IS TODAY THE DAY YOU IGNITE YOUR FUTURE?

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FORTIS INSTITUTE 5757 WEST 26TH STREET, ERIE, PA 16506 Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. Career Placement Assistance for All Graduates. For consumer information, visit Fortis.edu. CONTENTS: From the Editors The only local voice for Embracing love for everyone. news, arts, and culture. February 1, 2017 Editors-in-Chief: t’s easy for some people to feel angry in Brian Graham & Adam Welsh times like these. Things seems like they’re Managing Editor: Women Take Washington – 5 Nick Warren Icrumbling down around us so quickly that Copy Editor: Standing up for good in Trump’s it’s difficult to even keep track. But a recurring Katie Chriest America sentiment is also making its way through to our Contributing Editors: psyches, and it’s an important one: love. IS TODAY Ben Speggen And what an appropriate time for love it is. Jim Wertz Just a Thought – 6 It’s the early days of February, and that marks Contributors: No, Napoleon. Some animals are not Maitham Basha-Agha one thing for sure: Valentine’s season. Of course, Ed Bernik more equal than others. it’s a “constructed” holiday. But at least it’s one Mary Birdsong that was constructed around a noble purpose. Tracy Geibel Lisa Gensheimer LGBT Rights at Risk – 9 There are plenty of different ways to share Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp the spirit of the holiday. Join 14 local musicians Dan Schank Conservative religions erect barriers THE DAY Tommy Shannon who all have something to say about love. Lis- Ryan Smith against same-sex couples ten to a mixtape just for you and let them lead Ti Sumner you through the ups and downs of love’s curious Matt Swanseger A better, brighter, bolder future –10 Bryan Toy path. Cover Design: Almi Clerkin, candidate for mayor, The sentiment is for everyone too, not just the Nick Warren YOU IGNITE relationshipped. Miriam Lamey gives you plen- Photographers: outlines her vision for a 21st century Maitham Basha-Agha ty of ideas for Valentine’s Day whether you’re Ryan Smith Erie single, a couple, or a family. Matt Swanseger ab- Brad Triana stracts the idea even further, detailing several Publisher’s Assistant: Harrisburg Happenings – 13 Emily Hanisek historical Erie pairings of every sort. YOUR FUTURE? Intern: Concerns over gaming revenues, the The week leading up to this issue was book- Angie Jeffery closure of unemployment centers, and ended by protests. On Saturday, Jan. 21, a crowd 1001 State St. Suite 901 the growing opioid epidemic estimated at over 2,500 people assembled in Erie, Pa., 16501 Perry Square for the Erie Women’s March. On [email protected] News of the Weird – 17 that unseasonably warm day, people came out If you have the spark, we have the programs to in droves to march and listen to speakers. One The Erie Reader is the local voice for From inappropriate imbibing to speaker, Doris Cipolla, has offered her personal guide you toward a rewarding career. news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only take on several important subjects that we’re independent, alternative newspaper. gratuitous gratuity Founded in 2010, the Reader has quickly happy to feature in this issue. FORTIS offers programs in the following areas: become the region’s award-winning Erie Affairs – 20 Erie’s Women’s March was a sister march, one source for arts coverage, a strong cul- echoed around the entire world. The “main tural compass, and a dynamic resource And their well-bred and misbegotten for news and opinion. With a dedication event,” so to speak, was in Washington, D.C. Nursing • Medical/Dental • Business to long-form journalism and a commit- outcomes Mary Birdsong recounts her experience partic- ment to provoking thoughtful discus- ipating in this iconic event, where she was one sion, the Reader tells the stories of the Spotlight on Erie – 23 Criminal Justice • Skilled Trades people and places making and shaping of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million individu- Erie, while highlighting the events and Some moments last forever, but some als. It was a rallying cry for women around the issues influencing life in northwestern world to come together in meaningful, peaceful Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is pub- flare out with love, love, love lished every other week and distributed demonstration. at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in A Very Erie Valentine’s – 30 On Sunday, Jan. 29, protesters assembled Pennsylvania from North East to Girard again to stand with immigrants and refugees. to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content dai- Fun local activities for couples, singles, Though the day was at least 30 degrees colder ly at ErieReader.com as well social me- and families than the previous week, hundreds were eager CALL 1.855.445.3276 dia sites. All rights reserved. All content to make their voices heard in solidarity with © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of Erie Gems – 31 Erie’s new Americans. Speakers addressed the TEXT “IGNITE” TO 367847 this publication may be reproduced crowd, including the Erie Reader’s own Maitham without permission. The opinions of Presque Isle’s Gull Point Basha-Agha. The Iraqi-born photojournalist re- our columnists and contributors are their own and do not always reflect that Mixtape: My Erie Valentine – 33 cently exhibited his series Rust Belt New Ameri- of the editorial board or organization. cans, which focuses in on the moving life stories FORTIS.EDU IGNITE YOUR FUTURE Direct sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. Fourteen local songwriters weave tales behind dozens of resettled refugees. Through For editorial inquiries, email contact@ ErieReader.com. of love and loss witnessing beautiful photography and touching biographical accounts, the viewer quickly forges Music Reviews – 37 a personal connection with each local subject. The series is ready to view online. New releases from The xx, The Flaming When it feels like forces throughout the world, Lips, Cherry Glazerr, and JPNDRDS and even in our own country, seem hell-bent FORTIS INSTITUTE on shutting others out, love is a very important Erie Faces Erie 38 thing to hold onto. 5757 WEST 26TH STREET, ERIE, PA 16506 A look through photographer Ed Love for humanity is a force that can change Bernik’s lens the world. Now is the time to embrace and cele- Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. Career Placement Assistance for All Graduates. brate it, whether it happens to be Feb. 14 or not. For consumer information, visit Fortis.edu. February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 Invest in a Vibrant Future

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Presents • Criminal • DUI • Divorce A Celebration of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Sat. March 4 from noon to 3pm at Blasco Library • Custody • Screening of the Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about That! • Personal Injury • Fun Science Activities • Storytime First 200 Kenneth A. Bickel, Esq. • Green Eggs & Ham kids Bickel Law Office 557 • Face Painting by Taradoodles receive West 8th Street • And much more! a Cat Hat Erie, PA 16502 For more information, visit erielibrary.org/events or • FREE CONSULTATIONS • contact Kathy at 814.217.6001 or [email protected]

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS Women Take Washington Standing up for good in Trump’s America

Flourishes of pink wool dot the salute the same great Amer- nation’s capital in a small section of ican flag.” As a veteran, I say the Women’s March on Washington hear-hear to the latter and that took place Saturday Jan. 21, 2017. happily honor the flag of my country. I would disagree that we ity quickly filled every pocket all enjoy the same freedoms, of space around the National however. Women, immigrants, Mall. As we slowly made our gays, lesbians, the transgen- way through the growing sea, dered, and people of color still the mood never soured. face stubborn discrimination, David Dennis, owner of Lake and are fighting for equality in Country Bike in North East healthcare, wages, and the jus- said, “I am still trying to wrap tice system. Yes, freedom is not my mind around the expe- a synonym for equality. But rience of so many culturally equality makes true freedom different Americans standing achievable. united. There was no violence, Lisa Gensheimer, a writer,

MARY SCUTELLA MARY no panic, and no chaos, but un- documentary producer, and believable order.” Erie Reader contributor from Everyone worked hard to not North East, said she came be- By: Mary Birdsong The new president also sug- people. When our turn came, step on toes and apologized cause she wanted her “grand- gested that the triumphs of we cheered too, and waved at when then did. A young black children to have a planet to wasn’t expecting to be the Washington establish- those still stuck waiting for woman gave up her turn at the stand on, clean water, fresh air, standing with well more ment did little for our nation’s their ride at subsequent sta- porta-potty to guard an elderly and a world where all people Ithan half a million people struggling families, which tions. They waved back. While white woman’s walker. Anoth- are treated equally with love in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21. seemed brutally insulting to there was undoubtedly an- er woman stood nearby hand- and compassion and have the Nor had I conceptualized or an Obama administration that ti-Trump fury in the air, there ing out tissues to compensate same economic opportunities.” ever worn a “pussy hat,” a pink implemented the Affordable was also joy, a positive spirit, for the lack of paper in the fa- That sentiment was echoed cap with pointed cat ears. Then Care Act, allowing more than and a marshaling of optimism. cilities. throughout the day. again, back during the prima- 20 million Americans to ac- Mary Scutella, an Erie resi- America on inauguration Fri- I also spoke with Delaney ries when Donald Trump was cess health care, some for the dent who hails from a family of day might have been the flags Hayes, age 14, who came from leading in the polls, a friend re- first time. I also recalled how, social activists, remarked, “We and the pomp and peaceful Oak Harbor, Ohio with her marked on social media, “This in 2015, the Supreme Court transition of power. But the mom, aunts, and cousin. She is a joke, right?” And I agreed it ruled that states could not bar America I embrace showed up came because “I’m already had to be. same-sex couples from marry- America on inauguration in force on Saturday, with rain- thinking ahead, and I want to But here I am, and here we ing. Just those two acts alone Friday might have bow flags, compassion for all, be guaranteed equal pay for are with a new president who reduced hardships for many been the flags and the and an optimistic gleam in its equal work.” Who could deny gives many of us pause. families. pomp and peaceful eye, ready to fight for what it her that simple dream? With the remnants of the Trump also said, “we are transition of power. But believes in. But, you know, we all have a inauguration surrounding us, transferring power from the America I embrace Since the march, though, the Delaney. My granddaughter, and his harsh words about Washington, D.C. and giving it showed up in force on president has signed orders to your great-grandson, your “American carnage” still burn- back to you, the people.” Saturday, with rainbow defund U.S. women’s health neighbors’ adopted infant ing a hole in my psyche, I stand Experts estimate that be- initiatives internationally, re- from Kazakhstan. In fact, flags, compassion for all, amidst fathers with daughters tween 500,000 and 1 million inforced his support for oil somewhere between 3.3 and and mothers with sons, people people showed up for the and an optimistic gleam exploration, directed the Envi- 5.2 million people in 653 cities of every color, culture, age, abil- Women’s March in Washing- in its eye, ready to fight ronmental Protection Agency across the U.S. all have Del- ity, and gender. In his address ton, D.C. alone to hold him to for what it believes in. and the U.S. Department of aneys, evidently, as that’s how the day before, Trump prom- that promise. Agriculture to stop communi- many people stood up to be ised, “The oath of office I take The flood of people was a cating with the public, insti- counted. It is our task to see today is an oath of allegiance wide and diverse river. Even are a sea of people standing tuted a temporary ban on most that all of our Delaneys get a to all Americans.” before arriving downtown, I in solidarity. We have nothing refugees and a suspension of decent future. See you on the I repeat, all Americans. felt the drumbeat of activism to really gain from this except visas for citizens of Syria and barricades. So, I wondered, would that at the suburban Metro station. the knowledge that we can six other Middle Eastern and woman over there in a hijab People carried signs that were still trust strangers. And that African countries – and is lay- Mary Birdsong can be have his ear? Can that same- funny, vulgar, thoughtful, and together we are unstoppable.” ing the foundation for his wall. contacted at mBirdsong@ sex couple over there stop wor- sincere. We had to wait on the The crowd was unstoppable At his inauguration, Trump ErieReader.com, and you rying that their legal marriage platform as five packed trains in its exuberance; but not in its said, “We all enjoy the same can follow her on Twitter might suddenly disappear? came and went full of cheering motion, as the press of human- glorious freedoms and we all @Mary_Birdsong.

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS Just a Thought No, Napoleon. Some animals are not more equal than others.

On Labor Day weekend, at the Detroit port of entry from Canada, this sign was lit over a single closed lane. A few months later, it’s taken on new meaning.

istration deciding which information we don’t receive? Requiring “political review” of climate science? Gag-or- dering agricultural researchers? Or Voodoo • Lavery Brewing• Blue Canoe touting torture as a valuable anti-ter- Erie Brewing • Erie Ale Works • Timber rorism tool? Creek • Millcreek Brewing Co • The Or, the rampant collection of our Brewerie • Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing personal data, which began long be-

th fore this most recent Inauguration Friday, February 10 , 2017 Day? DRINK 6 to 9 PM SHELDON PETERSON Or a zillion other WTFs? LOCAL • $40 • But we really don’t need Orwell. Our Pre event online ticket sales only collective human memory of corrupt- By: Katie Chriest • Bayfrontcenter.org • terly befuddled. “Sometimes it seemed ing, anti-democratic power is enough. Music by: Millennium sound n honor of Inauguration Day, I re- as though the farm had grown richer What we do need, however, is to see Food by: Stephany Catering read George Orwell’s Animal Farm. without making the animals them- each other – in grand gestures like Many of us encountered this short selves any richer – except, of course, the Women’s Marches so many of us • Must be 21 or Older • I book back in junior high, but I wish it for the pigs and the dogs.” joined in downtown Erie and globally All proceeds benefit the programs were required annually – ideally be- But when the animals would try on Jan. 21; but also in smaller gestures, of the Bayfront Maritime Center fore every election. to measure their present poverty closer to home. 40 Holland St. | 814.456.4077 In the story, the animals have kicked against the way things were under out their human master, Jones, and Jones, “they had nothing to go upon Ultimately, the pigs prevail taken over his Manor Farm, which except Squealer’s list of figures, which because they control the they rename Animal Farm. At first, invariably demonstrated that every- egalitarianism and the common good thing was getting better and better. message. They limit the are the animals’ enthusiastically The animals found the problem insol- animals’ access to information, agreed-upon ideals. Commandments uble; in any case, they had little time then use their positions of are written to ensure that the funda- for speculating on such things now.” power to determine how mental tenets of their newly-created The animals have lost many com- the commoners interpret society are upheld. rades who were worked to death, that information. And the Over time, though, the conniving murdered, or exiled. They’ve lost their commoners – overworked, pigs get greedy. Led by the charismatic ideals due to ignorance of their own underfed, and desperate for pig Napoleon, they turn the farm back history. Nevertheless, they cling to something to believe in – are into what it was before: a place where the notion – perpetuated by the pigs too busy and exhausted to workers and commoners are manipu- – that they are lucky to be citizens of notice. lated to benefit those in power. Animal Farm. Don’t they remember “No one believes more firmly than the glory of the revolution? Would Comrade Napoleon that all animals they rather live somewhere else? HEY, ERIE, are equal,” they are told at one point. Ultimately, the pigs prevail because “Several of them would have protest- “He would be only too happy to let you they control the message. They limit ed if they could have found the right WE DELIVER! make your decisions for yourselves. the animals’ access to information, arguments,” Orwell writes. But sometimes you might make the then use their positions of power to Today’s right arguments are letters mmm wrong decisions, comrades, and then determine how the commoners inter- written to our local representatives, ORDER AT DONATOS.COM where should we be?” pret that information. And the com- kindness shown to our city’s newcom- 1535 W. 8TH ST. UNIT A1 The other animals struggle to recall moners – overworked, underfed, and ers and refugees, and dissent spoken ERIE m 814.722.5900 their history as their rights are erod- desperate for something to believe in against the rhetoric of hatred and ed and liberty eludes them. Squealer, – are too busy and exhausted to no- fear, whether we hear it on TV, at the the pigs’ press secretary, repeatedly tice. bar, or in our streets. lies to them, so that eventually, they’re Orwell’s known for his prescience; Why wait for “Sugarcandy Moun- convinced that their memories have even more so in 1984. He died at 47. I tain?” A better world can be ours right betrayed them about Animal Farm’s wish he’d lived longer and written here – even now. founding ideals of equality and shared more, but his extant works are surely prosperity. worth revisiting. Katie Chriest can be contacted donatoserie DonatosErie Toward the end, the animals are ut- How else to make sense of an admin- at [email protected]. @donatoserie

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 Do You Know Where You Can Get Startup Funding... Even If You Don’t Have Collateral?

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8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS LGBT Rights at Risk Conservative religions erect barriers against same-sex couples

women were denied the right to vote, LGBT activist Doris Cipolla delivers a heartfelt speech to the crowd at Perry blacks were denied civil rights, women Square following the Erie Women’s March and children were denied protection on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. by the law, married individuals were denied divorce, and women called home personnel to decline services, witches were burned at the stake. judges to refuse marrying same-sex Throughout history, individuals have couples – and even laws to prevent lo- suffered under religious institutions cal governments from passing non-dis- and beliefs – beliefs that supported crimination protections such as the slavery, apartheid, segregation, and one we have in Erie County. Some of even opposition to the Magna Carta. these bills are so sweeping that they To codify religious beliefs into law is not only discriminate against LGBT dangerous; it threatens our democra- people, but extend to single mothers cy and undermines the rule of law cre- and anyone with a sexual relationship ating a Taliban-like society filled with outside of marriage. divisiveness and sectarianism. There One might ask, who would propose is no peace in such a society. such mean-spirited legislation? Equal- What has happened? How have ity for same-sex marriage had hardly we allowed a suppressed citizenry begun, and the religious right imme- in a self-declared free country? In diately commenced erecting barriers speaking for the LGBT community, I implementing the same tactics used in am here to say we are you: rich, poor; the anti-abortion movement. black, white; men, women; mothers, fa- Many religious persons of faith urge compassion and inclusiveness; how- ever, they are overshadowed by their We must stand together, powerfully endowed religious insti- each supporting the other tutions such as the Roman Catholic so that all of our human and Church, the Orthodox Jewish move- ment, the Southern Baptist Conven- civil rights may be manifest. tion, and other fundamentalist Chris- tian and non-Christian institutions who protest LGBT rights, cry foul, and thers; sons, daughters. We are people lobby politicians who in turn pick up with the same needs and similar de-

NWPA PROGRESS NWPA their banners. sires and aspirations. We are you. Our legislators are allowing our We must stand together, each sup- constitutional rights to be bought by porting the other so that all of our hu- By: Doris Cipolla cause there is no protection from such religious institutions that intend to man and civil rights may be manifest. n June 26, 2015 LGBT commu- discrimination. The amount of free- preserve their bigotry – a bigotry that We must hold our legislators account- nities throughout the world dom or the number of rights you have goes so far as to proclaim what God able to our constitutional rights and Ocheered the Supreme Court’s is highly contingent on where you thinks, wants, and needs on behalf of also to our unalienable right to life, ruling on the right to same-sex mar- live or how accepting your employers their private interests. Under the guise liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. riage. What a leap into mainstream or peers may be. Fortunately, in Erie of religious liberty, these bills allow in- Let us uphold one another. By uplift- culture! Having advocated for such County, we do have an anti-discrimi- dividuals, businesses, and tax-funded ing the rights of others we can uplift rights, I was overjoyed, knowing nation ordinance, but that is not the organizations to ignore laws that con- our own. that if my partner were living today, case in all Pennsylvania counties or in flict with their religious beliefs about we could marry, and I would not be many parts of the country. marriage and sexuality. This is legal- Doris Cipolla holds degrees from socked a 15 percent inheritance tax on Since the legalization of same-sex ized discrimination; legislators must Villa Maria College and Case Western half our joint assets, as I was 12 years marriage, over 100 anti-LGBT bills are be held accountable. Reserve University. She is a secular ago. Today, I would be free from such pending throughout the United States. In a civil society such as ours, we humanist. After her partner Charlene discrimination. There has been a horrendous back- must maintain a separation of church M. Tanner’s death, she became an But the legalization of same-sex mar- lash fueled by the religious right. You and state. No religion should have the advocate for LGBT rights. Cipolla riage has not helped everyone out of may be familiar with the “potty bills” right to dictate or superimpose a par- also funds the Charlene M. Tanner the closet. The freedom to marry did barring transgendered persons from ticular religious belief on others who Speaker Series, inviting known not come with human rights protec- using bathrooms that match their do not share that belief. individuals who focus on social tion. Simply put, you can marry today, gender identity; but it may be news to Let us be reminded of the dangers of justice, peace and the environment. A but tomorrow you could be fired from you that some bills allow healthcare allowing matters of religious beliefs version of this message was given at your job, or ousted from your rented professionals to refuse treatment for to permeate the law: the time when the Erie Women’s March. She can be living quarters, or denied services, be- mental or physical problems, nursing interracial marriages were illegal, contacted at [email protected]

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS A better, brighter, bolder future Almi Clerkin, candidate for mayor, outlines her vision for a 21st century Erie

Surrounded by supporters, Erie cities that have rebounded Playhouse Executive Director from tough times to see what Almi Clerkin announces her might work in Erie. Our state candidacy for mayor at 21 la rue dix on January 7, 2017. leaders will know and respect our hometown and under- stand its importance to the and a 21st century Erie begins entire northwestern Pennsyl- to takes shape. vania region. We can create opportuni- I believe that Erie’s best days ty by cultivating innovation are yet to come. These past and entrepreneurship. Let us few weeks, I’ve been over- build on the strengths of our whelmed and excited by peo- existing businesses, colleges ple who stop me on the street, and universities, and the non- total strangers who say “Hey profit sector. Erie is a great aren’t you that lady from TV? place to start a business. We will promote and strength- en our economy and expand I can’t help but be the tax base by supporting optimistic about employers, large and small. Erie’s future. We will That means working to con- face challenges and nect people with resources opportunities head – something I’ve done my en- tire career. on, together. And we can build better neighborhoods. A strong MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA neighborhood needs strong The one running for mayor? partners. Let’s empower com- Thank you for running and munity organizations and as- thank you for being positive.” By: Almi Clerkin tenacity, administrative expe- their load a little lighter, you sociations so that our neigh- I can’t help but be optimistic rience, and a get-things-done did it. Those are the values borhoods have the resources about Erie’s future. We will have had the pleasure attitude. Just as I felt called to that were strengthened in me they need to address poverty, face challenges and opportu- of leading the Erie Play- public service in the nonprof- by my parents, Alex and Jean drug addiction, struggling nities head on, together. Ihouse, our award-winning it sector, I feel called to serve Clemente, and at St. Peter’s, schools, unemployment, and I’ve never been one to shy community theatre, through in a new way: as your next Villa, and Gannon. neighborhood beautification. away from a challenge. Now major transitions these past mayor. I have both the pas- My dad used to say to my We can restore hope in our is not the time to give up – 10-plus years, with a dedicat- sion and the experience being brothers Sal and Paul and community. Every resident it’s the time to stand up. We ed staff and board. It’s been mayor demands. me, “Plan the work, work the on every block in every neigh- are at a critical juncture, and an enormous privilege to Yet, for me, being mayor plan.” For decades, we’ve lis- borhood of our city deserves the stakes could not be high- steer one of our city’s largest won’t be a job, or a line on my tened to career politicians to live in a safe, livable, and er. We owe it to our children, and most respected arts or- resume. It’s not a step toward promise change, commission healthy environment. We will neighbors, and future genera- ganizations through its 100th some bigger, more ambitious studies, and develop plans. protect our citizens and those tions to make our city stron- season and into its second political goal; it’s a vocation. It But the direction that is need- who pledge to keep us safe. ger than ever before. century. cannot be done by sitting be- ed hasn’t come to Erie yet. No parent should lose a child As your mayor, I will put When I announced my in- hind a desk. Erie’s next mayor Erie’s done a lot of planning. to violence. Every life has val- my heart and soul into being tention to run for mayor, I must be engaged and energet- It is time to turn those plans ue. Children should be free your leader, your advocate, surprised a few people. After ic, must provide inspiring and into action. to be children, and no dream your voice, and your cham- all, I have never run for office. creative leadership, and must The Erie Refocused Com- for the future is too big or too pion. Let us rise to this chal- But many people – especial- have a strong vision that in- prehensive Plan lays a de- bold. I am running for their lenge together. Let us move ly those who know me best cludes building coalitions and tailed roadmap to move Erie future. Erie forward, together. Let us – were not surprised. They partnerships to move Erie forward. You can find all 106 We can champion Erie fight for a better, brighter, and know that I’m passionate forward. pages online at almiforerie. throughout the region and bolder future, together. about Erie, where I have lived I am not a politician, and com. Combine that with ele- state. I will visit Harrisburg for more than 50 years. To frankly, I never planned to be ments from Emerge 2040: A and other prominent cities For more on Almi Clerkin’s them, and to me, running for one. Growing up in my family, Focused Partnership for the at least 50 times in my first mayoral candidacy, visit mayor makes sense. serving others was what we Erie Region’s Future, and the term to promote our city, as- www.almiforerie.com, But just being passionate did. If you can hold out a hand Erie Downtown Partnership sets, natural resources, and email info@almiforerie. about Erie does not mean you to a neighbor or a stranger, to Master Plan, as well as de- our greatest resource: our com, and follow @ will be a great mayor. It takes make their day a little better, tailed neighborhood plans, people. I’ll also look to other AlmiForErie on Twitter.

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 You have the power To help shape tomorrow

Visit ICareForErie.com to view the Downtown Master Plan and tell us why you CARE.

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February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11

NEWS & VIEWS Harrisburg Happenings Concerns over gaming revenues, the closure of unemployment centers, and the growing opioid epidemic

islative Session on Nov. 30, 2016. for the transfer and its failure increase in the total number That unilateral decision by to adequately explain why the of overdose deaths in Pennsyl- the governor to close those technology upgrades are not vania from 2014 to 2015. All in- three centers substantially finished. dications are that we will see increased the demand on the It is also important to know an increase in overdose deaths five remaining service centers: that this transfer would take during 2016. Duquesne, Erie, Harrisburg, In- resources from the fund used We are working with the ad- diana, and Scranton. This has to pay unemployment compen- ministration, law enforcement unfortunately resulted in thou- sation claims, which further officials, healthcare profession- sands of unemployed Pennsyl- exposes the fund to insolvency als, and community leaders

BESTBUSBRIAN VIA WIKIMEDIA BESTBUSBRIAN vanians being forced to stand and could ultimately result in to develop solutions to curb for hours at CareerLink centers an increased tax burden to em- those numbers. I am open to waiting to receive services. ployers and employees. considering legislation, policy There is much more to this While we continue to work changes, and development of By: Sen. Dan Laughlin local entities continues unabat- story. Funding was available to on this issue, my office is com- new and innovative services – ed. Presque Isle Downs & Casi- keep those service centers open mitted to providing assistance whatever it takes to stop this e are barely into the no is a vibrant part of the Erie through January, which makes to unemployed workers who ongoing tragic situation. 2017-18 Legislative community and a key attrac- it somewhat surprising and are seeking the benefits they Perhaps the biggest legisla- WSession and sever- tion for visitors to the region. disappointing that the admin- deserve. tive challenge ahead of us is al matters are already on the It does, however, rely on a istration decided to close them the finalization of the annual Senate’s list of issues to be ad- spectrum of community ser- down over the holiday season. state budget. That exercise will I am open to dressed. vices. If the casino were to In addition, the fund trans- begin on Tuesday, Feb. 7, when One major issue that hits withhold its local share fund- fers that the governor wants considering legislation, Gov. Wolf addresses a joint ses- home in Erie County involves ing, the burden of additional fi- extended were for a fixed four- policy changes, and sion of the General Assembly the “host fees” that casinos pay nancial costs would fall direct- year period to support a tech- development of new to unveil his proposal for Fiscal to counties and municipalities ly on taxpayers in many cases. nological upgrade that (ironi- and innovative services Year 2017-18, which begins on to offset the costs of the public That’s what makes finding a cally) was intended to upgrade – whatever it takes to July 1. I will study this proposal services provided. The system legally sound solution to the the technology used to process stop this ongoing tragic closely, especially the funding was thrown into turmoil last issue a matter of utmost impor- unemployment compensation situation. dedicated to the Erie School September when the Pennsyl- tance. claims and ultimately lead to District. Next month I will dis- vania Supreme Court ruled the Another issue that is adverse- the phase out of the service cuss the governor’s proposed Local Share Assessment (LSA) ly impacting Erie County resi- centers. One of the ongoing issues budget and its impact on the unconstitutional. dents is Gov. Wolf’s closure of Even so, the Legislature gave we must address is the opi- state and our region. This is an issue that has Unemployment Compensation the governor’s request for an oid epidemic in Pennsylvania. wide-ranging impacts not only Service Centers in Allentown, extension serious consider- A July 2016 report from the I encourage local residents for Erie, but for communities Altoona, and Lancaster, after ation last year, and we may Drug Enforcement Adminis- to visit my website, across Pennsylvania. The Gen- his request for a transfer of still agree to an extension in tration Philadelphia Field Di- senatorlaughlin.com, and my eral Assembly and the Wolf ad- $57 million in additional fund- the future. However, one of vision’s Intelligence Program Facebook page, facebook.com/ ministration must work quick- ing from the Unemployment the major sticking points up indicated that more than 3,300 senatorlaughlin/, to keep up- ly to finalize legislation that Compensation Fund failed to to now has been the Wolf ad- people died from an overdose to-date with state government will ensure the flow of funding receive legislative approval be- ministration’s failure to answer in Pennsylvania in 2015. That news and learn more about from casinos to counties and fore the end of the 2015-16 Leg- basic questions about the need same report cited a 23.4 percent state services and agencies.

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 Guest Bartender Night For the Love of Rescues

Benefiting

Thursday, Feb. 9 All Natural Holistic Pet Foods 5 to 8 p.m. FOR CATS & DOGS Millcreek Brewing Co. - USDA inspected 4102 West Lake Rd. Nickel - No by-products Plate Drink Specials • Basket Raffle - Human grade protein Mills Special Appetizers • 50/50 - No artificial ingredients With Master of Ceremonies - Grain free or whole grain only WICU’s Simone Cuccurullo - No fillers Pine Diary playing 6 to 8 p.m. 1932 Parade St. Erie, PA 16503 Find our guest bartenders & times on www.nickelplatemills.net Like us on facebook

Erie Day School cordially invites ladies of all ages to the

Winter Knitting Classes Glitter & Glow Tea • Beginner Knitting Feb. 6, 13, 27 - 6 to 7:30PM Treat yourself, your mother, daughter, sister and friend to an afternoon • Thrummed Slippers Feb. 4, 11, 18 - 1 to 2:30PM filled with spalike treatments from ReJuv’s ’Beauty Bar’; a tea luncheon; • Building in Color Afghan Class fashion show by E. Lane Boutique; raffle baskets; ‘design your own 2nd Saturdays of every month tea towel station’; and facepainting for the younger set; • Tea Party along with irresistible gifts at our vendor booths for shopping. Feb. 8 - 5:30 to 7PM www.culturedpurlknitshop.com 3141 W 26th St. Erie, PA 16506 Sunday, February 26, 2017 (814) 836-7875 1:00—4:00 p.m. Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel 55 West Bay Drive, Erie, PA 16507

Cost is $35 per person. For reservations call 8144524273 or email [email protected].

Erie Day School Learning today, leading tomorrow.

814-452-4273 eriedayschool.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017

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16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS News of the Weird From inappropriate imbibing to gratuitous gratuity

By: Chuck Shepherd breast milk at work and drinking it 2014 and again in 2015 (and on her table who comprise the poorest half of the but only to help with "stress" in his job in the photo were "alcoholic beverag- planet.) [The Guardian, 1-3-2017] [New as a computer technician. Undermin- es" she denied ever ordering). In Jan- York Times, 1-16-2017] Suspicions Confirmed ing the health-improvement explana- uary, Caldwell said the misuse of her n organization that tracks "high chools' standardized tests are often tion was a photo Lam sent the woman, image is Chipotle's fault for ignoring net worth" investors (Spectrem criticized as harmfully rigid, and in showing himself in an aroused state. her non-"release," and thus that she is A S Group of Lake Forest, Illinois) report- the latest version of the Texas Educa- [South China Morning Post, 12-21-2016] entitled to all of the profits Chipotle ed recently that, of Americans worth tion Agency's STAAR test, poet Sara earned between 2006 and 2015: $2.237 $25 million or more, only about two- Holbrook said she flubbed the "cor- Ironies billion. [KMGH (Denver), 1-5-2017] rect" answer for "author motivation" thirds donate $10,000 or more yearly ondon's The Guardian reported in in two of her own poems that were on to charity. And then there is Charles January that "dozens" of people Precocious the test. Writing in Huffington Post L Feeney, 85, of New York City, who in have been charged or jailed recently in January, a disheartened Holbrook n December, Ashlynd Howell, age December made his final gift to char- for "defaming" the new Myanmar gov- lamented, "Kids' futures and the eval- 6, of Little Rock, Arkansas, deftly ity ($7 million to Cornell University), ernment, which has been headed (in I uations of their teachers will be based mashed her sleeping mother's thumb- completing his pledge to give away a prime-minister-like role) since April on their ability to guess the so-called print onto her phone to unlock the almost everything he had $8 billion. by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was elected correct answer to (poorly) made-up Amazon app and order $250 worth of (He left his wife and himself $2 million after her release from house detention questions." [Huffington Post, 1-5-2017] Pokemon toys. Mom later noticed 13 to live on, in their rental apartment in following two decades of persecution email confirmations and asked Ash- San Francisco.) A January New York for criticizing the longtime military re- lynd if something was amiss. Accord- Times profile noted that nothing is Compelling Explanations gime. For her struggle for free speech, ing to the Wall Street Journal report, "named" for Feeney, that the gifts were n December, James Leslie Kelly, 52, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Ashlynd said, "No, Mommy, I was shop- mostly anonymous, and that Feeney Iand with a 37-conviction rap sheet Prize in 1991. Said the wife of the lat- ping." [Wall Street Journal, 12-23-2016] assiduously cultivated his low profile. dating to 1985, filed a federal lawsuit in est arrestee, Myo Yan Naung Thein, [Harper's Index (February 2017)] [New Florida claiming that his latest brush on trial for "criminal defamation" of Leading Economic Indicators York Times, 1-6-2017] with the law was Verizon's fault and Suu Kyi's regime, "This is not insulting he British think tank High Pay "disturbingly large" (according not his. Kelly was convicted of steal- this is just criticizing, with facts. This Centre reported in January that to one report) number of smart- ing the identity of another James is freedom of speech." [The Guardian, T A the average CEO among the U.K.'s top phone apps are available devoted to Kelly and taking more than $300 in 1-9-2017] 100 companies (in the Financial Times calculating how much the user has Verizon services. He bases his case on Stock Exchange index) earns the "earned" per day and per year during the Verizon sales representative's hav- The Litigious Society equivalent of around $1,600 an hour restroom breaks answering nature's ing spent "an hour and a half" with igh Finance: Sometime in 2006, meaning that a 12-hour-a-day boss will calls while at work. Australia's News him surely enough time, he says, to a photographer on assignment H earn, by mid-day Jan. 4, as much mon- Limited's rough calculation estimat- have figured out that he was not the roamed a Chipotle restaurant in Den- ey as the typical worker at his firm ed $1,227 for someone making $55,000 James Kelly he was pretending to be. ver, snapping photos of customers. will earn the entire year. (Around the a year, but results might vary since He seeks $72 million. [WFTV (Orlando), Leah Caldwell was one person photo- same time, the anti-poverty organiza- there are so many apps: Poop Salary, 1-2-2016] graphed, but says she refused to sign tion Oxfam reported, to an astonished ToiletPay, Log-Log, Paid 2 Poo, Pricy the photographer's "release" and was n Hong Kong in December, Mr. press, that eight men six Americans, Poop, Poop Break and perhaps others. surprised, nevertheless, to see a photo Lam Chung-kan, 37, pleaded guilty headed by Bill Gates have the same to- [News.com.au via New York Post, 12-9- I of herself in a Chipotle promotion in to stealing a bottle of a co-worker's tal "net worth" as the 3.6 billion people 2016]

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 NEWS & VIEWS

to mourners. Even though that ban People Different From Us has been working, nostalgic Chinese very major event in my life has can still see great funeral pole-dancing "Ebeen about insects," Aaron Ro- in Taiwan according to a January re- driques, 26, told The New York Times port on the death of Chiayi county of- in December, home in New York City ficial Tung Hsiang, featuring 50 "scant- during a winter break from his doc- ily clad" entertainers. (Pole-dancing, toral research at Purdue University itself, is still big in China, where the on the "sweet tergal secretions" of national pole-dancing team recently German cockroaches, and on his way performed its annual outdoor show, to buy a supply of crickets and horn- wearing shorts and halter tops, in worms. ("Hornworms," he said, have the country's northernmost village, an "amazing defense" where they "eat Beiji where the temperature was mi- tobacco for the nicotine, which they nus 33 Celsius.) [Shanghaiist, 1-5-20-17] exhale as a gas to scare away preda- [Shanghaiist, 12-21-2016] tors.") "When I'm feeling stressed out," Rodriques said, he might take one out The Passing Parade to "calm me down." He met his first oodstock, Vermont, police arrest- girlfriend when she was attracted ed a 28-year-old man for bank to his pet giant African millipede (as W robbery in January, with a key piece long as a human forearm), but admits of evidence coming to their atten- that "for the vast majority" of time in tion when a disapproving Vermont- school, "I was alone." [New York Times, er noted a paper coffee cup not in its 12-29-2016] proper recycling bin. The cup held the robber's holdup note and DNA. (2) A Updates 46-year-old man was arrested in De- wo years ago, News of the Weird cember after an evening at the Sands Tupdated previous entries by not- Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, ing that China's Ministry of Culture and charged with leaving a server a had cracked down on the centu- non-monetary "tip" of a Valium pill. ries-old tradition of festively over-the- [Valley News (Lebanon, N.H.), 1-12-2017] top funerals (ceremonies to assure the [Morning Call (Allentown), 12-30-2016] family that the deceased did not die "faceless") by arresting the song-and- dance people (including strippers and COPYRIGHT 2017 CHUCK pole-dancers) peddling their services SHEPHERD TREAT YOUR SWEETIE TO THE Gift of Spa Chocolates

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Visit the Spa at LECOM to purchase or schedule any of these specials. Call 814-868-2130 5401 Peach Street Erie, PA 18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 for additional information. O ers Expire February 15, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other o er. LECOMWELLNESS.com

LECOM_Spa Valentine Specials_Jan17.indd 1 1/27/2017 11:56:11 AM TREAT YOUR SWEETIE TO THE Gift of Spa Chocolates

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Manicure/Pedicure Add on $10 Full Chocolate Package Starts at $130 Add a Chocolate Scrub to any Unsure of which service to get? Get them all Manicure or Pedicure. Scrub away with this package! Includes the Chocolate dull skin while leaving a delicious Mousse Facial, Chocolate Body Scrub, and chocolate aroma on the skin. the Manicure/Pedicure Add On. Purchase of manicure/pedicure is not included in the package price.

Visit the Spa at LECOM to purchase or schedule any of these specials. Call 814-868-2130 5401 Peach Street Erie, PA for additional information. O ers Expire February 15, 2017. Cannot be combined with any other o er. LECOMWELLNESS.com

LECOM_Spa Valentine Specials_Jan17.indd 1 1/27/2017 11:56:11 AM FEATURE Erie Affairs And their well-bred and misbegotten outcomes

HIT IT OFF FAMOUSLY its “money-grubbing” chairman, John Daniel Dobbins + Presque Isle = The D. Rockefeller. Although she never mar- Battle of Lake Erie’s Winning Fleet ried or mothered any children of her resque Isle has drawn many men own, Tarbell is credited with the birth of Pinto her loving arm through the investigative reporting and a new gen- years, including City of Erie founder eration of American journalism. Seth Reed and the eccentric hermit Joe Root, who were both enamored of her Richard Anuszkiewicz + Josef ample nature. Shipbuilder and sailing Albers = the Op-Art Movement master Daniel Dobbins was also im- masterpiece of geometric form pressed with the peninsula, albeit for Aholds visual interest under variable strategic purposes (marriages can be lighting conditions. Such is a funda- practical, too). When tasked with build- mental philosophy of the Op (as in Op- ing a fleet to take on the British Royal tical) Art Movement – and also some- Navy, his thoughts immediately gravi- thing you might say to endear yourself tated toward Presque Isle: “No finer oak to your spouse. Erie’s Richard Anusz- grew than what was to be found there, kiewicz (born 1930) stated a fascination St. Valentine secretly married soldiers close to the water’s edge, and in the with “making something romantic out By: Matt Swanseger against the decree of Emperor Clau- land-locked harbor the vessels, when of a very, very mechanistic geometry.” id-February is nigh, which dius II, who did not want an army of built, could ride in security” (Frank Sev- After graduating from Erie Technical historically implies air per- lovesick sissies. For this and refus- erance, “The Dobbins Papers”). High School, he studied at Cleveland Mfumed with any one of the ing to renounce his Christianity, St. Presque Isle proved the ideal “big Institute of Art and then Yale, where following: love, cynicism, or the stench Valentine was incarcerated. It is said spoon” to the fleet’s “little spoon,” and he was mentored by Germany’s Josef of ritualistic animal sacrifice. he cured the jailer’s daughter of her with it the United States scooped up Albers (“Homage to the Square”). Ac- If you’ve ever had trouble distin- blindness and left her a letter signed a major victory in the Battle of Lake cording to the website op-art.co.uk, he guishing “putting yourself out there” “from your Valentine” on the eve of his Erie (1813), further affirming its inde- took his cues from the Bauhaus Move- from “throwing yourself to the execution. pendence as a sovereign nation. ment, the color theory of Paul Klee, Im- wolves,” you’ll empathize with the There is little evidence to support pressionism, and Post-Impressionism young women of the Classical era. this tale, but people love a good tear- Ida Tarbell + the Titusville Oil in evolving his signature style. His work From Feb. 13-15, the ancient Romans jerker, so the American Greetings Boom = investigative journalism emphasizes rectangular forms and celebrated Lupercalia, a Pagan feast company took it and ran with it. In ometimes the greatest innovations striking contrast from limited color pal- dedicated to Lupa (the she-wolf of reality, it was not until Geoffrey Chau- Sare born out of the most trying cir- ettes. Is it getting hot in this corner, or is Rome) and Faunus (the satyr god of cer’s 1382 poem “Parlement of Foules” cumstances. In her youth, Erie Coun- it 90 degrees? the forest). In essence, it was a glori- (written in tribute to King Richard II’s ty native Ida M. Tarbell was deeply fied frat party. engagement to Anne of Bohemia) that affected by the abuses the Standard DIDN’T WORK OUT SO WELL Each year, two eligible (i.e., wealthy) Valentine’s Day became connected Oil Company inflicted upon her father, Railroad standardization + Erie street merchants = the Erie Gauge War young bachelors were initiated into with romance. Other poets followed small businesses, and the Titusville re- the Luperci (“Brotherhood of the suit with their own Valentine’s verse, gion. The injustices inspired her to pur- he year was 1853 and Erie lay at the Wolf”) with a smear of sacrificial blood and eventually (400 years later) the sue a career as a journalist, suffragist, Tconfluence of three different rail- (2 parts goat: 1 part dog) and sent out practice was popularized in the United and political activist. While working at road systems – specifically, the Erie & into the streets to lash at eligible (i.e., Kingdom before carrying over to the NYC-based McClure’s Magazine, Tarbell North East, the Franklin Canal Co., and affluent) young bachelorettes with United States in the mid-19th century. authored The History of Standard Oil the Buffalo & State Line. Although they goat-hide thongs (“februa”). Each Our secular Valentine’s Day is the (1904), an exposé of Standard Oil and operated closely together, they were far spanking was thought to convey re- lovechild of vastly disparate influenc- productive health and fertility (and es. Despite this unusual crossbreeding perhaps a potential hookup), and an of traditions, the resultant offspring appalling number of women fell in is in robust health, generating $14 bil- line with the belief. Like Tinder, only lion in revenue annually. In that spirit, slightly more barbaric. the Reader will now examine notable By the time 496 rolled around, the Lu- couplings in our regional lore and the perci had fashioned more thongs than successes – or failures – that they pro- Victoria’s Secret. And Pope Galesius I, duced. for his coinage, had seen enough. He replaced Lupercalius with Candlemas, a Christian feast honoring the Virgin (top) Master ship builder Daniel Dobbins Mary (observed Feb. 2). Incidentally, (left) found that the waters of Presque he also added one Valentine of Rome Isle were the perfect place to set up shop. (bottom) The Erie Insurance Arena, on to the Calendar of Saints that same the other hand, would not find such good year. Christian folklore holds that this fortune with any of its indoor football teams.

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 FEATURE apart in one key aspect – gauge, or the forced to park blocks away. width between the inner surfaces of the The Transitway Mall withstood the rails. The Erie & NE tracks measured six lawsuit, but it would not withstand a feet across, while the others measured dwindling population, an eroding tax 4-foot-10 (Ohio gauge). Consequently, base, continuous objection, and the passengers riding between Cleveland construction of the Millcreek Mall. and Buffalo faced frequent delays, pre- On Aug. 20, 1986, Sixth through 10th cipitating a sort of layover tourism in- streets were reopened to traffic and dustry. Erie was quite compatible with the Transitway Mall faded into obscu- the gauge incompatibility, especially rity. Although Tullio was broadly con- Your first massage street vendors who profited handsome- sidered one of the family, this was an 1 Coupon, 2 Locations ly from the stranded travelers. infatuation few in the family approved $20 OFF Expires 3/1/2017 of. 1001 State St #201 Erie Insurance Arena + professional Erie, PA 16501 Our secular Valentine’s Day indoor football = (no heir) 814 Kahkwa Blvd, Erie, PA 16505 is the lovechild of vastly Visit www.compassionatehart.com or call t could be argued that King Henry VIII’s Visit monacella.massagetherapy.com or call (814) 456-5833 to make an appointment. disparate influences. Despite Iwives had better luck than Erie indoor (814) 838-3622 to make an appointment. this unusual crossbreeding professional football. The irascible Tudor of traditions, the resultant king burnt through six marriages over offspring is in robust health, a span of 34 years, while Erie churned through seven leagues and five teams in generating $14 billion in 16. It’s worth remembering their names, revenue annually. even though they didn’t last: the Erie In- vaders (2000, Indoor Football League), the Erie Freeze (2005-07, American In- Naturally, they were upset when Buf- door Football League/American Indoor falo & State Line acquired Erie & North Football Association), the Erie River Rats East’s stock and began replacing the (2008-09, AIFA), the Erie Storm (2010, 6-foot gauge with Ohio gauge. Under AIFA), and the Erie Explosion (2011-15, pressure from local business owners, Southern Indoor Football League/Ulti- Erie City Council passed an ordinance mate Indoor Football League/Continen- to allow police to dismantle any rail- tal Indoor Football League/Professional road bridges that crossed city streets. Indoor Football League). In Harborcreek, citizens tore up the Like Henry’s spouses Anne Boleyn new tracks themselves and even got and Catherine Howard, franchise after in a spat with a U.S. Marshal sent to franchise was beheaded after failing to defuse the situation. In a separate inci- produce a suitable heir. The Explosion dent, a protestor was shot by a railroad did win back-to-back CIFL champion- official, but ultimately survived. ships in 2013 and 2014, but that was If you were to define “dysfunction” not enough to sway Erie sports fans with the “Erie Gauge War,” you’d cer- already smitten with the Otters and tainly be on the right track. SeaWolves. Both claimed more noble heritages in their respective sports Erie Mayor Lou Tullio + downtown (players with NHL and MLB blood- revitalization = The Transitway Mall lines) than the fledgling arena leagues, ormer Erie Mayor Lou Tullio is warm- viewed as bastard spawn of the tradi- Fly remembered for keeping in touch tional gridiron. with his citizenry – in fact, his home The pace was fast, the scoring was phone number was listed for all 23 years high, and the action was crisp, but for he served. However, his plan to revitalize now it seems the clock has run out on Erie’s downtown was grossly miscalcu- indoor football in Erie. lated and off-base. Shortly after being **** reelected for a second term in 1969, Relationships don’t always last, nor Tullio proposed a pedestrian shopping do their offspring always flourish. But center on State Street, in the heart of without risk, there can be no reward. the declining downtown retail district. And so, like the goats of antiquity, we The motion was fiercely debated, but make our way to our altars and hope ultimately passed in March of 1972. for the best. That summer, a collective of down- town business owners sued the city Matt Swanseger can be reached at for projected losses, fearing the frus- [email protected]. You can trations of inconvenienced customers follow him on Twitter @SwazzySwagga.

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 Chic, Sleek & Instantly Slimming Builders Association 57th Annual Sizes 0 - 22W Lengths 26-33 HOME SHOW Oprah loves our Lisette L Pant! Zem Zem Shrine Club 2525 W. 38th St, Erie, PA 16506 Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 - Noon to 8PM Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 - 10AM to 8PM Available in a variety of Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 - Noon to 5PM different fits, colors and styles! Also available by Tribal, Renuar, Admission: $5.00 Slim - sation & Joseph Ribkoff THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS * Some sizes & colors available by special order

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22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 Spotlight on Erie February 1 – 14, 2017

Thursday, Feb. 2 “They’ve proven to be an audience fa- and a metal and pop punk show in the Everything that Basement Transmis- vorite and have consistently been some evening. sions represents – supporting local art Erie Auto Show Returns of our most attended productions.” The pop-up shop will be a sort of bi- and music – is perfectly manifest in Lewis added, ”Agatha Christie re- zarre bazaar. With local artists selling the events of this day. So come out and mains popular today because of her their work, and musicians their merch, show your support for local creativity. talent for weaving plots that draw the shop truly embodies the essence of – Tommy Shannon the audience into her characters and Basement Transmissions – supporting twisting developments. Just when you the arts. BT owner Bob Jensen is him- Pop-up shop 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. // Free think you’ve figured out ‘whodunnit,’ self an artist, whose eccentric and off- // Show 6 p.m. // $7 // Basement her storyline shifts to point the finger the-wall works have been sold at BT Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // facebook. of guilt in a different direction.” in the past. He’s likely to be showcased com/events/1828951534044794 // facebook.com/events/244672349303328 he Erie Auto Show is revving up for again at the pop-up shop, along with many others. Tits 10th year at the Bayfront Con- Saturday, Feb. 4 vention Center. “The store will be focused on the un- Presented by the Automobile Associa- derground and avant-garde, general Hear the Erie Philharmonic tion of Erie County and the Erie Times- weirdness is encouraged,” said shop “Play it” Live to Casablanca News, the Erie Auto Show features 26 organizer, Ben Himan. “However, any- local auto dealers and at least 25 addi- thing creative and handmade has a tional vendors. place. Some examples of items that will Guests are welcome to explore the be found at the pop-up shop include more than 100 new models brought clothes, jewelry, drawings, paintings, by local dealers and to admire over puppets, local underground music and 50 antique and muscle cars. But the And this year’s show, Spider’s Web, merch, reupholstered furniture, lamps, highlight of the weekend is the cus- promises to entrap visitors in their bleep bloops, and knickknacks.” tom-made replica of the Pontiac Trans seats as well. As A3’s 69th production, Himan added that a portion of the Am that was used in the 1977 hit movie what else can audience members ex- profits will go toward funding a perma- Smokey and the Bandit. (At last year’s pect from seeing Web? nent store on Peach Street called Gem show, a Batmobile replica was the fea- “Patrons can expect a night of sus- City Records and Collectibles. A Kick- tured attraction.) pense as they try to figure out the starter campaign for the store will also Over the course of four evenings, two guilty party,” offered Lewis. “Audiences launch shortly after the pop-up shop detailing packages valued at $250 will are always smiling at the end of Chris- closes. be raffled off to lucky visitors who pur- tie’s shows and commenting that they The second event of the day is the hat better place in Erie could chase tickets. were sure they had figured it out, but metal/pop punk hybrid show featur- Wthere be to watch Casablanca Attendees can also gather auto-relat- were wrong again.” – Gregory Green- ing local and regional bands Ashes of a than where it originally played back in ed information from various vendors leaf-Knepp Generation, Mallory Run, Into the Har- the 1940s? On Feb. 4 at the Warner The- like Kyle’s Real Audio, National Fuel bor, Jurassic Skatepark, and Raven’s atre, this timeless, romantic classic will Feb. 3-26 // $12 for adults, $10 seniors/ Gas, and Off Road Express. Law. be screened with a live performance by students, $5 children 6-11 // For more It’s a family-friendly event that prom- From Meadville, Ashes of a Gener- the Erie Philharmonic. This “fun, nos- information, visit allanact.net or call ises a great time for guests of all ages; ation brings their metalcore infused talgic project” was put together to “rec- 450.8553 or 449.6554 it definitely won’t be a burnout. – Tracy with southern rock stylings to the reate the perfect environment for this stage. The southern rock influence film in this beautiful space,” according Geibel Saturday, Feb. 4 takes the lead in their song “Plenty to Erie Phil Executive Director Steve Thursday, Feb. 2 through Sunday, Feb. 5 // Two Events, One Busy Day More,” while “Collection Day” stays true Weiser and Director of Community 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to at Basement Transmissions to their metal roots. Erie’s Mallory Run Impact Lisa Herring. Audiences are in 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday is hard to pin down to any one genre. for a wholly glamorous sensory expe- // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Some songs are pop punk, some lean rience. Pier // $5 admissions; kids under 10 free // toward emo, and sometimes the band For first-timers to both the Philhar- eriepromotions.com/Auto/Default.aspx even delves into hardcore. Regardless, monic and Casablanca, the marriage Mallory Run is making headway in the of live music to a film on the big screen Friday, Feb. 3 scene. They recently signed to Wilhelm will make the film seem more alive, ex- plains Weiser. “Patrons will be engaged Spider’s Web Spins a Records, and are working on their next release on the label, a follow-up to their with the film but also will soak up the Suspenseful Whodunnit 2016 self-titled EP. I’ve had the pleasure music surrounding them,” adds Her- o mystery here. to hear some of their new material live, ring. “It will open your eyes for the next N In presenting another Agatha and I can’t wait to see what this band time you watch a movie at home, too.” Christie play for its 2017 season, All An does next. And Casablanca is a classic for good Act Theatre is both keeping a tradition Filling the rest of the bill are In the reason. Directed by Michael Curtiz in and giving Erie audiences what they Harbor from Rochester, New York, and 1942, and winner of three Academy want. Jurassic Skatepark and Raven’s Law, Awards, the plot centers around Rick “This is the seventh consecutive n the spirit of diversity, Basement both from Erie. In the Harbor and Ra- Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) who runs season we’ve opened with an Agatha ITransmissions is hosting two vastly ven’s Law each play their own take on a local hotspot, Rick’s Cafe. He comes Christie show,” explained Larry Lewis, different events on the same day, in- metalcore while Jurassic Skatepark into possession of two “letters of tran- A3’s managing director and cofounder. cluding a pop-up shop during the day, plays heavy but upbeat pop punk. sit,” which enable the bearers to travel

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 CALENDAR freely through greatly-occupied World ter six years of hefty touring, but for 8 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // War II Europe. One night, his former three of that band’s four members 453.7117 love Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) comes – John McCarron, Seth Swegheimer, into his establishment … with her now Saturday, Feb. 4 and Marcus Dreher – around a year partner, the Czech resistance leader, was about enough time to go without Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid). The rest is Stereosphere Brings Electro- getting together and gettin’ down. So, cinematic history. Prog Magic to the Rook joined by well-established Ohio-based The stunning Warner Theatre isn’t musician Zac Pirillo, they arrived on just any “gin joint,” but it’s certainly the scene once again, this time as the the prime spot for this experience. “Ev- dynamic foursome Stereosphere. and now Andrea Arnold’s American ery aesthetic and image from the mov- By our count, anyone who’s a fan of Honey – depict rebellious teens seek- ie will blend in with the surroundings truly decent prog-jam – and who’s not ing out what they desire in any way already long-trekking to that night’s possible. Umphrey’s McGee show in Detroit – American Honey, Arnold’s first film “Every aesthetic and image should make their way to the Kings made in America, is about a young girl from the movie will blend Rook Club to check these guys out on who joins up with a crew that travels Saturday, Feb. 4. the country and gets involved in par- in with the surroundings Who says you have to go far to get far tying and rule-breaking while selling because of the era of the out? – Ryan Smith magazine subscriptions. Like one of hall.” Arnold’s previous films, the truly ex- 10 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/ cellent Fish Tank, this film looks to be kingsrookclub another story about a teenaged girl because of the era of the hall,” Weiser discovering herself while simultane- Wednesday, Feb. 8 adds. (Casablanca just so happens to ometimes, just sometimes, things ously in full-on rebellion against the be one of his favorite films, as well.) Sreally start coming together when Andrea Arnold’s Films Show world in general and the society she one well-loved band disbands. “With a live orchestra, it will draw at- Us Teens with Nothing to Lose was raised in particularly. The film tention to the beautiful soundtrack Take Tuscarawas County, Ohio-based was inspired heavily by Kitchen Sink and showcase the Warner Theatre at electro-prog rockers Stereosphere, he last few years have given us a realism, a style that developed in Brit- the same time,” providing more than for whom things came full circle once Tseries of films about young peo- ain in the late 1950s, which focused on a touch of romance – and making this members dissolved their old band, ple grabbing the American Dream by angry young people disillusioned with event ideal for a pre-Valentine’s Day hard-working area jam favorites The the throat and shaking it until it gives modern society. date. Here’s looking at you, Erie. – Mir- Stagecoach Robbery. them everything they want. Films like As in Fish Tank, I would like to see iam Lamey A short, well-earned break came af- Spring Breakers and The Bling Ring – Arnold imbue this film with some of

Anchor In at Oasis Pub, 3122 Band Peach St. facebook. Chris Higbee Feb. 1 — 1 to 4 p.m. MUSIC W. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. Feb. 6 — 9 p.m. com/kingsrookclub. Feb. 13, 14 — 9 p.m. Presque Isle Wine Cellars, 2658 W. 8th St. piwine.com. February Acoustic Presque Isle Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Casablanca 8199 Perry Hwy. The Hangover Band 8199 Perry Hwy. Showcase Feb. 4 — 8 to 10 p.m. presqueisledowns.com. Feb. 10 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. presqueisledowns.com. Boy Scout Troop 57 Feb. 3 — 5 to 9 p.m. Warner Theatre, 811 Sherlocks, 508 State Spaghetti Dinner Basement Transmissions, State St. eriephil.org. Rockin’ Road to Dublin St. facebook.com/pg/ D’Angelo Department Feb. 3 — 5 to 7 p.m. 145 W. 11th St. facebook. Feb. 7 — 7:30 p.m. sherlocksparkplace. of Music: Faculty Park United Methodist com/pg/basement. The Vehicle Recital Church, 30 N. Lake transmissions. Warner Theatre, 811 State Feb. 4 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. St. erieevents.com. St. Valentine’s’ Feb.15 — 8 p.m. St. pumcne.org. Metal Meltdown Darcy’s Pub and Grub, 3746 Walker Recital Hall, Perdition, Greywalker, Feb. 11 — 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mind, Body, Beer Requiem for Oblivion W. 12th St. facebook.com/ Last Band Standing 501 E. 38th St. miac. mercyhurst.edu. and Manokin events/688235221338465. Feb. 7 — 9 p.m. Basement Transmissions, Feb. 7 — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 145 W. 11th St. Feb. 3 — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Presque Isle Downs, Erie Ale Works, 416 Stereosphere facebook.com/pg/ DANCE W. 12th St. facebook. Bobby’s Place, 1202 W. 8199 Perry Hwy. gimpguyunderground. Feb. 4 — 10 p.m. presqueisledowns.com. com/ErieAleWorks. 18th St. facebook.com/pg/ to midnight Erie Festival of Dance gimpguyunderground. Tyler Pearce Project Kings Rook Club, 1921 Young Lovers Show Feb. 4 — 7 p.m. For the Love of Feb. 11 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mary D’Angelo Performing Rescues Celebrity Sean Patrick & The Peach St. facebook. Feb. 10 — 5 to 10:30 p.m. com/kingsrookclub. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Bartender Night Newgrass Revolution Basement Transmissions, Peach St. facebook. St. eriedanceconsortium. Feb. 9 — 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 145 W. 11th St. facebook. com/kingsrookclub. weebly.com. Whiskey Road com/pg/basement. Millcreek Brewing Sherlocks, 508 State Rock Show transmissions. Co., 1402 W. Lake Rd. St. facebook.com/pg/ Feb. 4 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Radio Age 1950’s through becauseyoucare.org. sherlocksparkplace. Feb. 11 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. the 2000’s Decade Sherlocks, 508 State Strange Bedfellows Dance Party St. facebook.com/pg/ Feb. 10 — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State Dinner Under the Stars Jennifer Westwood and sherlocksparkplace. St. facebook.com/pg/ Feb. 11 — 5 to 10 p.m. the Handsome Devils Luther Memorial Feb. 10, 11, 12 — 6 sherlocksparkplace. McCoy’s Barrelhouse to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Chruch, 225 W. 10th and Grill, 1013 State Gem City Revival St. facebook.com/pg/ Penn State Behrend Yahn Kings Rook Club, 1921 The Probables St. facebook.com/ Feb. 5 — 1 to 4 p.m. eriechamberorchestra. mccoysbarrelhouse. Planetarium, 4205 College Peach St. facebook. Feb. 12 — 1 to 4 p.m. Dr. eriehistory.com. com/kingsrookclub. Arundel Cellars, 11727 E. Main Rd. Hollywood Blanks Arundel Cellars, FOOD & DRINK arundelcellars.com. Feb. 10 — 10 p.m. 11727 E. Main Rd. Ales for Sails Julio Quezada arundelcellars.com. and Friends to midnight Wine and Cheese Feb. 10 — 6 to 9 p.m. The Jeff Fetterman Pairing Bayfront Maritime Feb. 4 — 6 to 9 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 CALENDAR

Center, 40 Holland St. Lewis & Clark: Great American Honey Mood Swing Review: Earth Stories 501 E. 38th St. miac. bayfrontcenter.org. Journey West Feb. 8 — 7 p.m. A solo exhibition Ongoing through June 11 mercyhurst.edu. Ongoing through Mar. Erie Art Museum, 411 State by Ron Bayuzick Erie Art Museum, 411 State Home Wine Making 3, 2017 — noon & 4 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. Ongoing through Feb. 11 St. erieartmuseum.org. THEATRE Seminar Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Art Museum, 411 State Fringe Fest Erie Feb. 11 — 9 a.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. The Sheik (1921) St. erieartmuseum.org. The Art of Resistance: to 12:30 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Feb. 1 through Feb. 24 Feb. 9 — 8 to 10 p.m. Veterans respond Luther Memorial Church, Various Locations, Erie Movie House, 3424 Color and Possibility visually to war 225 W. 10th St. facebook. Journey to Space by Gail Beem gannon.edu. com/pg/piwine. W. Lake Rd. facebook. Feb. 1 through Mar. 4 Ongoing through Mar. com/ErieMovieHouse. Ongoing through Bruce Gallery in Doucette King Charles III by 3, 2017 — 2 & 5 p.m. Feb.14 (Reception Jan. Hall, 215 Meadville St. St. Andrew KOC Tom Ridge Environmental 21 — 1 to 4 p.m.) Mike Bartlett Pancake Breakfast Deathdream AKA brucegallery.info. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Dead of Night (1974) Glass Growers Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11 — 8 p.m. Feb. 12 — 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Gallery, 10 E. 5th St. Feb. 10 — 8 to 10 p.m. Tin Plated Dreams: Dramashop 2nd Floor St. Andrew Church, glassgrowersgallery.com. Renaissance Centre, 1001 Erie Movie House, 3424 Sculptures by 1116 W. 7th St. Don’t Think Twice William Brady, Jr. State St. dramashop.org. saintandrewerie.com. W. Lake Rd. facebook. Feb. 1 — 7 p.m. com/ErieMovieHouse. Persuasion Feb. 11 through Erie Art Museum, 411 State Ongoing through Feb. 21 January 7, 2018 Spider’s Web Valentine’s Day St. erieartmuseum.org. Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, Luncheon and Dance Erie’s Voices & Allegheny College Doane Erie Art Museum, 411 State Moonlight Hall of Art, 520 N. Main St. erieartmuseum.org. 25 — 7:30 to 10 p.m. & Feb. Feb. 13 — 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. allegheny.edu. 12, 19, 26 — 3 to 5:30 p.m. Cat Women of the Feb. 15 — 7 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Moon (1953) Second Sundays All An Act Theatre St. lifeworkserie.org. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Kids As Curators 2017 Productions, 652 W. Feb. 2 — 8 to 10 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. Feb. 12 — 2 to 4 p.m. 17th St. allanact.net. Erie Movie House, 3424 Ongoing through Mar. 26 FILM Erie Art Museum, 411 State W. Lake Rd. facebook. VISUAL ARTS Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. erieartmuseum.org. com/ErieMovieHouse. All The Better to Walking With St. erieartmuseum.org. Kill You With Dinosaurs: Repurposed by Patricia S. Yahn ‘50 Heavy Metal Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 — 7 p.m. & Prehistoric Planet Ronald Gonzalez and Sergei Isupov: Juried Art Show Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 — 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 — 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Richard Sadlier Hidden Messages Ongoing through Mar. 3, Feb. 13 through Mar. Station Dinner 2017 — 11 a.m. & 1 & 3 p.m. Edinboro University Ongoing through Feb. 5 Ongoing through Apr. 2 24 (Reception Feb. Theatre, 4940 Peach St. Pogue Student Center, 405 16 — 5 to 7 p.m.) Tom Ridge Environmental Mercyhurst University Erie Art Museum, 411 State canterburyfeast.com. Scotland Rd. facebook.com/ Cummings Gallery, 501 E. St. erieartmuseum.org. Mercyhurst University Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. pg/edinborofilmseries. biggreenscreen.com. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Cummings Gallery, Silence The Musical

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26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 CALENDAR that Kitchen Sink style and mix it with online through Eventbrite. Attendees – on their 2016 self-titled album could the modern expressionistic flourishes must be 21 or older. – Tracy Geibel be a single, but “Country Man” stands that we see in the youth films of today. out. The album begins loudly and Only this time, our protagonist would 6 to 9 p.m. // Bayfront Maritime Center, keeps pace throughout, and artistical- discover herself and her place in the 40 Holland St. // $40 // 456.4077 ly decrescendos at the end, with singer world amidst the dreary landscapes // bayfrontcenter.org and guitarist Jeri Sapronetti whistling of the American Midwest as opposed the final melody while strumming her Friday, Feb. 10 to dreary old England. Plenty of Amer- acoustic guitar on the final track, “Now ican films are missing that hard, hu- Young Lovers Show I Believe in Magic.” man realism that is present in so many Beckons Crowds to BT Two BT favorites, Joose and Maddock, British films, and that makes Arnold’s also grace the stage. Both create com- film a welcome addition to this popular pelling concoctions of experimental new subgenre. – Forest Taylor grooves and never fail to enthrall their audience. Maddock’s latest album It’s Doors at 6 p.m., film at 7 p.m. // Erie beer from nine spotlighted local brew- Drowning Out is the band’s first full- Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. // $5 // length, and to quote the Reader’s own erieartmuseum.org/events-film eries – Voodoo, Lavery Brewing, Blue Canoe, Erie Brewing, Erie Ale Works, Nick Warren, “Lyrically, the band is far beyond their years, blending emotion- Friday, Feb. 10 Timber Creek, The Brewerie, Millcreek Brewing Company, and Five & 20 Spir- al forthrightness with clever wordplay Bayfront Maritime its and Brewing – before casting a vote … it’s spectacular front to back.” Center Hosts its Fifth for their favorite one. Filling out the bill are alternative rock band Wasted Info, and pop punk outfit Annual Ales for Sails Throughout the evening, guests can try their luck by entering a basket raf- Well Below Average, both young locals ometimes you drink to celebrate. fle, featuring baskets from Erie busi- newly integrated into the Erie scene. Sometimes you drink to forget. But nesses and artists. But even if you don’t Basement Transmissions’ love affair S asement Transmissions is celebrat- on Friday, Feb. 10, the Bayfront Mari- take home a basket, everyone can take with experimental music is no secret, ing Valentine’s Day early with the time Center (BMC) invites you to drink home a photo, as there will be a photo B and you shouldn’t keep your love of Young Lovers show, featuring Time for a cause. booth to capture the memories that music a secret, either. So bring that Cat, Joose, Maddock, Wasted Info, and Those who attend the BMC’s fifth an- you might not otherwise remember if special someone and come celebrate Well Below Average. nual Ales for Sails fundraiser – a con- you taste-test too much beer. Valentine’s Day at BT. – Tommy Shan- Coming from Akron, Ohio, Time Cat sistently sold-out event that features a Food will be provided by Stephany non steal the show with their dynamic set local craft beer tasting – are supporting Catering, and music will be covered by list, covering all bases from psyche- 5 p.m. // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. the center’s programs. Millennium Sound DJs. delic rock ‘n’ roll to soulful indie jams. 11th St. // $10 // All ages // facebook.com/ Guests are welcome to taste-test craft Tickets are pre-sale only and available Nearly every song – even deep tracks events/1695280127430529

Feb. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 Remarkable Women: Feb. 4, 11 — 10:30 Erie BayHawks LEAF Education Center, Jesus Christ: & Mar. 3, 4 — 8 p.m. Sojourner Truth a.m. to 12:30 p.m. vs. Canton 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. Redeemer, Reformer, PACA, 1505 State St. Feb. 2 — 4 to 5:30 p.m. Asbury Woods Nature Feb. 4 — 7 p.m. or Revolutionary? paca1505.com. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. LECOM Wilderness Feb. 7 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jefferson Educational asburywoods.org. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Medicine Club Society, 3207 State French St. erieevents.com. Jefferson Educational The White Snake St. jeserie.org. presents “Winter Society, 3207 State Mindfulness Weather Injuries” Feb. 15, 16, 17 — 8 p.m. Barista Parlor St. jeserie.org. & Feb. 18 — 2 & 8 p.m. and Meditation Feb. 6 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Brad Williams Feb. 4 — 7 to 9 p.m. & Feb. 19 — 2 p.m. Teacher Training Asbury Woods Nature Ceramics Feb. 2 — 7 p.m. & Feb. 3, Lakewood United Schuster Theatre, 620 4 — 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 18 & Mar. 18 & Apr. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Handbuilding Class Sassafras St. gannon.edu. 1, 22 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Methodist Church, 3856 W. asburywoods.org. Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy 10th St. lakewooderie.org. Feb. 8, 15, 22 & Mar. Club, 1402 State St. Plasha Yoga Studio, 3330 W. 1 — 6 to 8 p.m. 26th St. plashayoga.com. COMMUNITY jrslastlaugh.net. Erie BayHawks Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State PA Nordic vs. Greensboro Championships St. eventbrite.com. Tinker the T-Rex Pop Up Shop Feb. 7 — 11 a.m. Comes to the TREC Afaa Michael Weaver Feb. 5 — 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 4, 5 — noon to 5 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Outside the Window: Feb. 2 — 7 to 8 p.m. Wilderness Lodge, Ongoing through Feb Basement Transmissions, French St. erieevents.com. 24 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tippie Alumni Center, 520 13448 Weeks Valley Nature Play N. Main St. allegheny.edu. 145 W. 11th St. facebook. Rd. paccsa.org. Feb. 8 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tom Ridge Environmental com/pg/basement. Great Books: Sanding Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. transmissions. Tom Ridge Environmental events.dcnr.pa.gov. Beach Glass Drilling Dinosaur Exhibit Tours Down From Warrior Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. to Civilian events.dcnr.pa.gov. Valentine Style Feb. 5 — noon to 2 p.m. Winter Stroll in the Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Mar. 7, Erie Auto Show Feb. 4 — 9 a.m. to noon Park: Dead Pond Trail Tom Ridge Environmental 14, 21 — 4 to 5:30 p.m. Romance Paperback Feb. 2, 3 — noon to 8 p.m. & Tom Ridge Environmental Feb. 4 — 1 to 2:30 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Feb. 4 — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Jefferson Educational Book Sale Feb. 5 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Thompson Circle in Society, 3207 State Feb. 9 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Presque Isle State St. jeserie.org. Bayfront Convention Kids Dino Hour Feb. 10 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. Feb. 11 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Center, 1 Sassafras Pier February Speaker events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 5 — 3 to 4 p.m. eriepromotions.com. Series Bystander Intervention Admiral Room in the Blasco Tom Ridge Environmental Training Memorial Library, 160 E. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 — 10 a.m. Snowshoe Clinics Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. American Short Stories Feb. 7 — 5 to 6 p.m. Front St. erielibrary.org. McCord Memorial Feb. 4, 11— 1:30 to 3 p.m. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2, Library, 31 W. Main St. Penn State Behrend 117 9, 16, 23 — 4 to 6 p.m. mccordlibrary.org. Asbury Woods Nature Reed Union Building, RV, Powersports & Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Amazing Animals: 4701 College Dr. Camping Show Jefferson Educational Little Leaves Program asburywoods.org. behrend.psu.edu. Feb. 9 — 2 to 8 p.m. & Feb. Society, 3207 State Cross Country Feb. 6 — 10 a.m. to noon St. jeserie.org. Ski Clinics 10 — noon to 8 p.m. & Feb.

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27

CALENDAR Dollar Duck Race and Recycled Sleds at Winterfest ’17 Paint your face, paint the snow – it’s all good, cold fun in February.

the arboretum.” The event will culminate with a 50/50 Each year, the recycled sled contest fundraiser duck race down Cascade (participants use such materials as rope, Creek at 3:15 p.m. Ducks can be pur- cardboard, old garbage cans, and plastic chased for $1, with the winner taking containers) proves to be a hit with Win- home half of the funds raised for the terfest attendees of all ages. Prizes are race. awarded to the sled that goes the far- Noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 thest and the one that utilizes the great- // Frontier Park, snow or shine // free est variety of materials. admission; fee for some activities “One year, somebody made a black // Full schedule: leaferie.org // For dragon out of milk cartons, cardboard, more information, contact Catherine pop bottle tops, garbage bags, and Toews at [email protected] gauze,” Toews continues. “Everyone Ti Sumner can be reached at loved it.” [email protected] Returning again this year will be ice sculptor Bill Sandusky of Erie Ice Works to chisel a kids’ ice bowling lane and a sculpture unique to Winterfest. Oth- er popular festival returnees include the horse-drawn wagon rides and the By: Ti Sumner everyone can enjoy. If you think Febru- ary is a time to hunker down, LEAF says: snow painting station. A new bird-feed- ver wonder what it’s like to be a squir- Think again. er-building crafts table will be available, Erel packing its cheeks full of nuts to “Winterfest is our annual family-friend- as well as an ice-fishing demo and face hide for winter? Want to go ice fishing ly event showcasing cold weather activ- painting. but don’t know how? At Lake Erie Arbo- ities,” explains Catherine Toews, LEAF retum at Frontier Park’s (LEAF) Winter- program manager. “It’s an opportunity fest, you can answer these questions to have fun in the snow while getting If you think February is a time to hunker while taking part in outdoor activities acquainted with all that we offer here at down, LEAF says: Think again.

11 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Sarah Backstrom Just War Reconsidered: parking area in Presque The Juice Jar, 2620 Penn State Behrend 180 Feb. 12 — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Women’s Hockey Strategy, Ethics, Isle State Park, 301 W. 8th St. facebook. Jack Burke Research and Bayfront Convention Tournament and Theory Peninsula Dr. events. com/ErieJuiceJar. Economic Development dcnr.pa.gov. Center, 5101 Jordan Rd. Center, 1 Sassafras Feb. 10, 11, 12 Feb. 10 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Pier erieevents.com. 1st Annual Pre- behrend.psu.edu. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Jefferson Educational Annual Valentine’s Valentine’s Day Red French St. erieevents.com. Society, 3207 State Program: Thai Yoga Presque Isle History Erie BayHawks St. jeserie.org. & White Affair vs. Reno Massage, Wine Series: Wildlife Give Kids A Smile Day Feb. 11 — 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 9 — 7 p.m. and Chocolates Feb. 14 — 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presque Isle After Dark Erie Maennerchor Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Hike: Long Pond Trail Feb. 11 — 3 to 5 p.m. Club, 1607 State St. Tom Ridge Environmental Fortis Institute, eventbrite.com. Center, 301 Peninsula French St. erieevents.com. Feb. 10 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Plasha Yoga Studio, 5757 W. 26th St. 3330 W. 26th St. Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. adafoundation.org. East Pier parking area plashayoga.com. EPIC Volleyball Memoirs of a in Presque Isle State Young Man Tournament Erie Otters vs. London Marketing Workshop Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. Valentine’s Ghost Feb. 9 — 7 p.m. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 12 — 8:30 a.m. Feb. 15 — 7 p.m. Feb.10 — 10 a.m. Hunt at the Haunted Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Maennerchor Club, 1607 to 12:30 p.m. Hotel Conneaut Family First Sports State St. gcsoe.org. Erie Seawolves Park, 8155 Oliver Rd. French St. erieevents.com. Presque Isle Designs, Job Expo Feb. 11 — 5 to 11 p.m. eriesportscommission.com. 2820 W. 21st St. Garden Design Basics The Future of presqueisledesigns.com. Feb. 11 — 9 a.m. to noon Hotel Conneaut, 12241 Community Colleges: Lake St. eventbrite.com. 12th Annual with Dan Dahlkemper Erie Insurance Arena, Winterfest Their Role and Impact Scott Henry 809 French St. milb.com. Feb. 15 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cocktails and Clay Feb. 12 — noon to 3:30 p.m. in Regions They Serve Feb. 10, 11 — 6:45 LEAF Education Center, Feb. 9 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Herbs for the Heart: A Feb. 11 — 6 to 8:30 p.m. LEAF Education Center, 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. Jefferson Educational Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Herbal Valentine’s Day Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Society, 3207 State Club, 1402 State St. Feb. 11 — 10 a.m. to noon St. eventbrite.com. The Electoral College: Erie Otters vs. Windsor An Examination of St. jeserie.org. jrslastlaugh.net. Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Otters vs. Saginaw Feb. 12 — 5 p.m. Its Past, An Analysis Center, 301 Peninsula of the Present, Love Birds Paint and Moonlight Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 11 — 7 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Rock with Alyssa Snowshoe Hike French St. erieevents.com. and Discussion Erie Insurance Arena, 809 of Its Future Feb. 9 — 8 p.m. Feb. 10 — 7 to 9 p.m. Winter Stroll in the French St. erieevents.com. Feb. 15 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Asbury Woods Nature Park: Fox Trail TJ Hesch, Finance Peach St. facebook. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Feb. 11 — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Juicy Dating Speaker Series Jefferson Educational com/kingsrookclub. asburywoods.org. Society, 3207 State Presque Isle Lighthouse Feb. 11 — 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 13 — 7 to 8 p.m. St. jeserie.org.

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 FEATURE A Very Erie Valentine’s Fun local activities for couples, singles, and families

Indoors or Outdoors, there are oodles of Finally, if you’re into wine, stop at Pr- creative things to do for an off-the-beaten- esque Isle Wine Cellars and try a few path Valentine’s date. vinos before grabbing a bottle or two to complement the meal. And if the kid- the winter. However, the proximity of dos are with you – or wine is a no-no many establishments to one another is – hit The Juice Jar for some fun juices a huge benefit of living in Erie. So rath- as either an appetizer, dessert, or main er than go nuts spending on dinner and dish accompaniment. a movie, why not head out for frozen Also good for: impressing your rela- yogurt and a movie? Grab a tasty treat tives, unexpected guests, having a din- and lock eyes over the M&M’s before ner party just because settling in for a flick, or catch an earli- Intrepid Explorers: Hit the Presque er show and discuss the film over some Isle Trails and Warm Up at the Colony fro yo. The possibilities, like the top- pings at Menchie’s, are endless. The Norwegians say that there is Also good for: families, girls’ night out, never any bad weather, just bad cloth- singles with a sweet tooth ing, so if you haven’t cashed in those Christmas gift cards yet, it’s time for Couples and Groups: Erie Beer Tour some cold-weather gear. When appro- With the opening of VooDoo Brew- priately bundled, outdoorsy types can ery’s Erie location, there are now sev- watch the crazy waves and walk the eral solid breweries downtown, includ- beach sand trails, strap on some boots ing Lavery Brewing Company, Erie Ale (or snowshoes or skis) and hit the na- Works, and Erie Brewing Company. ture trails, or walk along the bay and Grab a designated driver – or an Uber enjoy the blustery weather. To warm – and set out for some local brews, en- up after your adventures, the Colony joying seasonal samples or full pints of has a roaring fireplace and some stiff the evening off at Cloud 9 for posh your favorite. We recommend finish- drinks or most excellent hot cocoa – all By: Miriam Lamey wines and romantic chats, and end ing off the tour at VooDoo – the menu of which are certain to revive the chilli- ou’ve done flowers. You’ve bought with a nightcap at 28 North Gastropub is pretty stellar and should satiate all est of fingers and toes. Stick around for chocolates. You’ve searched for – the cocktails are superb. beer-hungry appetites. appetizers or burgers and whatever lo- Ythe right kind of card (not sappy, Also good for: girls’ night out, a big Also good for: going out with the lads cal music is being performed. definitely interesting, your exact senti- group of friends (especially now that football’s over), Also good for: families with older ments). You’ve tried candlelit dinners treating your dad to some local ales kids, your cousin who hiked in the Hi- Singles: Love Thyself with Yoga and (yawn). And Valentine’s Day is here malayas Juice again. Now what? Couples, Families and Groups: Well, take it from this Erie newbie How convenient that yogaErie and Here are offbeat and Bowling and Home-cooked Food that the best way to date or celebrate in The Juice Jar are within walking dis- this town is to get creative. That doesn’t tance of one another. For those who intriguing ideas to show Not everyone can handle the cold, mean there’s a dearth of options, it just want to detox and show plenty of self- someone – or yourself – just which might be why bowling is so pop- means it’s just a matter of exploring love, a rejuvenating date can start off how much you care. ular in Erie. Fortunately, it’s affordable to unearth the many fun, unique, and with sweating to a fast-paced and en- and fun, and Greengarden Lanes isn’t hyper-local ways that Erieites can cele- ergizing yoga class, where ladies and far from McGarrey’s Oakwood Cafe. brate V-Day as a single, as an adventur- gents can take care of body and mind. Grab your sweetie or your best mates, and head out for a little friendly com- ous couple, as a family, or with friends. To refuel and feel good on the inside, Singles, Couples, and Families: Here are offbeat and intriguing ideas to it’s mere steps to The Juice Jar for a Sourcing and Making an All-Erie Meal petition – bumpers optional – before show someone – or yourself – just how delicious, healthy brew, a smoothie, or trekking across 38th Street to McGar- much you care. an all-natural, hearty lunch. The cafe Enough. No more picking up the ro- rey’s for some tasty, homey fare. Try recently hosted a date night, so singles tisserie chicken and bottle of wine their “famous” Reuben sandwiches, Couples: The Big Downtown Date may just meet their ideal significant from Wegman’s, and consuming both warm up with their hearty homemade Erie has welcomed many new restau- others here, too. in front of Netflix. Instead, head to soups, or get a sampling to share with rants in the past year, namely Alkeme, Also good for: couples on a health local businesses to buy groceries and your nearest and dearest. Bonus: They a Mediterranean spot right on recent- kick, friends, treating your fit mom or items and turn making dinner into a have gluten-free bread. ly-renovated Perry Square. It’s cozy, dad fun, all-Erie event. Start off at Gordon’s Also good for: your energetic grand- cool, and casual with a menu that Meat Market for the protein portion parents, a first-ever date, teens, those Teens: Menchie’s and a Movie sounds entirely classy: Porcini Ricotta of the journey (or skip if you’re a vege- new to Erie Gnocchi, Chianti Chicken, mussels, a We get it. Dating when you’re too tarian) before heading to Whole Foods cheese and charcuterie plate, and plen- young to hit up the bars and too sick Co-op for sides, sauces, and all sorts of Miriam Lamey can be contacted ty of fresh pasta, meat, and fish. Start of bowling can be tough, especially in meat-free fare to bulk up your meal. at [email protected].

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 OUTDOORS Erie Gems Presque Isle’s Gull Point

realize how lucky we are, we Erieites, to have our own wrap- around front porch. This wild place that lets us step away from our city to turn and look back on what we have built, and think about where we are going. Yes, we’ve got messes to clean up here at home, and more in the making for our nation; but

It is in this moment that I realize how lucky we are, we Erieites, to have our own wraparound front porch. This wild place that lets us step away from our city to

MATT FANG MATT turn and look back on what we have built, and to protect nesting migratory potpourri: lovely. The troupe re- rolling grassy dunes. Hundreds think about where we By: Matt Fang birds affect access to certain turns, annoyed that I have yet to if not thousands of seagulls dot are going. t is one day after Trump’s inau- areas. But in late January, I have vacate the premises. I move on the sky. I make my way to the Iguration. There is now an ad- free range to wander. to avoid any trouble. lone observation tower stand- ministration of climate deniers Several times along the way, In the distance, I hear the ing tall on the horizon. in office, a federal bill with leg- the trail cuts to the coast and telltale chorus of cackling, yo- From the top, I do a slow spin from Gull Point, things are look- islation crafted to devalue our runs me through thick stands deling, and all around ruckus to take it all in. It’s a breathtak- ing good. I believe in Erie be- national forests has recently of aspen trees and tall grass- that generally accompanies the ing panorama. The sandy fore- cause I see its Gems, and they been passed, and here at home es. A brazen troupe of young presence of shore birds carry- ground fades north into the keep me feeling positive. we can’t figure out how to keep male chickadees chaperones ing on. I am getting close to the endless blue of Lake Erie. The our schools open. I need some me as I pass through their turf, point. lake fades east to the shore- If you would like to discover space to clear my head, reflect, taunting me with chirps and All at once, the tight walls of line bluffs of mainland Erie, and Gull Point, Join Matt for a free and refill – I know just the place. cheeps while strutting their brush alongside the trail fade then wraps back to the wilds of guided group hike Saturday, Far beyond the well-trodden stuff through dense thickets of down, and the terrain opens Presque Isle on which I stand. Feb. 4. Register at mattfang. trails of Presque Isle’s interior bayberry. into a vast expanse of gently It is in this moment that I com/gull-point-hike. lies a wild and windswept land- Northern Bayberry is a short scape known as Gull Point. This coastal shrub that produces vast expanse is dotted with roll- clusters of small blue-white ing dunes and shallow coastal waxy berries. American col- lagoons. Day by day, the soft onists boiled the berries to extremities of this sandy mass extract the sweet-smelling are swept to and fro, molded wax, which they used to make and reshaped by the sculpting clean-burning candles. During action of churning waves. Each fall, aromatic leaves dry up, visit to the point is an expedi- turning a reddish-brown. I tion into something fresh and gather several in hand and roll new. them between my palms un- I arrive at the trailhead, tucked til crushed. A pungent spicy- away at the back corner of the sweet aroma rises from the Budny Beach parking lot. Winter hiking on this trail is a treat. In- (top) Standing amidst the brush, termittent stretches of typical- Emily Britton is well bundled up ly muddy and swampy terrain as she looks out onto Lake Erie from Gull Point. (right) The lone crust over in cold temperatures. observation tower stands among From April 1 to Nov. 30, strict the cold, beautiful peninsula expanse. boundary restrictions enacted FANG MATT

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32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 FEATURE Mixtape: My Erie Valentine Fourteen local songwriters weave tales of love and loss. Hear what some of the best local songwriters have to say about love, like is important to you, and you’re not about Brooke Surgener (left), Pine Diary’s Jess to forget that. This is where “side B” of Royer, and Zack Orr your metaphorical mixtape starts. I wrote “Don’t Give Up On Love” 10 itself was the woman and a man was fall- years ago, inspired by a friend who’d been ing for her.” – Zack Orr dumped. Years later, it’s been a song that has meant a lot to many people’s lives, as THE SEX BLOSSOMS well as mine. My mom even has a tattoo “Valentine” of the title on her shoulder. These days, Demo love is the last thing we should give up ou’re together now. Inseparable, just on. – Tony Kellogg Ylike the young duo of Andrew Hen- derson and Madeline Genest. This raw, THE HONEST MISTAKES delicate recording illustrates an adven- “You Were Wrong” turous, inventive (and perfectly named) Previously unreleased, from the love story. upcoming album The Honest Mistakes Burn it Down “We recorded ‘Valentine’ at Frontier Park during the first wondrous thrust of espite your best efforts, things aren’t summer. The feeling of escape and to- Dworking out. You get introspective By: Nick Warren when you know you really want to be getherness was captured amongst the and try to figure out what went wrong. with someone. merry din of sweet pollen-thick wind, “A distressing amount of our music or songwriters, love is a well-worn “This song represents the love I have scampering bare feet, and the calm gos- seems to be about the problems inherent Froad. Practically every aspect of a yet to feel. It’s a fantasy about the girl I sip of tall wheatgrass. I sometimes think in finding someone, and then somehow relationship lends itself to a handful of may or may not have met yet. Simple, that you’re never more free than when making things work. This song concerns songs. That’s no less true in the case of sweet, and smooth, just like that love you’re alone together, wading through the end of a relationship, with the narra- Erie’s lovelorn troubadours. Reaching out should be. <3” – Naji Adamson the rush-and-bustle.” - Andrew Hender- tor basically saying ‘told you so – told you to 14 different artists (since Valentine’s son I’d screw it up.’” – Chris Erich Day is the 14th, and all), we were able to JESS ROYER “Love is a blind spot. We don’t always trace the ups and downs on the path of “No Stranger to Love” PLANET CLAIRE see people for who they are, but who we the hopeless romantic. Go to eriereader. Previously unreleased “Biggest Fan” want them to be. We don’t always see com/article/vdaymixtape to hear every hings start to get a little more invest- From Split 7” with This American Song ourselves honestly, either.” – Joylene Er- one of these tracks. Ted. Maybe the “L” word gets thrown hings begin to get a little more com- ich around. You make yourself vulnerable, Tfortable. You develop inside jokes BROOKE SURGENER hoping that the object of your affection and pet names. This quirky, fun track C.BROWN “Some Sort of Special” will feel the same. Singer-songwriter Jess hides how things might begin to be un- “Lose Me At All” (Prod.by C.Brown/ Mixed by Nick IamADon) Previously unreleased Royer conveys that hopeful uncertainty balanced, with obsession and jealousy irst, there’s that tingle when you meet abounding in a new relationship. starting to peek out. From the album The Feels EP Fsomeone, the butterflies. The melo- “I’m a big sap, so writing love songs is “She describes her point of view, of who hings get a little bleaker. The breakup dies of Brooke Surgener’s adorable so- easy for me. I’ve been inspired by the she thinks Cary Grant was from seeing Tis here. Erie emcee C.Brown empa- prano evoke that feeling perfectly. theme of love itself, and I choose to fill him in the movies … and she’s his biggest thizes, his emotions bubbling up to the “Playing on my banjolele in the cabin my life with it. Music makes it easy to ex- fan.” – Sue Martin surface. behind my house, I wrote ‘Some Sort of press this.” – Jess Royer “The song is about people not being Special’ while stuck inside on a rainy day. THIS AMERICAN SONG afraid to lose you. In the first verse, I It has been a long time since I’ve been in ZACK ORR “Dark Star” speak of a girl who could care less about a relationship or written about being in “Niagara Falls” Previously unreleased recording, me walking away from our relationship. one, and daydreaming as I do, I wrote this From the album Francisco the Man originally appeared on the It’s a true story, so she’s the inspiration Hitting the Wall EP song imagining meeting the right person ou know that one defining day when behind the concept. In the second verse, for me. It’s a simple song about patience Yyou know things are truly special? ou have your first real fight. There are I speak from the voice of ‘opportunity.’ If and waiting for a real love instead of pur- That’s what indie artist Zack Orr has de- Yplenty of unanswered questions but it could talk, this is what I think it would suing something insignificant.” – Brooke tailed here. With a wonderful instrumen- you’re still ultimately happy, despite the say to the people who pass it up daily.” – Surgener tal buildup, Orr’s wistful tenor weaves a cracks starting to emerge. The honey- C.Brown beautiful scene. moon is over. ( ) ELI WAY & IAN EWING FEAT. NAJI “There are similarities between attrac- “Sometimes love exists away from the OPTIMISTIC APOCALYPSE “Happy With U” tion and songwriting. You can’t choose light.” – Larry Wheaton “The Mind” Single who you are attracted to and you can’t From the forthcoming hen there’s that moment when the choose what songs you write. ‘Niagara TONY KELLOGG album The Art of Love Tbutterflies are released and the world Falls’ was written about one particularly “Don’t Give Up on Love” ou feel much more somber. You is open. It’s the time of romance, of win- beautiful day I shared with someone at From the album Don’t Give Up on Love Yblame yourself at first, and get lost ning that special someone over. This lush one of the cheesiest love destinations espite any small doubts, you remain in your thoughts on a regular basis. The R&B track underscores that instance on earth. Lyrically, I wrote it as if the falls Dresilient and positive. Commitment haunting indie tones of Optimistic Apoc-

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 FEATURE

alypse help you through your darker Real life couple Chris and Joylene Ehrich (left), also known as The Honest Mistakes; times. C. Brown; and Mckenzie Lee Sprague of “Sometimes things don’t work out Optimistic Apocalypse weigh in on their with people, and that is okay! Be pro- thoughts about love and relationships. ductive and make something positive out of it – like I did with this song. Much path for my life, writing songs and enjoy- A church of miracles. love.” – MacKenzie Lee Sprague ing the bohemian life with few respon- sibilities and lots of open mic nights It's Jesus' church. STRANGERS AND LIARS followed by 24-hour diners. But we had It can be your church, too. “Love Sick” a connection. Eventually, we talked less Come and see. From the album A Little Bit Stranger and less, then not at all, and life con- ove has hurt you by now. But you’ve tinues to diverge down new roads. This Laccepted it and know it’s important experience led my imagination to form to move on. Blaming the other person the story in ‘Morning Train,’ about two 3126 State Street, Erie, PA 16508 helps. Strangers and Liars’ feel-good people who had a connection, but it Phone: 814-476-7519 classic vibes have that bite you need. was never meant to be anything more, “As with any other sickness, if you and that’s okay. Sometimes love doesn’t Sundays don’t take steps toward getting better, have to be romantic, just a brief connec- 9:45am Sunday School it’s going to be that much harder to kick tion with another soul.” – Gabe Poland Sundays – and love is no exception. Most of us have found ourselves in relationships TYLER SMILO 9:45am Sunday School “Elliott Song” 11am Worship Service that we’re better off not being in, but we keep falling back into them. Besides, Previously unreleased, from the Wednesdays when has knowing something is bad for forthcoming album Burn the Rivers 6pm Bible Study us ever stopped us from doing things ventually you move on, realizing that we shouldn’t?” – Tommy Link Eromantic love doesn’t have to be the most important thing. Your family THE NEW MORNING SUNRISE grows, and your heart grows along with “Morning Train” it. You focus a familial love on these From the album The New new people in your life, swearing to give Morning Sunrise them the best pieces of your heart for- ou begin to think of what might have ever. Ybeen. You dream about someone “I wrote this for Elliott Smilo, my son. else, someone new. Even though you’re I needed something to leave him on re- a tad jaded, you’re hopeful. The dark folk cord for when I pass on. You never know th ruminations of The New Morning Sun- when it’s time to go.” – Tyler Smilo Feb 11 rise help you look ahead. “I got married too young and it didn’t We hope your holiday is a bright one. Bring your special someone to Lavery Brewing work out. By 22, I had been married and And hey, if it isn’t, maybe you can write a on Saturday, February 11th to enjoy an divorced and found myself single and song about it. lonely with no idea how to start over intimate evening with a 3 course tasting $ from something like that, so I tried an Huge thanks to John Johnston of couple50 online dating site. I ended up meeting a This American Song for mastering menu paired with our finest ales. girl who was nice and funny. We would these tracks for online streaming. talk on the phone and email, but it nev- Extra special thanks to Steve er led to anything romantic. She lived a Leitzinger for providing artist photos. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED thousand miles away and was focusing Nick Warren can be contacted at CALL THE BREWERY FOR DETAILS 814.454.0405 on building a career. I was finding a new [email protected].

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017

AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE

“The most heavenly, divine sound of voices…... unlikeunlike anything - and I mean anything - I’ve ever heard.” – YourObserver.com

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36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 MUSIC REVIEWS

The xx The Flaming Lips Cherry Glazerr Japandroids I See You Oczy Mlody Apocalipstick Near to the Wild Heart of Life Young Turks Warner Bros. Secretly Canadian Anti-

he downtempo f you’re the breed he inner con- ans of the Vancou- Tcoolness of The Iof Flaming Lips Ttents of Fver band Japan- xx is back again. It’s fan who absolute- Apocalipstick might droids (sometimes been more than ly loved Yoshimi be slightly gloomier known as JPNDRDS) four long years Battles the Pink than the cover art have been raven- since their 2012 al- Robots and The implies, but not by ous for new mate- bum Coexist. Their Soft Bulletin, you much. Hailing from rial for years. Will third record, I See You finds the London might want to slow down and check Los Angeles, the trio, fronted by singer/ this record quench their appetites? Their trio at their most accessible. The album this album out. If you haven’t listened guitarist Clementine Creevy, offers up its nearly perfect masterpiece Celebration merges the poppier, softly-sung hooks to those, drop what you’re doing and sophomore album. The 20-year-old Creevy Rock was released in 2012, following their of guitarist Romy Madley Croft and play them now. Those albums are true is a model and an actress, and may be fantastic 2009 debut, Post-Nothing. The bassist Oliver Sim with the evocative pop masterworks and everyone should recognizable from her stint on critically duo, comprised of singer/guitarist Brian beats of producer Jamie “xx” Smith. In love them. If you have a soft spot for acclaimed Amazon series Transparent, King and drummer David Prowse have built their relatively short lifespan, the band the lighter experimental elements of where she led the fictitious bands known as their brand on a heavy and unmistakable has garnered consistent critical praise, Embryonic and The Terror, then all the Glitterish and Fussy Puss. The lo-fi, garage wall of fuzz-drenched sound. Much like the and this album is no exception. Fans better. Oczy Mlody is closer to pop than quality of 2014’s Haxel Princess is traded in trajectory of countless young, punk-adja- will draw parallels to Jamie xx’s 2015 anything the band has done in over a for a more polished rock sound. The shift cent bands, Japandroids have settled into solo opus In Colour, which bridges the decade. The major trade-off (and also is not altogether surprising (nor drastic), a more comfortable, albeit generic rock gap between the haunting minimalis- the major detractor) is the added goof- since two-thirds of the band have been re- sound. The addition of more instruments tic echoes of Coexist and the band’s iness of this record. For better or worse, placed since then, welcoming Tabor Allen (acoustic guitars, keyboards, etc.) to the current efforts. It’s a much brighter we have Miley Cyrus to thank for a lot of and Sasami Ashworth on drums and syn- mix moves the band further from their sig- sound. There are probably more major this. The Flaming Lips were her backing thesizer, respectively. Overall, the record nature sound into the world of the familiar. chords one this record than the band band on the 2015 album Miley Cyrus & has an endearing fuzz-pop sound that’s But King’s songwriting is still as anthemic has ever used. Some of the tracks are Her Dead Petz, so the artists have influ- ideal for fans of Colleen Green or Ringo as ever. These are songs that are endlessly downright positive, like the back-to- enced each other. Cyrus even guests Deathstarr. There are moments of humor, listenable, brilliantly lending themselves back hits “On Hold” and “I Dare You” – on the lovingly-crafted final track, “We most notably in “Trash People,” with lines to drunken late night singalongs with the latter even stopping one note shy of a Family.” Reggie Watts also makes a like “we wear our underpants three days in like-minded friends. Those moments, the the “millennial whoop” in its grandiose contribution with the bizarre spoken a row.” Aside from that, there’s an inviting ones overflowing with life and the raw en- chorus. It’s an original, rich tone that’s word section in “There Should Be Uni- darkness contained here. Youthful energy ergy of an ever-escaping youth, are what ready to move out of the clubs and corns.” Although at times forgettable, abounds in tracks like “Instagratification” JPNDRDS are all about. In the end, the into the stadiums as the band cross- Oczy Mlody is a wonderfully friendly, and “Humble Pro,” paired with the sincere album’s maturity may age with its fans, as es a pivotal threshold in their careers. highly listenable psychedelic record. delivery of songs such as “Nuclear Bomb.” they settle into their lives for a new chapter. – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren

Tommy in Toon — by Tommy Link

February 1, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37 nificantly from development. Throughout with towns to create time, properties and parcels are getting new boat launches smaller as they’re subdivided, and more and access points. Erie development is taking place. It’s the pro- We’ve done needs tection of the area around the creek that assessments in six determines the water quality. different towns now, EB: Is there a threat from oil and gas de- where we look at velopment? things like, “Are there Faces BC: A few years ago, as the Marcel- public restrooms? lus shale boom took place in this area, Places to rent kay- there were concerns about development aks? Places to eat within the watershed. I think oil and gas close to the creek? Erie firms found that tapping into reserves in Somewhere to buy this area was not economically viable, at groceries if you’re least at the price of gas at this point. De- camping?” We’re as- Brenda Costa velopment has taken place more to the sessing these towns, southwest and to the northeast, and not then energizing vol- For so many Edinboro students, one visit was all it executive director much at all within the French Creek Wa- unteers within the took to know they had found the university perfect for them. of the French Creek tershed. towns to make those Valley Conservancy EB: What impact does farming have? I things happen, to (FCVC) know in New York state, at the headwa- ensure economic Visit us on campus or online, and see why more than 65,000 alumni have built the ters, there are many dairy farms. benefit from outdoor foundations of their success with an exceptional and a ordable EU education. Ed Bernik BC: There is certainly impact from that. recreation. There’s impact directly – runoff from fer- EB: You put on an photographer tilizer – but there’s also an impact, espe- annual cleanup. How We are the cially in the headwaters region, where much trash do you farmers may be letting their livestock pull out of the creek? “French Creek is incredibly unique walk in and access the creek. It’s im- BC: Last year we – unlike any other waterway in the portant to spread the message of best removed over 26,000 6,200 students state of Pennsylvania, and much of farming practices to prevent that type of pounds of garbage from FIGHTING SCOTS the United States.” impact. There’s impact, both in agricul- from the watershed. playing 17 varsity sports Ed Bernik: You’re a geologist by profes- ture and otherwise, on the riparian buf- The weight of the garbage actually has French Creek, so it wasn’t the Beef River. sion. What insights do you bring to the fer, where people are cutting down trees been decreasing over the last few years, EB: There’s a certain je ne sais quoi … FCVC director position as opposed to a and removing vegetation right up to the because, through our cleanup efforts BC: Right. I think that people are un- PR or marketing person, who would typi- creek banks. They may be farming very and education, less garbage remains aware of George Washington’s presence 66 49 42 Student clubs and cally head an organization like this? close to the creek banks, and that pro- within the creek. in western Pennsylvania, and that history Pennsylvania states countries Brenda Costa: My undergraduate de- motes erosion. It’s those trees and that EB: How far north does that cleanup during the French and Indian War. Also, counties 150+ organizations gree is in geology, and I worked in geo- vegetation that hold the creek banks in go? the fact that he really risked his life in his logic consulting for 20 years. I also have place. BC: We’ve had participants as far north travels up French Creek in December. an MBA from Penn State, so I have a EB: How do you see the role of the con- as Waterford, but it’s our goal to stretch The course of our nation certainly could background in project management and servancy? Do you have outreach educa- that throughout the entire watershed. have been different had George not been leadership that I think brings a lot to the tion? EB: How many members does FCVC successful in his mission. conservancy that maybe wasn’t there BC: We do. Our primary mission is as an have now? EB: What would you like to see for the 27 129 19 previously. accredited land trust, but we cannot buy BC: About 125. We’ve tried to increase future of the creek and FCVC? Graduate Bachelor's Associate 585 acre EB: French Creek runs through five or control all of the property within the the reach of our membership drive on an BC: I want to be sure that we are reach- campus counties and two states. Why is it import- watershed. Our more effective tool is our annual basis, appealing to more people ing out through the entire watershed, so programs degrees degrees ant to our region? outreach and education program, not throughout the watershed. A lot of our that people understand the importance BC: It’s incredibly unique – unlike any only through school programs, but also energy has been focused on the central and uniqueness of the creek. Our orga- other waterway in the state of Pennsylva- with presentations to civic groups and third of the watershed. One of my per- nization is kind of at a stepping-off point Plan your visit at www.edinboro.edu/visit  888-846-2676 nia, and much of the United States. What organizations. We also reach out to ripar- sonal missions is to expand that to the right now. We have a lot of land acquisi- sets it apart is its biological diversity. ian land owners, agricultural organiza- north and to the south. So much atten- tion deals in the works, and some very French Creek used to flow into Lake Erie. tions, and sportsman’s clubs, to educate tion in Erie is given to the lakeshore, but important pieces of property that we’re #GoBoro With the advancing of glaciers, that flow people on the importance of maintaining half of Erie County is part of the French working to protect. At the same time, was blocked. It reversed, flowing south watershed quality. Creek watershed and important acreage we’re really seeing an upswing in support For a full list of academic programs, visit www.edinboro.edu/academics into the Allegheny River. That change in EB: How important is tourism to French to protect. for the organization. I’m excited about flow direction brought new biology into Creek, and is there an impact, both on EB: Historically, this river played a ma- how we can grow to the next level and the creek. The French Creek Watershed the economy and the river? jor role in the development of western engage our members and volunteers di- includes biology that you would find in BC: Outdoor recreation has been Pennsylvania. rectly in land protection projects. the Lake Erie Watershed, also from the growing exponentially, and we try to en- BC: I think the most interesting fact I came from working in a very high-pres- Susquehanna River Watershed – where courage people to get out on the creek that most people are unaware of is that sure sales environment in consulting. its original headwaters were, and then through float events, paddles, those George Washington actually named it Not long after I started at the FCVC, I Spring Open House the Allegheny River Watershed. It’s that sorts of things. But we also have a pro- “French Creek.” Prior to that, the French went to a conference. I was overcome by combination that creates the unique bio- gram called the Creek Towns Program, were occupying northwest Pennsylvania, the sense of cooperation and collabora- diversity not found anywhere else. where we’re working with towns along and were in Fort LeBoeuf, naming it Riv- tion in the conservation community. Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 9 am - 12 pm EB: What condition is the river in today? the creek to help them benefit eco- iera LeBoeuf in reference to all the bison Brenda Costa: BC: It’s very healthy, very good water nomically by embracing the creek and that they found in the area. I’m thankful frenchcreekconservancy.org Frank G. Pogue Student Center quality, but there are always threats, sig- encouraging recreation. We’re working that George came along and named it Ed Bernik: bernikphotography.com Register today at openhouse.edinboro.edu

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 1, 2017 For so many Edinboro students, one visit was all it took to know they had found the university perfect for them. Visit us on campus or online, and see why more than 65,000 alumni have built the foundations of their success with an exceptional and a ordable EU education. 6,200 We are the students from FIGHTING SCOTS 66 49 42 playing 17 varsity sports Pennsylvania states countries Student clubs and counties 150+ organizations 27 129 19 Graduate Bachelor's Associate 585 campusacre programs degrees degrees

Plan your visit at www.edinboro.edu/visit  888-846-2676

#GoBoro For a full list of academic programs, visit www.edinboro.edu/academics

Spring Open House

Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 9 am - 12 pm Frank G. Pogue Student Center Register today at openhouse.edinboro.edu