three children. MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA
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about local lifestyles and customs. He An immigrant from Sudan, Elhafiz Abdalla is knew right away that in order to sur- the owner of Lake Erie International Market on Brown Avenue. vive in America he must work. With a night shift at the gas station, he took on a second job as an interpret- er during the day. Through the next tinue to live in the city of Erie, which Open Daily 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five years, he worked many different he has described as a receptive and 103 Meadville St. jobs – at times three at once just to welcoming community. He became (814) 734-3400 make ends meet and to save. He got the imam of a local mosque and was little sleep and had little time for his invited to speak in churches and at children. events to educate people about the In 2016, he became the owner of My Muslim faith. Way Bar and Grill. He wanted to have In October of 2016, he became the a place where people could enjoy en- owner of Lake Erie International Mar- tertainment; and to appeal to custom- ket on Brown Avenue, a small corner Funny Photo Contest ers from everywhere – not just the store that provides a variety of inter- Bhutanese community. national food. He knew right away he Running his own business can took on a big risk because the store is be tough, and he emphasized that far from its customers, most of whom strongly. Building a clientele could be come from the east side. The loss of #CHQlaughs challenging, given My Way Bar and population among immigrants in Grill’s proximity to downtown. But it Erie has affected his daily business, April 3–28, 2017 has the potential to grow. as many New Americans have moved *** on to other states like Minnesota and In partnership with the Elhafiz Abdalla, 61, is an immigrant Michigan. With two kids in college National Comedy Center from Sudan and a Muslim imam. He and one nearing college age, he hopes moved to Erie in 2001 from Morgan- his business will be enough to cover town, West Virginia, after complet- college tuition for all three. Show us what makes you laugh ing a master’s degree in forestry. The Despite the challenges he faces, Ab- Pennsylvania Department of Correc- dalla is optimistic for a bright future and win a weeklong all-inclusive tions offered him a position as a Chap- for his business and the Erie com- lain at SCI Albion. He took the posi- munity. Even though the population vacation for two at Chautauqua! tion without hesitation due to its pay has dipped below the 100,000 mark, and the opportunity for self-growth. the arrival of recent Syrian refugees Submit your funny photos with #chqlaughs on This position allowed him not only to promises to make up for that loss. Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or our website. educate the inmates about their faith, However, Abdalla sees the need for a but also to inspire and advise them on strong effort to keep new refugees in Enter today: their long-term life decisions. One for- the area. mer inmate is now a successful busi- ciweb.org/contest nessman in Delaware. Maitham Basha-Agha can *Exclusions apply. See contest for details. After several years of governmental be contacted at Maitham@ work, Abdalla chose to retire but con- eriereader.com. CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 JayBreneman.org
Because Erie needs a "do-something" Mayor.
VOTE BRENEMAN for MAYOR MAY 16th
Paid for by Friends of Jay Breneman
Transforming Our Community Invest in a Vibrant Future
Attorney Fletch Gornall passed away in 2015. In 2016, his favorite nonprofits received over $12,000 through an endowment he established at The Erie Community Foundation.
M. Fletcher Gornall, Esq. March 25, 1923 - December 2, 2015
You, too, can make a difference. Learn about endowments and THE ERIE ARTS ENDOWMENT The Giving Pledge at the Foundation. An Endowment Dedicated to Advancing Arts and Culture in our Region With an Established Fund for Arts Education Learn more at www.erieartsandculture.org or by contacting Amanda Hurd at 814-452-3427 or [email protected] 814-454-0843 | www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org Photo Credit: A local student tie-dyes at Erie Arts & Culture’s booth during JUMP! Back to School Expo 2016
22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 FEATURE Following Up with 40 Under 40 Business advice from a few of our past honorees
Jason Lavery: Continued the biggest accomplishment growth and expansion. We for me is ending the cycle of completely revamped our the “revolving kitchen door,” menu this past February by where people work for me for hiring Chef Joe Perino. He three years, and then they’re has weekly and daily spe- either too talented, or can’t cials. So far, he has blown learn anything more from me our minds with Fresh Dough and they have to leave and I Margherita Pizza, Shrimp start over again, three years Tempura Tacos, Miso Ramen, behind, and keep switching. and so much more. It was something where I New beers continue to knew I couldn’t be in three come out and they’re always places at one time, and why getting better. We focus on can’t I build people up to the quality ingredients and brew- same opportunity that I had, ing consistency. We have four 10 years ago? main core values that we try TG: What makes Erie an op- to work on every day: The portunity-rich city for begin- Endless Pursuit of Quality, ning and growing a business? Spread the Love of Beer and CW: There are relatively low Brewing, Be Contributing barriers of entry here, but NICK WARREN Members of Our Communi- the market is also relatively ty, Be Good People (both to small. Erie can be a good lab- By: Tracy Geibel ovated, and moved our office quite busy. At the Sight teammates and to custom- oratory to test new entrepre- into in 2012. We are fortunate Center, we began a new ers). neurial models. ver wonder what hap- to have assisted with the de- cross-country skiing training Dan Kern: I was in the first NL: Erie is a city where pens to those inducted velopment, design, and con- for children and young adults round, and I’ve opened two people are fiercely loyal to a Einto Erie Reader’s 40 struction of many projects with visual impairments businesses since 2013. One cause. Our patrons are 100 under 40 classes? Here are throughout Erie. and blindness at Wilderness is in Westfield, New York, percent the reason that we four alumni still succeeding I’ve obtained a license to buy Lodge, and we just held our Bird, and obviously in North are able to stay in business in their own endeavors and and sell real estate, and my first annual beeping Easter East, at Noosa. It was a great and grow, and if it weren’t for striving to make Erie a better business partners Jeff Kid- egg hunt for children with vi- opportunity. 1201 is coming their support, we wouldn’t be place for all. der, Mike Jefferys, Kim Jeff- sion loss and their families. It upon its 10-year anniversary, in business at all. There are I checked in recently with erys, and I founded two new was quite a success. which is awesome. I guess also a lot of great opportuni- Chip Wachter of Kidder businesses: Kidder Wachter At the brewery, we recent- Wachter Architecture and Jefferys Construction, and ly returned from Wash- Design, Nicole Lavery of the Kidder Wachter Jefferys En- ington, D.C., where Jason Sight Center of NWPA and gineering. (Lavery) and I attended the Lavery Brewing Company, Our architectural firm, Kid- Craft Brewers Conference, Jason Lavery, also of Lavery der Wachter Architecture which is our national guild’s Brewing, and 1201 chef Dan & Design, has been busy as- conference. We did a ton of Kern at Noosa, his newly sisting clients with many networking and got a lot of opened restaurant in North projects in the Erie area. As great new ideas that we’ll im- East. planners, we created a devel- plement at the brewery; and Tracy Geibel: What’s new opment plan for Erie Events we’re planning an expansion with you and your business at Bayfront Place. As devel- this fall, with a new brew- since you were featured in opers, we bought the former house and nine new tanks to Erie Reader’s 40 under 40? Rothrock Building four years continue making our quality Chip Wachter: I was hon- ago with the intent of turning innovative ales. ored to be included in the around a blighted property list in 2013. I am an architect, that was contributing to the (top) Chef Dan Kern sits at the a resident of the city of Erie decline of its neighborhood. edge of the bar at Noosa, his newly opened restaurant in North with my wife and two young Velocity Network purchased East, Pa., at the former site of the sons, and have been a partner the building from us and our Crazy Parrot next to the North with Kidder Wachter Archi- companies are responsible East Marina. (right) Husband and tecture & Design since 2005. for the design and construc- wife Jason and Dr. Nikki Lavery are both founders of Lavery Our firm is located in the tion of the proposed renova- Brewing Company, with Nikki 202-year-old former Dickson tions. also known for her work at the
Tavern that we acquired, ren- Nicole Lavery: I’ve been Sight Center of NWPA. STUDIOS JENNIFER WHITE / ACACIA
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 FEATURE
A partner in the Kidder Wachter so we don’t get overwhelmed JL: Know your market. Architecture & Design firm, Mercyhurst Prep grad and with business. Know your business. Focus Syracuse University alum Chip Another challenge has been on quality in all things. Make Wachter is an architect, as well determining when to grow, sure you have more money as a licensed real estate agent. how to grow, and how big to than you think you need. grow. The brewery business DK: If you have the passion have a place like this on the is one of the fastest-growing and the endurance to do it, lake and still have a function- manufacturers, which has this is the place to do it. Don’t ing restaurant where people both good and bad points, offer yourself excuses. A lot can make money. It’s not like some being over-saturation. of people say “I want to do we’re bankrolled by some mil- This also goes back to the this, but there’s this obstacle.” lion dollar investor. This is quality time thing, as the big- Figure it out. Do it. There are real, and I don’t think oppor- ger you get the more work so many talented people in tunities like that come along you put in. There are only two Erie, especially artist-wise. in other cities. of us, though we also have an Musicians, fine artists, food, TG: What challenges have awesome team of managers, a whatever it is, the community you faced since you were fea- chef, an assistant brewer, and is there to ask for help to get tured? And how did you over- several great bartenders at somewhere to do something. come those obstacles? the brewery. If you have that mindset, it’s CW: Challenge: We were JL: My wife Nicole and I like the “Mamba Mentality,” concerned about the devel- bought out our business I’m a huge Kobe fan [laughs],
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO opment of Erie’s waterfront. partner in October of 2016 so it’s no excuses. Get it done. Solution: We spent over a there has been some role re- There’s a lot of places where ties for businesses to obtain owned and located in down- year creating a master plan defining in our brewery. We even if you had that mind- SBA loans as well as advice town Erie, in properties we to develop Erie’s waterfront are stronger because of it. set and did everything you for how to start a business. restored. We are stakeholders pro bono, presented it for DK: The challenge is always can, there really is something Gannon has their Small Busi- in the city of Erie and ulti- public discussion, and it was to be thinking a step ahead of that’s prohibitive, like “you ness Development Center, mately bound to its success featured in the Erie Reader. what you need to be doing, don’t have a million dollars to the Economic Development or failure. Later on, Erie Events retained and not to be in a reactionary open this restaurant,” or you Corporation of Erie County We believe in Erie. We know our firm to assist with creat- state of mind. You can’t be don’t have this or you don’t offers assistance, and recent- that Erie has its challenges, ing the development plan for waiting until there are zero have that. Erie doesn’t have ly a new coffee and consulta- but it is in these challenges Bayfront Place. people in the restaurant and those restrictions, it’s cool. tion event happened at Radi- that we find opportunity. Challenge: We were con- ask “well what do I need to do TG: What’s your favorite us CoWork that we attended. Given the decision of fight cerned about abandoned differently?” You can come in book? JL: I’m from here, was edu- for Erie or flight from Erie, we buildings in downtown Erie here enough times and real- CW: I don’t have a favorite cated here, and chose to start choose to fight. that contributed to the de- ize that it’s something that I book, but a book I am cur- my family here. We want to NL: We love our location. cline of Erie’s core neighbor- put my heart, soul, and pas- rently reading is Zero to One, be on the ground floor of We are currently downtown, hoods. sion into, and they begin to Notes on Startups or How the Erie revitalization that but off the beaten path. We Solution: We decided to de- trust you and you can start to Build the Future, by Peter is dawning. Twenty years have a great off-street park- velop properties ourselves. to stretch more. But at the Thiel. from now, it would nice to be ing lot and our building has Jeff Kidder and I acquired the same time, even when you NL: I have recently been thought of as one of the orig- tons of character. Some have former Dickson Tavern and have that successful formula, reading Business for Punks: inal businesses that believed called it cozy, other have de- Rothrock Buildings, devel- I think you have to keep look- Break all the Rules the Brew- in Erie and chose to build scribed it like a speakeasy. oped a new purpose for them, ing ahead and ask “what can Dog Way. But I also love his- here. This location helps us when renovated them, and saved I change about this?” Even torical fiction books, and we DK: I definitely think that’s downtown events are hap- these buildings. Properties if you love it and it’s com- listened to Angels and De- true! I was in Denver, for in- pening such as Otters games, that may have been demol- fortable for you, you need to mons by Dan Brown on the stance, and there were five Seawolves games, and events ished now house businesses pioneer those new avenues, way to and from D.C. new restaurants a week open- like Roar on the Shore and that have created jobs, are just to remain new. There’s a JL: Fight Club by Chuck ing. And here, I think because Celebrate Erie. patronizing other businesses bit on our menu, that I read Palahniuk. it doesn’t have the saturation JL: Being downtown has downtown, and are paying in this little tea house in Ja- DK: I would say either the of a big city, people give you its challenges, mostly space property taxes. pan that’s along the lines of original Jurassic Park, or a much better shot. They give for our brewery, but we have NL: Owning a business is “keep changing to remain un- Jonathan Livingston Seagull, you a little chance to shine. embraced our location and a challenge in itself. It’s 24 changed.” which is very short easy read- TG: How has your Erie loca- utilize it to our strengths. We hours a day, seven days a TG: What advice do you of- ing, and I’m a cook so that’s tion specifically helped you had a couple of outdoor fests week. I own the brewery with fer to young Erie profession- good for my brain. Or Good- and your business to grow? in our huge parking lot. Erie- my husband, too, so some- als? night Moon, that was one of CW: Living, working, and in- ites are also a thirsty bunch times it’s really hard to turn CW: Listen to your clients. my favorites when I was a vesting in the city of Erie has and we are selling more beer it off. We have to create some NL: Don’t be afraid to think kid. been a significant element through our pub than ever. true boundaries so that we big! Erie is only going to grow Tracy Geibel can be contact- to our success and growth. DK: It’s much more afford- can give each other, and our with innovators and dream- ed at [email protected]. Our businesses are locally able than a big city. We can kids, the quality time needed ers.
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By: Matt Swanseger and Nick Warren America. Their small size has proven an asset, not a a high school senior trying to squeeze into the same ll sorts of innovative businesses are thriving in hindrance, as it affords them a greater degree of flexi- clothes he or she wore as a freshman. It has become the Erie area. Here, we highlight a small sliver bility. Among their recent projects were two large cus- awkward and uncomfortable for the size of owner- Aof the many locally owned and operated em- tom orders for the U.S. Air Force, a subsidiary of their ship’s aspirations (the Lowther family acquired the ployers that make up our regional economic mosaic. most loyal customer: the U.S. government. company in 2012). Some have been around for decades, while others just “We’ve definitely had to find our niches. We are pilot This summer, Erie Brewing Company is finally going recently broke ground. Two are among the top 50 em- fish in a world of sharks in a big ocean. We have to fo- to college. A new 20,000 square foot building in Knowl- ployers in Erie County. Four were founded in the last cus on aspects the big boys leave behind,” says Gehly. edge Park on the outskirts of the Penn State Behrend decade. And each one is making a positive impact on The pilot fish, a carnivore that coexists peacefully campus in Harborcreek will house the brewery, a our region. Let’s take a closer look. with sharks in the wild, feeds on the little details the brewpub, and a John’s Wildwood Pizzeria (a longtime Green Lighting LED larger predators forget about. It’s a great analogue for favorite of Edinboro students). At last, EBC can stretch how small business can not only sustain itself, but out, spread its wings, and maybe even get into a little also thrive. experimentation. Erie Brewing Company “We’re a distribution-only company; we kind of had to focus on what sells, what [could] be sent out to the market, whereas now with the new facility, we can do a lot of crazy one-off things we couldn’t do before,” said brewmaster Shaun Carney in an interview with youre- rie.com. While it may seem the craft brewing industry has come to a head, there remains plenty of untapped po- tential. American Turned Products
ED lighting is unique in its directionality. Whereas Lincandescent and fluorescent light bulbs scatter their energy in all directions and inevitably burn out, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) put forth a more concen- trated effort, often long outlasting their counterparts. It is an apt parallel for Green Lighting LED, a business that shines today because of a singular focus and the supporting structure to convert concept into execu- o call the American craft brewing industry a tion. Tlate-bloomer would be a tremendous understate- “Erie is a great environment for entrepreneurs,” says ment. Despite being at least 40 years old, it didn’t hit Vice President of Sales Josh Gehly, whose father Joel its growth spurt until about a decade ago. Since 2006, founded the company in 2007, “essentially [out of] a the number of American microbreweries has climbed closet.” from 370 to 3,132 (a modest 846 percent increase) and the number of brewpubs has risen from 989 to 1,916 erhaps no company in North America is more smit- (194 percent), according to the American Brewers Pten with the idea of a close shave than American Gehly credits resources such as the Erie Association. In that time frame, the Brewerie (2006), Turned Products (with all apologies to Gillette), an Technology Incubator at Gannon University Lavery’s (2009), Erie Ale Works (2014), and Millcreek industry leader in metalworking that strives tirelessly for illuminating Green’s path to success. Brewing (2015) have begun operation. to keep its cutting-edge sharper than its competitors. They not only welcome the challenge of machining complex parts within extremely close (near unfor- A new 20,000 square foot building on Gehly credits resources such as the Erie Technol- giving) tolerances, they have the industrial muscle ogy Incubator at Gannon University for illuminating the outskirts of the Penn State Behrend to back it up – 95,000 square feet of manufacturing Green’s path to success. The ETI helps promising tech campus in Harborcreek will house the space between the Erie and Fairview facilities. startups manage the heat in the critical early stages brewery, a brewpub, and a John’s Wildwood Within those facilities are some of the most sophisti- of business development, offering guidance, mentor- Pizzeria. cated machines in the world, according to CEO Scott ship, and funding. A poorly-engineered LED degrades Eighmy, whose father Jerry founded the company in quickly because it does not regulate heat effectively; Predating them all, however, is Erie Brewing Compa- 1984. “All of our equipment is designed to be flexible so too do fledgling companies who do not find a way ny, established in 1993 as Hopper’s Brewpub in Union to allow us to serve diverse markets. We can supply to control their costs. The resources the Erie commu- Station. That first year, 1,040 barrels were enough to parts for any number of different industries and be nity provided helped dissipate that heat, allowing the quench locals’ curiosity. Today, the brewery produces competitive.” Gehlys to operate more efficiently. 6,500 barrels annually and distributes in six states. Foremost among ATP’s clientele is the automotive Today, Green Lighting LED manufactures a full line of Given this prolific growth, EBC’s production facili- industry, but they serve the medical, electronics, and LED lights and fixtures, shipping to all parts of North ty (9,900 sq. ft.) no longer fits its business – imagine refrigeration industries as well. CNC (computer nu-
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 FEATURE merical control) machines – automated, programma- pathic Medical Training), and it adds up to a whole lot function, every bit of plastic has to be meticulously ble lathes – perform most of the duties at the shop, of resources for its 4,000-plus enrollees and 9,000- designed and produced. Since they’ve manufactured fashioning rotating hunks of metal into a variety of plus alumni. countless pieces for consumer use, chances are intricate shapes. ATP also employs the electrical dis- LECOM was established in 1992 by Millcreek Com- you’ve come in contact with something that The Plas- charge machining process for more delicate pieces munity Hospital physicians and administrators, who tek Group has made. Take deodorant for example: The (generating electrical currents to melt away bits of saw the need to bring more healthcare practitioners company produces an estimated three million stick aboard. That relationship has ridden a cresting wave packages per day, every day of the year. They also play “All of our equipment is designed to be ever since, with U.S. News & World Report declaring it an important role in food and beverage goods, plus flexible to allow us to serve diverse markets. a top 5 school for graduating primary care physicians. cosmetics and pharmaceutical packaging. We can supply parts for any number of It is now the nation’s largest (and second most afford- Erie has long been a top center for plastics. For de- different industries and be competitive.” able) medical college and the only academic health cades, The Plastek Group has stood at the forefront of center (defined as the integration of health profession school, patient care operation, and research enter- them) and centerless grinding (feeding pieces be- prise) in the osteopathic profession, which centers on For decades, The Plastek Group has stood tween two large wheels – one stationary and one mov- promoting the body’s innate ability to heal itself and at the forefront of this relatively under- ing) for high-volume production. how wholesale changes to lifestyle can prevent dis- appreciated market. ATP takes pride not only in its versatility, but also its ease and lead to better health. precision. Its quality control practices are exhaustive As the inner workings of the body differ from individ- to ensure the defects per million parts shipped hovers ual to individual, so too does the machinery of each this relatively under-appreciated market. Founded in right around zero – in other words, the best man can mind. LECOM allows each student to tailor the cur- 1956 as the Triangle Tool Company, Plastek is now one get. riculum to how he or she best learns, with five path- of the top 50 plastics injection molding companies in LECOM ways to attaining the osteopathic medicine doctorate. North America. They’re also one of the top 20 largest Among the most innovative of these is the Prob- employers in Erie County, providing more jobs than ei- lem-Based Learning Pathway, in which medical case ther Mercyhurst University or Wegmans. studies provide the foundation in the biochemical and The business is headed by Chairman of the Board clinical sciences. It’s a sort of inside-out approach that Joseph J. Prischak. From humble beginnings in the offers real context from the onset, and is also the basis molding department of Erie Resistor, Prischak man- of LECOM’s recently founded School of Dental Medi- aged the formal launch of Plastek in 1971. Prischak cine (its last-year students serving community needs). helped to oversee Penn State Behrend’s plastics engi- Meanwhile, LECOM’s School of Pharmacy is one of neering technology program, a four-year degree. In ad- very few in the nation with online distance learning dition to his lifelong work at Plastek, Prischak founded and accelerated degree options. the nonprofit Africa 6000, an organization that helps That is not to mention the post-baccalaureate pro- bring clean, safe water to places in need all over the gram (an extra year of preparation for aspiring med African continent. students at over 100 participating institutions, includ- In 1983, the company purchased Erie’s Spectrum ing Gannon, Mercyhurst, and Edinboro) and the nu- Molding and Engineering. Expansion continued merous postgraduate degrees LECOM has introduced throughout the decades, as new locations were in recent years – including the MS in Biomedical Sci- launched for the Erie company. With five locations in ences (for researchers) and the PhD in Anatomy Ed- Erie, including corporate headquarters, Plastek has ucation. LECOM is many parts working together to grown to include facilities in Hamlet, North Carolina, comprise one cohesive whole. Queretaro, Mexico, Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, and hen it comes to community, the Lake Erie Col- The Plastek Group Mansfield in the United Kingdom. Wlege of Osteopathic Medicine favors a holistic For over 60 years, The Plastek Group has been an approach. The LECOM juggernaut encompasses integral part of the Erie community. With far-reaching broad swaths of West Grandview Boulevard (main production and innovative designs, the company sets campus), Peach Street (Medical Associates of Erie, a powerful example for business around the region LECOM Senior Living, the John M. and Silvia Ferretti and around the globe. Medical Fitness & Wellness Center, Coffee Culture, MenajErie Studio etc.), and the Bayfront area (the Presque Isle Rehabil- itation and Nursing Center, Lifeworks, the school of ithin a few short years, Jessica Yochim is mov- graduate studies) – and that’s just in Erie alone (Corry Win’ on up. Beginning in her parent’s garage, she Memorial Hospital serves the rural areas of Erie Coun- helped build MenajErie, a thriving video production ty). Factor in its Greensburg, Pennsylvania (within Se- company that now boasts a handful of full-time em- ployees, and a brand new collaborative studio. LECOM was established in 1992 by After graduating from Penn State University in 2012, Yochim found herself at a crossroads. Moving back Millcreek Community Hospital physicians to her hometown of Erie, she wondered what would and administrators, who saw the need to become of her recently acquired film degree. She bring more healthcare practitioners aboard. detailed the early days, explaining, “Little by little, I started making personal connections and attending ton Hill University) and Bradenton, Florida campuses, networking events so that people knew who I was and along with 41 teaching hospitals/office sites situated t this moment, you’re within arm’s reach of some- what I had to offer. I reached out to organizations that in seven states (the Lake Erie Consortium for Osteo- Athing plastic. With varying nuances in shape and help businesses get started.”
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30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 FEATURE
MENAJERIE STUDIO With camera in hand, she began her business. A year later she was joined by Nick Taylor, a self-taught HOFFMAN UNTIED cinematographer with an accounting degree who is every victory, my entrepreneurial vision has remained now Yochim’s husband. The pairing was a success, the same: to create a long-lasting legacy in the Erie eventually leading to the addition of Nick’s sister, Leah community, the nation, and the world.” He empha- MAXBACK Taylor, and most recently, her Edinboro schoolmate sizes, “We started with conviction instead of rational clarifies it simply, illustrating that “MaxBack.com pro- Greg Happ. “At first, I was hesitant to work with close thinking because rational thinking said it was impos- vides a convenient, hassle-free solution for individuals friends or family,” Yochim admitted, “but I soon real- sible, but nothing is impossible and anything can be and businesses looking to sell used smartphones and built as long as you truly believe in yourself.” other electronic devices.” Describing the online expe- They recently opened the doors to their Through their development branch, the business rience, he elaborates that “sellers can visit MaxBack. Creator Studio, a rentable space featuring targets locations with issues. Neglected, damaged, or com for an instant quote. The entire process from a 25-foot white cyclorama “infinity” wall, a decaying properties are renovated, transforming them shipping the device until receiving payment typically into livable, safe, and vibrant housing. Acquiring aban- takes under a week.” full lighting setup, and an audio production doned buildings and residential properties, Hoffman Beginning as the side operation of a billion-dollar space designed for podcasting and works with community leaders to secure these sites corporation, MaxBack is now an independent enti- recording. ty headquartered in Erie. In 1997, Michaels helped to Witnessing thousands of abandoned found FundingFactory (then known as ETCEP), an in- ized that those are the people I can rely on the most.” houses and distressed residential novative company that, in a similar style, paid partic- MenajErie moved from the garage, to the newlyweds’ properties, Hoffman formed a plan to ipants for their used printer cartridges. The company attic, then to Radius CoWork until they settled on reverse the wave of blight that threatens championed recycling and elimination of e-waste, a space a few floors above, in the Renaissance Cen- the city of Erie. later expanding to Environmental Reclamation Ser- tre. They recently opened the doors to their Creator vices. The business was bought by the Chicago-based Studio, a rentable space featuring a 25-foot white corporation, Clover Technologies. In 2010, Michaels, cyclorama “infinity” wall, a full lighting setup, and an for renovation. along with a team of Erie employees, began MaxBack. audio production space designed for podcasting and Construction plays an important role in Hoffman’s Michaels then engaged in a buyback of his own, pur- recording. Making a name for themselves in the area plan, as well. The company offers roofing, additions, thanks to their national-level commercial videography remodels, painting, patios, retaining walls, and other and photography, MenajErie offers plenty to hear and full-service general contracting projects. Currently Beginning as the side operation of a billion- see. employing two construction crews, Hoffman United dollar corporation, MaxBack is now an Hoffman United has the tools to fully rehabilitate the properties they independent entity headquartered in Erie. acquire. t’s not often that you see a 19-year-old college fresh- After the properties are identified, secured, and ren- Iman combating blight, but that’s just what Cathe- ovated, the property management arm of the com- chasing the company himself in 2016. dral Prep graduate Paul Hoffman is achieving with his pany takes over. With services ranging from leasing With his own visions for the business, Michaels in- company, Hoffman United. He’s also turned over more to maintenance, the company makes sure that these tends to widen the scope of what the company ac- than half a million dollars in revenue along the way. houses become homes. cepts, and has plans to partner with local animal Witnessing thousands of abandoned houses and MaxBack shelter Because You Care, with a fundraiser known as distressed residential properties, Hoffman formed a TechFurFunds. plan to reverse the wave of blight that threatens the f you have any electronic gadgets collecting dust, With a new Erie location, the company is forging an city of Erie. Armed with an interconnected combina- Iyou might want to check out MaxBack. While most independent path, with renewed energy and a fresh tion of services, Hoffman United is poised for a work- businesses seek your money in exchange for their road ahead. able solution to this problem. products, MaxBack is finding success with a different The company offers real estate development, con- approach. Customers can make money by selling their Matt Swanseger can be reached at mswanseger@ struction, and property management, seeking to im- slightly used phones, tablets, and wearables, and oth- eriereader.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ prove blighted properties throughout the city. Hoff- er high-end electronics. Through the buyback of in-de- SwazzySwagga. Nick Warren can be reached at man may be a young man, but he’s a man on a mission, mand items, users are able to earn hundreds of dollars [email protected]. You can follow him on most saying that “through every battle, every defeat, and by sending a single item in. President Sean Michaels social media outlets as @newwavecrashing
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 SLEEPING BEAUTY SLEEPING BEAUTY SLEEPING BEAUTY THE MERCYHURST DANCERS PRESENT Balanchine's 'Concerto Barocco' Balanchine's 'Concerto Barocco' Balanchine's 'Concerto Barocco'
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Erie’s Largest Music Store! 1355 West 26th Street, Erie 814-459-2585 www.worldofmusicerie.com
**NO COVER FOR MEMBERS EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS** THURS 04/27 ok PAINT & ROCK s Ro FRI 04/28 King TK BLUES CO. SAT 04/29 Club AQUEOUS FRI [DOWNSTAIRS] **APR ZACK ORR DJ SET 29 [UPSTAIRS] FRI 05/05 WAVE TRAILS AQUEOUS + NEW MORNING SUNRISE UPSTAIRS LOUNGE ZACK ORR DJ SET + ONE IF BY LAND SAT 05/06 SAT JIM DONOVAN & SUN KING WARRIORS **MAY + SMACKDAB 06 [DOWNSTAIRS] FRI 05/12 APRIL 28-30 TROPIDELIC JIM DONOVAN + OGEE WAWA FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. & SUN KING WARRIORS SAT 05/13 THE RUSTY HAYWHACKERS SATURDAY AT 2 AND 7 P.M. FRI 05/19 PLUS SMACKDAB TROHOSKE’S SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. D OORS 8PM | MUSIC 10PM MA ART GROUPIES TTY B’S SAT 05/20 ANGER IS A GIFT: MARY D’ANGELO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! RATM TRIBUTE [DOWNSTAIRS] Grab your gear and get here! • 10PM BROKE BOLAND Benefits SafeNet and the Jenni-Lyn [UPSTAIRS] Jenni-Lyn Watson No Cover • Drink Specials • Open 8 PM Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND [Sign up before 10 PM & rst drink is on us] best **NO COVER FOR MEMBERS EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS** oF Visit miac.mercyhurst.edu or call 814-824-3000 for tickets Music at 10pm•Fri & Sat Happy Hour Specials: $2 Wells & select beers 8pm-12am•Free pool, shuffleboard & games Adults $15 – Seniors/Students $10 always!!!•1921 Peach St. • Members & guests only 2015 Find us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub Mercyhurst Students and Youths 12 and under $5$5
32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 Spotlight on Erie April 26 – May 9, 2017
Thursday, April 27 Again, worth hearing for anyone of the heart. – Ryan Smith ers. The rally is expected to conclude who’s interested in – or concerned at 4 p.m. Warnings in the Water about – where we’re all headed wa- 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St. // The Sisters of St. Joseph, Unitarian ter-wise. – Ryan Smith facebook.com/TKBluesCo Universalist Congregation of Erie, So- lar Revolution Erie, Sisters of Mercy, Saturday, April 29 7 to 8:30 p.m. // 3207 State St. // jeserie. S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie, The Erie Bene- org Climate March Passes dictines for Peace, and the Benedic- tine Sisters of Erie helped to sponsor Friday, April 28 Erie Coke Plant the event. The Pennsylvania Chapter TK Blues Opens Up Shop of the Sierra Club, and the Lake Erie Group endorsed the event. “We expect a very large turnout, and have provided 600 surgical face masks for the first 600 people to wear in the march as protection from the toxic emissions from the plant,” Miller detailed. “The neighbors living down- wind of the plant have experienced an he Erie region holds great prom- he People’s Climate March in abnormally high incidence of cancer “Tise and potential, but is faced TWashington, D.C. is set to gather a and we will be pressing for a health with significant challenges both now huge crowd of supporters. Additional- survey and study as the basis for more and in the coming years,” said Penn- ly, “sister” marches will be held in hun- strict air pollution regulations and hether he’s playing rock, blues, sylvania Department of Environmen- dreds of locations around the country controls under the EPA Clean Air Act.” or something in between, stal- tal Protection Great Lakes Region W on Saturday, April 29. In a similar fash- – Nick Warren wart Erie artist Tony Kellogg is known Chief Tim Bruno. One of the chief ion to the Women’s March, Tax March, and appreciated for having a skillful 2 to 4 p.m. // Beginning at the boat protectors of Lake Erie’s health and and the March for Science, Erie will be sense of musicianship – and for weav- ramp at East Avenue, ending at Wayne wellbeing, Bruno a member of Erie doing its part, as well. ing heavy-with-heart tales of life and Park // for more information, visit Reader’s 2016 40 Under 40 class. love (found, lost, and found again) into peoplesclimate.org/sister-marches or That said, he has added, “it’s up to song. The march will proceed west contact Sam Miller at 716.713.8621 Erie’s younger generations to buy into Kellogg’s played before – and very toward the plant and head a shared vision, find solutions to our well – with other well-known Erie area north on East Avenue, passing Saturday, April 29 problems through a fresh perspective, artists like his wife, vocalist Amanda and have the determination and per- the Barber National Institute Kellogg, bassist Larry Barr (Echo), and The Truth Is Out There sistence to follow through and build and ending at Wayne Park at drummer Jon Teater (Sonny’s Fugi- (On the Bayfront) this community into a Pennsylvania tives). Now, he’s gotten that gang all the corner of East Lake Road. success story.” together, and is presenting his latest Bruno’s work has him coordinating (and what could be a greatest) project: water policy issues with other Great Headed by the local organization TK Blues Co. Lakes states and provinces and rep- Our Water, Our Air, Our Rights, the resenting Pennsylvania’s priorities on march will begin at 2 p.m. water use and water quality; prioritiz- The quartet describes itself as The location of the march is one you ing and managing funding for various might be familiar with. Event organiz- “a musical blues-based ideal, er Sam Miller explained that “follow- Lake Erie water initiatives; and work- 20-plus years in the making. ing closely with local and county gov- ing the Erie Reader story about the ernments, other state agencies, and Not exactly copycat, not toxic air emissions from the Erie Coke nonprofit organizations to further the exactly original.” Plant on the Lake Erie waterfront at o you believe we’re not alone in goals of the DEP’s water protection the foot of East Avenue, we decided to Dthe universe? If so, you might be programs. So, his perspective on the plan the Erie Climate March on East inclined to converge upon the Bay- The quartet describes itself as “a mu- state of Erie County’s environment is Avenue.” front Convention Center. sical blues-based ideal, 20-plus years worth listening to. Penned by Katie Chriest, the article The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in the making. Not exactly copycat, That perspective will be shared in in question appeared in our March is holding Erie’s fifth annual UFO Con- not exactly original.” fuller detail when Bruno presents a 1 issue. The cover story was titled ference. Founded in 1969 as the Mid- Something familiar, but new all free discussion on the topic on Thurs- “Clearing the Air.” west UFO Network, the organization the same: That’s a place where some day, April 27 as part of the Jefferson The event will begin at the beach grew, expanding its boundaries world- of the best music springs from, and, Educational Society’s 2017 spring lec- and boat ramp at the bend of East Av- wide. coming from them, that sounds like ture series. enue, across from the Erie Coke plant. There will be speakers throughout it could be interesting (and, you know, “Bruno will address the State of Erie The march will proceed west toward the day, beginning at 9 a.m. Cheryl probably pretty awesome). County’s Environment, exploring the the plant and head north on East Av- Costa, a retired military veteran, is a We’ll get the chance to hear it when region’s water quality and water use, enue, passing the Barber National In- former information security profes- TK Blues Co. takes the stage at the urban and agricultural land practices, stitute and ending at Wayne Park at sional in the aerospace industry. A Kings Rook Club on Friday, April 28. and more to discuss where Erie Coun- the corner of East Lake Road. native of upstate New York, Costa will It’s sure to be full of talented twists ty’s been and where it’s going,” accord- Wayne Park will serve as a rally site, discuss sightings occurring all over on the standard blues-rock fare, and, ing to JES. with music and environmental speak- New York state. even more, straight from the strings
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 a church for the city
ORIGINAL MUSIC BIBLE TEACHING AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY
Live Performance By:
JOIN US FOR We intend to be a cross-centered SUNDAY WORSHIP community that reaches the culture. Basement Transmissions Opening Performance By Erie’s Own: 145 West 11th Street Corner of Sassafras and 11th 10am www.TheCross.cc :: Celebrating 125 Years of Service :: /TheCrossErie
The Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity Presents the 9th Annual
Russian Festival Friday, May 26, 2017 - 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017 - Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2017 - Noon to 9 p.m.
Church of the Nativity Community Center 109 German Street Erie, PA 16507 www.churchofthenativity.net/troika
Russian Food • Ice Bar • Children’s Area • & More
34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 CALENDAR
Kathleen Marden, a leading expert and political editor for C-SPAN, will couraged to submit their questions 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. // Bayfront Convention in the Betty and Barney Hill case (a serve as moderator for the Erie May- to [email protected] with the Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // Admission $29 well known abduction event known oral Debate on Thursday, May 4 at the subject “debate question” ahead of ($42 with lunch) // eriehomeshow.com // as the “Zeta Reticuli Incident”) will Jefferson Educational Society. An Erie time. Early attendees will also be able pre-register at mufonpa.com lead a talk titled “UFOs: Fact, Fiction, native, Scully got his start as a report- to ability to write-in questions before and Disinformation.” Marden has Thursday, May 4 er at WSEE before arriving at C-SPAN the event begins. Scully will select the co-authored three books, having part- in 1990. Throughout his venerable ca- questions, and each candidate will nered with leading ufologist Stanton Scully Geared Up to reer, he has been widely praised for have one minute to respond. There Friedman on two occasions. Moderate Mayoral Debate his evenhandedness and impartiality. will be no opening statements, but MUFON State Director John Ventre John Oliver of This Week Tonight has each candidate will have 30 seconds and UFO researcher Owen Eichler even paid tribute to Scully on occa- for closing remarks. To encourage eq- will lead “Kecksburg Solved,” an ex- sion, airing multiple supercuts of the uitable time for each candidate, vol- amination of the famous incident host’s amazingly fair-tempered reac- unteers will serve as timekeepers. (sometimes known as “Pennsylvania’s tions, dubbing him “the most patient Roswell”) that occurred in Kecksburg, man on television.” A world-class po- a town 40 miles southeast of Pitts- litical referee, Scully was even tapped “I am looking forward to burgh. to be the backup moderator for all five returning to the hometown Well-known UFO expert Nick Pope presidential debates in 2016. I love, in order to moderate will host “Secrecy vs. Disclosure.” The With nine mayoral candidates tak- a debate where voters can former head of the British Govern- ing the stage, that patience will surely determine who is the best ment’s UFO project, Pope has been come in handy. As the May 16 primary called “the real Fox Mulder,” and has approaches, candidates are nearing person to lead the city and the served as a consultant on many films the home stretch. The evening will region.” and television shows, along with being be split into two sections, the former a frequent guest on news programs. for the seven Democratic candidates Finishing up the day will be head of (Lisa Austin, Jay Breneman, Almi The debate is a coordinated effort on the Fayette County Pennsylvania Big- Clerkin, Steve Franklin, Rubye Jen- the part of the Jefferson Educational foot Research Project, Fred Saluga. He he City of Erie is at an econom- kins-Husband, Bob Merski, and Joe Society, WQLN, and the Erie Reader. will discuss Sasquatch (“Bigfoot”), and “Tic crossroads,” Steve Scully Schember), and the latter for the two WQLN will livestream the event on- examine the possibility of the crea- explained. “And the decision voters Republicans (John Persinger and Jon line. The event is free, but attendees ture being an inter-dimensional being. make this year will determine which Whaley). There is a one-hour intermis- must register online at jeserie.org. MUFON holds regular meetups in direction the community wants to sion scheduled following the Demo- Scully warmly anticipates the event, Erie, and the conference is their larg- take.” cratic candidates. admitting that “I am looking forward est event in the area. – Nick Warren Scully, the senior executive producer Members of the community are en- to returning to the hometown I love,
basement.transmissions. Presque Isle Downs, of Music: Small com/kingsrookclub. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. MUSIC 8199 Perry Hwy. Ensembles Concert miac.mercyhurst.edu. The Route 8 Band presqueisledowns.com. My 3 Scum and May 3 — 7 p.m. Dave VanAmburg Apr. 28 — 9 p.m. Submachine Kentucky Derby Dance & Friends Evad & the Ominous Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. May 6 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Apr. 29 — 7 to 11 p.m. Presque Isle Downs, Squad, ONIMG, Till the 38th St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Apr. 26 — 6 to 9 p.m. 8199 Perry Hwy. Our Lady of the Lake Parish, End and The Hovelists Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Maxi’s Restaurant in the presqueisledowns.com. Blasco Concert Series: German St. facebook.com. 128 Sunset Dr. facebook. Bel Aire Clarion Hotel, 2800 Apr. 29 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Erie Jr. Philharmonic TK Blues Co. American Idiots’ W. 8th Rd. jazzerie.com. Bobbys Place, 1202 W. Ensembles Spring FOOD & DRINK Apr. 28 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 18th St. facebook. Green Day Tribute SAS Acoustics featuring Concert A Night of Digestif Kings Rook Club, 1921 May 6 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kayti Stadler Aqueous and Zack Orr May 4 — 7 p.m. Apr. 27 — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Peach St. facebook. Sherlocks, 508 State H.O. Hirt Auditorium at Apr. 26 — 6 to 9 p.m. com/kingsrookclub. Apr. 29 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. St. facebook.com/ The Cork 1794, 17 W. Main St. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Colony Pub and Grille, Kings Rook Club, 1921 sherlocksparkplace. facebook.com/TheCork1794. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. 2670 W. 8th St. facebook. 1000hp: A Tribute Peach St. facebook. to Godsmack D’Angelo Department Tibetan Momo com/SASAcousticDuo. com/kingsrookclub. Wave Trails, New Apr. 28 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. of Music: Mercyhurst Cooking Class Morning Sunrise, D’Angelo Department Black Widow Chamber Orchestra Apr. 28 — 2 to 5 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State and One If By Land of Music: Faculty St. facebook.com/ Apr. 29 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. May 7 — 4 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Recital Series May 5 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. sherlocksparkplace. Sherlocks, 508 State Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. St. lifeworkserie.org. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Apr. 26 — 8 p.m. St. facebook.com/ 38th St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Bravura and Obelus Peach St. facebook. Boy Scout Troop #73 Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. sherlocksparkplace. com/kingsrookclub. 38th St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Double CD Release Show The Devil Wears Prada Spaghetti Dinner Apr. 29 — 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Rankin & Schell Apr. 29 — 4 to 7 p.m. D’Angelo Department May 8 — 6 to 10 p.m. Colony Pub Trio Apr. 30 — 1 to 4 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 145 of Music: Wind Basement Transmissions, 145 St. Francis Parish Apr. 27 — 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. W. 11th St. facebook.com/pg/ Arundel Cellars, 11727 E. Main Ensemble Concert W. 11th St. facebook.com/pg/ Center, 8880 W. Main St. basement.transmissions. Rd. arundelcellars.com. stfrancisxaviermckean.org. Colony Pub and Grille, 2670 May 6 — 4 p.m. basement.transmissions. W. 8th St. jazzerie.com. Gem City Jazz Ensemble D’Angelo Department Mary D’Angelo Performing Every Time I Die Gears to Beers Dave VanAmburg Apr. 29 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. of Music: Composers Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. Spring Tour May 6 — 9 a.m. Apr. 28 — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bayfront Convention Concert miac.mercyhurst.edu. May 9 — 6 to 11 p.m. WQLN Public Media, 8425 Apr. 30 — 2 p.m. Dickey’s, 3716 Liberty Center, 1 Sassafras Pier May Acoustic Showcase Basement Transmissions, 145 Peach St. wqln.org. St. jazzerie.com. gemcitybands.org. Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. May 6 — 6 to 9 p.m. W. 11th St. facebook.com/pg/ BBQ, Beer and Beards 38th St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. basement.transmissions. Gem City Revival D’Angelo Department Basement Transmissions, 145 May 6 — noon to 7 p.m. of Music: Jazz Spring Choral Concert W. 11th St. facebook.com/pg/ Apr. 28 — 6 to 9 p.m. DANCE Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th St. Ensemble Concert Apr. 30 — 3 p.m. basement.transmissions. facebook.com/ErieAleWorks. The Cork 1794, 17 W. Main Mercyhurst Dance St. cork1794.com. Apr. 29 — 8 p.m. Dr. William P. Alexander Jim Donovan & Sun King Department: The Fajita Benefit Taylor Little Theatre, 501 E. Music Center at Edinboro Warriors and Smackdab Slug Christ 38th St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. University, 110 Kiltie Rd. Sleeping Beauty (Act III) May 9 — 7 to 11 p.m. May 6 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Apr. 28 — 7 p.m. events.edinboro.edu. Apr. 28 — 7 p.m. & Apr. 29 — 2 Mad Mex Erie, 5800 The Groove Kings Rook Club, 1921 & 7 p.m. & Apr. 30 — 2 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 145 Peach St. facebook. D’Angelo Department Peach St. facebook. W. 11th St. facebook.com/pg/ Apr. 29 — 9 p.m. Mary D’Angelo Performing
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 CALENDAR
in order to moderate a debate where Erie for their “Seis de Mayo” party. You might just find that punk wasn’t Now, following what had been a voters can determine who is the best My 3 Scum are among the forefa- really dead after all – or at least back lengthy hiatus, the drummer/multi-in- person to lead the city and the region. thers in Erie’s nearly 30-year history from the dead, when My 3 Scum plays strumentalist is keeping at it with one Running for office is the ultimate job of underground punk and hardcore “Zombie Gonna Eat Yer Brains.” – Tom- of his most worthwhile projects, Jim interview, and my goal is to ask the music. At their peak in the early 1990s, my Shannon Donovan & Sun King Warriors – and questions voters are asking. I’m look- My 3 Scum gained a loyal following they’re bringing their light to the ing forward to it.” – Nick Warren playing their peculiar blend of old- 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // Scotty’s Martini Kings Rook Club on Saturday, May 6. school punk rock and horror punk Lounge, 301 German St. // facebook.com Democrats begin at 5:30 p.m., in the long-since defunct classic Erie Saturday, May 6 If you’re into rhythm, and Republicans at 8:00 p.m. // Jefferson music venue, the Continental Ball- Educational Society, 3207 State St. // grooving, you probably want to room, and helped influence later gen- Champions of the Sun jeserie.org or 459.8000 erations in the Erie underground mu- go check this one out. You’ll get sic scene. The band has continued to Saturday, May 6 down, maybe learn something. play around Erie occasionally, at The Iron City Punks Get Eerie Beer Mug and the also now-extinct Crooked i. If you’re into rhythm, and grooving, Making their way up from Pitts- you probably want to go check this burgh, Submachine started a circle pit one out. You’ll get down, maybe learn in 1991 that still hasn’t stopped. In that something. time, the band has made 11 albums, It’s an early show on their end, with the latest being the three-song EP, things kicking off at 9 p.m. People, released in January. And they And oh yeah: Nasty-funk favorites haven’t lost an ounce of the ferocity, Smackdab are coming down to the aggression, and speed in their 26 years Rook to close the night out in fine of existence (which, I might add, is as- fashion. tounding longevity for a punk band). usted Root founding member Jim That’s a lot of dance-worthy jam, Submachine has been a staple of hard- RDonovan has long been celebrat- funk, rock, soul and everything in be- core punk in Pittsburgh, and doesn’t ed as a hands-on, masterful musician, tween for one evening. show any signs of slowing down. defying one-dimensional definitions Almost sounds like summer’s in the ostalgia is a powerful drug, so If you find yourself missing the and touching on teachable moments air, eh? – Ryan Smith Nconsider Scotty’s Martini Lounge way punk rock used to be, dig your both sonic and social during a career your go-to dealer when they bring old Converse out of the closet, and that’s danced through a good couple 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St. // two of the region’s O.G. punk bands to step yourself right back into the pit. of decades. facebook.com/kingsrookclub
Lovesong glassgrowersgallery.com. 27 (Opening Reception & 7 p.m. & May 7 — 2 p.m. & W. 8th St. eriefcu.org. Apr. 28 — 7 to 9 p.m.) May 12 — 7 p.m. & May 13 — 2 FILM May 3 — 7 p.m. & 7 p.m. & May 14 — 2 p.m. Earth Stories Meadville Council on Local Quality of Water Erie Art Museum, 411 State Extreme Weather Ongoing through June 11 the Arts, 910 Market St. Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 Apr. 26 & May 3, 10, St. erieartmuseum.org. 17 — 6:30 p.m. Ongoing — 11 a.m. & 1 & 3 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State artsmeadville.org. St. erie playhouse.org. Tom Ridge Environmental A Star is Born (1937) St. erieartmuseum.org. Tom Ridge Environmental Laughter on the Center, 301 Peninsula Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. May 5 — 8 to 10 p.m. THEATRE biggreenscreen.com. Photographs by 23rd Floor Dr. uuerie.org. Erie Movie House, 3424 Gary Cardot The Trojan Women May 5, 12 — 8 p.m. W. Lake Rd. facebook. Candidate Forum Lewis & Clark: Great Ongoing through June 24 Apr. 27, 28, 29 — 7:30 p.m. Dramashop on 2nd Floor Journey West com/ErieMovieHouse. & Apr. 30 — 2:30 p.m. Apr. 26 — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State of Renaissance Centre, Ongoing — noon & 4 p.m. National Theatre St. erieartmuseum.org. Edinboro University’s Diebold 1001 State St. facebook. H.O. Hirt Auditorium at Center for the Performing Tom Ridge Environmental Blasco Memorial Library, Live: Twelfth Night Arts, 217 Meadville St. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. 94th Annual Spring Show 160 E. Front St. facebook. May 7— 12:55 p.m. events.edinboro.edu. COMMUNITY biggreenscreen.com. Ongoing through July 9 com/keystoneprogresserie. Mary D’Angelo Performing Tai Chi Prehistoric Planet Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Lend Me A Tenor Apr. 26 & May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, Cultural Series: Facts, miac.mercyhurst.edu. St. erieartmuseum.org. Apr. 28, 29 & May 5, 6, 12, 22, 24 — 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Alt-Facts and Anything Ongoing — 2 & 5 p.m. 13 — 7:30 to 10 p.m. & Apr. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach But the Facts: Politics Tom Ridge Environmental Tin Plated Dreams: 30 & May 7, 14 — 3 to 5:30 Buster’s Mal Heart St. lifeworkserie.org. in the Digital Age Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Sculptures by All an Act Theatre, 652 W. May 10 — 7 p.m. Apr. 26 — 7 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. William Brady, Jr. 17th St. allanact.net. Pennsylvania State Erie Art Museum, 411 State Mercyhurst North East Alex St. erieartmuseum.org. Ongoing through Police ‘Come Get to Invisible Hand January 7, 2018 Ape and Essence Theatre, 16 W. Division St. Apr. 26 — 7 p.m. Know Us Day’ Erie Art Museum, 411 State Apr. 28 — 8 p.m. & Apr. 29 — 2 northeast.mercyhurst.edu. VISUAL ARTS & 8 p.m. & Apr. 30 — 2 p.m. Apr. 26 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. erieartmuseum.org. Halfway to Halloween St. erieartmuseum.org. Senior Art Thesis Mercyhurst University, 501 Gannon University’s Haunted History Tours Exhibition The Shape of Things Schuster Theatre, 620 E. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Invisible Hand Apr. 26 — 7:30 p.m. Ongoing through May 5 Apr. 27 through May 4 Sassafras St. gannon.edu. Erie SeaWolves vs. Apr. 27 — 8:30 to 11 p.m. The Brewerie at Union Mercyhurst University Bruce Gallery in Doucette Committed Citizen Altoona Curve Edinboro University Hall, 215 Meadville St. Station, 123 W. 14th Cummings Gallery, 501 E. 38th Apr. 28, 29 — 8 p.m. & Apr. 26 — noon St. brewerie.com. Cole Auditorium, 219 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. brucegallery.info. Meadville St. facebook. Apr. 30 — 2 p.m. UPMC Park, 110 E. 10th 10th Annual Women com/edinborofilmseries. Senior Projects Natural Impressions 6th PACA, 1505 State St. St. erieevents.com. In Leadership Ongoing through May 7 Annual Mixed Media paca1505.com. A Boy and His Dog (1975) Student Art Show: All LifeWorks Erie Apr. 27 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Allegheny College Doane Don’t Dress for Dinner Open House Apr. 29 — 8 to 10 p.m. Things That Flower Ambassador Banquet and Hall of Art, 520 N. Main Erie Movie House, 3424 Apr. 28 through May Apr. 29 — 5:30 p.m. & Apr. 30 Apr. 26 — 4 to 6 p.m. Conference Center, 7794 Peach St. allegheny.edu. — 2:30 p.m. & May 2, 3 — noon W. Lake Rd. facebook. 28 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach St. wild.sbdcgannon.org. com/ErieMovieHouse. Far From Home: Station Dinner St. lifeworkserie.org. Tom Ridge Environmental Weightlifting & Cardio Recent Painting Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Theatre, 4940 Peach St. The Lone Ranger canterburyfeast.com. Free Home Buying Fitness Class from Tom Ferraro events.dcnr.pa.gov. Apr. 30 — 1:30 p.m. Seminar Apr. 27 & May 4, 11, Ongoing through May 16 James and the 18, 25 — 9:30 a.m. H.O. Hirt Auditorium in the Care For Your Mind: The Apr. 26 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Glass Growers Giant Peach Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Mental Health Show Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel & LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Gallery, 10 E. 5th St. May 5 — 7 p.m. & May 6 — 2 E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Apr. 28 through May Conference Center, 2800 St. lifeworkserie.org.
36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 FUN FOR THE WHOLE PACK! FRI, MAY 5 • 5:05 PM SAT, MAY 6 • 6:35 PM CINCO de MAYO DOUBLEHEADER PINT GLASS GIVEAWAY FIRST 1,000 FANS SET TO A SOUNDTRACK (21 & OLDER) OF MOTOWN GREATS PRESENTED BY
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Sunday,YEARS April 30 ~ 3:00 pm Cole Auditorium, Edinboro University $5 Adults, $3 Student/Senior, $10 Family Thursday, May 4 ~ 7:00 pm Hirt Auditorium, Blasco Library FREE Admission COME PLAY WITH US! New Player Auditions (814) 323-8222 Developing Plans, Programs and Resources For information and for a Better Downtown. May 8 to schedule audition
April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37
CALENDAR The Devil’s Last Night in Town Back-to-back shows at Basement Transmissions showcase two modern giants of metal
MONDAY, MAY 8 AND inated throughout much of the late coming stale and uninteresting for sev- metal, southern metal, mathcore, and TUESDAY, MAY 9 2000s. TDWP’s first two albums, Dear eral years. TDWP’s fourth studio album, screamo. Over their nearly 20 years and Love: A Beautiful Discord and Plagues 2011’s Dead Throne, saw them break eight studio album discography, Every hold a special place in my heart, being away from the cookie-cutter metalcore Time I Die have truly risen to the status among my favorite albums from my style that they had helped create, mak- of metal icons. formative music years, heavily inspir- ing them far more interesting and put- Supporting acts for Every Time I Die ing the writing style of my first several ting them at the top of the genre once include their touring package, Wage bands in high school. Dear Love was again. War and ’68, while support on The Dev- unlike any album I had heard before – Every Time I Die is one of those bands il Wears Prada’s show comes from Erie bringing together soft, ambient guitar that won’t be easily forgotten in the an- locals Amavasya and Mallory Run, as nals of metal history. The band is gener- well as Meadville’s Ashes of a Genera- ally categorized as metalcore, hardcore tion. Each band has something unique TDWP’s first two albums, punk, and post-hardcore, but since they to bring to the stage, and is well worth Dear Love: A Beautiful began in Buffalo in 1998, the group has your time. Discord and Plagues hold touched on and experimented in vari- Both TDWP and ETID have played at ous metal subgenres, including sludge either The Hangout or Forward Hall in a special place in my heart, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA years past, and each have only risen in being among my favorite their fanbase and stardom since then. he Entertainment Collective is on albums from my formative It’s time now to welcome them back, Tfire, bringing two of the biggest music years and show them again what the Erie bands in modern metal to Basement scene is all about. – Tommy Shannon Transmissions on back-to-back nights, The Devil Wears Prada: with The Devil Wears Prada on May 8 licks followed by loud, passionate vers- May 8 // $20; all ages and Every Time I Die on May 9. es and powerful breakdowns. It was Every Time I Die: May 9 // Taking their name from the novel by the perfect combination of heavy and $20 presale, $25 at door Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears melodic, passionate and angry. While I Both shows at 6 p.m. // Prada formed in 2005 in Dayton, Ohio. did enjoy Plagues, it brought a style and Basement Transmissions, 145 After signing to Rise Records, the band formulaic songwriting approach that W. 11th St. // facebook.com/ quickly shot to the forefront of the would be emulated by countless metal- basement.transmissions Christian metalcore scene that dom- core bands, which led to the genre be- EVERY TIME I DIE
Chair Massage Dr. dep.pa.gov. Kings Rook Club, 1921 “Guess That Tune” Gala Center, 1 Sassafras Apr. 29 — 2 to 4 p.m. Apr. 27 — 10:30 a.m. Peach St. facebook. Apr. 29 Pier relishinc.com. East Avenue Boat Ramp, 103 to 3:30 p.m. T-Shirt Printing com/kingsrookclub. Bayfront Convention Center, Our First Birthday East Ave. peoplesclimate. Apr. 27 — 6 to 8 p.m. org/sister-marches/. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Tai Chi 1 Sassafras Pier ssjerie.org. Celebration St. lifeworkserie.org. Peninsula Room in the Blasco Memorial Library, 160 E. Apr. 28 & May 5, 12, 19, Apr. 29 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. DJ Toom Wag and Drag 26 — 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Northwestern Adult Art Classes Front St. erielibrary.org. Drama Club 5K Color The Family Show, 2501 W. Apr. 29 — 2 to 6 p.m. Regency at South Shore, Apr. 27 & May 4 — 1 to 3 p.m. Fun Run/Walk 12th St. facebook.com. Sacred Heart Usher Club, CVC Victims’ Rights 322 Washington Pl. 716 W. 26th St. facebook. LEAF Education Center, lifeworkserie.org. April 29 — 7:30 to 11 a.m. Speaker Series: Build Your Own com/theannashelter. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. Matthew Sandusky Northwestern Elementary Terrarium Celebrate Mother’s Library Explorers Apr. 27 — 6:30 p.m. School Corder Gym, Apr. 29 — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Union City Prom Day Benefit 10450 John Williams Apr. 29 — 7 to 11 p.m. Apr. 27 — 4 to 4:45 p.m. H.O. Hirt Auditorium at Apr. 28 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ave. northwesternmscr. Asbury Woods Nature Children’s Storytime Room at Blasco Memorial Library, eventbrite.com. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Warner Theatre, 811 State 160 E. Front St. cvcerie.org. Claytopia, 924 W. Erie asburywoods.org. St. erieevents.com. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Plaza Dr. facebook. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Presque Isle’s 61st Music of the World, A Mercyhurst North Garden Brothers Circus 31st Annual Workers’ Spring Clean-up American Short Stories Creative Arts Residency East Open House Apr. 30 — 1 & 4 p.m. Memorial Service Apr. 29 — 8 a.m. to noon Apr. 27 & May 4 — Apr. 29 — 10 a.m. to noon Apr. 27 & May 4, 11, Rotary Pavilion in Presque Erie Insurance Arena, 809 18, 25 & June 1, 8, 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Apr. 28 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Mercyhurst North East French St. erieevents.com. 22 — 4 to 5:30 p.m. Erie City Council, 626 State LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Ridge Health & Safety Jefferson Educational St. lifeworkserie.org. St. unionhall.aflcio.org. Building, 16 W. Division St. Raptor Experience Society, 3207 State Law Day 5K northeast.mercyhurst.edu. Apr. 30 — 1 to 4 p.m. St. jeserie.org. Matthew Broussard Katrina Brown Apr. 29 — 9 a.m. Tom Ridge Environmental Apr. 27 — 7 p.m. & Apr. 28, Comedy Night YMCA Healthy Kids Day Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. New Horizons Music 29 — 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. Apr. 28 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Erie County Courthouse, Apr. 29 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Project: Strings and Folk 140 W. 6th St. eriebar.com. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club, Riverside Inn, 1 Fountain JMC Ice Arena, 423 W. Apr. 27 & May 4, 11, 18, 1402 State St. jrslastlaugh.net. Ave. facebook.com. MUFON UFO Conference 38th St. ymcaerie.org. Wildflower Walk & May 25 — 4 to 6 p.m. Day Seed Bomb Craft The State of Erie 4th Annual Mystery Apr. 29 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Dave Chaffee Arms Apr. 30 — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. St. lifeworkserie.org. County’s Environment at the Maritime: The Bayfront Convention Classic and Bikini Bash Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Asbury Woods Nature Apr. 27 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Psychedelic Sixties Apr. 29 — noon Environmental Justice erieevents.com. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Jefferson Educational Apr. 28 — 7 to 10 p.m. Listening Tour Presque Isle Downs, asburywoods.org. Society, 3207 State Erie Maritime Museum, 150 E. Great Lakes Beach Glass 8199 Perry Hwy. Apr. 27 — 5 to 7 p.m. St. jeserie.org. Front St. flagshipniagara.org. & Coastal Art Festival eriesportscommission.com. Spring Robins: Little Tom Ridge Environmental Leaves Program Paint and Rock Apr. 29, 30 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Sisters Of Saint Joseph People’s Climate March May 1 — 10 a.m. to noon Apr. 27 — 8 to 10 p.m. Bayfront Convention
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LEAF Education Center, UPMC Park, 110 E. 10th Girard Alliance Church, 229 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. St. erieevents.com. Rice Ave. unitedwayerie.org. The Death of the Roman Mike Green Week Walk for Republic: Lessons May 4 — 7 p.m. & May International Herb Day For the American 5, 6 — 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. May 6 — 11 a.m. to noon Republic Today? Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Tom Ridge Environmental May 1 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Club, 1402 State St. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. jrslastlaugh.net. Jefferson Educational events.dcnr.pa.gov. Society, 3207 State The New Jim Crow St. jeserie.org. LuLaRoe Pop Up Event CINCO May 4, 18 & June May 6 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1 — 7 to 9 p.m. Fit for Life Arundel Cellars, 11727 Fitness Class Unitarian Universalist E. Main Rd. facebook. May 2, 9, 16, 23 — 9:30 Congregation, 7180 to 10:15 a.m. Perry Hwy. uuerie.org. ‘Spring Edibles’ for MAYO LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Shoot the Rock International Herb Day St. lifeworkserie.org. Spring Jam May 6 — 1 to 3:30 p.m. de May 5, 6, 7 Tom Ridge Environmental Keeping Your Computer CELEBRATION Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Secure and Healthy Family First Sports events.dcnr.pa.gov. th May 2, 9 — 10:30 Park, 8155 Oliver Rd. Friday, May 5 2017 a.m. to noon eriesportscommission.com. Pop Up Punk Flea GREAT SPECIALS LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach 2017 Festival of the May 7 — noon to 5 p.m. St. lifeworkserie.org. Birds at Presque isle Basement Transmissions, Great Books: Standing May 5, 6, 7 145 W. 11th St. facebook.com. Down, From Warrior Presque Isle State Adaptive Equipment to Civilian Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. for Your Daily Living presqueisleaudubon.org. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & June May 8 — 10:30 a.m. 6 — 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Knight of LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Jefferson Educational Columbus Casino Night St. lifeworkserie.org. Society, 3207 State St. jeserie.org. May 5 — 6 to 10 p.m. Forgiveness: A Sacred Heart Auditorium, Journey Through 1109 State St. City Council Meeting 816 W. 26th St. Emotional Wellness May 3 — 9 a.m. sacredhearterie.org. May 9 — 1 p.m. Erie, PA 16501 Erie City Hall, 626 The Spring Event LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach State St. erie.pa.us. 814.453.6454 2017: Cinco de Mayo St. lifeworkserie.org. Collage Mixed May 5 — 6 to 11 p.m. Community Benefit Media Class www.plymouthtavern.com Sheraton Erie Bayfront Agreements: Tools to May 3 — 1 p.m. Hotel, 55 W. Bay Ensure Development Rd. ehca.org. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Helps Everyone St. lifeworkserie.org. Fantastic Frogs May 9 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Preservation Erie May 5 — 7 to 9 p.m. Jefferson Educational Backstage Tour Asbury Woods Nature Society, 3207 State May 3 — 6 p.m. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. St. jeserie.org. Get Your Copy Today asburywoods.org. St. John’s Lutheran Spring Homeschool Church, 2216 Peach St. Xcel State Gymnastics Day (Migrating Bird preservationerie.org. Championships Identification) Women’s Reading May 6, 7 May 10 — 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 3 — 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bayfront Convention Niagara Boat Launch in Presque Isle State The Writing Studio, Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. 310 E. 10th St. eriesportscommission.com. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Erie’s political history is full writingstudio-erie.org. Kayak Anglers of larger-than-life characters, Discover Your Hidden Presque Isle Major Age Out Loud: Talent: Drawing for May 6 — 5 a.m. Celebrate Older Americans Month wheeling and dealing, and Absolute Beginners Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. May 10 — 10:30 a.m. constant renewal. Through May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June to 2:30 p.m. 1 — 1 to 3 p.m. eriesportscommission.com. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach well-researched stories and LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Tech Savvy St. lifeworkserie.org. St. lifeworkserie.org. thorough analysis, eminent Workshop for Girls Cinco De Mayo Fiesta 6th to 9th Grade Body Language: It Says author William P. Garvey More Than You Think May 4 — 5 to 8 p.m. May 6 — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Janine Driver delivers the definitive history Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel, 2800 May 10 — 1 to 4 p.m. W. 8th St. eriedawn.info. Edinboro University, 219 on the local leaders who have Meadville St. aauwerie.org. Zem Zem Shrine Erie Mayoral Debate and Banquet Center, Rummage Sale 2017 served as mayors of Erie. May 4 — 5:30 to 9 p.m. 2525 W. 38th St. May 6 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. janinedrivererieevent.com. Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Erie Art Museum, 411 State DiscoverE: Fish St. erieartmuseum.org. St. jeserie.org. May 10 — 2 to 3 p.m. Sips and Shirts Little Mates Tom Ridge Environmental Workshop Discovery Day 2017 Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. May 4 — 6 to 9 p.m. May 6 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Order your copy Erie Art Museum, 411 State Erie Maritime Museum, Humility, Curiosity and St. erieartmuseum.org. 150 E. Front St. facebook. Bold Moves Forward ($20 plus tax) at in Science & Medicine Erie SeaWolves vs. Reading Buddies JESerie.org or Trenton Thunder with the Erie May 10 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 4, 5, 6 — 6:30 p.m. Playhouse: James & Jefferson Educational call 814.459.8000. & May 7 — 1:30 p.m. The Giant Peach Society, 3207 State May 6 — 10:30 a.m. to noon St. jeserie.org.
40 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 $ 50 3pulled pork sandwiches
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April 26, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 41 MUSIC REVIEWS
Kendrick Lamar Father John Misty Future Islands The Moonlandingz DAMN. Pure Comedy The Far Field Interplanetary Class Classics Interscope/Top Dawg Sub Pop 4AD Chimera Music
endrick La- he per- f you were a thoroughly Kmar returns Tpetually Ifan of Future Asolid debut, to defend his praised Josh- Islands’ 2014 Interplanetary well-deserved ua Tillman, album Singles, Class Classics crown. After the better known you aren’t alone. sets modest release of 2015’s as Father That album was goals and ac- masterpiece To John Misty, a watershed complishes ev- Pimp a Butterfly, Lamar cemented his can be a divisive figure. There are moment for the band. Propelled in no ery last one of them. The band describes legacy as one of the greatest hip hop plenty of things worth lauding in his small part by singer Samuel T. Her- themselves as “Psychedelic Ouija Pop.” artists of all time. In March of 2016 he music, along with an equal number ring’s otherworldly live performances, It’s swirly garage rock that doesn’t take For so many Edinboro students, one visit was all it unceremoniously released Untitled Un- of eye-rollingly ham-fisted attempts the band proved themselves to be a itself too seriously. There are plenty of mastered, a compilation of previously at artistry. He follows the potent for- favorite amongst discerning fans and captivating choruses, like “Sweet Saturn took to know they had found the university perfect for them. unused Butterfly material. DAMN. is the mula established on earlier albums, critics alike. Blending theatrical broad- Mine” and “The Cities Undone.” Sections first true follow-up to 2015’s opus. Un- combining stream-of-consciousness ness with primal physicality, Herring of the album are repetitive, but far from Visit us on campus or online, and see why more than 65,000 alumni have built the like Butterfly, the album goes relatively lyrics with a good dose of “blue-eyed is able to squeeze passionate drama boring. The band builds up each thump- unadorned. Forgoing the more complex soul.” Misty joins together phoneti- from every single line. It works all the ing track with hypnotic precision. The foundations of their success with an exceptional and a ordable EU education. jazz instrumentation, Lamar employs a cally appealing word combinations better because of his unassuming biggest surprise comes when you find more traditional style of beat-making that appear to be very insightful while looks, far from the traditional rock out who’s actually in the band. The bi- this time around. The stakes appear to crooning earnestly over steadily mid- star. There’s a remarkable honesty in zarre project includes Sean Lennon (son have been lowered, with fewer explic- tempo ballads. Don’t get me wrong, Herring’s delivery which can be off- of John and Yoko) on guitar, along with itly political statements, or outwardly every track sounds fantastic. Misty’s putting for some, even laughable for singer Lias Saoudi and guitarist Saul We are the experimental choices. The album it- baritone vocals are creamy and full of others. The Far Field gives listeners Adamczewski from the London band Fat self carries the burden of Butterfly’s passion, and every bit of instrumen- more variations on the band’s relative- White Family, plus Lennon’s Ghost of a Sa- success, the opening track “BLOOD.” tation is lush and gorgeous. Here’s ly simple synth-pop grooves, William ber Tooth Tiger bandmate (and girlfriend) 6 2 ending with a FOX News soundbyte the trick, though: If you ever want to Cashion’s prominent bass plucking Charlotte Kemp Muhl, joined by mem- students courtesy of a heavily out-of-touch immediately stop liking Father John out steady, even lines against Gerrit bers of the avant-garde Eccentronic Re- from I TI S TS Geraldo Rivera, as does the following Misty, listen to an interview with him. Welmers’ keyboards and programming. search Council. The Moonlandingz were playing 17 varsity sports song. Lamar goes on to mention the His persona (regardless if it’s a put-on, Past all the earnestness and disco- launched after being referenced as a fic- clips himself in “YAH.” (like the album or not), oozes with such ridiculous theque danceability (complete with tional band on the Eccentronic Research title, every track is stylized in all caps levels of pretension that it’s nearly guest vocals from Debbie Harry on Council’s album, Johnny Rocket Narcis- followed by a period). Lamar may be impossible to separate art from artist. the penultimate track “Shadows”), the sist & Music Machine I’m Your Biggest 66 4 42 playing it safer, but he’s still a com- Whether you think the emperor wears album stays a bit too within the lines. Fan (which featured a nearly identical Pennsylvania states countries Student clubs plete master of the genre. A detailed clothes or not, in a vacuum, it’s an in- Few tracks cut through the casual lis- version of the track “Sweet Saturn Mine”). counties and organizations storyteller, he’s able to tuck dense credibly listenable album, full of quot- tening experience to forge that deep, After beginning as a hoax, The Moon- 1 narratives into the tiniest of spaces. able takeaways and hummable tunes. resonant connection Singles made. landingz are now, thankfully, a real thing. – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren TI LLY RE I E TOMMY IN TUNE — BY TOMMY LINK 8 degree programs campusacre
It’s not too late to apply for Fall 2017. Apply today or plan your visit at www.edinboro.edu/visit 888-846-2676
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42 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com April 26, 2017 For so many Edinboro students, one visit was all it took to know they had found the university perfect for them. Visit us on campus or online, and see why more than 65,000 alumni have built the foundations of their success with an exceptional and a ordable EU education. 6 2 We are the students from I TI S TS 66 4 42 playing 17 varsity sports Pennsylvania states countries Student clubs counties 1 and organizations TI LLY RE I E 8 degree programs campusacre
It’s not too late to apply for Fall 2017. Apply today or plan your visit at www.edinboro.edu/visit 888-846-2676
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