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Contents: November 25, 2015 From the Editors The Truth About Islam 4 The local voice for news, Finding beauty in a broken support is an attempt at cre- arts, and culture. One Bosnian woman’s prayer for understanding world is creating beauty in ating a human connection in Editors-in-Chief: in the wake of the Paris attacks. the world we find. the world. That’s where the Brian Graham & Adam Welsh – Terry Tempest Williams. real power is, and what fear Managing Editor: Erie at Large 6 and terror are ultimately try- Katie Chriest Parents Just Don’t Understand. Contributing Editors: hough divisiveness is ing to destroy.” Ben Speggen Just a Thought 7 the order of the day, In addressing rampant Jim Wertz The Paris Climate Conference, or COP21, has at least according to misperceptions about Islam, Contributors: T been about violence all along. most news outlets, surely we Ajla Glavasevic writes, “I Lisa Austin, Civitas Mary Birdsong can all agree that we’re liv- pray that we heal. I pray that Rick Filippi ISIS knows what it is. Does America? 9 ing in a broken world. Each we communicate and that Frank Garland Islamic State attacks in Paris force the U.S. cycle of layoffs, each report we forgive so that we can fi- Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp James R. LeCorchick to come to terms with what it means to be of violence, and each horri- nally start working toward a John Lindvay “American” in the 21st Century. fying climate change projec- better future.” Brianna Lyle Bob Protzman Pennsylvania and the Paris Pledge 9 tion fractures our hearts and In clarifying how climate Dan Schank splinters our humanity. change is a moral issue, Pat William G. Sesler Our moral obligation to care for the environment Lupo, OSB, writes, “The earth Tommy Shannon must transcend political and religious In her book Finding Beau- Ryan Smith boundaries. ty in a Broken World, Terry that we live on, our air, and Matt Swanseger Tempest Williams writes, water are sacred. We have a Sara Toth Bryan Toy News of the Weird 10 “There are long skeins of moral obligation to care for Nick Warren time when I feel so confused the planet – to act for the Senator Sean Wiley Doctors’ excuses are so passe. Now if you want Cover Photo and Design: to blow off studying, bank on the ole Rapture and lost in this broken world well being of all generations.” Brad Triana dodge. of our own making. I don’t Williams cites the U.N. Photographers: know who we have become General Assembly’s Univer- Ryan Smith Budding Solutions to Violence 13 Brad Triana sal Declaration of Human Using theater to interrupt the cycle of violence Publisher’s Assistant Rights, adopted on Dec. 10 Emily Hanisek in Erie. So long as dignity of 1948, which states that and equal rights are 1001 State St. Suite 901 The Rising Tide of TEDxErie Triumphs Through “recognition of the inher- Erie, Pa., 16501 a Sense of Community 14 denied to any of us, ent dignity and of the equal [email protected] Local lawyer hosts first-ever TEDx event in Erie. they’re impossible and inalienable rights of all for all of us. So long members of the human fam- The Erie Reader is the local voice for Waiting for a Recall 17 ily is the foundation of free- news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only as it’s “they” and not independent, alternative newspaper. Boom, Bust, and the future of GE Transportation. dom, justice, and peace in the Founded in 2010, the Reader has quick- “we,” no peace can world.” Tom Kennedy’s Renaissance 21 ly become the region’s award-winning propagate. But hope Almost 70 years later, we’re source for arts coverage, a strong cul- The engineer-turned-developer has always been tural compass, and a dynamic resource still stumbling over that “all a dreamer. is easy to find if we for news and opinion. With a dedication look around us. And members of the human fam- to long-form journalism and a commit- ily” part. So long as dignity ment to provoking thoughtful discus- Spotlight on Erie 24 so many Erieites are and equal rights are denied sion, the Reader tells the stories of the Here we are now. Entertain us. people and places making and shaping creating beauty in to any of us, they’re impossi- Erie, while highlighting the events and A Conversation with Ahmed Gallab 32 ble for all of us. So long as it’s issues influencing life in northwestern the world they’ve Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is pub- The current leader of Sinkane, and former found. “they” and not “we,” no peace lished every other week and distributed member of Yeasayer, Caribou, Of Montreal, and can propagate. at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in the Atomic Bomb! Band talks about finding unity But hope is easy to find if Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in through music. or what to believe or whom we look around us. And so print, Erie Reader adds new content dai- many Erieites are creating Gallery Night: A Tale of Two Galleries 35 to trust.” ly at ErieReader.com as well social media And yet. beauty in the world they’ve sites. All rights reserved. All content © Box of Light and The Secret Squirrel hope to A common theme has aris- found. Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., encourage the artist in all of us. Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this en in this issue. “What is real to me is the publication may be reproduced without In exploring how theater power of our awareness permission. The opinions of our colum- Karen Ernst’s Elemental “Land, Sea, and Sky: nists and contributors are their own and Details from Nature” 35 might be used to curb vio- when we are focused on do not always reflect that of the editorial This contemplative exhibit is on view at Erie Art lence, David Szymanowski something beyond our- board or organization. Direct inquiries to writes, “conflict can be trans- selves,” Williams continues. 814.314.9364 or [email protected]. Museum’s Holstein Gallery until Jan. 8. formed into an opportuni- “Our ability to shift our per- The Myth and Matters of Erie’s First ‘Strong’ ty for compassion through ceptions and seek creative Mayor 38 interaction instead of reac- alternatives to the conun- Review: Cory Vaillancourt, Lou Tullio: A Real Erie tion. Through slow thinking drums of modernity is in Guy instead of fast thought. By direct proportion to our em- Erie Arts & Culture’s Fall for Arts & Culture viewing commonalities in- pathy. Can we imagine, wit- Awards 40 stead of contrasting differ- ness, and ultimately feel the suffering of another?” Honoring those who strengthen our community ences.” by creating Erie’s cultural landscape In describing recent sym- Our community is filled bols of solidarity in social with people proving that we Geeked Out 42 media, John Lindvay writes, can. And for that, we should #PeaceforParis “Finding a way to show your all give thanks.

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION The Truth About Islam One Bosnian woman’s prayer for understanding in the wake of the Paris attacks.

By: Ajla Glavasevic capacity killed innocent people for the sake of religious beliefs. That is a fact. t a time when the world is shak- Left: On her blog, Ajla Glavasevic writes Media has distorted Islam, just as ji- en by terror and Paris mourns, that she found out she had passed the hadists and terrorists have, into some- Pennsylvania bar exam and made the USA I sit baffled, angry, frustrated, thing unrecognizable by its peaceful A Women’s Bobsled Team in the same week. and worried about the present, past, She has recently accepted a position as an followers who do not support the and the future that is unfolding for our issue brief specialist and blog writer with acts of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. generation. Why the violence? Why the Law Street Media. This essay is a version of Non-extremist Muslims are horri- her recent personal blog post by the same murders? Why the chaos? fied at what their religion has turned title. I have no answers, only heartbreak. I into. We have been robbed of the ability offer no consolations or promises that to practice and believe without alien- it will get better; that people will learn zations do and believe – the murders ation and isolation. We have come to or grow. I offer no excuses, reasons, or on their hands. Imagine if I thought suffer the utmost hate for consequenc- solutions. I offer nothing but my un- that all Christians were racist and ho- es that were not ours to bear; punish- relenting sadness in a situation that mophobic. ments that weren’t ours to carry out; a only seems to highlight the ideology of Just imagine that those organizations history that we did not make. institutionalized fear served to U.S. cit- were the faces of the Christian faith. And yet, here we are. Unimaginably izens in pill form – a dangerous pill that That those were your mascots. That watching “Islam” become a synonym we willingly swallow repeatedly with- the things you believed and valued for “terror.” out question, only to be devastated by were depicted by the most nonsensical This time, I will not sit silently as we a loss of promise in humanity; and yet, and extreme interpreters of your faith. all mourn the victims in Paris. I pray we stay conditioned to take, drink, and CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Now imagine that you had absolutely for their families and for the people repeat. no way to show the world otherwise. brutally taken from this life. I pray that My blood is boiling. Because as un- been embarrassed. Following 9/11, be- Islam is a beautiful religion with nur- we mend our scars and build stronger speakable terror strikes innocents ing a Muslim became a Scarlet Letter: turing surahs and hopeful prayers. It understandings. I pray that we come again, the people who have swallowed “M” for “Muslim.” M for traitor. M for encourages understanding and self- to better understand religion and Is- another dose of institutionalized fear perpetrator. M for cold-blooded terror- lessness and teaches compassion – a lam so that we can eradicate terrorism have taken to social media calling for ist. M for murderer. sense of doing good not only for your- from our everyday “norm.” more violence and a desecration of the It meant being ashamed of your core And I pray that we heal. I pray that Muslim population. And while I com- values. It meant being condemned by we communicate and that we forgive pletely understand that such terrorist society at large for the morals that so that we can finally start working to- attacks carry Islamic connotations, it shaped you. It meant siding with Media has distorted ward a better future. I pray. cannot be stated that all Muslims de- Al-Qaeda and ISIS. It meant that you Because here’s the truth about Islam – serve to be “wiped from the earth;” that were a terrorist supporting all of the Islam, just as it is not what you see splattered across “these animals all deserve to die.” unforgivable things that terrorists did jihadists and your news screens at night, but rather, Come again? “in the name of Islam.” It meant being it is an artfully crafted ideology that I am a Muslim. I have for years lis- searched at airports. It meant doubting terrorists have, teaches people respect, faith, solidari- tened to narrow-minded, bigoted, un- yourself. into something ty, understanding, patience, kindness, educated, and “patriotic” people list It meant becoming a whipping post worth, hard work, and that love – well, heinous things that should happen to for bigoted misunderstanding. A mis- unrecognizable by love is the whole thing. And we – we are Muslims – the kind of fate that Mus- understanding on which propaganda only pieces. lims should meet – a disgusting hellish capitalized as U.S. media prepared its its peaceful followers death. I have listened to people who pills of anti-Islam indoctrination for who do not support Ajla Glavasevic is a first-generation know nothing about Islam bash Mus- the American people to take, all the Bosnian immigrant full of spunk, sass, lims using hateful terminology and while knowing that most of the popu- the acts of groups and humor who was raised in Erie and spread untruthful bigotry about the lation would without any questions. like Al-Qaeda and very much still considers it home. She teaching of violence and submission. And they were right. The popula- graduated from SUNY Buffalo with I have listened and I have said noth- tion at large did not take more than a ISIS. a Bachelor of Science in Finance and ing to rebut; nothing to highlight that prayer’s moment before religion, in- received her J.D. from the University all major religions require an element stead of reason and logic, was used to of Cincinnati College of Law. Ajla of submission; nothing to note that distort public opinion and spread mis- is currently a licensed attorney in the hundreds of millions of Muslims understanding about Islam on Nov. 13. self, but for others. Anyone who has Pa. and when she isn’t lawyering in Indonesia and Bangladesh have It is insulting. Imagine if I suggested read the Quran would agree. and writing, the former Team USA not caused a peep in our media; that that all Christians encompass the val- Anyone using logic would also under- Women’s Bobsled athlete (2014-2015 U.S. violence is not taught, but is a charac- ues and morals of the Westboro Baptist stand that the Quran is open to several National Team) likes to stay active, teristic that can be brought to any reli- Church. Or worse, the Ku Klux Klan. interpretations and that it can be used travel, and struggle through learning gion by the individual submitting to its Imagine if I thought that the Chris- in a malicious way just like all scrip- the German language. Contact her practices. tian faith believed and supported the tures. No major religion’s history is at [email protected] or read I have said nothing because I have heinous things that those two organi- clean. All major religions have in some her blog at ajlaglava.wordpress.com.

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November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION Erie at Large Parents Just Don’t Understand.

By: Jim Wertz Left: Who, me? Telling a teenager ture of short messaging and arents just don’t un- like this guy that he could end up self-absorbed imagery is ev- derstand. That was the registered as a sex offender might idence of a great unraveling mantra of my genera- get you a similarly incredulous of social mores. But the para- P look. But until legislation catches tion, ushered in during the up to technology, such an outcome doxical truth is that the world spring of 1988 by DJ Jazzy Jeff is entirely possible. of our children has simply and the Fresh Prince. become much smaller and The generational divide predatory adults. The law was more aggressive even within between parents and their not designed to address teens’ the vast expanse of the In- children has been a common technological indiscretions. ternet. Rumors are no longer theme in teen culture since the Pa. lawmakers have pro- spread slowly with the tacit 1920s. But today that genera- posed legislation that would nod to the fiction that under- tional divide is compounded address teen sexting as an lies them. Instead their lives by a technological divide that act separate from child por- – real and imagined – have be- many parents are ill-equipped nography. But until such come a significant part of the to bridge. Teenagers commu- legislation passes, teens like real-time picture of social me- nicating via social media and those in Chester County can dia. The box has been opened text message have deafening be charged with a felony of- and there is no turning back, and sometimes dangerous fense under the state’s sexual and most of us would never conversations … in silence. FREDLER BRAVE abuse of children statute, sub- choose the past if given the So when the Millcreek Police ject to up to 25 years in prison, option. announced Nov. 14 that they photos with his friends and had to register as a sex offend- $25,000 in fines, and required Our challenge now is to pro- were investigating allegations acquaintances at the expense er when he shared photos of registration as a sex offender. tect our children, innocent that several students had of his once beloved. his 16-year-old girlfriend with What’s different about the and naive. To do that our legis- received inappropriate text What began as a consensu- her friends and family after an Chester County case is that messages on their phones, it al, albeit stupid, act has now argument with the girl, who the boys who shared the pho- Parents need to seemed an inevitability of the become a gross invasion of had taken and sent him the tos did so with the intent of digital age. Just the day before, privacy with legal and social photos weeks before. harassing the victim by hu- explain these the Chester County District consequences for both the Cases like Alpert’s have been miliating her on social media. uncomfortable Attorney charged a fourth subject of the photos and the repeated across the country Even under teen sexting stat- realities to their student from an affluent sub- people who shared them. If many times each year. A 2014 utes, such behavior warrants children. Kids urban Philadelphia school the offending party happens Drexel University survey of a greater penalty because the district with criminal charges to be an 18-year-old senior undergraduate college stu- offenders acted with malice. across time have related to the dissemination of who dated or simply received dents found that 54 percent For those who have been vic- engaged in risky a photo sent by a young girl to pictures of an underclassman, of respondents reported sex- timized by sexting, the social behavior, but digital her then-boyfriend when she the stakes are even higher. ting as minors, 61 percent of consequences can be equal- was just 13. Most states do not have leg- respondents were not aware ly brutal. When the photos technology gives To be clear, we don’t yet know islation to deal with underage that such actions could be go from private to public the them a means to the details of the McDowell sexting and therefore prose- considered child pornography, subjects are often ridiculed broadcast their case and Millcreek Police did cutors lack the latitude to ex- and only 2 percent of respon- or shamed, leaving them psy- not respond to our request ercise any legal option other dents reported telling a par- chologically scarred, reputa- stupidity. for an interview. But sources than charging the students ent or teacher that they had tion-damaged, or worse. In inside McDowell High School under state child pornogra- received a sext. The majority 2008 a Cincinatti, Ohio teen lators will have to ensure that suggest that the situation phy laws. Depending on age, of people surveyed by Drexel hanged herself after a photo our laws keep pace with the may be similar to the Chester this could land the offender in said that had they known the she sent to her boyfriend was actions they regulate, which County case and so many oth- prison and on child sex offend- legal consequences of their circulated across several Cin- means keeping pace with ers saturating national media er registries alongside adults actions, they would have be- cinnati schools. She became technological change. The last throughout the past decade. who prey on children in the haved differently. the victim of cyberbullying generation of analog parents The common trope goes as worst ways imaginable. Parents need to explain because someone shared her are raising the first generation follows: two underage teens In 2009, a trio of teenage these uncomfortable realities photo. of digital natives who live life engage in consensual sharing girls in Greensboro, Pa. were to their children. Kids across Kids are predisposed to mak- in the palm of their hands. of erotic photographs as a charged with disseminating time have engaged in risky being serious and sometimes They’re going to need some sign of affection. Somewhere child pornography for sending havior, but digital technology terrible mistakes, but research guidance, even if parents still along the path of love and ros- photos of themselves to their gives them a means to broad- indicates that those educat- don’t understand. es, the teens argue or break boyfriends, who were charged cast their stupidity. ed about the consequences up and the jaded partner, of- with possession of child por- And here’s the problem: of their cyber-actions are less Jim Wertz can be reached ten a young man armed with nography. they’re being held to an anti- likely to engage in such behav- at [email protected], an arsenal of not-so-harmless That same year, 18-year-old quated legal standard that was iors. and you can follow him underage erotica, shares the Florida resident Phillip Alpert intended to protect kids from To many observers, the cul- on Twitter @jim_wertz.

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Just a Thought The Paris Climate Conference, or COP21, has been about violence all along.

By: Katie Chriest powerful.” ’m going to admit something here Obviously, violent acts like the re- that might at first seem pretty -in cent ones in Paris get our attention. Isensitive. When news of the Paris They should. But Solnit argues that attacks broke, part of me thought: So “Climate change is global-scale vio- much for a meaningful climate sum- lence, against places and species as mit. well as against human beings.” It’s not that I don’t feel deep sorrow So why are we so quick to dismiss it? for the loss of innocent lives in Par- “That’s a tired phrase, the destruc- is, or the ensuing fear and suspicion tion of the Earth,” Solnit recognizes, that has ramped up globally. “but translate it into the face of a Instead, I’m troubled by the tenden- starving child and a barren field – cy to push climate issues to the back and then multiply that a few million burner, as though they’re something times.” we’ll get to as soon as we solve ev- Meanwhile, she cites a 2014 U.S. erything else. Never mind that what Dept. of Agriculture statistic that happened in Paris is happening else- almost 16 million U.S. children now where, all of the time, and is often live with hunger. Locally, the Second traceable back to the poverty and Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pa. marginalization that breed extrem- reports that 29 percent of the individ- WIN FREE OFFICE SPACE FOR A YEAR! ism – which climate change will only uals they serve are children. 2nd Annual Office Giveaway continue to exacerbate. That’s not for lack of food being Where is the outrage when produced. There’s plenty. But only for non-Western peoples suffer violence? some. And when will those of us not yet di- “We are a country whose distribu- rectly affected by environmental deg- tion system is itself a kind of vio- Open to Veterans, Those Who Served and Their Families radation – caused by wealthy nations lence,” states Solnit. and corporations – understand that It’s easy to feel outrage toward a tar- for many, terror is constant? get as clear as ISIS. The challenge is Of course, I’m not the only one feel- to recognize that collective outrage Each entry will receive 5 chances to win two Corvettes! ing this way. born of human empathy is likewise In The Guardian on Nov. 20, Nao- warranted against corporations and mi Klein discusses French President governments who knowingly ruin François Hollande’s banning of pro- the lives of millions for the sake of For more details and to enter the contest visit tests at COP21. profits. Who make water undrink- “The Hollande government has able. Fields infertile. Air carcinogen- RenaissanceErie.com made a series of decisions that reflect ic. Who also kill people, albeit more a very particular set of values and slowly. Renaissance Centre—Where Our Success Depends on the Success of Those We Serve priorities about who and what will Right here in Pennsylvania. Right get the full security protection of the here in Erie. state,” Klein writes. “Yes to world lead- Can we expand the solidarity we ers, football matches, and Christmas feel with Paris victims to include all Contact Melani Scott to schedule a tour. markets; no to climate marches and of those suffering terrorized lives? [email protected] 814-451-1110 protests pointing out that the negoti- Can we acknowledge that countless ations, with the current level of emis- innocent people – even in Erie – are sion targets, endanger the lives and also living their lives in fear of vio- livelihoods of millions if not billions lence and hunger? of people.” As we practice support and compas- Klein references Rebecca Solnit’s sion, let us not forget that deliberate piece, “Call climate change what it is: ignorance by powerful governments violence,” from an April of 2014 edi- and corporations – who perpetuate tion of The Guardian. practices which harm marginalized “People revolt when their lives are peoples – is another form of terrorism unbearable,” explains Solnit. “In ev- worthy of our attention and action. ery arena, we need to look at indus- trial-scale and systemic violence, not Katie Chriest can be contacted just the hands-on violence of the less at [email protected]

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8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 NEWS & OPINION ISIS knows what it is. Does America? Pennsylvania and Islamic State attacks in Paris force the U.S. to come to terms with what it the Paris Pledge means to be “American” in the 21st Century. Our moral obligation to

Left: In Iraq, members of ISIS rally together. care for the environment Erieite Maitham Basha-Agha took this must transcend political photo while visiting Iraq, where he is from originally. “This is not my country,” he told and religious boundaries. Jim Wertz in August of 2014. “It’s not the country I left.” By: Pat Lupo, OSB Refugee Resettlement Program. Nationally, the U.S. – from 2012 to 2015 The Pa. DEP recently held 14 “listening – has settled fewer than 2,000 Syrians sessions” statewide to solicit public compared to Germany’s nearly 93,000. input regarding how Pa. might best The same report from The New York comply with the federal Clean Power Times revealed that of the top 15 na- Plan (CPP), including one at Erie’s

MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA tionalities resettled in America, Syri- Blasco Library on Oct. 29. In our last ans rank seventh, behind, for example, issue, we included the testimony of to ban or accept refugees. Which also Iranian and Iraqi. Erie Art Museum Director John Vanco. By: Ben Speggen means that there’s no apparent end- Before being accepted, those seeking Below, we’re featuring the testimony of n the wake of the Islamic State at- game in the representatives’ letter to refuge in the U.S. must apply through Benedictine Sister Pat Lupo, who urges tacks in Paris on Friday, Nov. 13, Wolf. the U.N., while also being screened by Pa. to join Interfaith Power and Light IAmericans have been forced into Do they want him to follow Repub- the F.B.I. and run through Department in signing the Paris Pledge. As the U.N. an existential moment of identity cri- lican governors’ political posturing in of Defense databases. Those arriving Climate Change Conference convenes, sis. Need proof? Search Facebook to declaring that he’ll ban refugees? Do this year, according to NYT, would all eyes have been on Paris for reasons witness the widening chasm between they want him to assert that he won’t come from “18,000 referrals already we could not have foreseen a few conservatives and liberals. You’ll find work with the federal authorities in submitted by the United Nations,” weeks ago. Nevertheless, as Robert plenty of conservatives barking that resettling refugees, thus breaking the more than half of which are children. Pollin wrote in Grist, “it is especially the U.S. must close its borders to Syri- law? Do they expect Wolf to begin The real problem, though, is that critical that we make clear how an an refugees and many liberals shaming construction on a wall around the Key- the call to close our borders because effective global climate stabilization them for being anti-American. stone State? any Muslim or Islamic person may be project will serve as a powerful tool Conservative xenophobia case in Incidentally, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill a terrorist is the rhetorical equivalent for fighting global poverty” and the point: Reacting to the news that Pres- Peduto maintained his position that of deeming all Christians terrorists be- inequality and insecurity it creates. ident Barack Obama would raise the the city should accept Syrian refugees, cause of the Ku Klux Klan. number of refugees the U.S. accepts noting that the second-largest city in While safety should remain an Amer- from 7,000 to 10,000, one man – from Pa. brings in 500 refugees a year from ican priority, rescinding “The New Co- am involved in environmental is- Erie – posted on a Fox News thread that different countries, and that shouldn’t lossus” call is un-American at best and sues for a number of reasons but the refugees should be sent to Erie, be- change after the Paris attacks. unjustifiably xenophobic at worst. Ithey all have their roots in my reli- cause here, he could shoot them. “You just can’t ignore it,” he told “The bosom of America is open to gious tradition. The earth that we live Yes, shoot them. WTAE’s Sheldon Ingram. “It’s not go- receive not only the Opulent and re- on, our air, and water are sacred. We Less hostile but still anti-Syrian ref- ing to just go away. The idea that the spectable Stranger, but the oppressed have a moral obligation to care for the ugee, Erie County’s own State Rep. United States or other countries would and persecuted of all Nations and Re- planet - to act for the well being of all Curt Sonney, who represents the 4th walk away from this world effort, I ligions; whom we shall welcome to generations. Faith communities are Legislative District, posted the letter don’t think is possible to do at this a participation of all our rights and called to demonstrate their commit- he signed with a hundred other state point.” privileges, if by decency and propriety ment to environmental action in part- representatives addressed to Pa. Gov. Meanwhile, the U.S. isn’t exactly of conduct they appear to merit the nership with environmental organiza- Tom Wolf after Wolf declared he would throwing open the floodgates to loose enjoyment,” George Washington once tions, their local communities, and civic still work with federal authorities in throngs of refugees upon Pennsylva- wrote. and governmental entities. accepting refugees. nia – or other states for that matter – More than 200 years later, we are still Speaking from this faith perspective, “We were disturbed to learn that as the U.S. vetting process is far stricter determining America’s collective ideol- the call to stewardship, and the moral you will continue to welcome Syrian and more complex than the European ogy when it comes to refugees. imperative of doing no harm to Cre- refugees into the Commonwealth of Union’s or that of Greece. “An army of principles can penetrate ation, I urge Pennsylvania to enforce Pennsylvania,” begins the letter. “This Since Oct. 1, 14 Syrian refugees have where an army of soldiers cannot,” the Clean Power Plan (CPP). This plan decision places the welfare of individ- been settled in Pa., according to the wrote Thomas Paine. seeks to mitigate climate change and uals who live thousands of miles away state’s Department of Human Services. ISIS knows what it is. If we are to improve public health by limiting car- above the welfare of the Pennsylva- According to the Erie Times-News, triumph over terror, Americans must bon pollution from existing power nians you were elected to serve.” three Syrian families currently live in know who we are. plants. Our best evidence indicates that To be clear, under the Refugee Act of Erie, two of which arrived this year, power plants are the largest station- 1980, POTUS “has explicit statutory au- the other in 2014. Although Erie settles Ben Speggen can be contacted ary source of carbon emissions in the thorization to accept foreign refugees roughly a quarter of the state’s refu- at bSpeggen@ErieReader. U.S., and major contributors to climate into the United States.” Which means gees, those refugees represent 31 coun- com, and you can follow him change. that no governor has the authority tries, according to the Pennsylvania on Twitter @BenSpeggen. The time to act is [Cont. on page 12]

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & OPINION News of the Weird Doctors’ excuses are so passe. Now if you want to blow off studying, bank on the ole Rapture dodge.

By Chuck Shepherd Court after one of its kids t a ceremony in Kabul in in which liability-waiving was reported declining to ANovember, prominent Compelling Explanations “players” volunteer for hours The Patient Will study because education was Afghan developer Khalilul- keptics feared it was just a mat- of kidnapping, pain and death See You Now useless since he was waiting lah Frozi signed a $95 million Ster of time, anyway, until the threats, but the cult-like, un- rofessional patients now to be “raptured” (as described contract to build an 8,800- “political correctness” movement der-the-radar “McKamey Man- Phelp train would-be doc- in the Bible’s Book of Revela- unit township and was, ac- turned its attention to dignity for or” in Southern California (said tors, especially in the most tion). (2) U.S. courts increas- cording to a New York Times thieves. San Francisco’s SFGate. to have a waiting list of 27,000) delicate and dreaded of ex- ingly allow customers to sign dispatch, toasted for his role com reported in November on a is notable for the starkness of ams (gynecological and pros- away state and federal rights in the country’s economic re- discussion in an upscale neigh- its threats of brutality and the tate), where a becalming tech- by agreeing to contracts pro- birth. However, at nightfall, borhood about whether some- absence of any “safe word” with nique improves outcomes. viding private arbitration for Frozi headed back to prison one committing petty, nonviolent which a suddenly reluctant One “teaching associate” of disputes rather than access to resume his 15-year sentence theft should be referred to by the player can beg off. (Only Russ Eastern Virginia Medical to courts even if the contract for defrauding Kabul Bank of “offensive” term “criminal” (rather McKamey himself decides if School told The Washington explicitly requires only reli- nearly $1 billion in depositors’ than as, for example, “the person a player has had enough.) The Post in September that the gious resolutions rather than money. Because he remains who stole my bicycle,” since “crim- “product” is “100 percent fear,” helpers act as “enthusiastic secular, constitutional ones. one of Afghanistan’s elite, ar- inal” implies a harsher level of evil he said. “We’re good at it,” he surgical dummies” to 65 med- A November New York Times rangements were made for and fails to acknowledge factors told London’s The Guardian in ical colleges, guiding rookie investigation examined con- him to work days but spend that might have caused momen- an October dispatch from San fingers through the trainer’s tracts ranging from Scientol- his nights in prison (in com- tary desperation by a person in se- Diego (whose reporter over- own private parts. The pros- ogy’s requirement that fraud fortable quarters). Said one vere need). [SFGate.com, 11-2-2015] heard one of McKamey’s thugs claims by members be re- Western official, laconically, promise, “I’m going to tear that tate associate might helpful- eginald Gildersleeve, 55 and solved only by Scientologists “(I)f you have stolen enough girl (player) apart” and “No one ly caution, “No need for speed free on bond with an exten- to various consumer issues money, you can get away with R is leaving with eyebrows to- here,” especially since he will sive rap sheet, was waving a gun from home repairs to real es- it.” [New York Times, 11-4-2015] day”). [The Guardian, 10-30-2015] be bending over for as many as he threatened a clerk and tried tate sales limited to dockets as nine probings a day. A gy- to rob a store in Chicago on Hal- n October, the student news- of Christian clerics. [Associat- necological teaching associ- Cultural Diversity loween night until a customer (li- paper of Toronto’s Ryerson ed Press via Dallas Morning I ate, mentoring the nervous efore the terrorist murders censed to carry) drew his own gun University reported a mighty News, 11-1-2015] [New York speculum-wielder, might wit- gripped Paris, President Fran- and, with multiple shots, killed scandal that upset the student Times, 11-3-2015] B tily congratulate pupils on cois Hollande and Iran’s President Gildersleeve. Closer inspection body: The school’s executive of- having a front-row sight line Leading Economic Hassan Rouhani had been trying revealed Gildersleeve’s weapon to fices’ restrooms routinely sup- the “GTA” will never witness: Indicators to arrange a formal dinner during be merely a paintball gun, lead- ply two-ply toilet paper while an up-close view of her own Rouhani’s planned visit to the city ing the deceased man’s stepson to most other campus buildings irst-World Spending: Ac- cervix. [Washington Post, 9-3- to celebrate the two countries’ complain later that “Some people offer only one-ply. Following cording to estimates re- 2015] F role in the recent accord limit- (the licensed shooter) don’t actu- up on the hard-hitting Ryerson leased by the National Retail ing Iran’s nuclear development. ally know how to use guns. They Eyeopener’s expose, The Cana- Federation in September, 157 Latest Religious Messages France’s RTL radio news reported go to firing ranges, but it’s not the dian Press noted that the uni- million Americans “planned merican Sharia: (1) U.S. that “dinner” is apparently more same ... as a bullet going into flesh. versities of Guelph, Ottawa and to celebrate” Halloween, parents have a right to vexing than “nuclear weaponry” ... Someone’s got to answer for Toronto comfort all toilet-users’ A spending a total of $6.9 billion, home-school their kids, but as Rouhani demanded an alco- that.” [USA Today, 11-2-2015] bottoms the same. Ryerson offi- of which $2.5 billion would be are subject to varying de- hol-free meal, which was nixed by cials defensively noted that old- on costumes, including $350 grees of regulation, with Tex- Hollande, who insisted that the er plumbing in many of their million dressing up family The Continuing Crisis as the most lax, and one El French never dine without wine. buildings cannot handle two- pets. [National Retail Feder- .S. and European entrepre- Paso family will have a day [Washington Times, 11-11-2015] ply paper. [Inside Higher Educa- ation press release, 9-23-2015] neurs offer extreme “games” before the Texas Supreme U tion, 11-2-2015]

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12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 NEWS & OPINION

[Cont. from page 9] now; shifting to clean energy, ener- take the Paris Pledge. itself. in our businesses, our govern- we cannot step backward each gy conservation, and healthier Being carbon neutral re- We simply can’t support a ments, our churches, and our time there is pressure to do so. communities. quires that we leave fossil fu- form of energy extraction schools. One way to make a I do not speak as an expert on Pennsylvania, the third-larg- els in the ground. Continued that intentionally poisons and difference is by implementing carbon pollution or climate est carbon-emitting state,reliance on them to simulta- permanently removes large the CPP. change, but as an advocate for plays an important role in the neously provide energy and amounts of precious freshwa- Pope Francis’ encyclical is people present and future and plan’s success. By 2030, the drive our economy is no longer ter from the hydrologic cycle. a call to action that includes for our wonderful planet. CPP requires Pennsylvania to a realistic option. The shale We can’t permit an exchange honest dialogue; it is also a Clearly, Pope Francis’ encyc- reduce carbon emissions from gas boom of the past decade of life-giving water for cli- call to urgent actions that seek lical and visit to the U.S. were power plants by 33.3 percent has reinvigorated the ener- mate-damaging oil. Let’s not solutions in both our personal timed to coincide with the 2015 (below 2012 levels). repeat our coal industry lega- and public lives; and finally it U.N. Climate Talks in Paris this In contrast, Interfaith Pow- As citizens of the cy with fracking. is a call to a change in nation- December. er and Light, people of faith Erie’s economy depends on al and international policy. We In his campaign for action from across the U.S., are asking Earth, we need to the tourism industry. The must respond to the call be- on climate change, Francis faith groups to sign the Paris develop an ethic impacts of climate change, cause the Earth is on loan to proclaimed the existence of a Pledge. Signers will strive for a of stewardship, of including fracking, will lead each generation, and because “right of the environment” and 50 percent carbon emission re- responsibility and to continuing changes in tem- caring for the environment pleaded with countries to stop duction by 2030, with a goal of sustainability, in perature, rainfall, snow cover, transcends political and reli- abusing it. He connected cli- being carbon neutral by 2050 and other climate variables: gious boundaries. mate change to the wider pur- (below 2005 levels). They will every facet of our all things that affect activities suit of equality, security, and hand deliver pledges from con- life and society – in which draw tourists to our Benedictine Sister Pat Lupo, justice for all, stating, “Climate gregations at the U.N. Meeting our businesses, our area. an environmental educator at change is a global problem and ask global nations to sign governments, our We must redirect our steps; the Inner City Neighborhood with grave implications: envi- the pledge. churches, and our the challenge that we face de- Art House, is involved in ronmental, social, economic, U.N. Secretary Ban Ki-moon mands nothing less. Climate environmental advocacy at and political … it represents has challenged government schools. change threatens every fac- both the local and statewide one of the principal challenges and civil society leaders to et of our economy: agricul- level. Contact her at plupo@ facing humanity in our day.” bring bold initiatives and pro- gy industry in the state, but ture, energy, transportation, neighborhoodarthouse.org. The world will be watching posals which will drastically not without profound and and tourism. It threatens the the Paris Climate Talks to see lower carbon emissions, close far-reaching consequences. health, happiness, and future Online extra: Local Climate if leaders finally hammer out the emission gap, and put us We need a ban on fracking and of our children. Reality Leader Janine concrete carbon-reduction on track for an ambitious legal we need it now. As citizens of the Earth, we Fennell’s piece “COP 21: goals. Meanwhile, the CPP cre- agreement. I am concerned about all of need to develop an ethic of Framing our future in France” ates federal limits on power Pennsylvania can meet the the environmental and health stewardship, of responsibili- delves further into what’s plants, providing a platform EPA emissions levels. But I impacts of fracking; but espe- ty and sustainability, in every at stake in Paris. Learn and mandate to continue challenge Pennsylvania to cially about water, which is life facet of our life and society – more at eriereader.com.

Budding Solutions to Violence Using theater to interrupt the cycle of violence in Erie.

By: David Szymanowski circle will most likely think and act similarly. Viewing the same TV news ang, bang, you’re dead. shows, listening to similar radio Some say that guns don’t kill reports, or interacting with relat- Bpeople, people kill people. Others ed websites, results in comparable say removing the guns from the streets thoughts and behavior. Likewise, will reduce violence. imbibing at identical bars and clubs, I don’t believe either is accurate. frequenting the same social events, What people think and how they think and standing on the same street cor- kills people. Although emotions play ner repeatedly leads to groupthink. a role, especially in individuals who There is no novel input. Each indi- have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder vidual is constrained within a closed, (PTSD), the defining factor is the way stale system. people act on their emotions through Presently, Erie’s anti-violence action the “what” and “how” of their thoughts. The “what” is the content; whereas, Right: In October, All an Act Theatre the “how” is the thinking that can be Productions staged Death and the Maiden, a play with the sort of toxic: faulty reasoning, illogical state- “intellectual and emotional resonance” ments, and cause and effect reversals. that could offer insight into the urge for Now people who run in the same revenge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 NEWS & OPINION plans are products of that sort of a Plays by teenagers susceptible to The Rising Tide Triumphs Through a system. They’re not solution-oriented. violence could be performed in a the- They are mechanisms of containment ater or, naturally, at our parks, many Sense of Community and control: curfews, gun buy-backs, of which are seldom used. What are Local lawyer hosts first-ever TEDx event in Erie. and reallocated police presence. the implications of creating such dra- Thinking and consequent emotions ma? Resolution, change, and release. and actions need to be the target of These dramas are commonly used intervention. Yet, is this enough to within prison programs, called “Ther- alleviate our epidemic of teenage vi- apeutic Communities.” Although this olence? Regrettably, not all teenagers approach has not been tested in Erie, are capable of change. Traditional now would be a fantastic opportunity legal methods need to be used with to attempt it in our community. those individuals. There are so many serious mani- Fortunately, there are also those festations of violence that could be who overcame obstacles to become presented through acting, a natural role models. One individual who storytelling form where everyone can spent many years in prison became learn. Of all arts, theater is the most a leading expert on combating addic- direct route to human thoughts, feel- tion and criminal thinking. Another ings, and actions. COLWELL ANDY grew up in the worst, most violent, One play with the needed intellectu- and gang infested area of South Chi- al and emotional resonance is Calling – organizers determine the theme, se- cago and became a successful law en- the Moon, which I saw at PACA last By: Ben Speggen lect the speakers, and determine the lo- forcement professional. May. This play was written and direct- gistics – TED does impose restrictions, How might a person’s thought ed by Margo Wolfe to cope with the s his ship neared the end of its most notably how many people can at- processes be changed? One way is thoughts and actions of a distressing maiden voyage, Jonathan D’Sil- tend an event. Only TEDx license hold- through therapy; however, this is an violent suicide. Another, Death and Ava took a moment to sit down. ers who’ve attended a TED conference unwieldy and inefficient method to the Maiden, presented in October by He’d been steadily steering, guiding, can host an event with more than 100 reach numerous people. Moreover, it All an Act Theatre Productions, fea- managing, coaching, and directing. people in attendance. is not just the gun-toting teenagers tured only three actors. Its theme is He reclined, kicked his feet up, and Standard membership to TED 2016 whose cognitions need altering, but best summarized by an unanswered watched as the coast drew nearer. This runs $8,500 – and is sold out already – the citizenry in general. One-dimen- question: “Can the psychological dam- journey had begun nearly nine months while a Donor level – which remains sional media in all its manifestations age of torturous rape only be purified earlier, when the partner at MacDon- open – costs $17,000; both depend on needs to be transformed. Stirring up through revenge or does paranoia ald Illig Attorneys submitted his appli- one’s application being accepted. emotions does not inspire solutions. take an intractable mental foothold?” cation to host the first-ever TEDxErie. A TEDx license must feature official Neither does investing in outrage, On the streets of Erie, many teen- Under the banner of “ideas worth TED material. Events lasting less than maligning others, and further divisive agers consider being “dissed” a trau- spreading,” TED (Technology, Enter- half a day must show two videos; those activity. matic insult that demands killing as tainment, Design) began in 1984 as a running longer must incorporate offi- Could theater change a person’s revenge, regardless of the speaker’s one-off event featuring talks centered cial TED material into at least 25 per- mindset? Our society, in general, fo- intent. But conflict can be trans- on those three topics. From its Silicon cent of their programming. cuses on book learning. Yet teenagers formed into an opportunity for com- Valley roots, it grew to a perennial con- The list goes on, from sponsorship learn predominantly through action passion through interaction instead ference in 1990. As TED flourished, top- details to social media specifications, and play. They model others on the of reaction. Through slow thinking ics became more diverse, but the name but at the heart of TEDx is the TED street corners. They repeat thoughts instead of fast thought. By viewing stuck. And later, TED added the “x” – mission – its connection of quality ma- and behaviors of those they value. It commonalities instead of contrasting and a lot more conferences. terial (chosen at the hand of a TEDx is lock-step groupthink. They are act- differences. The “x” stands for an “independent- license holder and her/his volunteer ing out a play within their play. Consistent, healthy, and frequent ly organized TED event,” meaning the staff) with an audience yearning for Ancient Greeks used plays to ex- parenting would, of course, make TED flagship is available for franchise. knowledge and entertainment. Overall, plore tragedies that ensue with rash many of these interventions unneces- As its website explains, “In the spirit despite encountering some choppy wa- thinking, grave emotions, and fateful sary. Loss, trauma, and a stress-filled of TED’s mission, the TEDx program ters (a couple of presentation slide deck behavior. Medieval churches staged environments can be surmounted by helps communities, organizations, and glitches, a speaker losing his place, and Passion Plays to teach the illiterate. nurturing attachments. individuals produce TED-style events the event running longer than antici- Natural behavior is mimicked through In the meantime, this is a “Call to at the local level.” pated), D’Silva and his team succeeded theater. Ordinary play is transformed Solutions” for brainstorming sessions, For better and for worse, TEDx is a admirably on their maiden voyage. through simulated play. partnerships, and action. None of branding and funding vehicle for TED. After reviewing applications to TEDx- Might not a solution be writing, these changes will be instantaneous To date, more than 14,000 TEDx events Erie, D’Silva (who hasn’t been to a TED practicing, and performing original or easy. have been held, with 1,000-plus confer- conference but attended TEDxColum- scripts? Ending violence depends on you, me, ences scheduled out to November 2017. bus) and crew right-sized the event Who can write these plays? Our and our Erie community: being indif- On Saturday, Nov. 14, Erie was amongst to 12 speakers, three performances, teenagers. ferent or involved. more than 20 TEDx conferences span- and a handful of videos accounting Who can act in these plays? Our ning the globe, from Brooklyn, N.Y. to for a quarter of the afternoon’s TED teenagers. David Szymanowski is a writer living Damanhur, Egypt. programming. “Community” and “tri- Who can learn from these plays? Ev- in Erie and a frequent volunteer Although TED provides much free- umph” emerged from D’Silva’s “The eryone, but especially our teenagers. with the group Pennwriters. dom for planning a TEDx conference Rising Tide” theme as the lasting im-

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THE ART OF GIVING

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 A SHORT DRIVE TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

The quality and value of an EU cinema & EU education is reflected in animation grads have won bachelor’s 123 degree programs national rankings 6 emmys master’s and doctoral + in the past 7 years 20 degree programs 16 and recognitions Boro alumni are also acclaimed artists, Disney and Pixar animators, from respected reviewers, publications student clubs renowned writers, and leaders in and other independent sources. and organizations business, education, health care 140 View the full list at www.edinboro.edu/recognitions and many other fields.

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pressions, with speakers discussing Waiting for a Recall an eclectic mix of topics. Two of the strongest talks came Boom, Bust, and the future of GE Transportation. back-to-back at the conference’s beginning. Photographer Natalie Brasington is an Erie native who resides in New York City and works as a photographer for Rolling Stone, among others. She discussed her work with the Art Start Portrait Project, which provides “homeless and court-involved NYC teens access to the arts.” A visually A SHORT DRIVE TO A stirring presentation, Brasington’s talk explored the impact of arts on personal identity in the presence of challenges all-too-often overlooked. Brad McGarry, director of the Au- tism Initiative at Mercyhurst Univer- sity, followed with another highlight WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES of the conference: A talk that began with an introduction to his son Con- nor, who was diagnosed with Angel- man Syndrome. Brad discussed how their family would not let that define Connor. Brad embarked on a quest to “crack the code” and ensure his son would have a meaningful and enrich- ing life. In short, he’s done that and more.

In the second half, Greenville, Pa.-na- BRAD TRIANA tive Nick Cianci talked about surfing the Great Lakes. In winter. A simple yet oddly striking topic By: Jim Wertz evolved into a clarion call for con- PLOs, at GE Transportation. Members “This union is strong and we don’t quests and achieving greatness or 25 years, Bill Crawford has of UE Local 506 – United Electrical Ra- want to see anyone get laid off or lose against perceived odds. Drawing on made his way each workday dio and Machine Workers of America their job,” he says. “But the reality is Joel Garreau’s Nine Nations of North Ffrom his home in Meadville to – are laid off indefinitely and placed on that we’re all trying to hang on to what America, Cianci explored the differ- the GE Transportation facilities in a five-year recall list. Both the layoffs we’ve got and that can get pretty cut- ence between thinking of ourselves as Lawrence Park. The work, the pay, the and the recalls are based on seniority. throat at times.” The quality and value of an EU cinema & Rust Belt material and of those borne camaraderie: These are the things that Employees with the most service are Especially when GE Transportation EU education is reflected in animation grads have won bachelor’s of The Foundry – how Garreau refers bring him back every day. Job security, the last to go and the first to be re- announces a major layoff. degree programs to the area. however, has been a daily concern. called, while those with the least se- Federal labor legislation known as 123 Perception and self-perception are “I was actually here a year and one niority are the first let go and the last the Worker Adjustment and Retrain- key. In this region, we’re makers and day and I got laid off for over two to be brought back. ing Notification (WARN) Act requires national rankings 6 emmys master’s and doctoral doers, some of whom are bold enough years,” Crawford remembers. But there’s another class of layoffs companies with more than 100 em- + in the past 7 years 20 degree programs to be Great Lakes surfers. Such pas- He went back to Meadville and took known as “temporary layoffs,” or ployees to provide at least 60 days no- 16 sion, energy, and spreading of ideas what he calls cash jobs, day labor that TLOs. These occur when a laborer gets tice in advance of plant closings and and recognitions Boro alumni are also acclaimed this first time around make it exciting helped him stay afloat. It was familiar moved to a different job or classifica- mass layoffs. And while that provides artists, Disney and Pixar animators, to see what D’Silva and team come up to him, the resilient necessity of hav- tion because of company reorganiza- employees with some time to prepare from respected reviewers, publications student clubs renowned writers, and leaders in with next year, as he’s already put in ing a backup plan. tion; like when, for example, 1,500 peo- for their next moves, the stress they and other independent sources. and organizations business, education, health care his bid for a 2016 license with the new “I thought it was like any other job I ple get sent home on a PLO. feel isn’t mitigated by knowing what 140 theme: Don’t Give Up The Ship. had in my life, I’d get laid off and I’d “I’ve been laid off out of every build- lies ahead. View the full list at www.edinboro.edu/recognitions and many other fields. come back,” he says. “But it was literal- ing here,” Crawford admits. “There “For 25 years that stress has always More information – including updates ly 25 months before they called me was one time that I went through five been there,” Crawford says. “Now, I’m on when the archived TEDxErie back.” jobs in a year. I’ve gone from being a 20 the chief steward of Building 7, so I talks will be available to stream – By that time he’d found steady work code welder, to being a 17 code welder, represent 310 guys. The stress I had be- can be found at TEDxErie.com. at a sawmill. But when the call came, to being a 14 code welder, which means fore was bad, but the stress I have he answered. that I could lose as much as five dol- worrying about those guys is worse.” Ben Speggen can be contacted “The money was twice what I was lars an hour in pay and it’s not always Crawford’s unit is expected to lose at bSpeggen@ErieReader. making on the sawmill,” he says. easy to adjust for that.” 212 people in this round of layoffs. com, and you can follow him That experience is typical of what He’s got two kids in college plus ex- In 2009, the company downsized by on Twitter @BenSpeggen. are known as “permanent layoffs,” or penses of his own. nearly 1,500, a third of which came by Choose Excellence. Choose Edinboro. | 888-8GO-BORO | edinboro.edu

/Edinboro @Edinboro @EdinboroU November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 NEWS & OPINION way of retirements. But 800 jobs were eventually recalled. “In 2012, they moved corporate head- quarters out of the area. In 2013, they announced a transfer of work [to Fort Worth, Texas],” recalls Scott Slawson, president of UE Local 506 and a 10-year veteran in the GE facility. “In 2013, they also announced the layoffs and gave the WARN Act. Now here we are in 2015 and they issue the WARN Act again for 1,500 workers and that’s just the union workers. That doesn’t include the sala- ried employees and we haven’t heard that announcement yet.” Many of the hourly employees expected to lose their jobs in January are people who have only been at GE since 2013, when the company laid off 379 union plant workers in addition to relo- cating some management to its new Fort Worth plant. There were also approximately 100 retirements at that time, which saved some positions from being placed on PLO. But many of those positions were not replaced. “With a corporation this big none of us know what our future holds,” Craw- ford says. “Ten years ago, I wouldn’t BRAD TRIANA have expected the Texas plant. Now that’s another factor we have to consid- But perhaps the biggest factors loom- America. In addition to volatile oil mar- Weathered pavement, a forbidding gate er.” ing over the future of GE Transporta- kets, federal emphases on clean energy … these images of one entrance to GE And it’s a big factor in the current tion and its Erie plant are the cost of in the U.S. and an economic downturn Transportation’s East Lake Rd. facility seem round of layoffs. That’s because GE fossil fuels and the unresolved status in China, which historically purchased to be emblematic of the plant’s overall vitality, and its uncertain future down the Transportation pegged the Fort Worth of the U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank. large quantities of U.S. coal, have had a road. plant to be home base for domestic lo- Oil is cheap right now, so it costs less significant impact on a coal industry comotive production in the U.S. to move freight by truck than it does that primarily uses rail freight to deliv- The Erie facility was reclassified for er coal domestically and distribute it to international production and domestic U.S. ports for foreign markets like Chi- mestic overflow from the Texas facility overflow production. Fewer domestic The WARN Act requires na. That’s led to job cuts across the rail- while they process international or- and international orders for locomo- companies with more road industry. ders, which are also down. Both Cana- tives are the primary reason for the im- In August, Union Pacific announced it dian Pacific Railway and Canadian Na- pending layoffs. than 100 employees to would permanently eliminate – not lay tional Railway have collectively laid off “On the domestic front there’s about provide at least 60 days off – hundreds of management posi- nearly 2,000 people in the past year be- 400-500 locomotives for next year, tions following an announcement by cause of falling shipments of oil, grain, which is low,” says Slawson. “On the in- notice in advance of the Omaha Group that coal production and coal, according to the Canadian ternational front, orders are weak. plant closings and mass was down by more than 26 percent in press. It’s a pattern that’s replicated There are simply not a lot of locomo- layoffs. And while that the first half of the year and not ex- across the globe and it means fewer lo- tives to be built.” pected to rebound in 2015. On Oct. 1, comotives coming out of GE Transpor- That’s the result of a number of fac- provides employees with Norfolk Southern suspended opera- tation. tors, all of which are beyond the con- some time to prepare tions on a line that serviced the mining International orders are further soft- trol of GE Transportation and its em- industry between Mullens and Prince- ened by the U.S. Senate’s failure to rati- ployees. Historically, as the country for their next moves, ton, W.Va., which cost 100 people their fy the charter for the Ex-Im Bank, endures the presidential election, do- the stress they feel isn’t jobs. CSX closed a rail yard in Erwin, which helps American companies con- mestic macroeconomic fluctuations mitigated by knowing Tenn. in mid-October leaving 300 peo- nect to international markets by fi- have residual macroeconomic effects ple unemployed. Five days later CSX nancing foreign purchases of goods on global markets. When the gross na- what lies ahead. laid off another 180 workers in Ken- produced in the U.S. This allows gov- tional product of developed nations tucky. ernments and companies in the devel- gets stronger, it creates a more compet- This considerable downturn in do- oping world to purchase expensive itive international marketplace. Fur- by rail. Oil producers are also hanging mestic rail traffic would have been bad products from American firms without thermore, GE Transportation produces on to their reserves until prices go up, for employees of GE here under the old acquiring high risk loans from private very expensive products with long re- which impacts rail companies respon- production model. It’s much worse now lenders. placement cycles. sible for transporting oil across North that local workers are waiting for do- “With Ex-Im being [Cont. on page 41]

Left: Detail of a mural by Edward Turnbull, who also painted murals in the Chrysler Building in NYC, Opposite: Kennedy’s copy of Real Estate Development Workbook & Manual, clearly well-used.

Palace Building. “If I could do anything and not fail,” he recounts thinking, “I’d buy that building.” So he did. The what-would-you-do-if-you- knew-you-couldn’t-fail notion came to Kennedy while Zig Ziglar piped through his car’s stereo system, when he’d travel from job site to job site as a sales and application engineer, after studying mechanical engineering at SUNY Maritime College in the early ‘80s. Kennedy daydreamed. Took notes. Observed his surround- ings constantly. Thought about what his future might look like.

BRAD TRIANA “Ask someone who’s been do- .com ing what you want to do for ten nights, weekends sacrificed on is contagious and comes on with- years and you’ll get a good sense By: Ben Speggen the altar of achievement. And out warning; he’s friendly, and of where you’ll be in ten years,” ehind an austere door on the president of Professional De- it’s easy to feel like you’ve known he says. “A lot of people I worked the third floor of the Re- velopment Associates, Inc. knows him for years in minutes – but with gave up on their dreams for naissance Centre, Tom this, too, better than most. it can be difficult to keep up. He various reasons and didn’t seem

B youtube.com/vnet_IT Kennedy buzzes about his office. knows this, too, and finds anec- happy about that.”

Time pauses between early and ennedy’s from New York City. dotes along the way to slow down After living in New Orleans, . vnet ﬁber late morning and settles into an KBecause of that, people can his thoughts. then New Jersey, and then Pitts- otherwise average Thursday in be quick to assume that he comes Just a few years ago, he explains, burgh, Kennedy landed in Erie Erie, Pa. Inside the tallest build- from money. His last name con- he boarded the Renaissance Cen- because of General Electric. As his time as a twentysomething

ing in Pennsylvania’s fourth larg- jures images of wealth; weekends tre elevator on the fourteenth www est city, Kennedy shifts quickly spent at Martha’s Vineyard, not floor. A woman and her son were neared the threshold to be- between his two desks, searching hanging drywall in low-income already there. He did what any coming a thirtysomething, he for something. properties in Erie. But Kennedy decent person would do: said hel- thought about life outside of his “I don’t know if you want this is a self-made man, unrelated to lo and asked how she was doing. 9-to-5. Before Kennedy would or not, but I have a recent copy the royal U.S. bloodline. Both of “Not so good,” she responded. purchase the Palace Building – of my résumé – a list of my em- his parents’ collars were blue. Her son had just been diagnosed his first large acquisition – he ested by taking the survey at: ployment background,” he says, They worked hard and encour- with ADD, she told him. started small: $4,000 investment handing over two pieces of paper aged their children to do the “‘Oh,’ I said, ‘that’s great! I also small. stapled together. “That way we same. He didn’t grow up with a have ADD – and I own the build- He purchased his first proper-

don’t really have to talk about it.” silver spoon; rather, in a borough ing!’” he says, laughing. “We’re so ty at the corner on Fourth and e inter

Kennedy shrugs off his cata- where youth looking to excel quick to put labels on things. My Cherry streets, heeding the ad- facebook.com/vnetfiber logue of accomplishments not slung newspapers early in the mind is always thinking about vice of an economics professor. because they’re unremarkable, morning and swept shops late at things … you know, it can be a real That professor told his students nor out of hubris. Experience night, carving out their share of strength if you use it.” if they took anything away from quantified by bullet points belies the American Dream. Kennedy channels that gift by the class, it was to purchase prop- the real story of this real estate Moving from paintings and embracing his curiosity and a erty where they work and rent it developer – one of hard work, photos of boats to his bookcas- fearlessness to, as he puts it, act out to their colleagues. Kennedy humility, and an innate ability es, Kennedy speaks in bursts. He on the “ready, fire, aim” mantra. laughed it off as odd guidance, to not fear failure. And he knows smiles often and laughs genu- Which explains his success as a but after renting a room from a fellow engineer at his first this; he’s lived it. Success is an inely. He shifts topics with little developer. ll us that you’r easier story to write than the regard for transitions. He’s not Standing on the corner of State job with Ingersoll Rand in New @vnetfiber

come-up – the long hours, late hard to follow – his excitement and Ninth streets, he eyed up the Jersey, the counsel took on real Te

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 BUSINESS Tickles Deli 17 West 4th Street Ph: 455-5718 Mon-Fri: 8:30 - 3:00PM

FREE DELIVERY: 10:30 - 1:30PM Call or go online for the daily specials and soups WWW.TICKLESDELI.COM BRAD TRIANA Werner Books is a locally owned new and used bookstore located in Erie, PA. meaning. In the mid-2000s, Kennedy secured Kennedy soon amassed twenty-odd the former Meadville Junior High STORE HOURS more properties, including the Palace School – equal in size to the Renais- Monday – Friday: Building, and quit his full-time job be- sance Centre – and converted it into 10 am – 5:30 pm fore turning 30, which caught the eye apartments. Then he sent a message Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm of the press. In his office, he has an old to the president of Cobblestone Hotels Closed Sundays Erie Times-News clipping. He’s photo- via LinkedIn. Kennedy now has seven graphed mid-glimpse, gazing out of his hotels – including one planned for the [email protected] www.wernerbooks.com office window at the nearby Baldwin Bayfront, one at Penn State Erie, The 3514 Liberty Street, Liberty Plaza, Erie, PA 16508 Building. Behrend College, and one in Texas – un- “If I could do anything and know I derway. wouldn’t fail …” he says, smiling. “When we first met, I told them our The Baldwins, Kennedy had discov- plan was to have five hotels in five ered, planned to auction off the build- years,” he says, explaining that Cobble- ing and give the proceeds to charity. stone officials said they hear that often Although he had sunk his savings into but don’t see it. “We’re on our seventh the Palace Building, Kennedy headed to project in year three.” a local bank the day of the auction and obtained $25,000 on a line of credit to om Kennedy, the engineer, the make him an eligible bidder. When he Tdeveloper, the New Yorker, the showed up, he was handed a placard not-that-Kennedy Kennedy, has nev- with “2” on it. There wouldn’t be a “3” or er dreamed of returning to New York “4” or any other number but “1” – held City. “Sometimes I get frustrated when by the Baldwins. people don’t realize all of the things we When the bidding opened at $300,000, have here,” he says. “We have our chal- Kennedy raised his hand. Then a bid of lenges, sure, but we’ll overcome them.” $310,000 – the Baldwins – came in. So From the highest point in the tallest Kennedy raised $315,000. That was the building in the city, he has a good van- last number said at the auction. tage point. After getting the closing period -ex “It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?” Kennedy tended from thirty to ninety days, Ken- says, gazing out a fourteenth floor win- nedy scrambled to find the funding. dow of the Renaissance Centre. It’s un- It’s not that he doubted his ability to clear whether he means the Lake, the purchase the building, or didn’t realize City, a nearby building, or something he would need the money; it’s that not else he sees that others don’t. What is having the money first hadn’t scared clear is that he’s still looking. And he’s him out of taking action. It was ready, still seeing. And failure isn’t on the fire, aim, and he hit his mark. horizon. Since then, Kennedy’s been busy. Al- most too busy to stop and measure his Ben Speggen can be contacted Always Casual • Always Fun! success. “It’s always on to the next proj- at bSpeggen@ErieReader. ect, on to the next thing that catches com, and you can follow him my eye,” he explains. on Twitter @BenSpeggen. www.PlymouthTavern.com

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre Sat. Nov. 28, 7:00 pm and Sun. Nov. 29, 3:00 pm

CELEBRATE! The Joy of the Season

McDowell Performing Arts Center Tickets: www.eriecbt.org (814) 476-7123

1355 West 26th Street, Erie 814-459-2585 world of music www.worldofmusicerie.com IF IT’S IN STOCK, IT’S ON SALE! BONUS DEAL! In addition to these HUGE holiday discounts, if you buy a USA-made GUITAR or BASS during this sale you will receive a FREE $100 GIFT CARD to use at WOM any 2 DAYS ONLY! way you want!* FRIDAY 11/27 from 10-8:00 &

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November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 Spotlight on Erie November 25 to December 8, 2015

Wednesday, Nov. 25 the noble punk rock tradition of split motivation, noting that “I’m trying to My Mother Taught Me, at All An Act seven-inch records, they’ll be releasing show people from the hip-hop world, Theatre, promises to be hilarious and The Great Pumpkin three in one night. Drop by this free and the scene as a whole, that even heartwarming. As the four arrive to Jam Continues a Tasty show, and you’ll be able to hear every- though we’re all different, we should “help” the young couple start a new life Tradition at the Brewerie thing that was so recently emblazoned be working together.” in Chicago, they come armed with wis- in wax. This showcase might seem like it dom and cleaning supplies. Things go Erie’s own Rust Belt troubadour, Matt downhill fast, as possessions are lost Texter, will open the show. Inspired by and surprises ruined. Add in a building his country idols of yesteryear, Texter’s Carrying on the noble super who only understands English soulful baritone and engaging person- when it’s convenient – and provides ality will win you over instantly. Sec- punk rock tradition of liquor at critical moments – and the ond on the bill is Planet Claire. This split seven-inch records, stage is set for comedic errors laced charming foursome is sweet enough they’ll be releasing three with every parental gem of wisdom to give you a mouthful of cavities. Sue the elders have acquired about life and Martin’s vocals have the bite to nail in one night. love. The mothers fuss over cleaning and quiz Olivia about the relationship road varies too widely in genre, but it feels ahead. The dads go on an odyssey, end just right. The acts are all personally up a bit tipsy, and give Gabe genuinely connected to each other. And all of the wise advice. here’s just something about late songs were recorded by TAS guitarist You will recognize, and laugh at, the Tfall, around Thanksgiving, that John Johnston, right in his home stu- classic parental clichés, but you will brings out the drinker in a lot of us. dio. also see the screwy beauty of family. And when the drinks are beers, and Get your turntable ready for a There’s a happy ending here, of course, the beers are (mostly) born of pump- six-sided chimera of local talent. The but the journey to it may have you kin, and all choice-quality, and all local, seven-inches will be available individ- both laughing and crying. – Mary Bird- I mean c’mon - that’s autumnal splen- ually, or you can pick up a box set con- song dor right there. taining all three splits. The multi-col- Ergo, the Brewerie at Union Station ored records were pressed in very 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 3 p.m. once again presents the Great Pump- their twee punk sound perfectly. Tak- limited quantities, so be sure to snatch Sunday, Nov. 29 // 652 West 17th St. // kin Jam, a Thanksgiving Eve party ing the stage next will be Erie’s favorite up this beautiful collaboration while 450.8553 or 449.6554 to commemorate, celebrate, and/or MC, C. Brown. Catch every beat while you can! – Nick Warren Sunday, Nov. 29 mourn the tapping of this year’s final Brown brings out verse after verse of kegs of its “Pumpkin Pie,” “Pumpkin soul-searching rhymes. As one of the 9 p.m. // Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. Even Craftier Handmade Bomb,” and “Gourd Lourd” harvest-sea- // facebook.com/kingsrookclub strongest talents to come along in a Fair Supports PACA son brews. while, it’s no wonder he’s won virtually Saturday, Nov. 28 There’ll also be local guest taps every award the area can bestow. featuring Lavery Brewing Compa- After that, get ready for a rapid-fire Always Get a New Toilet ny’s “Devil’s Pumpkin,” Erie Brewing treat, as each band will recreate the vi- Seat, and Other Things Company’s “Johnny Rails,” and Mead- nyl tracklist live. Sharing equipment, ville-based TimberCreek Tap & Table’s they’ll alternate to play every song in My Mother Taught Me “Creek O’ Lantern,” plus other seasonal order. bottles on special. Local favorites This American Song Along with all that, there’s a return will close out the night. You might al- (and what’s become a traditional) per- ready know members of this five-piece formance by Erie rockers East Ave, from previous bands like Telefonics, jamming out a live acoustic set. Black Rose Diary, Smoke and Mirrors, Happy Thanksgiving, indeed. – Ryan Plato’s Cave, and the Go Go Rays. They Smith bring their signature blend of Ameri- cana and indie, with a punk rock ethos. 7 to 10 p.m. // The Brewerie at Union But wait, that’s not all! This show Station, 123 W. 14th St. // brewerie.com will also see the debut of Presque Isle Saturday, Nov. 28 Records, a new musical collective. The three records will be the first releases 3 Records. 4 Bands. 1 to bear the new logo (designed by Tex- Night. Welcome Presque ter) for this budding label. Keep your he holidays are upon us, and that Isle Records in Seven-inch eyes peeled, because you’ll undoubted- Tmeans shopping. If the madness of ly see more great independent artists Black Friday isn’t for you, sleep in, eat Style at Kings Rook Club abe and Olivia are moving into added to this inclusive stable. Gtheir first apartment when both some leftovers, and plan your shop- his American Song has some cool C. Brown and This American Song’s sets of parents show up unexpected- ping for Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Even Tfriends. They also love records. Larry Wheaton recently sat down ly. What could go wrong? Delightfully, Craftier Handmade Fair. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with The Whenever Show podcast to just about everything. The fair is a community of local mak- they’re combining them. Carrying on detail the event. Brown described his Katherine DiSavino’s comedy, Things ers and musicians, with crafts as far

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 3 GREAT NEW YEAR’S PARTIES

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November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 CALENDAR as the eye can see. A local nonprofit is – with a heaping helping of rock-n-roll. people do not often get the opportu- tion affords me the opportunity to dis- supported at each fair (usually once a Headlining are Oklahoman post-grun- nity to see,” explained Laugh/Riot’s cover something both unknown and month), and in November, the Perform- ge/sleaze rock veterans Hinder, touring board member and head of P.R., Josh- remembered, beyond the trappings of ing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA) in support of their latest release, When ua Mizikowski. “We have made doing my overactive habits of mind.” will reap the benefits of your holiday The Smoke Clears. Marshall Dutton re- Greek and Roman plays part of our Beadle explores the interactions of cheer. places original lead singer Austin Win- mission statement.” Directed by Shaun figures in illusory three-dimension- There will be acoustic sets, too, from kler, and the result is a little less boozy Taylor and Rob Connick, who was se- al form and space, saying, “I compose Tommy Link, Zach Chylinski, Opti- and a lot more Bon Jovi. lected as one of Erie Reader’s 2015 “40 these pictures with the goal of engag- mistic Apocalypse, and Justin Moyar Joining them are special guests Sha- under 40,” the play fits in with Laugh/ ing the viewer in dynamic design, using (so much better than mall muzak, man’s Harvest and Within Reason, Riot’s “season of duality,” said Mizikow- the lyrical positioning of figures, shift- right?). It’s the perfect opportunity to who also fit well within the template ski in a press release. ing perspective of architectural space, give homemade presents (Jewelry! Af- of 2000’s modern rock radio – riff-cen- Mizikowski noted that Menaechmi and strategic arrangement of pattern, ghans! Warm cuddly things!) to your tered verses and poppy choruses. Join- complements the heavy dramas the texture, color, and light.” He uses multi- loved ones, without all the stress. ing these special guests are special company is also staging this season. Because let’s be honest here: you are guests Revolve, Six Years After, and Six “This is a great comedy for our audienc- not going to finish those hand-knitted Year Stretch. That’s a whole lot of spe- es that everyone can enjoy,” he added. Shelle Barron, Geoff scarves for all of your friends. Nor will cial – but then again, you’ve already es- So, when in Rome, do as the Romans Beadle, Terry McKelvey, you complete the irreverent emoji nee- tablished that nothing is too much for do; when at EUP this December, watch dlepoints, or the hand-made soaps and you. – Matt Swanseger what entertained them over 22 centu- and Fred Scruton are candles. What you will end up doing ries ago. – Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp masters in their chosen is dropping half a paycheck at JoAnn 7 p.m. // Sherlocks // 508 State St. // $25 // Fabrics. Then, a few days before Christ- sherlockspub.com 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12; 2:30 disciplines who, together, mas, covered in hot glue, paper scraps, p.m. on Dec. 6 & 13 // Edinboro University’s will create a new dialogue Thursday, Dec. 3 Diebold Center for the Performing Arts // and possibly glitter, you will admit transcending all of them. defeat and plead mercy from the Am- Laugh/Riot Performing Arts 219 Meadville St., Edinboro // 323.1147 or laughrioterie.com azon.com gods. And you know how ex- Company Stages The Twin pensive shipping is. ple sources such as direct observation Friday, Dec. 4 The Even Craftier Handmade Fair Menaechmi at Edinboro and photographs, but he “intentionally saves you all that hassle — and you’ll University of Pennsylvania Take a Visual and obscure[s] this process of compilation, be doing a bit of good in the process. Artistic Journey through attempting to create images that are Tis the season! — Sara Toth seamlessly unified and convincingly “Assembled Visions” real.” 12 – 4 p.m. // Tickets $1 // PACA, 1505 McKelvey says he attempts to capture State St., 2nd Floor // facebook.com/ the dynamic tensions or contradictions evencraftier in spaces and forms in his paintings. The degree to which individual works Sunday, Nov. 29 appear realistic, expressionistic, or Hinder with Special Guests abstracted varies, he says, depending Shaman’s Harvest and Within on his response to forms he observes and what he is trying to convey. He Reason Rock Sherlocks does, however, prefer enigmatic images which “have a greater capacity to feel compelling and universal.” Scruton, a photographer, embrac- es the “truth is stranger than fiction” tradition of street photography. His work revolves around capturing the efforts of self-taught “outsider” artists throughout the country. He sees their local theater company will soon be work as less shaped by mass media or offering some old school laughs; A the academic art tradition. He wants to and by “old school” I mean positively record this outsider art because he says ancient. it is often ephemeral, saying his project Currently in its fourth season, Laugh/ hining brightly in the sky of Gallery is intended to “preserve the artists’ Riot Performing Arts Company, a resi- SNight on Dec. 4 will be the opening transient visions, and break through dent theatrical ensemble loosely based of “Assembled Visions,” a group show the confines of one imagination.” at Edinboro University, will present featuring four regional artists. All fac- To reveal more about their working The Twin Menaechmi by the Roman ulty members in the Art Department methods, a video will accompany the playwright Plautus. of Edinboro University, Shelle Barron, exhibit wherein they describe the pro- Written over two millennia ago,Me - Geoff Beadle, Terry McKelvey, and Fred cess of creation. Collectively, these art- t’s Sunday evening. Thanksgiving naechmi is a true classic. A comedy Scruton are masters in their chosen ists have a lot to say with language — IEve is a distant memory – if it’s a of mistaken identities, it’s survived disciplines who, together, will create a and also imagery. This promises to be memory at all (you probably started and been retooled in various versions new dialogue transcending all of them. a fascinating show, with works speak- at Plymouth, because in Erie we do as throughout the annals of theater: “Visions” will explore their creative pro- ing to each other and creating rich and the Pilgrims did). Turkey Day and all Shakespeare poached the play to cre- cesses to seek out how artists go about meaningful dialogues with their view- its tryptophan-fare have paraded their ate The Comedy of Errors during Eliza- their work and arrive at the final piece. ers. — Mary Birdsong way into cold storage. Your waistline bethan times; and last century, Rodgers Barron designs and prints her own has expanded while your wallet has disparate imagery and then re-con- and Hart “borrowed” it from the Bard 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through contracted. And still you ask yourself, structs these fragments into new, larg- to create their 1938 musical, The Boys Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday // Nov. 28 to “Have I overindulged enough?” er, compositions where “some kind of from Syracuse. Mar. 26, 2016 // 411 State St. // 459.5477 // If that’s a void yet to be filled in your inner truth appears.” She writes in her “Laugh/Riot has from the beginning erieartmuseum.org life, let Sherlocks be the place to fill it prided ourselves on doing works that statement for the show, “Experimenta-

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 CALENDAR • Criminal Saturday, Dec. 5 Romney or John Kerry rely, in part, on their lingering resemblance to patri- • DUI Driftwood Floats in with Tyler cian elitists of this sort. • Divorce Smilo at Kings Rook Club Although Buckley and Vidal were political opposites, their personal similari- • Custody ties take center stage in Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon’s 2015 documentary • Personal Injury Best of Enemies. Both are petty, adver- sarial, impeccably dressed, and fierce- Kenneth A. Bickel, Esq. ly intellectual. Both sound strikingly Bickel Law Office similar to Thurston Howell III from 557 West 8th Street Gilligan’s Island. And for a few months during the summer of 1968, their public Erie, PA 16508 sparring (especially over Vietnam, sex- uality, and police brutality) propelled • FREE CONSULTATIONS • ABC studios into the media spotlight. Best of Enemies would have you believe that these debates signaled a sea change in our political discourse,

ometimes a band can just appear “Sout of nowhere and make a sound so agreeable and enticing it almost seems like they’re the product of some divine destiny. Driftwood offers an ide- al example of that phenomenon,” wrote a reviewer in Country Standard Time. Yup. The Binghamton, N.Y.-based quartet – driven by strings and incorporating elements of, well, everything into their sound – has made substantial waves in the Northeast’s music scene and beyond in recent years, sharing stages with the likes of Donna the Buffalo, Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck, and many other notables. as partisan bickering came to replace And soon, Driftwood will float its way objective facts and figures. The docu- back into the Gem City for what’s sure mentary also identifies Buckley as an to be a stellar show at the Kings Rook important precursor to the “Reagan Club. revolution” that rolled back the ac- They’ll be joined for the evening by complishments of the New Deal. Be- special guest-opener Tyler Smilo, who yond that, I’m not sure that Vidal and (in case you didn’t know) is a Rust-Belt- Buckley indicate much about Ameri- hewn musical force unto himself. can politics in the 21st century. Vidal’s Both Driftwood and Erie’s own Smilo sexual frankness is more Oscar Wilde have been taking the Americana-in- than Nicki Minaj, and it’s tough to pic- fluenced scene by storm of late – and ture Buckley making any sense out of a with good, sound-based reason – so it Republican party enthralled by reality behooves fans of live music to take the television stars and low-affect lunatics opportunity to catch them all together. who think that Jesus’ dad stored grain — Ryan Smith in the pyramids of Egypt. 8 p.m. // Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. // Ironically, Best of Enemies indicates facebook.com/kingsrookclub the degree to which anti-intellectual- ism has taken over political discourse Sunday, Dec. 6 in our country. At its best, this impulse can minimize the reign of rich white Best of Enemies Explores guys in seersucker suits. At its worst, the Partisan Bickering we get pointless debates about “killing of a Bygone Era baby Hitler” when we need insights about foreign policy. I’m not sure Best atching liberal novelist Gore Vidal of Enemies steers us in a more produc- Wspar with conservative journalist tive direction, but it gives us a look at William F. Buckley in the late sixties is another flawed model for political dis- like entering the Twilight Zone. In tone, course. – Dan Schank appearance, and rhetoric, the two call to mind almost nothing about contem- 2 p.m. // Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and porary politics. In fact, the presidential Culture, 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst. failures of aristocratic insiders like Mitt edu/events/best-of-enemies/

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 Events Calendar November 25 to December 8, 2015

Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Christmas Warner Theatre, 811 International MUSIC presqueisledowns.com. State St. eriephil.org. FOOD & DRINK Dec. 1 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dining Series: French Provincial Basement New Wave Nation Warner Theatre, 811 State Driftwood, Tyler Pre - Order Transmissions St. erieevents.com. Christmas Dec. 5 — 6 p.m. (Dinner Nov. 27 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Smilo & Bootleggers Turkey Trot Baked Goods served at 6:30 p.m.) Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Bible Club Mercyhurst String Lake View Country Club, Nov. 25 — 6 to 10 p.m. State St. facebook.com/ Dec. 5 — 9 p.m. Ongoing through Dec. 6 Ensemble Concert 8351 Station Rd. northeast. Basement Transmissions, sherlocksparkplace. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Saint Peter & Paul Dec. 2 — 7 p.m. mercyhurst.edu. 145 West 11th St. Peach St. facebook. Orthodox Church, 25636 facebook.com/basement. Saturday Night Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. N. Mosiertown Rd. com/kingsrookclub. Ladies Day Brunch transmissions. Blues, Latin, 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. orthodoxcrossingville.org. & Art Day Jazz and More Mid-life Crisis Thanksgiving Dave VanAmburg Happy Hour with Dec. 6 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 & Dec. Dec. 5 —9 p.m. Eve Party with & Friends Acoustic Jukebox Arundel Cellars & Brewing 5 — 6 to 9 p.m. Presque Isle Downs & Steve Trohoske’s Dec. 3 — 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 25 — 6 to 9 p.m. Co., 11727 E. Main Rd. Art Groupies Oasis Pub, 3122 West Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. arundelcellars.com. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Bel Aire Marriott Hotel, presqueisledowns.com Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Nov. 25 — 9 p.m. 2800 W. 8th St. jazzerie.com. State St. facebook.com/ FILM Kings Rook Club, 1921 Mushroomhead Holiday Concert sherlocksparkplace. Peach St. facebook. Colony House Band Deepsea Challenge Nov. 28 — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 6 — 3 p.m. The Great Pumpkin com/kingsrookclub. Dec. 3 — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Louis C. Cole Auditorium Jam & Thanksgiving Ongoing through Dec. Vibe & Direct State St. facebook.com/ Colony Pub & Grille, 2670 - Memorial Hall, 205 Eve Revelry 31 — noon & 4 p.m. sherlocksparkplace. W. 8th St. jazzerie.com. Meadville St. events. Tom Ridge Environmental Nov. 27 — 1 p.m. edinboro.edu. Nov. 25 — 7 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Kings Rook Club, 1921 This American Song, Eugene Perry The Brewerie At Union Drive. trecpi.org. Peach St. facebook. C. Brown, Planet Faculty Recital Mercyhurst Wind Station, 123 W. 14th com/kingsrookclub. Ensemble Concert St. brewerie.com. Claire & Matt Texter Dec. 3 —7 p.m. Tiny Giants Dec. 6 — 4 p.m. Gem City Jazz Nov. 28 — 9 p.m. Dr. William P. Alexander Wild Turkey Ongoing through Feb. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Music Center Recital Mary D’Angelo Performing 1 — 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Ensemble at Hall, 110 Kiltie Rd. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Wednesday Festival of Trees Peach St. facebook. with the I-90s Tom Ridge Environmental com/kingsrookclub. events.edinboro.edu. St. mercyhurst.edu Center, 301 Peninsula Nov. 27 — 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Drive. trecpi.org. Bayfront Convention Legend Alex Hall’s Merry Mozart to All! Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Center, 1 Sassafras Figurehead State St. facebook.com/ D-Day: Normandy Nov. 28— 9 p.m. Dec. 6 — 7 p.m. Pier erieevents.com. Dec. 4 — noon sherlocksparkplace. 1944 Movie Presque Isle Downs & First Alliance Church, Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Kings Rook Club, 1921 2939 Zimmerly Ongoing through Feb. 1 — Gem City Concert Rd. jessiecollura@ Thanksgiving Buffet presqueisledowns.com. Peach St. facebook. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Band at Festival com/kingsrookclub. roadrunner.com. Nov. 26 — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. of Trees Tom Ridge Environmental Hinder, Shaman’s Mercyhurst North Riverside Inn at Cambridge Center, 301 Peninsula Nov. 27 — 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. First Friday Concert Springs, One Fountain Drive. trecpi.org. Harvest & East Cultural Series: Bayfront Convention Within Reason Dec. 4 — 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Ave. theriversideinn.com. Center, 1 Sassafras Herald the Season! Ink (2009) Nov. 29 — 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dr. William P. Alexander Pier erieevents.com. Music Center Recital Dec. 9— 7 p.m. Support Local Sherlocks Erie PA, 508 Nov. 28 — 8 p.m. Hall, 110 Kiltie Rd. St. Mary’s Chapel - Everything Basement State St. facebook.com/ events.edinboro.edu. Erie Movie House, 3424 sherlocksparkplace. Mercyhurst North East, 16 Nov. 27 — noon to 10 p.m. Westlake Road. facebook. W. Division St. northeast. Transmissions Erie Ale Works, 416 com/ErieMovieHouse. Mercyhurst mercyhurst.edu. Acoustic Showcase Vienna Boys Choir 12th St. facebook. Concert Choir Nov. 27 — 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. com/ErieAleWorks. Love Me or Leave Me Nov. 30 — 7:30 p.m. Holiday Concert DANCE Basement Transmissions, Mary D’Angelo Performing Dec. 3 — 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 — 7 p.m. The Nutcracker Breakfast With Santa 145 West 11th St. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Corry Area Primary School, facebook.com/basement. St. mercyhurst.edu. Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. Nov. 28 — 7 p.m. & Nov. 28, 29 — 9 a.m. to noon 423 Wayne St. corrypa.com. transmissions. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Nov. 29 — 3 p.m. Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Gem City Concert McDowell Intermediate One Flew Over the Friday Night Jazz Pier erieevents.com. Band: Holiday The Groove Little Theater, 3320 Cuckoo’s Nest Nov. 27 & Dec. Concert Dec. 4 —8 p.m. Caughey Rd. eriecbt.org. Dec. 3 — 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. 4 — 6 to 9 p.m. An Evening of Dec. 1 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Presque Isle Downs & Cocktail Creations Edinboro University, 405 Oasis Pub, 3122 West Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Cheer & Dance Scotland Rd. facebook. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. St. John’s Lutheran presqueisledowns.com. Extravaganza by Local Mixologists Church, 2216 Peach St. com/edinborofilmseries. gemcitybands.org. Dec. 5 — all day Dec. 5 — 5 to 9 p.m. Geek Army Come Home for Bayfront Convention Grape Discovery Center, Of Dice and Nov. 27— 8 p.m. Mannheim the Holidays Center, 1 Sassafras 8305 W. Main Rd. Men (2014) grapediscoverycenter.com. Presque Isle Downs & Steamroller Nov. 5 — 2:30 & 8 p.m. Pier erieevents.com. Dec. 4 — 8 p.m.

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015

MUSIC REVIEWS

Joanna Newsom Grimes Trey Anastasio Dornik Divers Art Angels Paper Wheels Dornik Drag City 4AD Rubber Jungle Records Universal

ivers gives us anoth- ou might be sur- hish’s Trey Anas- on’t be fooled by his Der complex album Yprised by how Ptasio is one of the Dunusual name (a full of lush instrumenta- genuinely poppy Art best guitarists of our portmanteau of parents tion and erudite song- Angels sounds. No time. That doesn’t Dorothy+Nick) or South writing. Fans won’t be one would describe mean he’s perfect. It’s London upbringing – disappointed. Newsom – probably the the widely acclaimed 2012 bedroom difficult for this album to hold your Dornik’s self-titled debut is the greatest world’s most recognizable harp player album Visions as a mainstream sensa- attention. Anastasio seemed most in- Michael Jackson album to be released – has cemented herself as a critical dar- tion. Claire Boucher has moved from teresting with his cranked up, brassy since, well, Michael Jackson. Whereas ling. Listeners can submerge themselves her darker, dream pop sound to some- 2002 debut. A few years later, Shine did posthumous Jackson releases Michael in the dark fragility of her distinctive thing brighter and more marketable. an amazing job showcasing his con- (2010) and Xscape (2014) were unmistak- sound. Notes cascade and unfold like a Usually, an evolution like that would trolled, subtle side. This album takes ably the products of studio necromancy, steampunk music box. The format of the throw up red flags of insincerity. That the lukewarm approach. Some seg- Dornik feels like a reincarnation. The epon- album is easier-to-swallow than the tri- isn’t the case here, and that’s why it ments are more frenetic, but end up ymous singer is a medium through which ple-disc opus of Have One On Me, with- works. I had my doubts, but around the sounding goofy (“In Rounds”). When- Jackson speaks – from the familiar falset- out the lengthy tracks of Ys. While not sixth listen, the catchiness won out. At ever Phish would go to sillier places, to to the rhythmic presence of his delivery, the game-changer that her 2006 album 28, the Canadian songwriter is poising the entire band was gung ho about it, wherein the gasps and yips between vocal was, Divers is still studiously dense. It’s herself as a true “post-internet” pop and it would work. Here, you don’t hear phrases are as vital as the melody itself. rife with historical allusions. For exam- star. Boucher has described Grimes any connection between the band and Many of these tunes could be confused ple, “Sapokanikan” is named for a Native as “ADD music.” That makes sense the bandleader. They sound great, but for Thriller outtakes, but in a way that American settlement eventually known when you hear the millennial schmaltz they sound like studio musicians. A seems genuine and not contrived. Album as Greenwich Village. The album expands of “California” followed by Taiwanese few lifeless tracks and awkward mo- opener “Strong” is the spiritual successor on subjects like war, love, and time. Begin- rapper Aristophanes’ guest spot on ments stand out, like “Bounce.” The to “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” with its ning with the shimmering first verses of “Scream.” The first side of the album is album has an uptick with “Invisible incessant bass figure and aerobic pace. “Anecdotes,” she notes that “time in our front loaded with a string of club-ready Knife,” and there are a few more high- The slower and mid-tempo tracks that camp is moving.” Emotions rise and fall, cuts. The highlight of that later half is lights along the way. Tracks like “Liquid comprise the bulk of the album recall MJ culminating with the sweeping tones of “Venus Fly,” where she teams up with Time” smooth out the edges. In the before his tragic descent, when he was “Time, As A Symptom.” Bonus fact: she’s the venerable Janelle Monáe. After end, though, it probably doesn’t mat- more invested in his music than preserv- married to Andy Samberg. Catch her in the dust settles, will we see Grimes be ter much. Anastasio was never really ing his image – at turns daydreamy, rhap- Pittsburgh Dec. 12, or Buffalo the next day. seated as Pitchfork’s answer to Katy known for his studio albums. – Nick sodic, and vulnerable, but consistently – Nick Warren Perry? – Nick Warren Warren delightful. – Matt Swanseger

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 CALENDAR

Erie Movie House, 3424 Ongoing through Jan. 10 Theatre, 4940 Peach St. Center, 1 Sassafras of North American Dec. 5 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westlake Road. facebook. Erie Art Museum, 411 State canterburyfeast.com. Pier erieevents.com. Women Martyred Tom Ridge Environmental com/ErieMovieHouse. St. erieartmuseum.org. in El Salvador Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. The Twin Menaechmi Rumble on the events.dcnr.pa.gov. Reuse! Because Dec. 2 — 7 to 8 p.m. Connect: Grassroots Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 — 7:30 Bay Live Boxing You Can’t Recycle Mt. St. Benedict, Efforts to Reshape p.m. & Dec. 6, 13 — 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25 — 7 p.m. Schoolhouse the Planet 6101 E. Lake Rd. Craft Festival Our Community Diebold Center for Erie Insurance Arena, 809 eriebenedictines.org. Dec. 5 — 3 p.m. Ongoing through Jan. 10 the Performing Arts, French St. erieevents.com. Dec. 5 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Erie Movie House, 3424 219 Meadville St. Talk, Chanting Dec. 6 -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State laughrioterie.com. Westlake Road. facebook. St. erieartsandculture.org. Erie Otters vs. and Meditation McDowell Intermediate com/ErieMovieHouse. Kitchener with Kedarji High School, 3320 Caughey Art of the A Christmas Story Rd. asburywoods.org. Rain (1932) the Musical Nov. 26 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 16 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Comic Book Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Dec. 5 — 8 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, The Bhakta School of Book Signing: Ongoing through Feb. 7 French St. erieevents.com. Transformation, 1421 W Erie Movie House, 3424 17, 18, 19 & Jan. 2— 7:30 Benedictine Sister Erie Art Museum, 411 State 41st St. bhaktaschool.org Westlake Road. facebook. p.m. & Dec. 6, 13, 20 & Man Up Day Joan Chittister com/ErieMovieHouse. St. erieartmuseum.org Jan. 2, 3 — 2 p.m. Nov. 27 — 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Outside the Window: Dec. 5 — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Best of Enemies Assembled Visions Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 Sprague Farm & Brew Ice Fishing Werner Books, 3514 Liberty St. erie playhouse.org. St. wernerbooks.com. Nov. 28 through Mar. Works, 22043 US Hwy Dec. 3 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 06 — 2 p.m. 6 &19 facebook.com/ 26 (Opening Reception Taylor Little Theatre, 501 E. Mrs. Bob SpragueFarmBrewWorks. Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Otters vs. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Dec. 5 — 7 to 10 p.m.) Cratchit’s Wild Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Owen Sound Erie Art Museum, 411 State events.dcnr.pa.gov. Christmas Binge Warner Winter Dec. 5 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. VISUAL ARTS St. erieartmuseum.org. Wonderland Art Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 — 8 p.m. Ms. Loretta’s Erie Insurance Arena, 809 & Craft Show Assembly Required Holiday Show PACA, 1505 State St. Story Time French St. erieevents.com paca1505.com. Nov. 28 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing through Dec. 4 Nov. 29 & Dec. 4, Dec. 3 — 11 to 11:30 a.m. & Nov. 29 — noon to 4 p.m. Decorate Your Own Bruce Gallery, Doucette 13 — 1 to 4 p.m. Twelfth Night Erie Children’s Hall 215 Meadville St. Warner Theatre, 811 State Museum, 420 French St. Christmas Wreath Bayfront Gallery, 17 St. erieevents.com. brucegallery.info. E. Dobbings Landing Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 — 8 eriechildrensmuseum.org. Dec. 6 — 10 a.m. to noon npaaonline.org. p.m. & Dec. 6 — 2 p.m. Tom Ridge Enviromental American Schuster Theatre, 109 Christmas Hometown Holidays Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Landscapes Gallery Night University Square Craft Show at the Manse events.dcnr.pa.gov. gannon.edu. Ongoing through Dec. Nov. 28, 29 — 11 Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6 — 11 Dec. 4 — 7 to 10 p.m. Wise Words for 4 — noon to 7 p.m. a.m. to 4 p.m. a.m. to 5 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State ‘Tis the Season with Wellness with Bruce Gallery, Doucette St. erieartmuseum.org. The Little Match Girl Riverside Inn at Cambridge The Historical Society of Hall 215 Meadville St. Springs, One Fountain Erie County, 356 W. 6th Rebecca Wise, brucegallery.info. Senior Projects Dec. 4 — 4:30 & 7 p.m. & Ave. theriversideinn.com. St. eriehistory.com. PharmD & Advanced Dec. 5 — 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Dec. 8 — 10:30 a.m. Erie Otters vs. Clay and Fiber Studio Projects Mary D’Angelo Performing Erie BayHawks to 11:30 a.m Partners Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Sault Ste. Marie vs. Iowa Dec. 8 through 13 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach St. mercyhurst.edu. Nov. 28 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. St. lifeworkserie.org. Ongoing through Dec. 13 (Opening Reception Dec. 3 — 7 to 10 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Heeschen Gallery, Dec. 8 — 7 to 8 p.m.) Confection Erie Insurance Arena, 809 910 Market St. French St. erieevents.com. French St. erieevents.com. “Time of the Season” artsmeadville.org. Allegheny College Art Dec. 4 — 8 p.m. Student Art Sale Gallery, 520 N. Main Porreco College St. allegheny.edu. Struther’s Library Opera Scenes: “Let’s Dec. 8, 10 — noon to 5 p.m. Stitches: Theatre, 302 W. 3rd Ave. Open House Have a Party” & Dec. 9 — noon to 7 p.m. Contemporary strutherslibrarytheatre. THEATRE Dec. 1 — 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 — 8 p.m. (Reception 5 to 7 p.m.) Fiber Art Show com. A Taffeta Christmas Red Barn Classroom Walker Recital Hall, 501 E. Bruce Gallery - Doucette Ongoing through Next Fall by Complex, 2941 W. 38th St. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Hall, 215 Meadville St. Jan. 3 — 9 a.m. Nov. 28 & Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, Geoffrey Nauffts events.edinboro.edu. events.edinboro.edu. Cummings Gallery, 501 E. 18, 19 — 7 p.m. & Nov. 29 LifeWorks Erie 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. & Dec. 6, 13 — 2:30 p.m. & Dec. 5, 12 — 8 p.m. Rolling the Dice Holiday Party Planetarium Show: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15— noon Renaissance Centre, Dec. 1 — 4 to 6:30 p.m. Star of Wonder 2nd Fl. 1001 State St. Dec. 4 — noon to 3:30 p.m Afternoons Riverside Inn at Cambridge dramashop.org. Erie Art Museum, 411 State LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Dec. 8 — 6 & 7:30 p.m. Springs, One Fountain with Henry St. erieartsandculture.org. St. lifeworkserie.org. Cooper Science Center, Ave. theriversideinn.com. Ongoing through Jan. COMMUNITY 230 Scotland Rd. events. 5 (Opening Reception Oxfam Hunger Justice for edinboro.edu. Things My Mother Mindfulness, Dec. 4 — 7 to 10 p.m.) Banquet Immigrants Vigil Taught Me Movement & The Compassionate Glass Growers Dec. 1 — 6 p.m. Dec. 4 -- 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. Gallery, 10 East 5th St. Nov. 28, 29 — 7:30 to 9:30 Meditation Class Friends Van Houten Dining Hall Federal Building, 6th and glassgrowersgallery.com. p.m. & Nov. 29 — 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m - North, 345 Scotland Rd. State St. eriebfp.org. Dec. 8 -- 6 to 8 p.m. All An Act Theatre, 652 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach events.edinboro.edu. Wheezie’s Kove, 4887 Land, Sea and Sky: W. 17th St. allanact.net. St. lifeworkserie.org. Erie Otters vs. Buffalo Rd. facebook.com/ Details from Nature Erie Otters vs. Guelph Christmas Memories Owen Sound Ongoing through Jan. 8 Festival of Trees Dec. 2 — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 — 7 to 9:30 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Dec. 1 — noon & Dec. 4 — 7 Nov. 25, 27, 28 — 10 Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Erie Insurance Arena, 809 St. erieartmuseum.org. p.m. & Dec. 5 — 5:30 p.m. French St. erieevents.com. a.m. to 8 p.m. & Nov. French St. erieevents.com & Dec. 6 — 2:30 p.m. 29 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Commemoration Ian Brill: Storm The Station Dinner Bayfront Convention TREC the Halls

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT A Conversation with Ahmed Gallab

138 E. 26th St. in Erie

12 thAnnuAl

Hol ida y Show

Art Sale & CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The current leader of Sinkane, and former member Friday, December 11, 2015 of Yeasayer, Caribou, Of Montreal, and the Atomic 5:00 – 8:00pm Bomb! Band talks about finding unity through music. By: Nick Warren Enjoy original works of art from BLOOM and community artists. Select from fresh inventory hmed Gallab is the multi-in- of people, that experience has affect- in paint, collage, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry and metal. strumentalist and driving force ed the way I make music. I find that Abehind the band Sinkane, who through all my travels, people more or played an intimate, incredible set at less are the same. They feel emotions Artist Meet & Greet - Refreshments - Art Demos Mercyhurst’s D’Angelo Performing Arts similarly. When they’re happy they’re Center on Nov. 19. They blend a fusion happy, when they’re sad they’re sad, of afrobeat, indie, shoegaze, and soul and when they’re nostalgic they’re nos- And into something wholly original. talgic in the same way. It’s all primal Clay Studio I spoke with Gallab recently about his instincts and characteristics of human I n tr o d u c i n g various projects and the musical odys- beings. That’s true everywhere in the sey that brought him here. world. And I’ve found parallels and NEW Nick Warren: So, I’ve seen that you similarities in different kinds of music

CLAY STUDIO grew up in a bunch of different plac- in that regard. Like reggae music and THIS YEAR es, how do places like Sudan, or Ohio, country western music, African mu- Our event will Community PARKING shape you, musically? sic, and soul music from the U.S.: they Garden be held in the Ahmed Gallab: You know, as far as all kind of come from the same place. newly completed, being an artist, you create what you The people who made that music are fully accessible PARKING know. Whether you’re a photographer, more or less the same. Oppressed white BLOSSOM’S a painter – what you do is an extension people in the U.S., and oppressed black of who you are and the experiences people, and Jamaicans, and Africans – Clay Studio. you’ve had. Being a person who’s trav- they’re cut from the same cloth. The PARKING eled a lot and lived among many differ- energy they put into making the music ent cultures and many different kinds is very similar. I’ve been able to draw on BLOOM Collaborative is a program of Stairways Behavioral Health.

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Be Illumined community of people who are expe- Left : Ahmed Gallab of Sinkane surrounds riencing this, and you need to relay himself with “some really talented back the response. It’s like a conversa- musicians. The rest of the guys in my band tion between the band and the crowd. are so good at what they do,” he says. This Together, you guys are creating this allows them to freely create music drawing from Gallab’s myriad influences. universal experience. It’s very primal, it makes you move, in a way that can’t make you move when you’re listening those similarities from my experiences and communicating with people. NW: You started out on drums. Have I find that through all my you been gravitating towards certain travels, people more or less A Festival Service instruments lately? are the same. They feel of AG: Just the ones that I know. I’m emotions similarly. When Lessons & Carols just trying to be better. Between be- they’re happy they’re happy, ing a better guitarist, keyboard player, drummer, and singer, singing has been when they’re sad they’re sad, Sunday, December 20, 2015 the biggest one. I have the privilege of and when they’re nostalgic

playing with some really talented mu- they’re nostalgic in the same 4 pm Sung by sicians. The rest of the guys in my band way. It’s all primal instincts the Cathedral of St. Paul Choirs are so good at what they do. And it just and characteristics of inspires me to be better at what I do. A candlelight service of Christmas readings and music NW: What certain things can you get human beings. from a live show that you might not be THe Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul able to get from a record? to it at home. And I guess the collective AG: I think both of them have their energy of everyone involved is some- 134 West 7th Street • Erie own kind of energy. When you think thing that you can’t experience alone. (814) 452.3779 about listening to a record, a lot of It’s a really beautiful thing. cathedralofstpaul.org times it’s a really personal experience. But when you go into a live setting, Read more of this conversation Free and Open to the Public • Childcare provided you’re literally experiencing a true at ErieReader.com. form of community. There’s a band performing that’s relaying a message Nick Warren can be contacted to you, and you guys are all among a at [email protected]

No Drugs. No Drinking. No Drama. But donations are welcome at Basement Transmissions. he good folks at Basement Transmissions have been working hard to keep un- Tderground, independent music alive in Erie since opening their doors in 2011. As both an artist and musician himself, owner and proprietor Bob Jensen knows better than most the need for young people to have a creative outlet. And without BT, underage kids would no longer have a decent all-ages venue where they can perform or see their favorite bands. This was the case for almost a year, once The Hangout in Edinboro closed in January of 2011. After four years of helping Erie’s underground scene get back on its feet, and providing countless local bands and artists a haven for their creative pursuits, it’s now our turn to give something back. The new BT is located at the former Roadhouse Theater on West 11th Street, and the building is starting to show its age. “I want parents to know BT is safe,” Jensen said. “When the front facade of the building has dilapidated to the state it’s in, it does not give off the safest vibe. I would eventually like to get better outdoor lighting and more security cameras, too.” The harsh lake effect weather Erie experiences every winter takes its toll on the building’s heating and plumbing, an issue that also proved to be the bane of The Hangout in Edinboro. Now more than ever, Basement Transmissions needs the support of its patrons, and anyone willing to help. Check their schedule on Facebook or their website for show dates. Then, come support the venue, and the community that Jensen and the BT crew have kept alive. — Tommy Shannon

Basement Transmissions // 145 West 11th St. // basementtransmissions.com // Facebook.com/basementtransmissions

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34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Gallery Night: A Tale of Two Galleries Karen Ernst’s Elemental Box of Light and The Secret Squirrel hope to encourage the artist in “Land, Sea, and Sky: all of us. Details from Nature” By: Brianna Lyle This contemplative exhibit is up includes live-action film, Clay- uation.” n the late 1950s, Allan Kaprow mation, LEGO animation, and These galleries aren’t exempli- on view at Erie Art Museum’s showed the world new art video games programmed by the fying Environment per se, but Holstein Gallery until Jan. 8. Iconcepts such as “Environ- students. “We are showcasing stu- certainly a manifestation of it. ment”: works that were designed dent work because we feel kids Each is inviting the viewer to par- to make the gallery viewer in- deserve a voice in the world and ticipate in the art; to not just view teract with the art, and “Hap- because getting feedback from it but help create it. pening”: art that could occur others is an important part of the In 1961 Kaprow said, “Our ad- anywhere. These new concepts creative process,” said Schmitt. vanced art approaches a frag- were monumental in advancing Similarly, Secret Squirrel – ile but marvelous life, one that performance and installation art which gets its name from the maintains itself by a mere thread, that we see at nearly every gal- tree-lined neighborhood sur- melting into an elusive, change- lery today. rounding Collegiate Academy – able configuration, the surround- Art of this type necessitates invites viewers to participate in ings, the artist, his work, and ev- the viewer’s physical presence: eryone who comes to it.” it plays with her senses, allows These words invite the audience her to become the center of the to be part of the art; somewhat of work, and teases her with an ar- These galleries a challenge from Kaprow himself. ray of emotions that can only aren’t exemplifying Certainly this Gallery Night is a come from transitioning from ob- Environment per chance to experience interactive server to creator. Kaprow’s ideas spaces, where not only the artist’s By: Mary Birdsong shift the focus from the art to the se, but certainly a creative mind is relished but the spectator. And the Dec. 4 Gallery manifestation of it. viewer’s mind, as well. here is a serenity in Karen Ernst’s wood piec- Night is sure to do just that. es. A tranquility borne from the simple line, Kaprow was initially who came Each is inviting the the organic, the clean. Every piece in this Gallery Night is on T to mind as Annie Schmitt, co-di- show, whether it be a functional piece of furniture viewer to participate Friday December 4, 2015 from 7 rector of Box of Light (who also in the art; to not to 10 p.m. Participating Galleries or a sculpture, is contemporary in expression yet have a location in Bloomsburg) include: built on the underpinnings of traditional wood- detailed their upcoming, and just view it but help Box of Light, 419 State St. (First working. There is much to like in Ernst’s “Land, Sea, first, exhibition for Gallery Night. create it. Gallery Night at new location, next and Sky.” “Everyone can be a creator,” to the Erie Art Museum) Ernst’s inspiration from nature is clearly articu- she said about the Box of Light Secret Squirrel, 3025 French St. lated here, though she translates those organic el- LEGO animation stations avail- (Drop off wreaths Saturdays from ements with a firm, assertive hand. In “Tree Branch able for gallery visitors to explore its exhibitions. This arts, music, 12-6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4-8 Desk,” the stylized branches are represented in the this Dec. 4. “We want everyone to and wellness cooperative offers p.m.; Friday Dec. 4 from 12-4 p.m., or vertical sides of the desk, arranged horizontally, come in and play, especially the several free and paid interactive by appointment: 528.5794) not vertically as they would grow. But Ernst’s con- adults.” classes and events about subjects D’Hopkins Denniston Gallery of Fine trol over her chosen forms does not overwhelm They will also have stations set such as yoga, holistic lifestyle Art, 5 West 10th St. the objects. It elevates them. Ernst wisely lets the up to work with MaKey MaKey, and healing techniques, and nu- Erie Art Museum, East 5th St., wood speak for itself in the top of “Desk,” a sim- a software program that allows trition. “We are all about play and between State St. & French St. ple slab, and she even allows imperfections in the visitors to experiment with con- opportunities,” said Janina Lee, Glass Growers Gallery, 10 East 5th wood to remain. The drawers can be seen through ductive objects by turning them co-owner of Secret Squirrel. “Ev- St. the branches and simple notches create the drawer into controls for a computer, eryone has the ability to create The Northwestern Pennsylvania pulls. i.e.: creating piano keys with ba- something beautiful.” Artists Association (NPAA) Bayfront This tension – between the natural and the con- Gallery, 17 East Dobbins Landing nanas or Dance Dance Revolu- As part of their effort to bring trolled – is evident throughout. “Surf Sequence,” tion footpads out of magazines, community members into Erie’s The Mason Jars Company, 1001 a wall-mounted sculptural piece, does not reflect State St., Suite 1220 Schmitt explained. Box of Light art world, they’re also encourag- a wild unfettered sea. Instead, Ernst’s treatment Ralph Miller Jewelers & Gallery, 28 hopes that the low-pressure en- ing artisans and crafters to drop breaks down a body of water to reveal its most el- West 8th St. vironment gives participants the off homemade wreaths that will emental function. Two long horizontal rectangles Schuster Gallery at Gannon chance to create without feeling be on display on Gallery Night move across the wall, each having a modest swell University, New Location: 700 Peach the need for the end result to be and throughout December for St., 1st Floor of water (wood) coming toward the viewer. The sur- “good.” the public to purchase. “Nothing faces are hand-chiseled to evoke the movement of Something Wonderful, 2558 West In addition to the LEGO an- makes us happier than showcas- 8th St. water and painted a muted blue-green. These two imation stations, Box of Light ing the work of talented people in narrow slices of sea perfectly capture the essence is showcasing original student the community,” added Lee, “and of wave movement. work created in Box of Light stu- whenever we have a chance to Brianna Lyle can be contacted It’s clear that Ernst accomplishes the attention to dio programs last year. The line- inspire others, it’s a win-win sit- at [email protected]. detail required when keeping [Cont. on page 38]

[Cont. from page 35] things clean like The Myth and Matters of Erie’s First ‘Strong’ Mayor she does. From perfect dovetail joints to small painterly details, everything Review: Cory Vaillancourt, Lou Tullio: A Real Erie Guy is carefully thought through. In her “Wavering Grass” and “Sea Swell” wall cabinets, the stylized designs gracing During that time, Tullio amassed the front of the boxes are also found his share of opposition. The busi- in the back of their interiors – some- ness community fought him on the thing for just the owner to enjoy, per- Transitway Mall, a covered two lane haps, or an extra treasure to show off section of State Street intended to off- by keeping the boxes open. set the loss of downtown business to It is the small details of nature that what is now the Millcreek Mall. City motivate Ernst. Small impressions councilmen like Pat Cappabianca, Bob that resemble the space where rocks Brabender, and Bernard Harkins, all Democrats, teachers, and Catholics from Erie’s 6th Ward, fought Tullio on the sale of the water department, among other initiatives. And let us not forget the political witch hunt that led to an IRS audit of Tullio’s finances. What stands out from Vaillancourt’s narrative are the striking similarities in Erie’s contemporary political landscape. Innovative ideas are often trad- ed for tradition and safety. Democrats from Erie’s 6th Ward continue to reign supreme in council chambers, holding Above: Detail of one of Ernst’s clean, organic pieces. the keys to success or trump cards of failure for the person who sits on the fifth floor of City Hall. And cross-par- had been in the sand are featured in ty rivalries become matters of the

several pieces, including “Sea Foam CONTRIBUTED PHOTO court when a “strong” mayor flexes his Shelves” and “Cloud Table.” These muscle. empty spaces, like the spaces between Vaillancourt artfully details these the branches in “Desk,” display how By: Jim Wertz “He’s one of the most heavily mythol- stories and more in this comprehen- negative space is just as important to ogized public figures in this town, if sive analysis of the Tullio era and its our experience of nature as is positive ou don’t need to spend much not the most heavily mythologized fig- place in the annals of Erie history. form. We admire the branches of the time in Erie before you’re con- ure,” says Cory Vaillancourt, author of But precisely because this work ex- tree – but also the lacy canopy they Yfronted with Lou Tullio. Not the Lou Tullio: A Real Erie Guy. amines the man, place, and time in make when joined together with the man himself, of course, but his endur- Part of that mythology are the an empirical way rather than within open sky. ing legacy. Remnants of his success oft-speculated improprieties – ranging the aforementioned mythologies of Ernst’s small sculptural works are abound, from the recently renovated from financial misdeeds to mafia con- Lou Tullio, readers will likely view the the most appealing to the hand, for Erie Insurance Arena that previously nections – which Vaillancourt says are book through the lens of their precon- this viewer. Both “Botanical Objects” bore his name to the annual “Celebrate unprovable and most likely untrue, ceived notions about Tullio and his and “Nut-Root” are stylized organic Erie” festival, which he founded as “We based on the research he conducted for unmatched tenure as mayor. forms, seedpods, or some other grow- Love Erie Days” to distract Erieites from what amounts to an accessible and, at No doubt, the mythos of Lou Tullio ing things. “Nut-Root,” crafted from the fact that their city had forgotten to times, heartwarming portrait of Erie’s is greater than his 8,713 days in office. carved and turned poplar, looks like celebrate the nation’s bicentennial in first “strong” mayor. More enduring than the accomplish- an acorn finished in black milk paint. 1976. His failures, like the Transitway Tullio was the first mayor who wasn’t ments of his administration is the my- It is smooth and sophisticated, but Mall on State Street, have all but been a member of Erie’s city council. That thology of the man and his modus ope- bears a crack on one side suggesting erased. As we remember him 25 years body controlled Erie by virtue of the randi. His time in office was marked the potential this organism has – the after his death, there are still politicos councilmanic form of government in most prominently by the bridges built emerging root, perhaps even the tree. in this town who owe their positions to which five council members – one of between the mayor’s office and coun- Ernst knows when to be lush and his patronage, for better and for worse. which was the mayor – each oversaw cil chambers. He didn’t begin his polit- when to be subdued. She has found Tullio’s story is a great American tale. one of five city departments. Tullio ical career as the man people wanted, the balance between the natural and The son of immigrants, he attended the came to power because of the untime- but he became the mayor most of Erie the controlled, leading to works that College of the Holy Cross in Worches- ly death of his political rival, Michael didn’t want to live without. As the city are quiet repositories of contempla- ter, Mass. on an athletic scholarship, Cannavino. The people’s choice in the approaches its next mayoral election, tive calm. started a family there, and went to war Democratic primary of 1965, Cannavi- that is a story worth reading. on behalf of his parent’s adopted na- no died just days before the general Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 tion. He returned to his beloved Erie in election, leaving the party to call on Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m., through Jan. 8 // Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. // 1947 and embarked on a lifelong path to Tullio to lead the city’s new political ErieReader.com, and you can follow 459.5477 // erieartmusem.org power. structure … for the next 23 years. him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015

FEATURE Erie Arts & Culture’s Fall for Arts & Culture Awards Honoring those who strengthen our community by creating Erie’s cultural landscape BRAD TRIANA

Imagine Award, and Jennifer Denne- comes from the Sisters of St. Joseph Jennifer Dennehy, surrounded by several By: Brianna Lyle hy receiving the Bruce Morton Wright Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) who of her students, receives the Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year Award at Erie Arts rie Arts & Culture has been host- Artist of the Year Award. have revitalized Little Italy and Erie’s & Culture’s Fall for Arts & Culture Awards. ing the Fall for Arts & Culture “Look at any of our award recipients, east side multicultural neighborhoods EAppreciation Awards for nearly and their story – the big picture story using urban art installations, primarily three decades, celebrating the impor- – of how their work has shaped and murals. They hope to continue creating rals, but also to offer opportunities for tance of individuals, organizations, and influenced the sector and moved it for- murals with an anti-violence theme, on-site art activities for children and businesses who are creating the cultur- ward,” said Amanda Hurd, Marketing where children would have the oppor- adults. Recently at their east side loca- al landscape of Erie along the way. This and Development Director of Erie Arts tunity to work with local artists creat- tion, they teamed up with Bloom Col- year’s honorees include: the Sisters of & Culture, on the importance of the ing the murals, themselves. laborative, a component of Stairways St. Joseph Neighborhood Network re- awards. “Each has an amazing story to Many families in Erie live below the Behavioral Health that holds programs ceiving the Leadership Award, Douglas tell; these people are truly making a dif- poverty line, lacking access to the arts. and initiatives aimed at improving and Deborah Murphy receiving the Ap- ference in the lives of so many others.” Therefore, the SSJNN’s goal is to create community health, to provide art class- plause Award, Jan Hyatt receiving the One of the most visible differences community engagement via these mu- es to children in the coming months. A

40 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 FEATURE

watercolor course is set to begin soon dren, is looking to bring dance into [Cont. from page 18] shut down for the unemployment line simply because while the west side location current- mainstream curriculum for students. the last several months there’s poten- of the number of companies that sup- ly offers multimedia art on Wednes- “Dance is generally not a part of tial orders for now and the future that ply GE and the amount of money that days for children. public education,” Hyatt explained. the company can’t even go bid on be- our union employees spend in this “We look at art as a way to provide “The public does not have a sophisti- cause there’s no financing for the buy- community.” hope to our communities,” said Ros- cated understanding of dance as an ers,” Slawson says. Slawson says that Rapid Response at mari Graham, SSJNN Executive Di- art form or dance as an expression The Bank’s charter expired in June for the Pa. Dept. of Labor estimates that a rector. “I hope we are expanding the of culture.” This is why rhythm and the first time in its 81-year history as a downsized GE Transportation in Erie notion of traditional art into our dance are taught together at Creating result of mounting conservative oppo- could impact as many as 18,000 jobs communities and offering artists Landscapes, allowing the students sition to what many on the Right call statewide. new experiences; working in areas to express their feelings and learn “corporate welfare.” Critics of the Ex-Im Long time laborers like Bill Crawford that stretch their imaginations, show through movement. The programs Bank, including Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa), understand the dynamics of this. new insights, and help us all feel a are designed to engage children in charge that companies like Boeing and “It’s a business,” Crawford recognizes. sense of community together.” critical thinking, imaginative expres- General Electric shouldn’t require fed- “Unfortunately, at a higher level, at a This year however, it’s not visual art sion, and aesthetic experience. eral assistance on the global market. corporate level, as long as we’re making Proponents of the bank argue that its them a profit we’ll keep making loco- suspension is going to cost tens of motives. When we’re not making them thousands of American jobs because of a profit, they’ll lock those gates.” foreign consumers’ inability to secure Both Slawson and Crawford are “I hope we are expanding the notion of private funding in tumultuous eco- self-described realists and optimists. nomic times. They understand the stakes, but re- traditional art into our communities and “When you’re dealing with things like main hopeful that as the economy sta- offering artists new experiences; working in NAFTA and CAFTA – all of these free bilizes and the crevasse of corporate trade agreements have, over the years, areas that stretch their imaginations, show eroded away at the American work- new insights, and help us all feel a sense of force. Things like Ex-Im help keep that in check, simply because it gives us the While American community together.” ability to finance goods that have to be companies and workers made in the United States. It helps put wait for the U.S. Senate to us on an equal playing field,” Slawson take action, the American adds. “And I’d say that whenever you that was center stage at the Fall for “It has always been a mystery to me find something that the company and workforce can only brace Arts & Culture Appreciation Awards, that public education has chosen to the union agree on this strongly, it can’t for dramatic losses. but rather dance. For the first time, have students learn by sitting quietly be wrong.” the Bruce Morton Wright Artist of at their seats,” Hyatt added. “Dance, Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa) reiterated his the Year award recipient is an art- and all the other expressive arts, in- support for the Ex-Im Bank when he ist of movement, Jennifer Dennehy. fuse content with feeling – and when joined local officials at the UE Local 506 politics in America narrows, produc- Both Dennehy and Jan Hyatt are feelings are expressed – children are labor hall in mid-November. U.S. Reps. tion at GE Transportation will flow being recognized for their efforts in engaged.” Kelly and Thompson joined a minority more generously. The company just dance. As Hurd explained via email, the of Republicans in voting for the Bank’s won a highly competitive bid to pro- “Dance quite often gets the least awards are truly about the people re- renewal when it came to the House duce 1,000 diesel locomotive “kits” that amount of funding to create original ceiving them. They are about artists’ floor in October. As County Executive will be assembled at facilities in India. quality work and therefore is less ac- stories and how they share these sto- Kathy Dahlkemper pointed out in her The Financial Times reports that GE cessible to people than music or vi- ries with the communities who sup- ErieReader.com op-ed supporting GE’s Transportation will have a 74 percent sual art,” said Dennehy, who, in trade port and gain insight from them. The Erie facility, “only Sen. Toomey stands stake in the plant to be built as a public for lessons, cleaned her dance studio Fall for Arts & Culture Appreciation apart on this issue from the others rep- private partnership between the Indi- every week from childhood until Awards not only showcase these indi- resenting Erie County.” an government and Indian Railways, she graduated high school. “Dance is vidual talents, but also the impact of While American companies and work- perhaps pointing toward additional less visible than other forms of art.” the arts on Erie as a whole. ers wait for the U.S. Senate to take ac- work for the Erie facility. Which is why two years ago, Den- “Arts and culture not only drive eco- tion, the American workforce can only It could also mark the beginning of a nehy created the summer Mid-Day nomic benefits to Erie,” said Deborah brace for dramatic losses. 21st century transformation of the Dance Breaks in downtown Erie. Murphy, “but give our city a vibrancy, There are approximately 3,100 UE Lo- workflow at GE Transportation. As in- The idea was to hold weekly dance vitality, and quality of life we would cal 506 members currently working in dustry and labor adjust to capital reali- performances during lunch breaks not have if we did not have a Play- the facility. So the layoffs after the holi- ties that result from technological and in order to bring more awareness to house, a Philharmonic, an Art Muse- days will represent nearly half of GE’s structural changes worldwide, day-to- movement art. The events are also um, a beautiful Tall Ship, a Children’s union workforce. day operations at GE’s Erie facility will coupled with a visual artist who cre- Museum, and a wonderful new his- “The reality of it is that this isn’t just continue to evolve. Let’s hope the com- ates a piece of work on-site while us- tory center. We think arts education going to be 1,500 families and 1,500 pany, as well as the community, are ing the dance performance as his or is vital to a well rounded, appealing union jobs on the unemployment line. willing and able to accept that change. her muse. community.” The resounding impact of this is going Similarly, Hyatt, the director of Cre- to be much greater,” Slawson fears. “In a Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ ating Landscapes, a group of interre- Brianna Lyle can be contacted very short period of time this could ErieReader.com, and you can follow lated educational programs for chil- at [email protected]. easily be 4,000 or 5,000 local families on him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

November 25, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 41 SECTION Geeked Out #PeaceforParis

that is often cold, brutal, and over- whelmingly negative. Yes, there are more actionable ways to show support. But the outpouring of support from millions of strangers who may have no “real” connection to Parisians, but who empathize with the tragedies they are facing, is a real feeling. On his Monday, Nov. 16 show, Ste- phen Colbert had an excellent opening dialogue that dealt directly with I am speaking about. He highlighted a few tweets where people pledged their support for Parisians by watching the Pixar movie Ratatouille: a film that isn’t French, but is about a French mouse, making soup. “Is that wrong? Erie... see what everyone is talking about! Social media becomes a You have a NEW opportunity in Erie means to express humanity and for medical career training! compassion to those who many Medical Assisting of us will never see Phlebotomy LIMA PIX in person. Medical Billing & Coding Accepting transfer By: John Lindvay cial media in spreading news. No one can argue that. Medical Records Technician students... bring e live in a world where social However, another interesting phe- No,” Colbert said. “Is it a French film? media can dominate your nomenon occurs when tragedies hap- No. Is it a valid expression? Absolute- Medical Assisting Technician your transcripts Wday. It is a powerful tool for pen. People express their sympathy ly.” the dissemination of information and and outpouring of support to those af- Finding a way to show your support ERIE’S ONLY PHLEBOTOMY for review a way for individuals to connect glob- fected. Social media becomes a means is an attempt at creating a human con- ally. to express humanity and compassion nection in the world. That’s where the TRAINING INSTITUTE I work from home, and most of my to those who many of us will never see real power is, and what fear and terror work consists of watching social me- in person. are ultimately trying to destroy. dia, which is how I first heard of the This is sometimes met with awk- It is too easy to allow cynicism to orchestrated terrorist attack in Paris. ward social policing or detractors, who crop up at times like this. It’s hard to It went like this: I saw some tweets claim that changing your Facebook imagine that all those changed profile FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO about an explosion, which led me to photo doesn’t amount to anything. pics will lead to real action, but that check Reddit where a live thread was And that if you really wanted to show projection will find its way to those THOSE WHO QUALIFY being updated, which then led me to your support, you should donate; or affected, and that symbol of solidari- DAYCARE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE someone linking to France 24’s stream- better yet, fly to Paris and help. ty will bring them some comfort. And ing live news coverage of the attack. Look, I get it. The Internet is a cyni- that’s what it is all really about: soli- Institute of Medical and Business Careers 4-day Schedule The power to get information out cal place. It is much easier to be bitter darity and the human connection that with today’s social media is incredible. and negative than to accept that for binds us. Morning, afternoon, evening schedule My workday stopped and I watched some people, when they change their 5617 West 26 Street Erie, PA 16506 with countless others as a great trag- profile picture to be overlaid with the John Lindvay can be contacted GRADUATE JOB PLACEMENT edy fell upon Paris. French flag, or retweet that #Peace- at jLindvay@ErieReader. 814.208.4933 | imc.edu I don’t want to talk so much about forParis image, they are finding a way com, and you can follow him CONSUMER INFORMATION: IMC.EDU the already well-covered power of so- to project humanity out into the void on Twitter @Fightstrife.

42 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com November 25, 2015 ALLIED HEALTH CAREERS START HERE.

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