2 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 CONTENT August9 21, 2013

Editors-in-Chief: Brian Graham & Adam Welsh FEATURE CULTURE Managing Editor: Ben Speggen 9 Living off the land Contributing Editors: 12 If We Were You... Cory Vaillancourt in erie county Here’s what we would do Jay Stevens Two Families Find an Alternative Copy Editor: Way to Subsist 14 TO-DO LIST Alex Bieler C. Brown CD Release Contributors: Alex Bieler NEWS AND NOTES Party, Lost Orchards Pen Ealain Matthew Flowers 4 UPFRONT 15 John fetterman: "Mayor Dakota Hoffman Another Brilliant Idea from of Hell" Leslie McAllister the Desk of Upfront Rich McCarty 16 ALBUM REVIEWS Ryan Smith 5 STREET CORNER SOAPBOX Jay Stevens Say "Yes" to Term Limits 17 STREET FASHIONISTA Rebecca Styn George Hammill Bryan Toy 6 THE WAY I SEE IT Designers: What Airline Mergers Mean to Erie 19 You Ought to Know Mark Kosobucki Dr. Dan Walker Burim Loshaj 6 TECH WATCH Cover Photo: Brad Triana Tech Life in the Here and Now Cover Layout: 7 COMMUNITY Mark Kosobucki Revitalizing Erie in the B.E.S.T. Way Photographer: Ryan Smith Brad Triana dinner deals that tempt us with low But what about the people that Jessica Yochim cost and convenience, these families don’t have the time or energy or de- Interns: From the Editors are getting their hands dirty, raising sire to raise chickens, to pull weeds Adam Kelly animals, cultivating produce, and from the raised bed of green beans? Ryan Maloney ew things in life translate instead, it ripened without seeing the plain and simple: living off the land. CSAs are on the rise, and have a Tom Shannon across cultures quite like light of day before hitting the shelf. And for Pennsylvanians, eating great place in this feature, too. And Adam Unger food. Think about the first But what about something more locally-sourced foods, otherwise this conversation’s been had in these time someone introduced complex, something processed for known as being a locavore, seems to pages before with local grocers, like 32 W. Eighth St. #500 you to kimchi and the spices tingled our consumption, say, a hamburger. be a budding trend. Frankie & May Fresh Grocers and Erie PA, 16501 on your lips as the burst of cabbage From a fast food joint. According to Strolling of the Heif- the Whole Foods Co-op, doing their [email protected] F offered a clean, fresh experience. Or Google “how many cows are con- ers, a Vermont-based local food ad- part to provide our community lo- the first time you bit into an edam- tained in one McDonald’s ham- vocacy group that recently released cally-sourced options, along with the The Erie Reader is Erie’s only free, independent ame pod to gently remove the beads burger” and you’ll find results with its second annual Locavore Index, various Farmers’ Markets through source for news, culture, and entertainment. with your teeth and tongue, tasting answers ranging from 55 to more which ranks all 50 states and the the city and county. The Erie Reader is a forum for ideas and the sea salt on the shell. Or when than 1,000. You’ll also find that some District of Columbia in terms of And perhaps best yet, food has discussion, and seeks to drive two-way you learned it was pronounced “ed- of the sources carry clear agendas, commitment to local foods, Penn- the ability to bring a community communication with its readers. At the Erie eh-ma-me.” Or when you struggled either supporting the world’s largest sylvania moved up six spots from last together. Which is why you’ll also Reader, we endeavor to highlight the best of Erie by providing in-depth, magazine-style with saying “quinoa” for the first food chain or denouncing it for its year’s list. The organization compiles find a compelling story by Ryan journalism that cuts to the heart of the time. unethical practices. its list with data from various sources, Smith about the Bayfront East issues that matter to Erie. The Erie Reader Food is fun. Food is an experience, Extreme polarities exist, and the which incorporates farmers markets, Side Taskforce and the work the is published every other week at The Corry a universal language. From the joy of lines in between are blurred. But consumer-supported agriculture op- nonprofit is doing – like raising a Journal, 28 W. South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The gathering around a table with fam- people do seem to be thinking about erations, and consumer interest in community garden – to combat Erie Reader is distributed at over 250 high foot- ily and friends to the hunger pangs what they’re putting in their bodies, eating locally-sourced foods. various threats facing that part of traffic locations in Pennsylvania from North deep in our bellies, food comforts us, and for Matthew Flowers, that all Coming in at No. 32, the Keystone the Erie community. And while it’s East to Girard to Edinboro. The Erie Reader unites us, and drives us. But from the began with a hamburger. State still has a long way to go to just a small part of B.E.S.T.’s initia- is also available by mail subscription; one year seeds to the harvests to our tables, In this issue’s feature story, Flow- catch up with the top tier – Vermont, tives, it’s working. (26 issues) for $49.99. Send check or money how much do we think about the ers allows that question – what am I Maine, New Hampshire, North Da- Food is fundamental to our exis- order payable to Flagship Multimedia, Inc., to ingredients we use to nourish our eating and where did it come from – to kota, and Iowa – but it’s climbing the tence in ways beyond mere nutri- the address below. In addition to appearing bodies? drive him to find alternative ways of ladder and is now farther removed ents. So the next time you’re hungry in print, Erie Reader adds new content daily Think about a red delicious apple living. He visited two families, both from Nevada, Arizona, Louisiana, or are making dinner plans, think at www.ErieReader.com as well social media sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship for instance. It’s both, well, red and of whom are homesteading, living a Florida, and Texas at the bottom about what you’re eating, because Multimedia, Inc, 32 W. Eighth St., Suite 500, Erie, delicious. But if that apple was life of self-sufficiency. of the list, as more Pennsylvanians an awareness of what we eat can Pa, 16501. No part of this publication may be trucked across the country in a re- Rather than relying on box-stores – Erieties included – are taking an lead to the awareness of who we are reproduced without permission. Direct inquiries frigerated tractor trailer, odds are, it for their goods – those apples shipped active interest in knowing how their and what type of community we to 814.314.9364 or [email protected]. wasn’t red when it was picked, and across the country – or dollar-menu food is sourced. want to become. August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 3 UPFRONT News Another brilliant idea from the desk of Upfront of the By: Cory Vaillancourt Weird couldn’t help but notice that we By: Chuck Shepherd are nearing an anniversary – the anniversary of a fierce, frenzied, savage event that made Erie fa- mous from London to New London, Roach Motel Iif only for a fleeting fifteen. Is it the 200th anniversary of The t age 20, Kyle Kandilian of Dearborn, Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 10, 1813, Mich., has created a start-up business you ask? toA fund his college expenses, but it involves a Nope. roomful (in the family home) of nearly 200,000 The anniversary we’re nearing – the cockroaches. The environmental science major anniversary of a ferocious, frantic, at University of Michigan-Dearborn breeds shocking event that made Erie the species ranging from the familiar household center of global awareness from pests, which he sells on the cheap as food for Hamburg to Hollywood and lasted other people's pets, to the more interesting, a lot longer than a Warhol minute exotic Madagascar hissing roaches and rhino is the 10th anniversary of the col- roaches, which can live for 10 to 15 years. (Kan- larbomb. That’s right, on August 28, dilian told the Detroit Free Press in July that 2003, the sorry story of the totally of the 4,000 cockroach species, only about a idiotic collarbomb plot unfolded be- dozen are pests.) Why not choose a more con- Veken Gueyikian Veken fore a shocked Gem City, and blew ventional "pet"? Because "(m)ammals smell," up on Peach Street, taking pizza de- Is it time to cash in and capitalize on our tourism he said. (Missing from the Free Press story: liveryman Brian Mills with it. destination to every extent possible? details on the likely interesting initial conver- But these two anniversaries – the sation between Kyle and his mother when he Battle of Lake Erie and the collar- epicenter of Collarbombmania (Official slogan: dinner theater and dress them in light blue jeans, asked if he could have 200,000 cockroaches in bomb – have a lot more in common than you “The second ‘b’ is silent.”). nerdy white shoes, oversized clear coke-bottle the house.) [Detroit Free Press, 7-28-2013] might think. As the two-year Perry 200 Com- Obviously, the inevitable result of such a bril- eyeglasses, and, ironically, a white T-shirt that memoration winds down this September, another liant scheme as this will be the locust-like hordes says “America” on it. Can't Possibly Be True of Erie’s Brigadoon moments will fade right back of tourists flocking to devour our finest regional Anyhow, the Brian Mills impersonator/tour into the ether; the commemoration has been a cuisine and locally-made beers before passing guide will tell you the story* as the bus whisks 55-year-old woman in the Netherlands tremendous success, stimulating our minds and out in the comfort of their locally-owned hotel you through the seedy underbelly of Erie – crack seemed to be experiencing orgasms ema- our economy at the same time. But it’s almost rooms. Just think of all the new minimum-wage dens, prostitutes, and PNC Bank, where the rob- natingA from her foot, she said, and Dr. Mar- over, and we won’t achieve such stimulation again jobs with no healthcare we’ll create in those in- bery occurred. As the telltale ticking becomes cel Waldinger of Utrecht University (writing until 2062. dustries by fleecing tourists! louder, and the bus drives faster, and the pace be- in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, online in “But Upfront, how ever shall we stimulate And with those tourists, well, with them come comes more frantic, and your heart threatens to June) produced a possible explanation. The ap- ourselves until then?” you inquire. I’m glad you tour busses. Yes, that’s right, noble Canadians, jump out of your chest, you’ll wonder, like Brian plicable left foot nerve enters the spinal cord asked, you. with your inferior Canadian Dollar, or loonie, or Mills did, “Is this a real bomb? Will it punch a at about the same level as the vaginal nerve, It’s time to give up the ship, just like Com- whatever the hell you call your currency – for just hole the size of a fist through my chest? When?” Waldinger wrote, and the woman's recent foot modore Oliver Hazard Perry did – that’s right, 40 of those things, you too, will be able to ex- When? Now! BAM! injury might have caused the nerves to cross. during the Battle of Lake Erie, Perry gave up on perience the magical mystery of the Brian Mills Talk about an experience! We’ll send these The woman reported "five or six" orgasms per the Flagship Lawrence, because he had the good Collarbomb Bus Tour. Canadians back to Hamilton as emissaries of day that felt exactly like "regular" orgasms and, sense to realize he was in command of a pile of It begins with a phone call – only, you don’t call Erie, with their “I survived Collarbombmania!” she said, were making her feel terribly guilty pointy splinters. He made his way from the leaky them; a mysterious stranger calls you. They ask T-shirts, yo-yo’s, and shoehorns. Our economy and embarrassed. After treatment with a nerve husk of the Lawrence to the stout-sided Niagara you to deliver a pizza to WSEE-TV's transmis- will flourish (for a lucky few) and our underclass anesthetic, she reported being orgasm-free (in and immortality, because he knew when to give sion tower on upper Peach Street, which will be will…well, they’ll still be the underclass. But hey, the foot, at least) for eight months. [CBS News up and start anew. converted to a huge tour bus depot, complete it’s either embrace this tourism thing, or work to via KHOU-TV (Houston), 7-1-2013] So, in the grand Upfront tradition of mak- with gift shop. I can already see the “I had a develop high-paying jobs in the technology sec- ing brilliant suggestions that go completely blast in Erie, Pa.!” T-shirts by Jon Box; I can also tor. But that’s new and scary, and most of Erie’s he intersection of West Gateway Bou- unheeded (see: open container, spaceport, pave see Todd Scalise creating a plain white tee that still waiting for this “Internet” thing to catch on levard and North Congress Avenue in the bay, let me run CelebrateErie, flood the Erie has a drawing of a collarbomb around the neck, before making any long-term commitments. BoyntonT Beach, Fla. (pop. 60,000), is nine lanes Insurance Arena and hold mock naval battles), I Shepard Fairey producing a Brian Mills poster wide, busy even at 11 p.m. on Sunday night, as hereby propose the following: that says “PATSY,” and bumper stickers from the * For more information on the collarbomb, read it was at that time in July when a 2-year-old Let’s take advantage of this anniversary to be- Chamber that say “Erie: It’s blowin’ up!” the brilliantly written, exhaustively researched girl darted across, a combination of good for- come a hollow plastic tourist trinket by embrac- Once you arrive at said location, a group of “Pizza Bomber: The Untold Story of America’s tune and sometimes-rare Florida driver alert- ing collarbomb couture. roguish white trash holds you at gunpoint, scans Most Shocking Bank Robbery” by former ness allowing her safe arrival on the other side We are no longer a steely-stout manufactur- your debit card, and then directs you to a waiting Lead FBI Special Agent Jerry Clark and Erie without a scratch. "It's a miracle," said Harry ing town; we are the rusting hulk thereof, so let’s bus. Times-News writer Ed Palattella. Scott, who witnessed it. "I'm telling you the give up on that ship. And since both Roar on the Before boarding, you’ll be issued a device that truth." Mom Kayla Campbell, 26, was charged Shore and CelebrateErie continue to demon- straps around your neck and emits an audible Cory Vaillancourt is a brilliant writer/com- with felony neglect, as she appeared "oblivi- strate that we, as a community, simply do not care ticking sound. Then, stepping on to the bus, you’ll plete hack and can be complimented/heckled at ous," said police, to the child's absence from what we’re known for or what kind of culture or be greeted by one of those “new minimum-wage cVaillancourt@ErieRead- home. [South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 7-9-2013] reputation we export, the least we can do is get jobs with no healthcare” I was talking about; er.com. Find him on Twit- filthy stinking rich by selling gullible tourists henceforth, “Brian Mills impersonator” will be ter @VLNCRT. To follow n unnamed restaurateur from Nagoya, Ja- cheap Chinese crap at criminally inflated prices. a career choice for both Erieites and theater this story or comment, scan pan, has filed a lawsuit against an affiliate Therefore, every August 28 from now on into majors across the globe! We can scrape up the the QR code or go to http:// ofA the country's largest organized crime syn- perpetuity, Erie will be henceforth known as the rejects from Disney, "Yo Gabba Gabba," and erirdr.com/lnnq2 dicate, Yamaguchi-gumi, demanding a refund 4 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 of "protection" money she had been paying for more than 12 years (in total, the equivalent of about $170,000). The affiliate, Kodo-kai, Street Corner burned down a bar in 2010, killing people, in a similar protection arrangement that went bad, and the plaintiff said she, too, was threatened with arson when she decided to stop paying. Soapbox According to an expert on Japanese "yakuza," a relative of one of the victims of the 2010 Vote Yes on Term Limits fire may also sue Kodo-kai. [ Japan Today via Quartz, 7-18-2013] By: Jay Stevens Unclear on the Concept

n June, following his guilty plea in Corpus o legal challenge was filed to a bal- sat on the council for over 20 years – lost their disappearance for, and eventual “no” vote, on the Christi, Texas, to possession of child por- lot initiative that seeks to implement re-election bids, as did current County Executive community college, but that issue never surfaced Inography, Jose Salazar, 70, offered to perform term limits on the county council and Barry Grossman. in the recent primary. No challenger mentioned public service to reduce the 12-year sentence county executive offices, so we'll all Yes, but, this was an unusual election. You the community college, or mentioned Giles' role a federal judge had handed him. Salazar said be able to vote on it this November. could argue that Grossman's opponent, Kathy in its defeat. he "had a lot to offer society," according to an NAnd you should vote yes! Term limits in county Dahlkemper, easily matched Grossman's name That's a long way of saying that it's hard to Associated Press story, and could be "useful" government is a great idea. recognition: after all, she ran a successful bid defeat an incumbent, and only extraordinary in mentoring children. [Associated Press via County Councilman Fiore Leone doesn't think for U.S. Congress. And you could guess that circumstances conspire to remove them from of- Beaumont Enterprise, 6-21-2013] so. In an interview with JET 24, he said he didn't Dahlkemper's supporters, already in an anti-in- fice. But local government shouldn't be a lifetime think there should be limits on how long a public cumbent frame of mind, simply pulled the lever appointment – or a lifestyle choice. We need con- t Atherstone, England's, Twycross Zoo, a official should serve in office. After all, if they're for every challenger. Which could explain why stant renewal of ideas and talents in the office. program is underway to try to teach quar- doing a good job, shouldn't we keep them in? Cleaver lost. We need to ensure that officeholders change with ter-tonA giant tortoises to speed up. An extended You could also argue that, say, Giles' name the times. outdoor pen had been built for Speedy (age 70), recognition actually hurt his candidacy. You No one should serve on the county council for Tim, 40, and Shelly, 30, but that meant it took can appear in only so many reports showering 35 years. a longer time to round them up for bed at the Incumbents have in women's locker rooms and taking late-night end of the day. The Leicester Mercury reported drives with felony-prone boys before voters grow Jay Stevens can be contacted in June that zoo officials were trying to use the a huge advantage uneasy with you. at [email protected], and lure of food to get the tortoises to significantly Still, neither scenario applies to the incum- you can follow him on Twitter improve their way-under-1-mile-per-hour gait. bents' actual records. Were Erie county voters @Snevets_Yaj. To follow this [Leicester Mercury, 6-21-2013] in any election, unhappy with Barry Grossman's performance story or comment, scan the QR as county executive? It didn't seem so. Maybe code or go to http://erirdr.com/ ctually, It Might Enhance the Experience: and especially in some Erie voters were dissatisfied with Giles' u9kmk The British sex toy manufacturer Ann SummersA issued a recall in June of a certain model of its popular Ultimate O Vibrator be- local government cause of a problem with the electrical charger. The company said it was being cautious but that the risk of danger is low. [Daily Telegraph, elections. After all, 6-14-2013] in local politics, Inexplicable Her happiness ina Marie Garrison, 37, and her son Junior name recognition Lee Dillon, 18, of Preston, Minn., were chargedT in June with stealing almost $5,000 is the key to worth of gopher feet from the freezer of a go- is in the bag. pher trapper in Granger, Minn., and selling them for the local offered bounty of $3 per pair. electoral victory. Garrison, Dillon, and the victimized trapper were friends, and it was not clear why the thinly populated gopher-foot market would not have “What you do by putting in term limits is dis- deterred Garrison and Dillon. [Post-Bulletin enfranchise voters,” he said. (Rochester, Minn.), 6-18-2013] Fiore Leone has served on the Erie County Council since 1978. ouann Giambattista, 55, a 33-year- What Councilman Leone doesn't tell you is veteran American Airlines flight at- that incumbents have a huge advantage in any Ltendant, filed a lawsuit against the company election, and especially in local government elec- in July alleging that it had subjected her to tions. After all, in local politics, name recognition baseless hassles because of co-workers' ac- is the key to electoral victory. And local govern- the shops at the colony cusations that, argued her attorney, were ment isn't covered well in local media, so an of- wrongly "making her out to be a nut." One ficeholder's actual record or performance doesn't 2602 west 8th street of the accusations was that she was "hiding come into play as much as it does in, say, a presi- (814) 833-5311 rats in her underwear (and pantyhose) and dential election. So, the key to winning elections sneaking them onto planes" based apparently is merely by making public appearances, and oc- on Giambattista's hobby of raising pets at casionally showing up on television. And incum- www.lescrago.com home. The airline has allegedly subjected her bents get to do both. to enhanced security measures for more than "Wait!" you're saying. What about this year's a year, allegedly causing her post-traumatic primary? Three incumbent county officeholders stress disorder and "debilitating anxiety." lost elections. Whitey Cleaver – an eight-year [New York Post, 7-7-2013] veteran of County Council – and Joe Giles – who August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 5 possible benefit to this merger. While the exact windy it was outside. I left my coat at home, THE WAY I SEE IT plans for the routes haven’t been laid out, some- Tech watch but that was my fault. Sadly, Google has no times I go with the “build it, and they will come” app to correct my own bad decisions. Yet. What Airline Mergers Mean to Erie mentality. Again, even with that runway expan- Tech Life in the Here and Now Just as the possibilities with a product such sion. as Google Now are enormous, imagine its If the airlines don't merge, they could offer By: Dakota Hoffman, Epic WebStudios potential when overlaid with social networks By: Rebecca Styn lower prices, but also may ultimately be forced – its Internet search is exploding on multiple to cut routes or go out of business as they try to tangents. Driving that change almost singly is compete with the much larger United and Delta. he other day, some coworkers and Google. And at a time when some believe the ack in January of 2012, American And take note, business travelers: you are more I were sitting in the office talking golden era of the Internet is just beginning. Airlines and US Airways started talks likely to lose out even more than us fair-weather about the new updates to Google Now, take it one step further. Enter stage about a possible merger between the flyers, since there would be no third alternative to Maps. We were looking in our left the always-talked-about Google Glass. two groups. And just a little over a year the large domestic and international route net- open office door with street view when I no- Google Glass, of course, is the optical com- later, the two officially announced these plans in works offered by United and Delta. ticedT one coworker was keeping quiet, so I puter fitted on a pair of eyeglass frames. If BFebruary 2013 – creating what would be the larg- I understand the Justice Departments fear: asked her for her opinion. you're a select developer with $1,500 to spare, est airline in the world. a monopoly. By all means, if this merger went “I use Mapquest,” she squeaked to the hor- you can walk around computing hands-free This merger would see more than 6,700 daily through, the four biggest airlines would control ror of the entire room. wherever and whenever you want and run the flights to 336 locations in 56 countries world- more than 80 percent of the domestic air-travel Which made me realize how much I rely risk of becoming a "Glasshole." wide. Ultimately, the new American Airlines market and would have a monopoly over several on Google. No other company has embedded Google Now functions relatively well as is. would provide the most service across the East U.S. routes. But consider this: Whirlpool alone itself this deeply into my life. People, myself It pulls information from all my devices that Coast and Central regions of the U.S. (Read: currently dominates the major household appli- included, identify themselves as Mac or Win- run Chrome and tailors to my life, but what Hopeful connections for Erie). ance department with 43 percent of the market dows users, but if we zoom out a bit, there's if I was providing live data “from the ground” share – and I don’t see the government up in arms another Venn diagram where Google almost with the use of Glass? I once reviewed 1201 I don’t know about you, but about this one. Why is there no protest over the entirely encompasses all of these users. Kitchen (State St.) on Google+, so if I were dishwasher monopoly, I ask?! Well, probably be- I'm a Mac user, but the list of Apple prod- to walk by Sushi & Asian Cuisine on State when it comes to flying, I cause it’s a dishwasher. ucts I use daily essentially amounts to OS X Street, what if Glass interjected and recom- focus on two major elements: But I digress… it’s probably true the costs may on my MacbookPro. The number of Google mended the restaurant? Is Google capable of go up, but if we can get a direct flight into New products I use daily boggles my mind. To- that degree of oversight? More importantly: convenience and cost. York, Washington, D.C., or Orlando, I think day, I counted 15: Gmail, Calendar, An- Is society ready to be told what to do like that? some of us would be okay with this idea. Yes, droid, Search, Maps, Image Search, Google+, Glass coupled with Now could be the next However, this past week, the U.S. Department costs are probably going to rise; however, in re- Chrome, Voice, Play Store, Wallet, Drive, way Google becomes a necessity in life and of Justice filed a suit to block this merger. While cent decades the inflation-adjusted price of an Now, YouTube, and Adwords. is posed, nay threatening, to radically define over the last decade, the government has given average round trip has been nearly cut in half. When we think about the vast number of how we communicate with one another and carte blanche to a series of airline mergers: Be- These price drops may have been too ambitious, services Google offers for free to users, it's with our environments. cause the industry has fallen into a cyclical pat- leaving airlines with little profit, leading to all the no wonder that so many find a use for their While I am excited technology can make tern of damaging competition, they chose this other mergers. Their challenge now is to convince applications. Remember life before Google? such a leap toward effortless convenience, my time to block it, arguing that this pattern has a federal judge in D.C. that, without the merger, It was difficult. We had to use paper maps, fascination admittedly is a morbid one. As ended – alongside the public’s tolerance for in- the industry as a whole — and these two in par- learn languages, and even own a dictionary. every movie about robots ever warns: relying dustry consolidation. ticular — will be in trouble the next time fuel The horror! too heavily on technology to live our daily I don’t know about you, but when it comes prices go up – or the economy goes down. Google Now is among the latest of search- lives can become a handicap. Just go watch to flying, I focus on two major elements: con- The way I see it, it comes down to this: pay based offerings from the world's biggest “iRobot” or any of the “Terminator” movies. venience and cost. Personally, convenience is more and get more, or pay less and get less. newmedia firm. It scours your calendar, your Now that I think about it, didn’t the villains probably the top of my list, because as all of us And it’s now in the hands of one man to decide. work, and personal patterns, and then meshes in both of those titles have Google Glass-like know in Erie, there’s still only a handful of con- them with publicly available information, vision? necting hubs from our fair Erie International Love? Hate? Agree? Disagree? such as traffic, weather, and events, to assist Airport/Tom Ridge Field – Cleveland, Detroit, I want to hear from you. Con- you throughout the day. Alerts warn you of Dakota Hoffman can and Philadelphia. Even with that entire runway tact me at rStyn@ErieReader. a traffic jam on your regular route to work or be contacted at Epic@ expansion. com, and follow me on Twitter the blustery weather in the city you are flying ErieReader.com. To follow And as it stands, the only airline flying into De- @rStyn. To follow this story or to. this story or comment, scan troit from here is Delta. So, as a passenger in our comment, scan the QR code or go Just this afternoon before I left work, the QR code or go to http:// small corner of the world, I’m thinking there’s a to http://erirdr.com/96duc Google Now felt inclined to let me know how erirdr.com/hne11

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA By: B. Toy

6 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 Revitalizing Erie in the B.E.S.T. Way Bayfront East Side Taskforce is the city's first nonprofit organization hyper-focused on reviving Erie's East Bayfront neighborhood.

By Ryan Smith picking. garden is growing just The community garden was first es- down the street from Jer- tablished and has been growing since emy Bloeser's office on April at the corner of Parade and East Parade Street's 400 block. Fourth streets. It's just one of multiple He talks about it while he walks down initiatives and efforts currently under toA it, picking up little scraps of litter way through B.E.S.T., the city's first along the way. nonprofit organization hyper-focused Not too long ago, he said, a crum- on revitalizing Erie's East Bayfront bling, uninhabitable house – then, neighborhood, situated directly east nothing but unused space – was all of the city's downtown improvement that occupied that corner lot, one of district and encompassing 25 blocks many like it on the bay-fronting face between Holland and Wayne streets of Erie's oldest neighborhood. from East Sixth to East Front streets. Out of all that B.E.S.T. does – from major projects to remove blighted The lot's a space starting properties and provide new, affordable housing to smaller-scale endeavors to to come into new bloom: boost neighborhood pride and par- Rare and not-so-rare herbs ticipation, Bloeser said the garden is "small" and just "one of many [under- and spices, varieties of Ryan Smith takings]." blueberries, raspberries, and "Nobody really realizes how com- Executive Director of B.E.S.T. Jeremy Bloeser shows off other fruits and more, all prehensive [the effort] is," he added. the community garden on Parade Street. artfully assorted in hand- B.E.S.T. is primarily funded through community donations and ongoing painted garden boxes and partnerships, the largest of which are more. lot better." Along with that, though, the city flanked by white fencing. with Erie Insurance Group and, now, The partnerships mark what is "obvi- But on any given night, she said, she needs to do more, too – like, for in- UPMC Hamot. Working with the ously a huge financial contribution. But still sees the same problems on the stance, "putting more patrol cars in the state Department of Community and it needs that," said Bloeser. "We use neighborhood's streets: People fighting, area," she said. Economic Development, EIG recently [that] funding for pretty much every- often violently. Young children, entirely When it comes down to it, even as Now, though, the lot's a space start- renewed a six-year commitment to thing we do ... [and] there's plenty of unsupervised, outside in the middle of very-much worthwhile work continues ing to come into new bloom: Rare and provide $900,000 — $150,000 each work to be done." night, with nowhere to go and nothing to make way for change for the better, not-so-rare herbs and spices, varieties year — toward B.E.S.T's revitaliza- Michele Gannon – a 29-year-old who to do. Gannon has also seen a big change over of blueberries, raspberries, and other tion efforts. In the same vein, UPMC works most days at her parents' Orsini's And worse. the course of recent years,. "It's not like fruits and more, all artfully assorted Hamot is now supporting B.E.S.T. Market at 231 Parade St., and lives right A couple of months back, Gannon when I was growing up," she said. "It's in hand-painted garden boxes and with a six-year, $175,000-per-year upstairs – agrees. said, she had to pull a gun on two local worse." flanked by white fencing. funding commitment. "I grew up in this neighborhood," she teens who were attempting to rob the But the fencing isn't there to keep Over the last 12 years, according to said while working at the market one store. They were both apprehended by Ryan Smith can be contacted at anyone out. B.E.S.T., the nonprofit has used such recent afternoon, "and I see everything." police about an hour after fleeing. [email protected], and you "Everything here is edible," Bloeser, major funding partnerships to accom- Gannon said by all means, she ap- "And the other night, I heard a gun- can follow him on Twitter @Ryan- executive director of the Bayfront East plish goals including the demolition of preciates the work B.E.S.T. is doing, shot," she said, "and I never saw a police SmithPlens. To Side Taskforce, said as he looked over over 40 blighted properties; the creation and she's all for the kind of changes it's car." follow this story the garden's bounty recently. And with of 21 new single-family, owner-occu- facilitating. "I like the fact they've taken Gannon said in her opinion, B.E.S.T. or comment, scan the exception of a few marked boxes pied homes as well as eight new rental down a lot of the [blighted] houses," should continue what it's doing, only the QR code or go that are privately gardened by neigh- properties; coordination of an array of she said. "They were problem houses, more of it, and should be supported in to http://erirdr. borhood residents, it's all there for the community events and initiatives; and and it makes the neighborhood look a its efforts. com/k9dqq

August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 7 8 GREAT TUESDAYS

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8 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 Living Off the Land in Erie County Two Families Find an Alternative Way to Subsist Brad Triana Brad

Homesteading – a lifestyle of self-sustained living – provides a refreshing alternative to commercial farming.

By: Matthew Flowers: the sky. merely made from pollution, there may be more nounce what is in the ingredients you don’t buy On my drive back into the city, I kept gazing at to finding out that a burger is more than simply it,” Andrew explains. ’ve had a lot a time to reflect this sum- the colors in the sky. The red mixed in with white beef. And in amidst that quest to find those an- The list of chemicals on the back of some pro- mer while reintroducing myself to wisps of clouds like a punch-stained tablecloth. swers, people can be found along the way who cessed foods can make a shopper want to revisit Mother Nature. I kayaked on the lake, After picking up a friend, I stopped to get some are abandoning the mainstream way of living, of the periodic table for some reference; single in- took long walks through lush woods, food before my night began. I ordered a classic eating, and find that homesteading – living off gredients seem to have more syllables than the camped out beneath an awning of stars, cheeseburger – what I believe America would the land – is not just an alternative but the future word count of most children’s books. and even planted a small garden. Tak- taste like if it was sandwiched between a sesame of food for them. Let’s start with a classic that almost everyone ing in the fresh scenery, I notice a sim- seed bun – from my go-to burger joint. It was This is where that seed begins to grow. has tasted: monosodium glutamate. This adds to ple commonality between all the sights around nestled in a paper tray alongside a pile of fries, the that tasty salt blast you get when eating Chinese me: Everything started from a seed. oil still sizzling when it was handed to me. t’s a game of roulette that we really food, Ramen Noodles, and a wide variety of dip- It can be that small, wet grain of an idea ce- We sat for a moment while I noshed down on don’t want to play,” local homesteader, ping sauces. Its short-term side effects include mented in one of the crevices of your brain that my patriotic patty. The sun’s gone down, but the small-business owner, and family man numbness, headache, rapid heart rate, instantly Ifosters an invention, or that first drop of concrete colors were still radiant in the open sky. Andrew“I Pastor says about the dangers of geneti- being hungry again, wanting to fall asleep watch- laying the foundation for a sturdy home, or of My friend took sip of Coke and looked towards cally modified foods. Homesteading promotes ing reruns of “Seinfeld,” and unbuttoning the top course, the small pod that stems up to become me. “Did you ever wonder what’s in that?” he self-sufficiency and sustainability by way of farm- button of a once well-fitting pair of pants. a canopy of leaves, perhaps bearing fresh flowers, said, pointing to the remnants of my meat-pulp ing for sustenance and reduces the need for trade. The long-term effects of this salty additive have fruit, or vegetables. burger. Erie, as set in its ways as it can seem at times, been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s During one of my summer outings, I visited a That is when the seed was planted. is home to multiple families living this alterna- Disease, Epilepsy, and a whole slew of other dis- small farm. In the middle of what seemed like When I was younger, I was told pollution made tive lifestyle. Generally, you won’t find boxed, orders. nowhere, the horizon line was so defined – crisp the most stunning sunsets. When I was a kid, I processed, or genetically modified foods on their Another classic chemical commercial farms use green and yellow rows running across the pasture, was also told that a burger was simply beef. shelves. is glyphosate, the active chemical ingredient in and an Erie sun starting to sweep colors across While we know that beautiful sunsets aren’t “My wife and I have a policy: If you can’t pro- Roundup – one of the most widely used herbi- August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 9 “If Ye Love Finely Printed Goods, Pay A Visit To Presque Isle Printing Services!”

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Arnold, a pot-bellied pig, calls A Little Bit of Heaven farm home.

cides that kills anything from weeds and grass beaver anal-glands to add that little extra kick of to wooded plants. In almost every non-organic flavor? Food companies have. Castoreum is the food using ingredients derived from corn or soy, exudate from a North American Beaver’s castor a side of weed killer is served up with it. (anal) sac. Many processed foods and beverages According to the U.S. Department of Agri- use this beaver anal gland juice to add vanilla or culture, farmers dumped 57 million pounds of raspberry flavoring to a variety of soft drinks and glyphosate on food crops in 2009. A crop’s resis- dishes. tance to glyphosate is one of the main reasons for Disgusting? Yes. Delicious? Yes. Dangerous? genetically modified produce. No. But difficult to pronounce – and understand The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – chemicals, including herbicides, aren’t the considers this additive as GRAS, or “generally only interesting ingredients in our food. While recognized as safe.” Before taking a bite of pud- it seems natural to squeeze a lemon or lime to ding, yogurt, or candy or taking a sip of iced tea freshen up some ice water or a cocktail, have you or soda, you may want to check out the ingredi- considered squeezing the cloying juices from ent list, even for these GRAS ingredients. But

10 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 here’s a kicker: even if used, some additives, like drifted a little further apart. castoreum, won’t be featured on the label since Even after her parents passed away, Melanie’s it falls under the FDAs definition of “natural thought process remained the same: “Why flavoring.” would people go and buy something if they can While some consumers may commend farmers make it on their own?” who have decided to milk beaver ass for a liv- With the combination of organic groceries ing to get that extra kick to our soda pop, others being pricier and commercial farming being, in may think twice before taking that next gulp of their opinion, reprehensible, the Pastor family questionable carbonated refreshment. felt there was no choice but to farm their own Yet the featured list of controversial ingredi- food. “I don’t see an option, I really don’t. I see ents is as long as a whale is wide: carbon monox- the way that commercial farming is now,” An- ide is used to keep meat “fresh,” ammonia keeps drew says. meat clean, propylene glycol is a bonding agent in salad dressing but is also used to make con- ommercial farming techniques don’t re- doms, and if you take a bite of wheat bread, you ally include weeding out the garden or could also be eating L-cysteine, in other words, planting marigolds to steer away pests. dissolved human hair or duck feathers. CIt’s more about making the fruits sweeter, the Taste what I’m cookin’? vegetables juicier, and the beef beefier by geneti- “We became very aware of the foods that are cally modifying the organism. available commercially. We educated ourselves Genetically modified organisms – as defined on commercial farming especially with the on- by Charu Verma in her article from The Open slaught of genetically modified food,” Andrew Nutraceuticals Journal, titled: “A Review on Im- says. Whether it is due to an increase in popu- pacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human lation or genetically modified food that has led Health” – are defined as organisms (except for an equally positive correlation in the number human beings) in which the genetic material has of food allergies, obesity, and the vast array of been altered in a way that does not occur natu- diseases coming to light, he and his wife Jodie rally by mating and/or natural recombination. have dedicated themselves to raising their three In essence, a bigger, better, stronger gene gets daughters Hanna, Jordan, and Lilly May on Triana Brad inserted into another microorganism. And these farm-fresh food. Dr. Frankenstein-creations do have their ad- Chickens thrive in open spaces. vantages. Much of the commercial produce is Little Bit of Heaven Farm is another pest resistant, herbicide tolerant, cold tolerant, homestead run by the wife-and-husband being independent. She felt admiration for the themselves, but the hard work this sustainabil- drought tolerant, salinity tolerant, disease resis- team of Melanie and Luka Krneta out in families who could weave their own safety net. ity took to achieve kept the family stable in a tant, and scientists can even add extra nutrients Springboro,A Pa. From a young age, Melanie was “The people from the Depression era who were vulnerable time. “My mom always talked about for under nourished communities. drawn to the farm life. She was inspired by her trying to be more self sufficient really impressed how it was so simple back then and how families Modern agriculture, despite meeting astonish- parents living through the trying times of the me,” says Melanie. pulled together,” she says. After that time was ing yields to match our world’s growing popu- ’30s, an age when a family's welfare depended on Not only were families trying to provide for through, and money was more plentiful, families lation, has received a reputation [Cont. on 20]

August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 11 AUGUST 21 - SEPTEMBER 3 If We Were You... Adrienne Hindmarsh and Pete Mills WEDNESDAY 8.21 THURSDAY 8.22 FRIDAY 8.23 At some point in time, somebody decided to say “all good things must come to an end,” unfor- GEAE Happy Hour Erie Downtown Partnership North East National Rib Fest tunately setting the precedent for good things On the third Wednesday of each month (hey, Block Party Get your last taste of fresh barbecue before the being expected to, well, end. Still, that just means that’s today!) the greater Erie Alliance for Equal- Jerry Uht Park is the site of this week's block summer ends! Not only are there great ribs, but we can kick off the final show of the Romolo ity hosts a combined happy hour/service event. party. There will be food, drinks, and great live also a car/motorcycle show, petting zoo, crafters Chocolates 2013 Summer Music Series in full This one, at Craze nightclub, aims to collect entertainment from and Taylor Maid and Key and live entertainment. Admission is free and will force, with B-3 organist Adrienne Hindmarsh school supplies, so be sure to bring along pens, West Express. If this recent weather has been any be running through the weekend until Sunday. and saxophonist Pete Mills playing for free on a pencils, notebooks, backpacks, or anything else indication, summer is winding down! Enjoy these When: All Day late summer night. you can! Thursday nights outdoors while you still can! Where: Gibson & Gravel Pit Parks, When: 6 to 9 p.m. When: 5 to 9 p.m. When: 6 to 10:30 p.m. 10300 West Main Road North East Where: 1525 W. Eighth St. Where: 1607 Raspberry St. Where: 110 E. 10th St. Contact: 725.3308 Contact: 452.1933 Contact: greatereriealliance.com Contact: 455.3743 Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure Instead of Sleeping and guests Married and Counting Bail Easy and Via the Sun Nothing says “family-friendly” quite like Disney, There are so many things you could do instead Huffington Post called this documentary on For those who would like to rock, let us introduce and you can be sure the kids will enjoy seeing the of sleeping. You could read a good book, binge marriage equality “relevant, heartfelt, and timely,” you to Bail Easy and Via the Sun. One’s a little likes of Cinderella and Peter Pan in this unique watch a new show, or finally paint that master- while Time called it “equal parts love story and metal, and the other’s more melodic hard rock, performance at the Warner Theater. Tickets range piece of General Patton on a unicorn. While political protest,” so you should probably head on but they get along just fine, which is great for from $51, $31, and $21 and can be purchased at those are all nice, we suggest doing something over to PACA and see it. Donations are accepted anyone out there looking to head down to Sher- the Warner Theater box office. like heading down to Basement Transmissions but not required, and half of the proceeds will be lock’s for a good guitar thrashing all night long. When: 7 p.m. and check out Pittsburgh-based melodic indie donated to ME4PA, a marriage equality group. When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 811 State St. rockers Instead of Sleeping, as well as some other When: 7 p.m. Where: 508 State St. Contact: 452.4857 special guests that will make you happy that you Where: 1505 State St. Contact: 453.7760 The Family Resource Fair got off the couch. Contact: Paca1505.com The United Way of Erie County wants you to know When: 6 to 11 p.m. that If you or someone you know may benefit from Where: 1501 State St. involvement with a social service agency, Pfeiffer- Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com Burleigh Elementary School will host more than 30 of them in the school gym. This helpful new Zabawa Polish Festival event is being held in conjunction with Back to You know, this wouldn’t be a bad weekend to go School Free Hair Cut Day (see below), and both festival hopping. Portion the ribs wisely on Friday are graciously supported by Michael Hooks, own- and you’ll have room to head over to Holy Trin- er/operator of Michael's Hair Salon. ity Church for Polish food on Saturday! Like the When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rib Fest, this event runs through the weekend. Where: 235 E. 11th St. When: All Day Contact: [email protected] Where: East 23rd and Reed streets Electro/Acoustic Collision Contact: 456.0671 Electronic and acoustic musicians will battle for supremacy at Basement Transmissions over the ArborEATem – A party in the park course of one night. Actually, there won’t be any Erie is full of great restaurants, and now all the Thu. Aug. 22 Bail Easy & Via the Sun fighting, really – just two stages, nine artists, and chefs of these eateries will be gathered in one a whole bunch of good music brought to you by place. From Mi Scuzi to Avanti’s and everything the likes of Cleveland’s 9 Volt Haunted House in between, come to Lake Erie Arboretum at and some unplugged tunes from Erie’s own one- Frontier Park and meet the people that make Fri. Aug. 23 Drunk in Memphis wayness, resulting in a sound victory for those some of Erie’s best food. attending. When: 7 to 11 p.m. When: 6 to 11 p.m. Where: West Eighth Street and Bayfront Parkway Where: 1501 State St. Contact: 453.5324 Sat. Aug. 24 Refuge Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com SATURDAY 8.24 SUNDAY 8.25 Thu. Aug. 29 Charisma Back-to-School Free Haircut Day Aviation Gala & Open House It’s back-to-school season, but in Erie, need truly Join the Erie Regional Airport Authority at the Fri. Aug. 30 New Wave Nation knows no season. For the eighth consecutive year, Erie International Airport-Tom Ridge Field for the Pfeiffer-Burleigh School playground will their Aviation Gala Open House and Ribbon host Michael Hooks and his team of volunteer Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of hairstylists, who will provide free haircuts and the runway 6-24 extension. Vintage aircraft – Sat. Aug. 31 Old School backpacks to an expected 1,000 children who including a B-17 bomber – and privately-owned need both to start the school year on a positive aircraft will also be on display; if aircraft aren’t note. your thang, classic cars will also be present. When: 8 a.m. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 508 State Street 18-20 North Park Row 814-453-7760 Where: 235 E. 11th St. Where: 4411 W. 12th St. Contact: [email protected] Contact: Erieairshow.com 12 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 some additional entertainment for Profound fun. TUESDAY 8.27 Produce’s special night. SUNDAY 9.01 When: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. When: 9 p.m. Where: 5131 Old French Rd Last of the 8 Great Tuesdays Where: 1013 State St. Greenhouse at the crooked i Contact: 456.9599 We’ve all heard it: All good things must come Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie Do you know what’s better than having two to an end. But in the case of this Tuesday, it’s all indie hip-hop artists from Columbus? Three of MONDAY 9.02 great things, as this marks the last performance them, but that’s starting to get a little greedy, so in the 8 Great Tuesdays concert series. So head FRIDAY 8.30 we’re perfectly fine with rappers Blueprint and Last SeaWolves Game of to Liberty Park for one last outdoor show on Illogic team up to become Greenhouse for this the Regular Season Erie’s beautiful bayfront and enjoy the tunes of Homemade Fusion killer Sunday show. Another true sign that eight months of winter American Ride Band, who open for The Stick- Dramashop’s having a party to kick off their When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are rapidly approaching – baseball’s over. So close ers. 2013-2014 season and to open their new per- Where: 1013 State St. out another wonderful regular season of home- When: 6 to 10 p.m. formance space, and in true Dramashop fashion, Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie team minor league fun at the Uht with your Where: 726 W. Bayfront Parkway they’re making this something more than just an friends by attending the SeaWolves last game Contact: 455.7557 ordinary party. For a special one-night event, the German Heritage Festival of the season, because in two months, you know crew of Erie’s contemporary theater is perform- Achtung! Another ethnic festival! Get yo’ leder- you’ll already be yearning for their season opener. ing the concert-style “Homemade Fusion” that’s hosen on and head on over to St. Nick’s Grove When: 1:35 p.m. WEDNESDAY 8.28 been called “brash, witty, and tongue-in-cheek.” on Route 97 for a full day of Frankfurters and Where: 110 E. 10th St. With a complimentary pre-show reception, Re- Contact: Seawolves.com FILM presents: "Frances Ha" naissance Theatre is the place to be this Friday. The final movie of the summer series is a critical- When: 7 p.m. reception; 8 p.m. performance ly-acclaimed comedy about a young New York Where: 1001 State St. City woman who keeps joyfully chasing her Contact: dramashop.org dreams, even as they slip out of reach. When: 7 p.m. SATURDAY 8.31 Where: 726 20 E. Fifth St. Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum Zach Deputy at the crooked i When an artist is described as island-infused THURSDAY 8.29 drum n’ bass gospel ninja soul, that sounds like a potential blast, unless you happen to hate ninjas Profound Produce CD Release for some reason. The Southern multi-instru- Local rapper Profound Produce put in a lot of mentalist puts on funky, yet soulful, rhythm and hard work to present Erie with a brand new blues show, complete with live looping and all batch of tracks, and now it’s time to enjoy “Fruits sorts of fun on a Saturday night. of Our Labor” with a proper party. The first 200 When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. people in the door will receive a free gift, all Where: 1013 State St. while Blue Soul, HoneyBee, and DJ Salt provide Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

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August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 13 To-do List By: Alex Bieler

Drips & Beats: The Revelation Party

UPCOMING EVENTS he power of addition is a wonderful trick to take something prettyT cool and help make it even better. Found some ice DRIPS BEATS cream? Add in your favorite & toppings for a killer sundae. DELIRIUM:REVELATION CD RELEASE PARTY FOR C. BROWN Got a cool-looking stick? Add a spiked ball and chain AUGUST 22 // THURSDAY @ 10:00 and you got yourself a sweet flail. Have a coming-of-age musical in mind? Add Gary Coleman and a bunch of DRUNK IN MEMPHIS singing puppets and now you Contributed Photo have a Tony-winning Broad- C. Brown releases "Delirium:Revelation" BIKE NIGHT way musical. Thursday, Aug. 22. AUGUST 30 // FRIDAY @ 10:00 The same principle can work for musicians as well. Take lo- cal rapper C. Brown’s “Delirium” for example. The “I’m very excited. It’s been six years since I release from last year showcased the MC’s lyrical played anything back home,” Ron says in regards WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING abilities, as he recapped a turbulent year; but after to his Saturday, Aug. 24 show at Urraro Gallery. looking back on his third project, C. Brown felt Before leaving Northwest Pennsylvania, Ron was WIGH SPECIAL GUESTS HUMAN ANIMAL, as though he needed to add to the story. This mu- a notable player in the local scene, heading Ron MALA SANGRE, AND ONEWAYNESS sical addendum results in “Delirium:Revelation,” Freeman & the Deaf Kids. Now he and Savan- an extended release that he says will help “close nah will be able to showcase what they’ve been AUGUST 30 // FRIDAY @ 10:00 out the story.” working on over the past few years in an acoustic “The theme with the original ‘Delirium’ was duo set. based on things that I was going through, my Inspired by the indie-folk sound that Ron’s confusion and trying to figure out things with been rather keen on since he was younger, Lost ZACH DEPUTY my life,” C. Brown explains. “The extra songs, the Orchards intertwines lyrically-driven tunes, ar- ‘Revelation’ part, are me seeing the light, starting resting arrangements, and lovely harmonies. AUGUST 31 // SATURDAY @ 10:00 to see things clear. It’s like I’m seeing the light at “When I started writing, it was generally a little the end of the tunnel.” more country,” Ron says. “I developed past the However, this tale can’t come to a proper end country songwriting into indie the more indie without a celebration, so Drips & Beats will play songwriting while keeping that sort of instru- host to the “Delirium:Revelation” CD Release mental feel as well. It’s very indie folk. I look at Party Thursday, Aug. 22 at the crooked i, help- song structure ideas from more indie artists like ing the Erie Reader 40 Under 40-alum C. Brown R.E.M., that sort of thing and then instrumen- BLUEPRINT close out this chapter with a hip-hop hoopla. For talize with this guitar, piano, banjo, and mandolin just $3, you’ll get to see your monthly dosage of sort of set up, so it comes off way folkier than the SEPTEMBER 1 // SUNDAY @ 10:00 Drips & Beats goodness as Juicebox, Calikko, indie-rock songwriting influence.” and Devious all take the stage before C. Brown With a few EPs to the band’s name, including finishes off the night. a concept release with a series of love songs from “I’m going to try and take [the audience] the perspective of a presidential assassin and more through a journey, performing songs from older electric bunch of tracks dating back to Ron’s Erie material – the first two projects I did, the origi- days, Lost Orchards has plenty of tunes to whip nal ‘Delirium,’ things like that,” C. Brown says, out at Urraro. You’ll never hear us at the Reader STONED AND BEAUTIFUL while working in the studio on some new mate- complaining about new songs however, which is rial, looking to add the final strokes to his sonic great since Ron and Savannah will be performing AUGUST 18 // SUNDAY @ 10:00 canvas. Last winter, we got another taste of what some fresh tracks from a full-length they hope to C. Brown offers, and this Release Party provides start recording later this year. the cherry to his “Delirium” sundae. It may have taken over half a decade for Ron to Lost Orchards come back and play in his hometown, but it’s bet- ter late than never when it comes to welcoming even years ago, Ron Freeman left Erie. back one of our own. After several years and multiple bands, the singer/songwriter moved on to Columbus, Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ TUE: Songwriter Showcase & Vinyl Night SOhio, where he started playing in more bands ErieReader.com, and you with fellow Erieite Chris Vogt. There he met his can follow him on Twitter SUN: Open Mic & Jam wife Savannah at an open mic, eventually leading @Catch20Q. To follow this to the birth of his current band Lost Orchards. story or comment, scan the Now, all these years later, Freeman is poised to QR code or go to http://er- make his musical return to The Flagship City. irdr.com/ao87o 14 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 "Mayor of Hell" Comes to Erie John Fetterman, "controversial" mayor of Braddock, recently lectured at the Jefferson Educational Society.

By: Ryan Smith It was "a massive implosion," un- country. raddock Mayor John Fetter- equaled in American history, Fetter- On my way to Fet- man was introduced in Erie man said, and it put Braddock "liter- terman's talk last week, last week as a figure who's ally at the bottom of the food chain," news hosts on National controversial in more ways both economically and socially. "It's a Public Radio were giv- than one. community incredibly starved for re- ing details on one of BOrganizers of his Destination Erie- sources." the latest developments hosted talk at the Jefferson Educa- If "you genuinely care about the out of the borough: The tional Society prefaced that further by community," moving forward from mayor's recent officiat- suggesting Fetterman, as the forward- that reality demands that "you do what ing, despite a state ban, thinking (and demonstrably forward- youcan do," said Fetterman. of the first same-sex acting) mayor of the Pittsburgh re- Not just talk in circles, not just plan marriage in Allegheny gion's by-far poorest town, is, in some on paper, but do. Take the empathy out County. of those ways, a renegade politician of the realm of the abstract, and do. "I happen to believe whose approaches and actions some- Since taking office in 2005, Fetter- in marriage equality... times even run counter to the very man has devoted his work as mayor I'm sure there are some spirit of American democracy. – a technically part-time position that people in this crowd" But Fetterman doesn't seem to see pays about $150 a month – to practical, who don't feel at all at it that way – and, in his unpolished hands-on actions to make Braddock's the same, said Fetter- but plenty clear manner (the kind that streets safer; establish youth employ- man. "We can agree to suggests he's not much of a politician ment programs; attract artists to its disagree, I guess." at all), he said so. cheap and available working and living Looking at the full, "I never saw myself or felt myself as spaces; and pursue urban renewal and emerging picture, how- [being] controversial," Fetterman said. redevelopment projects. ever, no one can dis- "And I don't think what we're doing Of course, there's little room in that agree that his and other [in Braddock] is particularly contro- new space for old ways of thinking, for like minds' approaches versial, or esoteric." the business-as-usual model of mu- are affecting very real Rather, Fetterman said, what's being nicipal leadership. It seems for more changes for the better done to rethink, revitalize, and repur- process-oriented, politics-prone lead- in Braddock. pose Braddock out of its ruins of in- ers and planners, that's what's sort of It's been over five dustrial collapse is a reasoned response scary about Fetterman; what puts him years since Braddock to the town's situation – and the only on their fringe even as he's brought the last had a homicide. hope for its future. town, its plight, and the work toward Between 2006 and Here's Braddock's past in brief: The its renewal into the national discussion 2011, Fetterman said, Ryan Smith site of Andrew Carnegie's first steel and international spotlight. 911 calls to the bor- Harvard University graduate "Mayor John" has been mill (along with Carnegie's first li- He's been dubbed by The Guardian ough's police depart- dubbed "America's Coolest Mayor" by The Guardian. brary), the 20,000-plus-population as "America's coolest mayor," by the ment dropped by about borough was a bustling, brimming- New York Times as "The Mayor of 50 percent. And last month, he said, better. The direction is more important [email protected], and you with-business, 20th Century model Rust," and featured in Rolling Stone there wasn't a single shots-fired call than the plan." can follow him on Twitter @Ryan- of affluence born of industry. But be- as "The Mayor of Hell." He's done nu- – the first non-statistic of its kind in In Erie, and throughout the Rust- SmithPlens. To tween the middle and end of the last merous TEDx talks, appeared on The approximately 30 years. belt, those in power positions need follow this story century, it became an extreme model of Colbert Report, and brought Brad- "I don't consider that controversial," to recognize that and adapt – and the or comment, scan the effects of industrial abandonment, dock into the headlines (and not the 'if said Fetterman. "The thing I care about sooner, the better. the QR code or go losing 90 percent of its businesses – it bleeds, it leads,' kind) of major news most," he added, is that – by whatever to http://erirdr. and 90 percent of its population. publications and programs across the means work – "things continue getting Ryan Smith can be contacted at com/gmob9

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August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 15 MUSIC

The Civil Wars REVIEWS The Civil Wars Sensibility/Columbia Washed Out With a darker, more brood- Paracosm Superchunk ing tone and a fuller sound Sub Pop Buddy Guy I Hate Music than 2011’s “Barton Hollow,” Rhythm and Blues Merge it’s easier now to draw the After listening through RCA For a band that’s been ac- comparison of this folk- Washed Out’s catalog, one tive for nearly 25 years, “I country-pop-rock duo to could presume that Ernest Buddy Guy just keeps on Hate Music” seems a rather country-pop-rock powerhouse Lady Antebel- Greene is more of a lover going; on the heels of odd choice for the name lum. But The Civil Wars manages to retain a than a rocker. The silky- 2010’s Grammy-award win- of their newest album. more grounded, Earthy-indie feel. The folk-rock smooth musician prefers a ning “Living Proof,” this liv- Still, for the veteran Cha- elements (“The One That Got Away”) carry the more relaxing style of music, ing legend’s 68th album, pel Hill, N.C. rockers, the album, still satisfying listeners captivated by one part chillwave with a dash of dream-pop, “Rhythm and Blues” is actu- title is not so much a damnation of the sonic the more subdued 2011 Grammy-winning de- a mix that continues on his latest album “Para- ally a double album and his arts as much as a resignation that despite the but, with Joy Williams’ powerful vocals again cosm.” Now, if his last effort “Within and With- sixth release since he’s turned 70. Buddy uses music that can change your life (Thanks, “Gar- stealing the spotlight. John Paul White proves out” could have acted as the soundtrack for the opening song “Best in Town” to prove he’s den State”), it can’t always save it. As Mac Mc- he can go as damn near close to note-for-note some amorous nighttime activities, “Paracosm” still, umm, the best in town, despite the down- Caughan sings "I hate music, what is it worth?/ with Williams on album standout “I Had Me A seems much more suited to a warm, post-coital right sacrilegious molestation of “Messin’ with Can’t bring anyone back to this earth” on “Me & Girl.” But the following song, appropriately titled morning embrace, even down to the chirping the Kid” – his and frequent collaborator the late You & Jackie Mittoo,” a sadness permeates the “Same Old, Same Old,” while sweet and melan- of birds at the beginning and end of the nine- great Junior Wells’ theme song, forever soiled album, which was dedicated Dave Doernberg, choly, offers exactly that: the same old sound, song set. Greene has a knack for creating some by the addition of Kid Rock – but he almost a longtime friend of the band who died from and after those initial two rip-open-your-chest- rather pretty sonic landscapes, with second makes up for it with a tender number featuring cancer in 2012. “I Hate Music” grapples with and-bear-your-heart-while-the-thunder-roars track “It All Feels Right” helping to get “Para- Keith Urban and a barn-burner featuring new death and the inevitability of growing older, songs – the album’s first two, actually – every- cosm” off to a good start. At times, the album’s guitar-heavy Gary Clark, Jr. You may think his but, as Superchunk records tend to do, man- thing else seems to blend together in an eas- dreamy sounds feel a bit tired after the sixth best work is behind him – and you may be right ages to sound vibrant and alive, with ripping ily forgettable pang of heartache-frustration- serving of echoing textures, but if you’re look- – but as soon as Buddy opens up on one of his guitar solos and pristine punk-pop jams shin- revelation-angst that fails to show any more ing for some good cuddle music, you’ve found always-searing Stratocaster solos, chances are, ing through the darkness. - Alex Bieler growth. - Ben Speggen it. - Alex Bieler you won’t even care. - Cory Vaillancourt

16 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 Most memorable year to date? I suppose the tion aren’t a political statement. It’s about looking third year. It was the largest gathering. I think after our own backyards. People who think this is 10 friends showed all dressed up in some great a hoax are like car bumper stickers; they let me costumes. The beach was very busy that day and know exactly whom I will not be friends with. Street Fashionista I think a lot of families went home with a story. Favorite place to buy ice cream. Still a big fan Probably a lot of kids were unable to sleep alone of the DQ Blizzard (Snickers). that night, too. Favorite place in Erie to people watch. Cel- George Hammill By: Leslie McAllister Describe your personal style. Guess I have ebrateErie is the most frightening place, but my three styles I roll with. When I go out, it’s a Satin favorite is the Erie Fan Fare. All of those band Funk look, which consists of nerds are spectacular. Funny ‘70s collars and tight pants how nerds are the new jocks, to show off my attributes – a Nowadays, which sucks for us nerds; we’re lot of animal print polyes- now the popular ones every- ter shirts. My go-to style is it’s about how one wants to be around. the classic jeans and T-shirt; A little about George. I am mostly, because it’s simple little can I wear the guy who’s been annoying and I don’t have to think too all of you on the radio. I work much, but mostly, because I and how far for Rocket 101 doing sales have the worst old man Pol- and radio commercials. I do ish legs in the world – I know, can I push the not have any projects going on ‘what about the Speedo?’ – we right now, but if anyone wants all have to take one for the envelope. to check out my awesomeness, team sometime. Last, is my at you can find me on Beach 6 home mash up of Tribal-Zen-Buddhism – try- when the surf breaks four-feet, shredding waves ing to go for a Samurai-Smoking-Jacket look. on my flat deck kayak. Which reminds me, I really want a collection of silk robes. Find me out on the town and challenge yourself to If you could dine with a celebrity dead or alive get noticed by the Erie Reader! who would it be and why? Easy. Elvis…Why? He’s the King. Leslie McAllister can be contacted at lMcAl- Burgers or hot dogs? Hot dogs and no ketch- [email protected], up. You don’t put ketchup on a hot dog. Anything and you can follow her on else is fine but not ketchup. Twitter @ShopJuJus. To Your most loved man-cessory or man jewel. follow this story or com- Nunchucks. ment, scan the QR code What does Erie need to shine brighter? A or go to http://erirdr.com/ cleaner lake. Global climate change and pollu- v9s0k Leslie McAllister and Shannon Leszek

think we need to discuss the alter ego. Ci- for ‘giant Saturday’) just celebrated its sixth year. cero, a Roman philosopher, called it the sec- The idea started 15 years ago. I always wanted to ond self or trusted friend; he was the one to throw on a pair of big headphones, some mini coin the phrase. shorts, a few red, white, and blue sweat bands and Originally, I believed he meant it to be like a di- roller skate around the peninsula – completely Iary of some kind, something you tell you secrets lost in some great tune and jamming with some to; we have come to know it as that which we sweet moves. are not but aspire to, or even what Clark Kent Six years ago, everyone kept asking me where I is to Superman. I have a Pinterest board titled, wanted to go drinking for my birthday. I was fed “My Alter Ego Style,” where I pin things I wish up with that scene, and decided I was pulling the I could wear to work; like leather pants, a mara- trigger on my dream. Had to give it a name that bou vest with leopard print boots, and a sequin made no sense – accomplished that – and invite bustier. Alas, sigh and moving on, to work I wear a bunch of friends to join in. Of course, I had 20 a pencil skirt, clogs, and a blouse. or more people saying they would come but only Here’s my point – there is liberation in fantasy. one showed, my great friend Stan. Dressed to the There is freedom in donning a cape and leggings. hilt, we scared the hell out of everybody that day There is bliss in being that person that frees you. and had a blast. After people saw some pictures I read a Marianne Williamson quote recently: and heard the tales of greatness, I was encouraged “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so to do it again. The rest is history, as they say. that other people won’t feel insecure around you. Where have you sought inspiration for your We are all meant to shine, as children do.” costume, and what is the name of your alter I think she means wear the sequin bustier and ego? In the beginning, inspiration came from let your freak flag fly. Let your little ones wear the Venice Beach scene. Nowadays, it’s about the “Iron Man” costume all day and the tutu and how little can I wear and how far can I push the cowboy boots and the princess tiara with the envelope. Funkatronic is my alter ego name, or camo pants. We all need to connect to that in- Funkatronic and The All-Star. Forged on a night ner ego. Wear what makes you, you… just like of debauchery in my youth, myself and another George Hammill does. great friend – The All-Star – had an idea to be- How did this extravaganza all start? “The come the tag-team wrestling champions of the Once a Year Semi Annual Sabado Gigante Ex- world in the WWF. We had a whole act worked travaganza Festival” (sabado gigante is Spanish out and how we would cheat our way to the top. August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 17 SIDENTS A RE ARE RIE Y E 12 B 1, ' , '1 '10 IN W RO N A S I AR V YE OT ER 3 ED BEST CATER

18 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 You Ought to Know: Dr. Dan Walker

By: Alex Bieler talking to more than just muscles. Phalanges float ome people prefer to take a hands-off in front of the doctor, dexterously shifting in air approach in life, allowing things to hap- to help emphasize particular points. He exposes pen without any intervention. Dr. Dan his palm while pointing down to a sheet he pre- Walker is not one of those people. In fact, pared to help explain muscle testing to newcom- he’s about as hands-on as you can get. ers like myself. SYou see, Dan runs Erie’s Reviving Bodywork Hearing – and watching – Dan speak, it’s easy Studio, located on the corner of 38th and Wash- to see that he’s has been working with his hands ington streets, where he uses his golden mitts as his whole life. However, it does come as a bit of a a licensed chiropractor, applied kinesiologist, and surprise that he didn’t get into applied kinesiol- massage therapist to ease the pains of patrons. ogy until the ‘90s. Dan opened up the studio just a few months ago “I didn’t graduate [from Parker University Chi- after spending a couple of years at Professional ropractic College in Dallas] until I was 50 years Massage Therapy and Reflexology, deciding it old,” Dan says. “I was the oldest at school.” was time to go out on his own in Erie and help Decades before deciding to head down to Texas show the community what a kinesiologist can do. to become a doctor, Dan was still working with “It’s a fancy word for someone that works with his well-practiced paws. Originally a Boston boy, the bones and the muscles,” Dan explains, an he came to Erie as part of the New Younger Band older gentleman decked out in his standard work in the ‘70s. He ended up staying in The Flagship Contributed Photo uniform of a black polo and pants, meeting me City and continued to play music while picking for lunch between sessions. “I go through and up some hands-on trades. Dr. Dan Walker, an applied kinesiologist, returned to Erie do major muscle testing of the body to find out “I was a carpenter around here for a while,” Dan in 2010 and now practices out of Erie's Reviving Bodywork which muscles are not working, which are not says, thinking back to his previous careers. “I was Studio on the corner of 38th and Washington streets. balanced, and then I go and balance them out. I also a hairdresser. I owned a shop in Lawrence basically talk to the body.” Park for 10 years – His and Her Hair Fashions After decades of dealing with two-by-fours and smooth crooners. Appropriately, the man’s hands are used for by Dan.” follicles, Dan was inspired by his father-in-law, While performing for the community is nice, an applied kinesiologist, to try and pick up the Dan still knows that there’s more he can do for trade. Soon, he uprooted himself to instead work Erie with the skills he learned down in Dallas. with muscles and bones and became the oldest In fact, he’s already planning on reaching out to student in his class at Parker. local high schools and universities to offer up his “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Dan expertise. says, his hands resting in front of him on the U “I would like to help some of the schools and Pick 6 Tap House table that separates us. “I didn’t their athletes,” Dan says earnestly. “That’s where really think of the age, I was just thanking the my strong point is. That’s what I can do and do MIAC good Lord that I was getting done. It was 24/7, it well, and I know I can make a difference. Can Mercyhurst Institute just balls-to-the-wall trying to get everything put I take care of everything? No, but I know I can together and done and get out of your classes and make a difference.” for Arts & Culture all that. It was a constant struggle, but now I get Dan’s been helping athletes out ever since he to help people get well.” started practicing kinesiology, working on mas- After graduating, Dan spent some time practic- sive football players with NFL talent and keeping ing in Utah while he waited for his background them in peak playing performance and smallish Expect to be inspired. checks to clear so that he could be allowed to teens that just want to play, despite their inju- work in California. After he went through the ries. He can see the results after he’s worked with The Cashore Marionettes lengthy process, he settled down in Southern them, and other patients, and he plans to keep on California, living in San Diego for close to 15 doing so for a while. Sat., Sept. 14, 2 & 7 p.m., Walker Recital Hall years. There he joined some of the best doctors in “The legacy I want to leave is that I helped the world, practicing their new, innovative tech- people, that I helped them get well and made Join us before the show for local art from niques on a Hollywood crowd that strived to stay a difference in their lives,” Dan says, as he leans Heather Cash, face painting, movement happy, healthy, and beautiful. forward, thinking of the future aches and pains games with the ExpERIEnce Children’s Still, after over a decade on the West Coast, he plans to alleviate and the faces that accompany Museum, and oldies from WMCE radio! Dan started to become bored of San Diego and them. its typical 72-degree weather. He knew his time Dr. Dan has had many callings throughout his was up in the Golden State after his daughter ap- life, but he seems to have settled right in to ap- Sponsored by pealed for him to return. plied kinesiology and massage. And now that he’s “She said, ‘Dad, I’d really like to have children, back in Erie, he plans on having a hand in the and I’d like them to know their grandfather,’” he future of this community. says, rotating his right wrist, exposing his palm to miac.mercyhurst.edu the ceiling. “It took me about six months to col- Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ Delightfully lect everything, so I got here about 2010.” ErieReader.com, and you Three years in, it’s like he never really left, sans can follow him on Twit- the kinesiology and massage training and new ter @Catch20Q. To follow unexpected. Box Office: 814-824-3000 business. He’s even performing with a band this story or comment, scan again, playing bass with The 4 Jays after founding the QR code or go to http:// member Dave Dennison invited him to join the erirdr.com/y9yk9 August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 19 [Cont. from 11] for being unsustainable, wiping the yield is smaller, out smaller farms, and being plainly unnatural. pests are bother- These issues are in vogue, as they’re easy to argue some, weeds are wa- with only vague research. The subject of sustain- ter thieves, and the ability was summed up by the National Institute weather is always a of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Director variable. and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Scientist, Dr. Roger Beachy: h e a l t h y “We have framed or allowed others to frame lifestyle is sustainability as a practice itself or a set of prac- c h a l l e n g - tices. It’s not. Sustainability is a goal, and there- ingA no matter how fore the focus should be on outcomes rather than you cut it. Buying specific practices. Certainly both science and organic food is ex- field experience are leading to a better under- pensive and growing standing about what practices there should be it is difficult. To be- and under what circumstances, and should move come self sufficient, us closer to sustainability. But as with any goal, it takes long hours. it is important to keep the focus on the goal and But, Andrew says, be open-minded about ways to achieve the goal.” “even if you’re busy, In fact, as a result of their controversial tech- even if you work full niques, large-scale commercial agriculture – time, you can still sometimes referred to as Agribusiness – which produce quite a bit.” is generally intended for widespread distribu- In other words, you tion to supermarkets and wholesalers, is able to can start small. Triana Brad use farmland more efficiently. Because organic Relating to most agriculture may have lower yields, more land by thinking back on would be needed to produce the same amount of her days before she food as modern techniques general grow. Thus, had a farm, Mela- to produce the same amount of food by con- nie suggests even Cowboy (left) is free to hang out with his donkey friends in his homestead environment. ventional standards would result in widespread growing a single deforestation and biodiversity loss, undermining plant can foster the the environmental benefits of organic practices. process of home- Moreover, commercial farms are more direct and steading. “Even trying to grow something on shopization that puts customer experience and seems recently the fresher food is stacking up efficient with their use of water, and can even your own, even if it’s just a tomato in a pot, is so ease before all else, the general public may not be its chips. “There is definitely a growing demand, reduce soil erosion by using a no-tilling process. satisfying,” she says. as willing to forage for unfamiliar edibles, break especially for anything local and natural,” Zeb There may also be distortion in the romantic, If your yard is small, you can build a raised gar- their back pulling weeds, clean the chicken coop, says. In the four years Clarion River Organics has Utopian view of natural living. It is convenient den bed; it’s a simple wooden frame that contains or milk a goat. But fortunately there is another been organically farming, the desire for organic and trendy to think the government’s invest- the area. If you’re living in an apartment, you’re way to get fresh produce without cutting branch- food has only increased. According to the Or- ment and commitment to commercial farmers still not out of luck. Andrew recommends hang- es from your money tree, or actually having to ganic Trade Association’s 2011 Organic Industry is simply about earning green instead of going ing a planter from your window ledge and grow- tend to a literal tree yourself. Survey, sales of organic food and beverages have green, no matter what the cost. However these ing herbs. It’s not just about food; it’s about the Community Supported Agriculture is a great grown from $1 billion in 1990 to $26.7 billion new methods of farming are keeping up with the independence from the industry, the knowledge way to support local farmers, eat organically, in 2010. population’s demand for nourishment. Accord- that comes with growing something from the and be mindful of our environment. Moreover, While there are definitely signs of public in- ing to Dr. William C. Mote’s article “Modern dirt, and a piece of mind. “It helps people get to know the place and the terest, not everyone is onboard with such a pro- Agriculture and Its Benefits,” from GlobalHar- “Our kids are really benefiting not just nutri- people that are making their food,” says Zeb Bar- gressive lifestyle so close to their home. Recently, vestInitiative.org, commercial agriculture’s con- tionally, but psychologically and spiritually by be- tels, of Clarion River Organics. despite the Pastors’ admirable efforts to become tribution to the Gross Domestic Product and ing hands on with their food. Our children know Each CSA works differently, but oftentimes at more self-sufficient, there were neighbors that U.S. employment is into the trillions of dollars where an egg comes from, they know where their the start of each season a membership or a “share” opposed this lifestyle so close to their home. and upwards of 24 million jobs, respectively. food comes from, there is no mystery,” she adds. can be purchased in trade for a weekly delivery “I think they kind of view us as hillbillies, like However, only 6 percent of those jobs are from “[I] feel at peace knowing I’m not harming the of fresh produce. “We pack the bags with a good we should have a piece of straw hanging out of farming, the others are related fields such as food earth,” Melanie says. assortment of whatever is coming out of the field our mouths, running around barefoot,” Andrew processing, textiles, transportation, food service, laughs. When you see the Pastor family, country and other manufacturing that exist because of bumpkins are not what come to mind. They’re this booming industry. suburbanites that happen to have a few animals The inherent threat of something as unnatural and a garden to pick fresh produce from. “You as GM food is precautionary. We feel that threat "Trying to grow have a chicken, you have a goat, you’re obviously in our gut, with the image of big government, a hillbilly. It’s just the culture we live in… It’s mad scientists, and factory farms all shaking based on people not understanding, not being hands. The consumers are debased to cattle. educated.” But it’s not what we know about this bullet- something on your own, The Pastors are not conspiracy theorists or proof produce and mechanically separated meat neo-hippies; however, they do believe genetically that’s alarming – it’s the unknown. modifying food is not a good long-term plan for Scientists speculate that there is an increase in the future, as this gene-splicing technology is the number of children developing life-threaten- even if it’s just a tomato just too new to warrant a claim of sustainabil- ing allergies from this GM food. Other evidence ity. With this belief in mind, they have created is coming from animal studies and what scien- a clean, quiet, and successful family homestead tists are serving up isn’t an appetizing theory. in a pot, is so satisfying.” on their modest three acres. Their land contains Several studies indicate GM food is causing a small stable, a chicken coop, and about a half long-term side effects including, but not limited Not only can you grow your own food, but you that week,” Zeb says. Clarion River Organics dozen raised garden beds creating little islands of to infertility, immune problems, accelerated ag- can also forage for wild edibles. “It sounds crazy, has three different drop-off locations in Erie; sustenance, but nothing that would draw public ing, insulin regulation, changes in major organs but there is just so much food that is out there,” Frankie & May Fresh Grocer [1101 Peninsula attention – until one day it seemed Andrew and and the gastrointestinal system, liver damage, and Andrew says. From berries, to greens, to nuts, and Drive], Erie Whole Foods Co-op [1341 W. 26th his family were part of an old, bad joke. higher death rates in infant and adult lab rats. seeds, there is so much we simply overlook. St.] and Cathedral of St. Paul Episcopal [134 W. As Andrew put it: “We came under the spot- “Organic gardening is definitely more diffi- More often than not, especially after having the Seventh St]. light because we had one chicken who decided to cult,” Andrew says. Without the use of chemicals, convenience of the supermarket, that one-stop In this gamble between organic and non-, it cross the road.” 20 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 In addition, the township hired an environmental ourselves on how we can take care of our his past April, Jodie was free-ranging consultant to propose new legislation for raising land, and harness the hard working tradition their chickens. Normally they stay close, chickens, goats, pigs, and other rural farm ani- of homesteading and the advanced research especially if garden work is in progress as mals. of food sciences, so it doesn’t have to be one theyT love to forage for grubs. Of the dozen or so It’s not only the people that surround us but the of the other, the good or the evil, the sky or hens the Pastor family owns, one took a 10-sec- industry that continues to grow. Melanie is wor- the dirt, but instead a future in harmony. As ond trip into a neighbor’s yard. A week later, a ried as her property is becoming an island sur- far as this city’s concern, we’re well on our local zoning officer came to the Pastor household rounded by Agribusiness. As this development way – we just need to care about all the seeds due to a complaint that was filed. Forty-eight continues, she is worried the run-off will leech being planted. hours after the official had dropped by, they re- into her soil. What’s more, this commercial farm ceived a certified letter stating they would have asked to run their drainage through A Little Bit Matthew Flowers can be contacted at two weeks to dispose of all the animals on their of Heaven’s Fields. [email protected], and you can property. To this Melanie said, “I don’t think so.” follow him on Twitter “We don’t view our animals as just beasts of In genetically modified plants, glyphosate – the @MFlowersER. To fol- burden, they’re our pets, they’re our friends, we Roundup chemical that makes commercial fields low this story or com- want them to be happy, and we take very good so nice and tidy –won’t diminish growth or nec- ment, scan the QR code care of them,” Andrew explains. essarily pollute the soil for these GM organisms, or go tohttp://erirdr. Both homesteading families take pride in but if it runs through a field of organic veggies, com/1ggl8 their animals, be it their chickens, goats, pigs, or the story is different. Because these organic donkeys. Neither family serves up their animals plants don’t have the gene resistance to this po- for dinner, but rather “everyone has a purpose,” tent chemical, it poisons the dirt. Melanie says. For example, her donkeys, Rerun “They are basically raping the land,” Melanie and Arnie, are there to protect the other ani- says. mals from wild predators, the chickens eat pesky Homesteading is a valiant effort, traditionally Japanese beetles from the garden, and when she tending to crops that may not always reach frui- gets her cow this September, the whey left over tion. On the flipside, becoming self-sufficient by from cheese production will be used for pig and farming your way to a full meal is unrealistic for chicken feed. a global population to manage effectively. Then In 1976, when Andrew’s father bought the land again, technology can be frightening, especially the Pastor household currently sit on, free-rang- as our meals become longitudinal science proj- ing just about anything would have been kosher, ects; consumers are unknowingly becoming fresh as farm land sprawled out in every direction. The statistics as results come to light about the GMO house they built is zoned as A-1, meaning that side-effects. the space can be used for agricultural purposes. Conversely, to know that what you’re eating is Unfortunately, it happens to border a residential- natural and the practices you use are tried-and- ly zoned area where farm animals are prohibited. true is comforting. But the majority find cheap, Strangely, even on A-1 zoned property, the convenient, labor free food particularly tempting zoning regulations in Fairview specifically ban when jobs are scarce, the hourglass is draining, chickens, goats, cows, pigs, hippopotamuses, and and we can be lazy in our expedition to the su- large predator cats. “I’m not making this up,” permarket. It is good or evil, day or night, organic Andrew says. “It specifically mentions hippo- or GMO, traditional or modern, the sky or the potamus. And monkeys, oh, monkeys are banned dirt. too.” Elephants and rhinoceros are also included on this list of prohibited domestic pets according rganic and industrial farming practices to Fairview’s 2005 zoning ordinance. are so fundamentally different that at While my mouth constantly waters for a slab times it seems activists and lobbyists of rough skinned, robust, hoof-footed animals, I Ocherry-pick research in order to work against have to brace myself for the fact that this region each other. But we are all walking towards the may never raise such delicious hunks of hippo- horizon together, and while the journey may meat. be long, it will give us time to discover what is “When you look at Fairview Township subdi- important on both sides of the coin and even visions you have little McMansions generating discern the elements in between. When the far more tax revenue than our three acre little sun finally touches down upon those rolling homestead does,” he says regarding our county’s hills of green, we may be able to say that he support for commercial farms opposed to fam- blazed a better trail for future generations. ily homesteads. “Our particular fine would have So we must harvest that ashen soil, educate been $500 per day, per animal.” As soon as that zoning letter arrived, Andrew and his family began the legal battle to keep their homestead. He immediately started a Facebook group, “End Fairview Township's Ban on Sus- tainable Living.” It was only a matter of days before the group had over 2,000 likes. “It’s kind of funny that we’re considered pro- gressive because we’re trying to stay away from chemicals and mass-produced, boxed foods… [Farming] is the oldest occupation,” he laughs. After months of worry, appearing at town hall meetings, gathering support from the public, the Pastors - with help from attorney Rob Glance, fighting their case pro-bono – were able to plant the seed for new legislation. While this home- stead isn’t in the clear yet, the township tempo- rarily dropped the zoning violation and Fairview is now in the process of re-zoning the property. August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 21 Peninsula Pizzeria 36 N. Park Row // 454.4069 Fresh, quality ingredients and friendly staff make Vegetarian this new pizzeria a popu- Whole Foods Café Offer- lar choice for pizza, subs, ing a wide variety of vegetar- and salads. Try the Oliver ian staples, including wraps, ERIE’S EATS Perry's Hazard if you're feel- sandwiches, soups, pizza, up some of Erie’s more // 734.3400 French out fresh food at affordable locations to serve the great- ing adventurous. and seasonal specialties. unique breakfast and lunch prices. From wings to pizza er-Erie area, you’re never American Fusion 4115 W. Ridge Rd. // options. Their breakfast Brewpub Bertrand’s Bisttro A to fresh perch sandwich- more than a 15 minute 838.8400 1341 W. 26th St. // 456-0282 Avanti’s If you’ve only burrito is a must-try, but menu featuring local meats es and more, the menu drive from all the chips and eaten breakfast at Avanti’s, be sure to check in for fresh Brewerie Erie’s only brew- and vegetables and organ- has something for every- salsa you can handle served Suds and Grub Wings you are in for a big surprise. daily specials. on-premise pub and eatery, ic and Kosher ingredients one. Call ahead one hour up with sizzling fajitas, Every Thursday, Friday, and the Brewerie is on a mission when possible. The crepes for takeout since food is hand-wrapped enchiladas U Pick 6 Tap House Great Buffalo Wild Wings 2605 Washington Ave. // to, “Revitalize Downtown and award-winning wine prepared fresh per order. and burritos, and a whole beer meets great food at the Saturday night, this daytime 452.2500 Fourteen original sauces and diner changes over to a Erie One Pint at a Time.” selection are more than lot more. The Super Crab corner of Fourth and State Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels A enough to encourage a trip 1518 Walnut St. // 455.0041 loads of televisions make fine dining establishment. 123 W. 14th St. // 454.2200 Quesadilla is a must-try that streets. From gourmet flat- walk through the door says to France via downtown won’t break the bank but breads to pizza muffins, BWW a great place to meet Check back often since Japanese friends for the big game. the menu changes weekly. it all. Well, at least it’s speak- Erie. will definitely stretch your there’s plenty of great grub ing to your noise. Inhale Carribean Full bar menu available. BYOB Sushi and Asian Cuisine belt. to pair with the endless flow deeply and breathe in those 18 N. Park Row // 871.6477 Pineapple Eddie South- Fresh sushi and sashimi of over 20 microbrews on Interchange Road 1662 W. 8th St. // 456.3096 aromas. Fresh bagels and 2709 W. 12th St. // 835.2290 tap. And with helpful serv- (Across from Milcreek Mall) ern regional cuisine served Gastropubs steal the spotlight of this and 4236 Peach St. // Summer House Café With coffee. What’s not to love up with a bit of caribbean ers who know their beer, 868.9464 about that combination? A show but their support- 860.8187 and 4459 Buffalo an ever-changing menu and flair. Featuring savory dish- Jeckyl & Hydes - Just like ing cast shouldn’t go unno- Rd. // 898.1531 this is a great place to come Odis 12 Award-winning lots of fresh baked good- little piece of Brooklyn right es like Creole shrimp and the title characters—wait, to try the beers you’ve never wings and affordable sit- here in Erie. ticed. The Kim Chi is a Moe’s With friendly staff ies, this local favorite serves andouille sausage over grits, character—this gastropub great place to start and any serving up fresh, made-to- had but have always want- down dining. Odis 12 breakfast and lunch daily 833 W. 38th St. // 520.6246 seared catfish served with seems bent on being two of the noodle choices make order southwest fare, Moe’s ed to. features over 100 differ- and stays open for dinner ent flavors, including the Peggy’s Restaurant A rice and beans and fresh things at once—and that’s for good choices to contin- is a great place for quality, 333 State St. // 520.5419 Thursday, Friday, and Satur- sauteed vegetables, and a good thing. While the ue on. With veggie-friendly crowd-favorite “ugly cous- landmark in the Liberty on-the-go Mexican food. Six Pack House of Beer day. BYOB Plaza for a few decades now, grilled Angus Rib Eye steak. seating area is small, which options and a staff happy to in.” Deserts include grilled makes for a cozy experience, serve you, Sushi and Asian 2052 Edinboro Rd. With an ever-changing line- 2605 Washington Ave. // Peggy’s serves up quick, (Outside Millcreek Mall) up of brews on tap and cool- 664 W. 26th St. // 452.6347 452.2500 affordable meals and plen- pound cake served w/fresh the tastes are big and bold. Cuisine is a must. glazed pineapple, ice cream 459.2121 er wall of six-packs to go, Greengarden Tavern 1201 Kitchen Featuring ty of room for conversa- 8 E. 10th St. // 456.0072 1014 State St. //455.0596 Six Pack also serves up some Classic corner bar atmo- Latin/Asian-inspired food, tion. You can sit at the long and rum sauce, and luscious lime layer cake. BYOB. Aoyama Think it’s hard Middle Eastern cheap eats to boot. sphere, great prices, excel- this hip downtown spot counter than spans nearly lent wings. Honey-hot the entire restaurant, grab a Indian to find a daily sushi bar Casablanca From tradi- 847 Pitt. Ave. // 454.1989 is full of great art, and the 1402 W. 10th St. // 454.0700 in Erie? Find your way to barbecue and cranch are booth upfront, or get a table tional to modern reci- U Pick 6 Beer Store marble bar is a perfect place Raj Mahal – Offering Aoyama for the hibachi Off standouts. Go Browns! to try their fresh sushi. With in the back. Chinese a wide variety of Indian pes, from strictly vegetari- the downtown beaten path, a menu that changes every experience combined with an meals to meals centered U Pick 6 takes pride in its 1543 W. 8th St. // 454.3367 3512 Liberty St. // 866.3216 cuisine, both vegetarian and an extensive sashimi and four to six weeks, be sure to Golden Wok Quality carnivore friendly, with an around a choice selection revolving draft beer line- Park Tavern – Known for The Breakfast Place Low ingredients, affordable pric- sushi menu. You’ll have the of fresh meat, Casablan- check in often. ever-popular lunch buffet. choice between hibachi- up. With some quick eats its wings, the Park Tavern prices and big portions-- es, and consistent service BYOB ca Grille looks to provide and sandwiches sliced up boasts a family-friendly 1201 State St. // 464.8989 just the way Erie likes it! The make this Chinese restau- style seating and the tradi- something for everyone right in front of you, U smoke-free environment. Under the Clock - Locat- Cajun eggs are a must-try. rant stand out among the 5618 Peach St. // 838.1055 tional sit-down dining expe- looking for a good Moroc- rience, so your mood can do Pick 6 draws you in for the Try some Herbies or crispy ed in the historic Boston 2340 E. 38th St. // 825.2727 rest. can meal—and the diversi- beer and keeps you for the Cajuns. Buffalo Cajun is Store, Under the Clock Irish the choosing for you. Reser- ty’s a good thing too since Panos conversation. also recommended. is reviving the old phrase Open late night with 3202 Pitt. Ave. // 836.9657 vations are highly suggested. when it comes to Middle an attentive wait staff who Molly Brannigans - Got 7520 Peach St. // 866.2337 4205 E. Lake Road // “Let’s meet under the 970 Millcreek Mall // East Mediterranean cuisine, clock.” With a “sophisticat- will never let your coffee Delicatessens a hankering for bangers and 899.8661 mug go empty. Try the mash? Have no idea what 868.7999 Casablanca is it. Reserva- ed casual”-style restaurant Teresa’s Italian Deli Hibachi From flinging tions are recommended. Steakhouse experience, Under the Clock famous Greek omelet. the heck bangers and mash Sweet Treats is? Head to this authentic shrimp to slinging steak, 2174 W. 8th St. // 452.4544 ensory offers lunch and dinner 1504 W. 38th St. // 866.0517 Teresa’s Deli has been a S 3 Next time you’re staple in Erie for over 60 Irish gastropub where you Hibachi combines dinner Palm Market and Deli at Presque Isle Downs & Mighty Fine Donuts If menus with something for with the show without Sidewalk Cafe years, and it’s no secret why. can get your fill of Irish- Casino, take a break from you love donuts and are everyone. The steak salad Tucked service charges or ticket fees. This authentic Arabic is a must-try for any self- away on historic North Now in its third generation, fare and Irish drinks. From the table games and check looking for something Jameson to Guinness, from If you’re fine with sitting market and eatery offers off the well-worn path to respecting carnivore. Look- Park Row, you’ll find one of the Theresa’s staff still makes delicious, freshly prepared out this bar and grille If the food fresh every day, Shepherd’s Pie to Purcell’s beside your date instead of you’re cashing in your chips Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy ing for something lighter? downtown’s popular break- across from him or her, opt food and baked goods for Try their seared ahi tuna. fast and lunch places. following the same scratch Fish and Chips, Molly for fine dining, we bet on Kreme, this local gem is Brannigans brings the Irish for this straight-off the grill a very reasonable price. The your destination spot. recipes used since 1949. market offers a wide variety being satisfied by a fine 101 Boston Store Place // pub to downtown Erie. without time-to-chill dinner Heralded by locals as the 26 N. Park Row // 455.0002 of exotic food and merchan- steak since Sensory 3 serves 454.4700 3201 Greengarden Blvd. // experience. up some of the best cuts in best donuts ever George’s With retro decor 864.5322 and 810 E. 38th St. 506 State St. // 453.7800 dise. trimmed in red and black, // 459.1145 3000 W. 12th St. // 838.2495 the area. 2612 Parade St. // 455.6408 American McGarrey’s Oakwood 2702 Parade St. George’s is known just as Picasso’s With signature Café Known for the award- 8199 Perry Hwy // 866.8359 Romolo Chocolates Plymouth Tavern Mediterranean An Erie much for looking like a panini-style sandwiches like winning Reuben, McGar- Colony Pub & Grille – Tony Stefanelli apprenticed institution with great food retro diner as it is for the Pizza the Lee Roslyn (Twinkie, rey’s believes in big portions Petra Open since 2004, Multiple fireplaces and three with his family in the choc- and drink specials every friendly safe and great grub. ham, and cheese) and the of comfort food served up Petra serves as Erie’s window Papa Joe’s With special- intimate dining rooms make olate business for nearly 20 night of the week. They’re famous for their DaVinci (sausage, ravioli, hot and fresh. Although ty pizzas ranging from the Colony a popular spot years. Where’d that get him? mashed potatoes, but don’t to the Eastern Mediterra- 1109 State St. // 453.6454 and provolone), Picasso’s is Irish in name, McGarrey’s nean. The folks at Petra want “Vegan Demise” to “Chick- for a romantic dinner. He’s one of only 26 master get stuck on only that. Try a must-try. Great vegetarian also dishes out American en Gorgonzola” and subs confectioners and he’s right Pufferbelly Set in a you to have “a unique culi- the soups and sandwiches options available. and Italian cuisine so that that go by the names of 2670 W. 8 St. // 838.2162 here in Erie. So for hand- decommissioned firehouse, on for size too. nary experience.” And with you’re bound to find some- Mediterranean-inspired “Enchanted Eggplant” and Ricardo’s Opened in 1943 made pieces of chocolate, be the Pufferbelly is full of arti- 2060 Interchange Rd. thing satisfying. “Chuck Norris,” Papa Joe’s sure to stop by Romolo’s— facts from Erie’s fire fight- 2614 Glenwood Park Avenue (Outside Millcreek Mall) items on the menu you’re by two brothers, Ricardo’s // 455.0860 866.1183 unlikely to find anywhere brings more to the table serves up some of Erie’s then boast to your out-of- ing past. 1624 W. 38th St. // 866.0552 town friends about having a Dominick’s Famous among else, this is a one of a kind than any commercial pizza finest steaks. Chef Peter 414 French St. // 454.1557 Tickle’s Deli – This popu- dining experience. joint. And to boot, they West and Cathy Merk- master confectioner in your Erie’s late-night bar patrons lar deli features good pric- Italian city. Calamari’s Extra-long bar, who swear by this place as a serve up a mean falafel si run one of Erie’s choice es and big, tasty sandwiches lto ucina 3602 W. Lake Road // sandwich—something that’s with a large outdoor patio sure-fire hangover cure. A C Chef Pat 838.7197 restaurants that’s known 1525 W. 8th St. // 452.1933 for those warm summer including the famous “Big Rodgers mixes the old- a must. for its hand-cut, grain-fed 123 E. 12th St. // 456.6891 Freddy.” Call ahead if you Pulakos George P. Pula- nights. world with the exotic. Beau- Mexican 3826 W. Ridge Rd. // western beef and delicious, kos opened his first choco- Hyatt’s - Serving up break- can because this downtown tiful décor, with an outdoor mouth-watering ribs cooked 1317 State St. // 459.4276 hotspot gets busy at lunch- 835.3360 late shop at 926 State St. in fast and lunch standards for deck for the summer El Toro Loco outside year-round. Hearty time. With a full Valerio’s More than just 1903. Over a hundred years years and is a staple in the months. bar and the best margaritas Pizza, Wings, and Subs! Italian fare with casual feel later, the fourth-generation- Barbecue West Erie Plaza. of fine dining make Ricar- 17 W. 4th St. // 455.5718 3531 W. Lake Road // in town, there is something Local Italian Restaurant & run chocolate shop is still one Three-B Saloon Beer, 928 W. Erie Plaza // 456.0102 Gerry’s 8th Street Deli 835.3900 for everyone. Enjoy a little Pizzeria that has been serv- do’s a must. of Erie’s favorite places for a taste of Mexico right here in Bacon & Barbeque—the From the world-class deli Colao’s Authentic Italian, ing Erie County for over 2112 E. Lake Rd // 455.4947 wide selection of all things name says it all. Featur- Flip Cafe Tired of the downtown Erie. to the homemade soups, fresh seafood, and a cozy, 17 years. Offering a vari- Victor’s chocolate—and other deli- ing slow-cooked brisket, chain restaurant dishing out –Located inside Gerry’s offers everything intimate setting. 333 State St. // 454.5626 ety of Homemade Italian the Bel-Aire hotel, Victor’s cious snacks too. ribs, and other down-home breakfast by the numbers? you’d expect from a deli. Dinners, Seafood, Daily Latino’s offers fine steak and seafood favorites. If you behave Then try this sweet little But with sandwich names 2826 Plum St. // 866.9621 With fresh ingre- Lunch Specials, and Cater- 2530 Parade St. spot tucked away in Edin- dients and a commitment with drink specials every Donut Connection - Just yourself, you may get a free like “Cluckmeister,” “Chive Mi Scuzi Southern Italian ing Services. Check out night of the week. slice of bacon with your boro. Flip Cafe serves break- Turkey,” “Tongue Fu,” and to serving up the authentic our menus online at www. off the corner of Peach and cuisine with fresh, home- Mexican-cuisine experience, beer. fast and lunch from morn- “Breast of Times” just to made pasta. valeriospizzeria.com. With 2800 W. 8 St. // 833.1116 Liberty streets sits a family- ing ‘til afternoon, so stop in Latinos is the place to go for owned donut shop that’s cele- 732 W. 4th St. // 451.0007 name a few, you’re going to 3 convenient locations to and try any one of the favor- want to keep going back to 2641 Myrtle St. // 454.4533 more than just the average serve you, we’ll have you Thai brating its Golden Anniver- ites, including “Flip Bread.” Amici Ristorante Tex-Mex experience. The Breakfast check out all of these one- With singing...Manga Italiano! sary this year. With the “best You won’t pay much and of-a-kind sandwiches. Deli dinner hours from 5 to 9 place isn’t flashy, but with Khao Thai The only full- coffee” in town and a wide you’ll go home happy think- food this good, it doesn’t 2179 W. 32nd St. // 833- time Thai restaurant in Erie. Summer House Cafe Open hours run Monday through p.m. Fridays and Saturdays selection of delicious hand- ing about coming back and a takeout menu avail- have to be. 2979 and 1803 E. 38th St. Luckily, it’s fantastic! Try the cut donuts, this is a great from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 825-2693 and 724 Powell again. able Monday through Satur- 1315 Parade St. // 452.1966 drunken noodles for a spicy place for a for a sweet treat. each day of the week, the 2620 W. 8th St. // 836.8702 833-8884 // Catering Office// day, Amici Ristorante dishes 866-3193 delight. Vegetarian friend- Summer House Cafe serves 103 Meadville St. Edinboro El Canelo With three ly. BYOB 3842 Liberty St. // 864.8702 22 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com August 21, 2013 August 21, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 23 $16.95 SHOW TIME: 7PM • RACETRACK PATIO FRIDAY NIGHTS Add Surf & Turf for just $3.95!

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