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2 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 CONTENT — DEC. 24, 2014 From the Editors

ear’s end always seems to On State Street,” Rick Filippi rumi- be a time of reflection and nates of the City of Erie’s Christmas Yanalysis — a measuring of gift — or lump of coal depending on both the last twelve month’s high how you look at it: A tax increase and low points, an opportune time to the tune of 7.3 percent, bringing Features to evaluate the last 365 days to the total percentage increase since make sense of them as a collective 2012 to more than 21 percent. 8 — Tom Wolf Q&A whole. So as 2014 draws to a close To deal with an increasing budget, and we put the final touches on the raising taxes is the easy answer, An Interview with Pa.’s New Governor fourth volume of the Erie Reader, but as we continue to burden those you’ll find such contemplation and choosing to live within the City, is it consideration in the final issue of the right one? Shouldn’t our politi- Editors-in-Chief: 11 — 2014 Year In Review this volume. cal leaders be looking for more cre- Brian Graham & Adam Welsh A Look Back So We Can Get Moving Forward For starters, Arts & Culture Editor ative answers, ones that don’t solely Managing Editor: Alex Bieler takes us through 2014 raid the taxpayers’ bank accounts? Ben Speggen in this issue’s year-in-review fea- Rick — in addressing what he calls Contributing Editors: News & Opinion ture, examining the biggest stories a Christmas present we did not ask Rebecca Styn — both nationally and locally — to for — looks for those alternatives in Jim Wertz 4 — Exile On State Street measure their impact. Nationally, hopes of challenging leadership to Arts & Culture Editor: stories like the Ebola outbreak, the be bold, not just to be bankers. Alex Bieler A Lump of Coal from the City of Erie This shooting deaths of Michael Brown, The final days of December are a Contributors: Lisa Austin, Civitas Christmas Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice, the Mary Birdsong legalization of marijuana, and the Pen Ealain 5 — Erie At Large challenges to the Affordable Care Rick Filippi Act standout amongst the many Year’s end always Eric Kisner The Year Of The Gun stories that shaped how we’ve lived seems to be a time of James R. LeCorchick 2014. John Lindvay In Erie, headlines went to the clos- reflection and analysis Lili Morton 5 — The Way I See It ing of the Kanzius Cancer Research Bob Protzman — a measuring of both Foundation, the derailing of the Dan Schank Looking Back at 2014 the last twelve month’s Jess Scutella proposed rail terminal, continued Tommy Shannon Bayfront development, the in- high and low points, Ryan Smith 6 — Just Toyin’ Witcha crease in heroin-related deaths, the an opportune time to Jay Stevens establishment of a quasi-commu- Rebecca Styn White-collar Crime nity college, and the results of this evaluate the last 365 days Sara Toth year’s midterm elections. Alex also to make sense of them as Bryan Toy details the ebbs and flows in the lo- Jim Wertz 6 — News of the Weird by Chuck Shepherd cal entertainment scene, noting the a collective whole. Cover Design: closing of a landmark venue and Mark Kosobucki 10 — Considering The City the emergence and reemergence of Photographers: others. good time for Top-10 lists and for Ryan Smith In his column, Contributing Editor assessment. Alex Bieler and John Brad Triana The Legacy of Wilbur Henry Adams Jim Wertz dubs 2014 “The Year Of Lindvay reminisce on the best al- Graphic Designers: The Gun,” as violent crimes contin- bums and best moments in geek Liz Venuto 26— ER Sports ue to plague our city and challenge culture, respectively here, while Leah Yungwirth our neighborhoods while many James R. LeCorchick takes grad- Writing Interns: stand idly by with feet planted firm- ing literally, issuing mid-season Michael Iverson ly in the ground and hands stuffed scores to local university basketball Christopher Sexauer Culture in pockets. In short, The Year Of teams, as he looks at both the past 1001 State St. Suite 901 The Gun casts a pall over the good and the future. Erie, Pa., 16501 14 — Calendar nature, the good stories, and the And perhaps the future is where [email protected] progress of Erie, and as 2015 knocks the lion’s share of our attention 21 — Reader Eater on the door, we can wait no longer ought to go and this time of the The Erie Reader is the local voice for news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only independent, to peel back the veil and stare the year. We know — when adjusting alternative newspaper. Founded in 2011, the Reader problem down to know how best to our future based on our past — that has quickly become the region’s award-winning 1201 Kitchen’s Ramen Lunches source for arts coverage, a strong cultural compass, search for solutions. hindsight’s 20/20. Now that we’ve and a dynamic resource for news and opinion. Contributing Editor Rebecca Styn inspected our recent past, it’s time With a dedication to long-form journalism and a commitment to provoking thoughtful discussion, 23 — Top 10 Albums of 2014 re-evaluates the topics she cov- that we turn our sights to the fu- the Reader tells the stories of the people and places ered during the last 52 weeks to ture. making and shaping Erie, while highlighting the events and issues influencing life in northwestern address chief issues still facing like While it’s easy to see clearly our Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published every 24 — Top Local Albums of 2014 other week at The Corry Journal, 28 W. South St., the city and region — like relocat- most recent action, envisioning the Corry, Pa. 16407. The Erie Reader is distributed at ing a school into an unused school future takes truly audacious per- over 250 high foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In addition building, along with putting a po- ception. 2015 needs to be the year to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content 25 — Geeked Out tato chip plant in an already exist- we look to call upon the inspirers, daily at ErieReader.com as well social media ing but vacant potato chip plant. the dreamers, the visionaries who sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship 2014’s Top 10 Moments of Geek Culture Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, While 2014 saw a fair share of ac- dare not only to see and wish for Pa, 16501. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The opinions of complishments, much work is left a better Erie, but to endeavor and our columnists and contributors are their own and unresolved and is still in need of labor to make that vision a reality. do not always reflect that of the editorial board or organization. Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 or solutions. Otherwise, we’ll be right back here [email protected]. Year-end reflection often revolves writing the same From The Editors around the holidays, and in “Exile twelve months later.

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION

The revenue side presents more problems, Exile on State Street but at least the City could be working on it. Recently, the Erie Times-News published a A Lump of Coal from the City of Erie for Christmas this Year great story on the salaries of CEOs of some TV 54.1 • Radio 91.3FM • WQLN Education • Q-Media of the major tax-exempt organizations, par- Schedule Highlights By: Rick Filippi ticularly the colleges and hospitals. The ell, it looks like the citizens and term. amount of money these people are being taxpayers of the City of Erie can Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the people that paid is obscene in the sense that they argue Wonce again break out the eggnog are supposed to be representing us actually they are "charitable organizations." to celebrate the recent Christmas present came up with some unique and even radical If the legislature refuses to address this is- we received from Mayor Joe Sinnott and five ideas to stop this vicious cycle? Even if only a sue, then the City needs to take legal action members of City Council. In the face of de- few of our elected officials had some starch against these entities to ensure that they are creasing revenues and increasing costs, the in their backbones and brought some ideas paying their fair share of taxes. Can anyone mayor and a majority of City Council came up for discussion, some realistic alternatives justify a "charity" paying hundreds of thou- up with a truly innovative and creative way that focus on increasing other sources of rev- sand of dollars in executive compensation to deal with the City’s budgetary problems. enues and cutting costs might be found. when we don’t even have enough cops on the Their solution? Raise taxes once again on So, as the administration and council have streets to prevent violence? the citizens and taxpayers who are already delivered us a lump of coal for Christmas, At least the threat of such action might get overburdened and underserved. I thought about a few things that might be these organizations to the bargaining table. Recently, City Council voted 5-2 to approve on my New Year’s resolution list for the City. And I am not talking about donating a police the mayor’s budget, which included anoth- Here are a few ideas the City could resolve to car. I am talking about paying at least a 50 er 7.3 percent tax increase. To their credit, explore in the new year to address its bud- percent payment in lieu of taxes or more. Councilmembers Dave Brennan and Jessica getary problems. None of these are new, and Horan-Kunco voted against the budget. This you’ve heard me mention them before. But Council never even lifted latest increase is on top of the 14 percent tax let’s at least get a conversation going. increase the City delivered to taxpayers in For starters, we get the same tired respons- a red pen to the budget, December 2012 – more than a 21 percent in- es from the administration and council. making not a single cut. crease in just three years! Pensions and employee costs are at the root These people just don’t get it, do they? As I of the expense side of the equation and de- And, to add insult to injury, have illustrated in past articles, the City’s tax clining taxes are the cause of the reduction environment is down right abysmal, partic- on the revenue side and there’s nothing that the City claims to be sitting ularly when compared to our "competition," can be done. No fat in this budget we always on top of over $8.5 million the metro suburbs. hear. Let’s look, then, at two major compo- Frankly, with a shooting nearly every day, nents on the expense side that are within the in reserves. it really takes gall on the part of the city ad- power of the City to affect. ministration and council to shove this tax in- First, employee costs, including pensions. These entities can afford it. How about the crease down the throats of its citizens. Coun- When I was in office, we formulated an -in retired homeowner on a fixed income liv- cil never even lifted a red pen to the budget, novative retirement package to encourage ing in the central city? These folks are pay- making not a single cut. And, to add insult to long-time workers to retire. These workers ing more than their fair share of taxes while injury, the City claims to be sitting on top of could be replaced by new employees at re- these "charitable organizations" essentially over $8.5 million in reserves. duced salaries, or not replaced at all. It was get either a reduced rate or a free ride. Back in the day, Mario Bagnoni would be called the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, There are other revenues the City should pounding his fist and demanding cuts. I or "DROP". be after. The hotel room tax comes to mind. never thought I would say it, but I truly wish We used an employee’s own pension funds The mayor should be at every Convention we had a Mario Bagnoni on City Council. At to create an incentive for retirement, not tax Center Authority meeting demanding a cut least someone would be looking out for the dollars. The result: More than a hundred City of the room tax to pay for increased police interests of taxpayers. But not these guys. employees, at the time only fire and police, protection and City services. Instead, when It’s business as usual in a void of leadership accepted the plan. Coupled with other incen- the county hotel issue surfaced earlier in the that is bereft of any creative ideas to handle tives, we were able to reduce the total City year, not a whimper was heard from this ad- the City’s fiscal problems. In fact, this action work force by about 200 employees, virtual- ministration, and the City got zilch. shows how utterly clueless the city adminis- ly all through retirements. The beauty of this tax is that it’s truly re- tration and council is to the negative tax en- A similar plan should be offered to the gional; in fact, it’s beyond regional because vironment that exists in the City. blue-collar and AFSCME employees. The im- the vast majority who pay it are from outside And does anyone even seem to care? It ap- mediate benefits are apparent, and this gift the county. It’s really a form of countywide pears that most people who can do so have keeps on giving in terms of reduced employ- revenue sharing. But instead of getting these already left the City. Our neighborhoods ee costs over the long-term. people to pay their share, this administra- are in an unrelenting downward decline, Also on the expense side, the City should tion and council goes back to the same well. which underscores the City’s primary bud- finally adopt and implement an automated Unfortunately, my friends, the well has all getary problem. That is, that the City is no payroll system. Yes, folks, believe it or not, but run dry. We are in a downward spiral that longer attractive as a choice of residence or the time clock actually came and went as a will require radical action to turn the tide. as a business investment, largely due to its piece of technology, passing the City by. The administration and council delivered tax environment. When people no longer When I was mayor, we attempted to imple- us a Christmas present we did not want. My believe that it’s worth investing in the city, ment the automated payroll system to re- resolve for the new year is to continue to flight occurs and property values decline. duce time theft and uncontrolled overtime. drive these ideas in the hope that maybe, just And with the City piling on even more taxes, Council fought me on it, and it was never maybe, a leader will rise to the surface and the vicious cycle continues relentlessly. adopted. grapple these issues head on. There is still So we have a City with extraordinarily high Nine years later, the City still does it the hope for the City, but as the year winds down, taxes, low property values, and a glut of old-fashioned way, essentially an honor sys- it’s clear that that hope for this once proud tax-exempt property. Folks, there is no way tem, particularly for police and fire. Folks, city is disappearing just as quickly. the City can get out of this problem by rais- before we raise taxes, let’s at least get the ing taxes. It’s really not even a short-term City’s payroll system out of the 19th Century Rick Filippi can be contacted at fix because it compounds the problem long- and at least into the 20th Century. [email protected].

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 NEWS & OPINION

are measured. graphic location,” says Dacus. “A evitably leads to an objectiveless Erie At Large Since 2004, the City of Erie has lot of it starts with one of them war of many. experienced a steady increase in getting shot or shot at, which In some respects Erie is experi- The Year of the Gun violent crime, each year exceed- causes this to escalate and contin- encing, on a micro scale, the type ing the overall national average. ue where the only sense of justice of crime that plagues larger cities By: Jim Wertz Erie ranked ninth in violent for them is to shoot at or shoot one across the United States. Territo- crimes in Pennsylvania last year, of their opposing neighborhood rial disputes are nothing new in any people who live in Raspberry streets brought the according to the FBI’s uniform episodes of crime and violence, the city love their neigh- city’s 2014 homicide count to elev- crime reporting statistics. In con- but there’s usually a hierarchy or Mborhood. It becomes part en. Ten of those were homicides trast, we had nearly half the vio- someone with whom authorities of the individual and collective by gun. lent crime of Reading, Pa. and less can reestablish sensible lines of identity of the community and its The investigation into the War- violent crime than Lancaster, two The shooting communication. Erie lacks that residents. ren murder is ongoing, but it’s cities with smaller populations type of organized crime. Coming of age in a particular likely that Warren knew his as- and bigger problems – high rates death of Jaree This puts greater value on the neighborhood is like knowing a sailant. of drug addiction, low employ- Warren near the role of neighborhood alliances secret handshake or speaking a “The majority of all the shoot- ment rates, and gang violence – and community leaders who un- foreign language when you meet ings we see are not random acts than those we experience in Erie. corner of 18th and derstand the problems unique to someone who is also from that of violence. They are not random So while there is reason to be a neighborhood, a block, or even a part of town. victims. They all know each oth- optimistic heading into 2015, it Raspberry streets single home. Growing up in Little Italy or the er,” says Erie Police Dept. deputy seems important to talk about the An honest discussion between lower East Side is how many Erie chief of administration Don Da- problems that exist in our neigh- brought the city’s citizens, elected officials, and the natives would prefer to be identi- cus. borhoods because much of the vi- 2014 homicide police who are charged with reg- fied, instead of simply saying, “I’m Neighborhood disputes are of- olent crime and almost all of the ulating violent crime, begins the from Erie.” ten at the core of these shootings. gun violence in the city is territo- count to eleven. process of eradicating, not man- But neighborhood fealty is also Sometimes it’s drugs. Sometimes rial in nature. aging, the problem. at the heart of our city’s gun prob- it’s over a girl. Sometimes it’s Wannabes from the lower East Ten of those were 2014 may go into the books as the lem. about nothing at all. Side end up at odds with a dispa- year when gun violence and petty In case you slept through 2014, Whatever the root, it’s killing our rate band of thugs from the upper homicides by gun. quarrels overshadowed the better we have a gun problem. city. East Side or the West Side of town nature of our city. The Erie Police Department Don’t get me wrong. Erie is, for and the powder keg has been lit. 2015 should be the year we figure received more than four-hun- all intents and purposes, a safe Soon everyone’s taking matters out what went wrong. dred calls for shots fired this city. But a laissez-faire attitude into their own hands and meting enemies that they’ve created.” year. There were more than sixty toward insidious acts of violence out their own forms of justice. The problem is, there’s no jus- Jim Wertz can be contacted gun-related injuries. will quickly become the defining “They’re pretty much groups of tice in street justice. It becomes a at [email protected], The shooting death of Jaree War- characteristic by which our neigh- neighborhood friends who have self-fulfilling prophecy by which and you can follow him on ren near the corner of 18th and borhoods, and eventually our city, banded together based on geo- the subjective execution of one in- Twitter @Jim_Wertz.

The Way I See It Most importantly, though, of all the issues I touched should exploit those assets (read: rail terminal)? upon, the ones that hit home took the lot of my argu- These were some of the main issues in 2014, and they re- Looking Back at 2014 ments. Looking back on each of them, I took a pragmat- main problems that still plague our community today. ic stand on most topics. While I generally don’t approach As a society, we must begin to realize that every decision By: Rebecca Styn personal issues in a cut-and-dry manner, when it comes to our government makes will always have a positive and our community, the way I see it, it seems the best approach negative effect – depending on your perspective. Our elect- hile 2014 saw great change, it unfortunately is the one that affects the greater good of society – and not ed officials’ job is to determine where the outcome will also witnessed much animosity and little peace just a select few. make the most positive profound effect on the majority. Wthroughout the world, and across our great na- Looking back locally then, doesn’t it make sense that if In 2015, I hope that as a community, we educate ourselves tion. In my final column of 2013, I touched upon the hope people aren’t paying their garbage bills, then we stop pick- more about the candidates running for office before blind- for a simpler and kinder life for all of us – embracing ly voting them in; that we conduct more research to have the then-new Pope Francis as the hopeful mascot of the a better grasp on the issues that afflict us in order to make change I hoped to see. better decisions in changing the outcomes; that our lead- However, as we all know, the best-laid plans can often In 2015, I hope that as a ers and decision-makers become better communicators go awry, and this year, I believe we experienced more community, we educate so that we can realize that the simplest answers might in complexity and strife. My columns over the last 52 weeks fact be the best ones; and finally, to know that the best out- touched upon many of these issues – some of larger pro- ourselves more about the comes may not always make each of us happy but that they portions that had indirect consequences on each of us here just might create a greater good for society as a whole. locally and many of smaller proportions with larger conse- candidates running for office And in the end, when decisions made don’t go the way quences with direct ties to our community. we personally want, we – as informed citizens – must ei- Looking back, each one of these issues still exist today. before blindly voting them in. ther step up and help change it – or be willing to evolve our Some with even fewer answers. perspective. In short review, globally, I touched upon the Ebola virus, ing up their trash for them? That a school should be able to The world doesn’t revolve around us individually. If we the ensuing epidemic and the fear of reaching the United relocate into a school building? That we should overhaul a took a moment and stepped away from ourselves to realize States. Today, after its brief encounter with our nation, it’s public radio system if it saves lives? That if people want to this, then life in our community will become just a little no longer found in the States but still remains very much see change in government, then they need to vote? That a easier to live and the progress needed for our region will alive in West Africa. I wrote about ISIS terrorist group and new potato chip plant should be able to go into an old po- become easier to see. whether the U.S. should get involved (we have), I remem- tato chip plant if it’s creating business? That if we have an bered Robin Williams and the stigma of mental illness opportunity to exploit our assets as a community (roads, Love? Hate? Agree? Disagree? I want to hear (which still exists today), and I welcomed LeBron James rails, and lakes) and that would have created an environ- from you. Email me at rStyn@ErieReader. home to Cleveland (cautiously). ment that would have attracted other industries – then we com and follow me on Twitter @rStyn.

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION

apparently thoughtful debate, the pornographic magazines for the to discover that buying a purebred by many of India’s Hindus, the ani- News of the Weird suggestion was not agreed to.) [The equivalent of $20 -- with a “free” bichon frise on credit meant they mals most certainly do not live idyl- Independent, 11-1-2014] ticket to its latest stage production were only leasing the dog for 27 lic lives, according to a November By: Chuck Shepherd by noted director Pedro Calderon de months and would have to make BBC News dispatch. As “growing reat Art! At a recent art show la Barca. (A show ticket would carry a 28th payment to actually “own” populations are swallowing up hab- Language of Love Gat Paris’ Palais de Tokyo, Ital- a 21 percent tax, but a pornographic Tresor. Furthermore, the lease, itat,” the divine symbols are forced eople advertising for love inter- ian artist Sven Sachsalber, for his magazine is still taxed at 4 percent.) under a “repo” threat, required to the cities, where they must dodge Pests via online dating sites have provocative piece, brought in a [Bloomberg Business Week, 12-1- “daily exercise,” “regular bathing traffic, forage garbage for food, and apparently become picky about large haystack on Nov. 13, dropped 2014] and grooming” and “immediate” endanger themselves encountering how they describe their sexuality. a needle into it, and gave himself disposal of Tresor’s “waste.” A people less certain of their holiness To the usuals (male, female, gay, two days to find it. Late the next Compelling Explanations spokesperson for the store, Oceans- (such as in the November report of heterosexual) have been added re- day, he picked it up. (Palais de To- reative: Eric Opitz, 45, who was ide Puppy (which works with four the cobra harassing customers at cently (as reported by NPR in De- kyo calls itself an “anti-museum par Cindicted on 13 counts of fraud finance companies), told the San an ATM in Delhi). As representa- cember after surveying OkCupid. excellence.”) [Daily Mail (London), in Philadelphia in October, had ex- Diego Union- Tribune that the ar- tives of Lord Ganesha, elephants com) “asexual,” “androgynous,” 11-14-2014] plained that the reason he needed rangement is fairly standard now live well only during religious fes- “genderqueer” (evidently not the human growth hormone (that he for expensive pets. [San Diego tivals, but otherwise must navigate same as “gay”), “queer” (not quite Ironies would resell) despite being 6-foot-3, Union-Tribune, 11-28-2014] asphalt and potholes that tear up “gay,” either), “questioning,” “trans hree homes on the Pacific Ocean 450 pounds, was that he was really their hooves. In another November man,” “transsexual,” “transmas- Tnear Grayland, Washington, a dwarf and feared he would recede First-World Problems incident, some Hindu leaders pro- culine,” “heteroflexible” and “sap- were washed away by violent rain- if he stopped the medication. [NJ. BC’s “Today” show reported tested a drive to kill rats that had iosexual” (turned on by “intelli- storms in early December, but the com, 10-10-2014] Nin December the “heartbreak” infested the Maharaja Yeshwantrao gence”). Still, some users of the site residents had seen it coming. The parents are feeling when they learn hospital in Indore -- because Gane- found the choices inadequate. One longtime local name for the area ungling Cinematograhers: Zak that the supposedly unique name sha was depicted riding a mouse. young woman described her sexual is “Washaway Beach.” Said one, “I BHardy, 18, and Terrill Stoltz, 41, (“wonderful, distinctive, rarely [BBC News, 11-15-2014, 11-6-2014] orientation as “squiggly,” and the knew it was going to happen soon- were arrested recently in separate heard”) they had given their infant reporter cited others who thought er or later, but I had hoped it wasn’t incidents and charged with pho- in the last year or two (e.g., “Mason,” Police Report highly of that term. [NPR, 12-4- this soon.” (2) In November, an air- tographing women in bathrooms “Liam,” “Lily”) actually appeared on n a 2012 incident in Cleveland 2014] line’s advertising staff created the without their permission. Hardy, BabyCenter’s annual list of most I(where a white police officer re- catchy slogan (to attract impulse caught in a public restroom in June popular names of 2014 (6th, 3rd and cently shot to death a black teen- Bright Ideas travelers), “Want to go somewhere, in Exeter, England, pointing his 8th, respectively). (2) After hearing ager holding a toy gun), 13 officers ritain’s Home Office revealed but don’t know where?” and con- phone from one stall to another, ex- tenants’ complaints, the New York chased two unarmed black home- Bin November (by releasing ar- vinced management to send it, via plained that he was just trying to see City Council is now considering a less drug users at high speeds and chived documents from 1982) that Twitter, to the airline’s thousands whether his phone was waterproof. regulation requiring landlords to fired 137 shots at the pair, killing among the contingency sugges- of followers. (Spoiler: The airline Stoltz professed his innocence, as post notices if a common area or them. (A car had supposedly back- tions for worst-case nuclear attack was Malaysia Airlines, whose Flight well, claiming the camera he set amenity is unusable for 24 hours fired, suggesting a gunshot at the on the country was commissioning 370 still has not been found.) [KO- up in his ex-girlfriend’s bathroom or more -- which applies of course cops.) As a result of “communica- “psychopaths” to help keep order. MO-TV (Seattle), 12-11-2014] [Malta in Billings, Montana, was solely to to elevators and laundry rooms, but tion” failure, the 13 were placed on They are “very good in crises,” an Independent, 11-28-2014] have a photographic record of him would also extend to any air hockey limited “desk duty” for 16 months advocate wrote, because “they have when he cleaned his chickens in or foosball facilities in the building. and subjected to continuing inves- no feelings for others, nor moral ide the Show Program Inside the bathtub. [Exeter Press and Echo, [NBC News, 12-2-2014] [Crain’s New tigation. Recently, nine of the 13 of- code, and tend to be very intelli- Hthe Porn: A theatrical produc- 10-27-2014] [Billings Gazette, 11-25- York, 12-8-2014] ficers sued the city, charging that gent and logical,” and thus could do er in Madrid found a way around 2014] non-black officers are historical- quite well at containing the vigilan- Spain’s recent steep sales tax in- Perspective ly and illegally disciplined more te survivalist enclaves that might crease on certain entertainment The New Normal lthough elephants, rhesus harshly for mistakes when vic- develop in the event parts of the venues (sports, movies, live the- n Oceanside, California, cou- Amonkeys, cobras, cows and wa- tims are black. [The Daily Beast, kingdom became lawless. (After an ater): It sold back issues of vintage Aple was surprised in November ter buffalos are regarded as sacred 12-2-2014]

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA — BY: B. TOY

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 10, 2014 GET THE EXPERIENCE.

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Charlene Lichtinger ’12 & ’13 M.S. in Special Education Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis 814-824-2297learn more. [email protected] mercyhurst.edu/graduate

December 10, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 FEATURE

jobs for Pennsylvania. So yes, any downturn in the price, or anything that affects the Tom Wolf Q&A health of that industry, should be a concern for all of Pennsylvania. JW: You’ve mentioned the collateral health An Interview with Pennsylvania’s New Governor effect of the oil and gas industry in Penn- sylvania. What are your thoughts on New By: Jim Wertz York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s decision to ban fracking in light of the N.Y. state health in- n Jan. 20, 2015, Tom Wolf will become spector’s concerns about the viability of the the 47th Governor of Pennsylvania. data that’s been produced on groundwater OWolf defeated incumbent Republi- contamination? can Gov. Tom Corbett in November with one TW: I’m sorry New York took that step. of the few Democratic victories of the 2014 But it’s just one more reminder that we’ve midterm election cycle. He is the first chal- got to get this right. If we don’t get it right, lenger to unseat an incumbent governor in if there are health problems associated with Pa. since the legislature established a sec- this industry, it’s not going to work. So we’ve ond gubernatorial term in the 1970s. got to get it right. I think what happened in Wolf is a self-described “citizen politician.” New York is a reminder that we do have to His background is in manufacturing, al- do this correctly. I’ve heard that throughout though he was Secretary of Commerce in the the campaign, and it’s a concern that I share. Rendell administration and was appointed I believe, however, that with the right over- by Gov. Bob Casey to an economic develop- sight, with the open exchange of informa- ment board and the Legislative Commission tion, we can get it right. We don’t have to go on Urban Schools. He’s also one of the few the route that New York went. governors, indeed one of the few politicians, JW: You have a number of people affiliat- of the modern era whose professional expe- ed with Marcellus Shale on your transition rience is not that of an attorney. team, particularly on the environmental Wolf will enter his first term facing huge group. But if this doesn’t work out, or if budget deficits and a Republican legisla- there is some kind of disconnect between ture. The culmination of these forces pres- the work they're doing and the health of the ent a significant challenge to the reformist citizens of Pennsylvania, is a ban on frack- agenda that garnered him electoral support ing, like the one in N.Y., something that’s on in both the primary and general elections. the table in Pa.? I spoke with Gov.-elect Wolf about these TW: I want to make this work. On my en- challenges and what it means to the future vironmental team there are also very strong

of the Commonwealth, as well as the future GOVERNOR FOR WOLF TOM environmentalists, like Pat Lupo, from your of Erie. area, so I’m not sure what you mean that Jim Wertz: Take me back to 8:01 p.m. on same page of understanding the nature and Pa. Gov.-elect Tom Wolf (left) plans there are people from the Marcellus Shale election night. Yours was the first race to magnitude of the problem. So that’s what to capitalize on his manufacturing industry on my team. be called in the country and one of the few I’m focused on right now. background to address Pa.’s budget JW: You have a member of the Marcellus Democratic victories of the night. How did During the campaign, education was Shale coalition and other folks affiliated JW: concerns. that feel? the top priority and you still are commit- with extraction on the committee. Tom Wolf: It felt great. I was still on my ted to education, as it remains a priority for TW: I want to make clear that I want to way to the York Fairgrounds when the elec- the transition. Erie City public schools were doesn’t pass the General Assembly? What hear all sides. I’m not trying to bias the tion was called. I was very surprised it was significantly impacted by the education would an alternative funding model look outcome of the deliberations of this group called so early. cuts under Tom Corbett. How quickly can like? or any group in the future in terms of what JW: It’s going to be a difficult transition for school systems like ours expect to see some TW: I am hoping that I can go through with this industry could mean for Pennsylvania. you. You recently announced that Pennsyl- restoration of state funding under Gov. Tom the Marcellus Shale tax. That, in and of itself, I think we have to be very objective about it. vania was facing a $2 billion budget short- Wolf? is probably not enough to bridge the budget That means we’ve got to look clearly and ob- fall. How do we close that gap and how does TW: Every step starts with the budget. But gap, so I’m going to have to work with the jectively at the health risks, but it also means that $2 billion deficit affect the Wolf Admin- the answer to your question is as quickly as legislature to figure out broader, more com- we need to look objectively at the economic istration’s agenda? possible. That’s going to be determined in prehensive solutions to this problem. But possibilities, the potential of this industry. I TW: That’s the big question. I’m going to be part by how quickly we can find the money that’s certainly a priority. I campaigned on think the right thing to do is to try to make dealing with that after I become governor. in the budget. This budget deficit problem is that, and I continue to be a strong advocate this work. Right now, I really want to understand bet- really important. of a Marcellus Shale tax. From an environmental point of view, I ter what the nature of the deficit is and how In terms of education in a place like Erie or JW: Let’s say that you get the Marcellus don’t want to make any compromises. From big it is. I think before we get into specific York or Philadelphia, part of that also gets Shale tax. Oil and gas prices are down. Are the health point of view, no compromises. solutions we’re going to have to understand to a broader set of questions about how we you concerned that the extraction will slow And from an economic development point the magnitude of the hole we have. That’s treat cities. When you talk about schools in or cease and thereby impact the amount of of view, no compromises. So that means why I actually went to the extent of creating Erie or schools in York, you're talking about money you bring in even if you get the tax? we’ve got to be open to the objective evi- a separate budget task force, not the transi- an educational issue, but you’re also talking TW: The extraction tax is based in part on dence that says if you don’t do it right, you tion team, but a very important budget task about the broader disparity that exists be- production times the market value at the have problems. But I also want to make sure force chaired by a former budget secretary, tween municipalities in Pennsylvania. So wellhead, so any downturn in the market that we understand that if we do it right, we co-chaired by the president of the county we have to address that. But it all starts with price is going to be a mathematical impact could get some benefits from this. commission of Montgomery County, and understanding the budget challenge we all on the shale tax. But beyond that, it also JW: Many people are hoping that your then some really good people from the pri- face. concerns me because it also impacts the background in manufacturing is going to vate and public sectors to look into it. JW: You’ve said that you’d like to fund edu- health of the industry. translate well into the Pennsylvania econ- Before we get to solutions and possible cation and its restoration with an extraction I want this industry to be healthy. I want the omy. Manufacturing in the 21st century is solutions, of course, I’m going to have to tax on the oil and gas industry, but you are industry to do what it does correctly, from a going to look a bit different than it did in work with the legislature to come up with facing a Republican-led General Assem- health point of view, from an environmental the 20th century. What does manufacturing those solutions. We all have to be on the bly. What if the motion to establish this tax point of view, and I want it to produce good in Pennsylvania look like moving forward

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 FEATURE UNIQUE JEWELRY in your perspective? How do we help com- bill, which means that we do have funding 118 Meadville St. munities like Erie that were devastated by for infrastructure projects that are long Downtown Edinboro the loss of more traditional manufacturing overdue, but it will also help to make that to transition in a meaningful way to a new supply chain that I mentioned more effi- 814.734.5858 economy with sustainable living wage jobs? cient. I think those are things that we really TW: Good questions. Starting with the ought to look at in a more fulsome way. Just point that I’ve actually created manufactur- fixing, repairing, and expanding our infra- OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! ing jobs in the United States and not neces- structure creates jobs. sarily in leading edge industries, but in very But an infrastructure investment is one of traditional industries. I’ve done that by rec- those investments that has a strong mul- 25% OFF ognizing one central truth: We can’t com- tiplier effect and especially in a place like ONE ITEM pete with low-wage countries in different Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, right 1 item per coupon parts of the world. We cannot compete with in the middle of the richest market of the consignment items countries that play games with currencies or world. Infrastructure investment has to be excluded Expires 1/06/2015 regulations. We can’t. We shouldn’t. a key priority and will be in my administra- But we have a few really important tion. strengths. We have a great workforce, may- JW: Pennsylvania has so many great re- be the most productive workforce in the sources in places like Philadelphia, York, world. Second, we have a supply line that and Erie, but Erie is removed from the other is tight. We are right at the richest market urban centers in the state. What role do you in the world. It’s no accident that the places see the development of northwest Pennsyl- that are creating these new manufacturing vania’s waterfront playing in the future of 25% OFF jobs in East Asia are actually creating prod- the Commonwealth? ONE IN STORE ITEM ucts and services for the U.S. market. We’re TW: First of all, you’re right that Erie is right here, and one of the things I did to cre- sometimes forgotten by a lot of people in EXPIRES 1/3/2015 ate manufacturing jobs in the United States was to take advantage of the fact that we are right in the market. So we have a tight sup- People talk a lot about the We will be closed Jan 5-10 ply chain. for yearly inventory! The final thing is that we have great uni- ports in Philadelphia, but versities here. There is an intellectual cap- Erie is one of the greatest ital here that is unique in the world. So if we combined those things, there really is freshwater ports in the world. no shortage of things we can do in manu- YOGA CLASSES We need to take advantage ALSO AVAILABLE facturing to create family-sustaining jobs, and that’s what I’ve done. I’d like to push of that. Transportation this forward and take advantage of the good infrastructure is a big part of workforce, the tight supply chain, and that’s why my manufacturing plan calls for things that. like outright incentives for companies, en- trepreneurs, who are willing to create good family sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania, and it shouldn’t be. After all, In the United States, states like Oklahoma Erie is the Riviera of Pennsylvania. It’s our have had success with things like cash-back waterfront. And it’s also one of the three programs. I’m talking about that. I have great ports in Pennsylvania. People talk a been talking throughout the campaign, lot about the ports in Philadelphia, but Erie and I continue to study ways to connect our is one of the greatest freshwater ports in the universities more closely with the world of world. We need to take advantage of that. work. Some of the good ideas that come out Transportation infrastructure is a big part of our laboratories’ hard drives or filing cab- of that. inets should go into an industrial park. We A lot of the problems that Erie faces are classes need to do things like that, and I think the problems that every city, every urban area, for government can play a role in nudging the faces. We’ve had the same problems facing economy in ways that can actually take full Erie schools in school districts around the advantage of what I think are the things that state. But one thing that I think would help actually make us a natural for manufactur- everyone in Pennsylvania is for all of us to ing. take fuller advantage of great places like $ JW: One of the challenges facing manu- Erie, and for our state to have a better more facturing and economic development is robust transportation and telecommunica- the age of the infrastructure in the state, tions infrastructure. Especially transporta- 5 everything from roadways and bridges to tion. municipal infrastructure, like water sys- If you could get from Erie to Philadelphia Available for purchase Jan. 2-11. tems and sewage systems. In this economic in a couple of hours instead of the six, seven, Limit one per person! climate, facing the budget deficit, will we be or eight hours it takes now, we'd be in really, able to continue funding for programs, like really good shape. PENNVEST, that help subsidize infrastruc- JW: Thank you Gov-Elect Wolf. We look ture improvements in order to support new forward to hearing from you as your admin- business? istration moves forward. TW: PENNVEST currently has a net worth of $3 billion and cash-on-hand of almost $1 Jim Wertz can be contacted at jWertz@ Located in the Colony Plaza billion. Infrastructure is really important to ErieReader.com, and you can follow 2560 West 8th Street, Erie PA 16505 me. We did have passage of a transportation him on Twitter @Jim_Wertz. 814-520-6998 www.yogaerie.com

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & OPINION

United States, only 65 schools have Indus- Considering the City trial Design programs. Luckily, almost half of these are within an eight-hour drive of The Legacy of Wilbur Henry Adams Erie – the closest being 100 miles west, at the Cleveland Institute of Art. By: Civitas Members Lisa Austin and Unlike Adams, however, when some stu- Stephen Sonnenberg dents go away to school, they don’t return treamlining America, currently on dis- to Erie – or if they do return, they may not play at the Erie Art Museum, will re- find design work. Observing the lack of de- Smain open until March 29, where visi- sign opportunities, local industrial design- tors have three months to discover the work ers Bob Smith and Mike Yurkewicz helped of Erieite Wilbur Henry Adams (1906-1958). found the InnovationErie design competi- Wilbur Henry Adams, once a student of tion in 2008. George Ericson at Academy High School, While InnovationErie has helped a doz- took courses in Pittsburgh at the future en new products come to market, the Erie Carnegie Mellon, and earned a degree from Community still need to work to foster MIT. He worked in Pittsburgh, Erie, and design excellence. Let’s establish an Erie Cleveland, producing designs for domes- County Industrial Designer Laureate to at- tic, commercial, and industrial products, tract Erie-born industrial designers to make as well as interiors, buildings, and even a a visit home – or – to showcase the design- bridge. ers already here. These industrial designers Despite this, Adams isn’t well-known to- could visit our schools and offer workshops. day. His early death cut short a prolific ca- Perhaps the Manufacturers’ Association reer, and his decision to work independent- GREENWAY ADAMS KAMBS/ABIGAIL JILL could commission the Erie County Indus- ly, without a team of other designers in a trial Designer Laureate to work with a local large firm, resulted in much of his work industry. being discarded over the past half century. PM Magazine, provides “before” and “after” In one of Adams’ presentation In 2011 in Detroit, a few people decided With this exhibit, curator and historian Al- images showing how Adams updated prod- drawings, a speeding bus with thin, to take a risk and embrace the city’s man- exa Potter is placing Adams among the fa- ucts. PM praised Adams’ aesthetic improve- red lines running the length of the ufacturing legacy. They founded Shinola, thers of American industrial design, includ- ments of tractors and air compressors not- vehicle, emphasizing a forward a company specializing in watch, journals, ing Walter Dorwin Teague, Raymond Loewy, ing that “manufacturers now realize that movement through design. bicycles, leather goods, and more. Shino- and Norman Bell Geddes, and she describes appearance design is a valuable sales asset.” la‘s design excellence – from the logo to the the designer as having “had his own vision” Okay, good design makes business sense, portraits of “craftspeople” on the website – yet being “very practical” knowing that “at but how do designers make products look Designers consider the “job” of each ob- helped to sell great products. the end of the day” his job was “to move for- “better”? ject. In well-designed products the form A few weeks ago, the Brookings Institute ward the sale of a product.” First, designers learn to “see” – usually by (the shape of the object) is inspired by its VP, Bruce Katz, visited Erie. Katz believes On display in this well-researched exhibit drawing. Skilled artists and designers “see” function (the object’s job.) Paola Antonelli, Erie will flourish – if we foster a “vibrant are some of Adams’ notebook sketches, fin- better than the rest of us. Try this: Pick up curator of architecture and design at the sense of place,” with “no barriers” for new ished drawings, commercial posters, and a flower, a shell, or a branch. Look at it for Museum of Modern Art, describes the ele- businesses, and we “connect this to manu- designs for toilets, stoves, a car and a bus, a minute. Then, continue looking and draw gant functionality of “simple” paperclips, facturing.” Katz encouraged Erie to “set a toys, a city hall in Perry Square, a floating the object for ten minutes. You will be frus- Post-it notes, LEGOS, and M&Ms in her vision” based on our “distinctive legacy.” bandstand, and an airport and a futuris- trated, but you soon will see more than your book, Humble Masterpieces. Inspired by the legacy of Wilbur Henry Ad- tic landing field. The show includes one of first glance revealed. In addition to art and engineering, indus- ams’ industrial design and Detroit’s Shino- Adams’ fashionable bikes, a retro gas pump Designers learn about materials. One par- trial designers need business skills. Knowl- la, it’s time – now more than ever – to set and toy models of tractor designs. ticular photograph in Streamlining shows edge of marketing, patents, budgets, billing a new, bold vision of design excellence for But the collection is more than solely his Adams shaping clay; in another he turns and project management is necessary to be- Erie manufacturing. work – it is a triumph. Local animation stu- and carves wood on a lathe. Designers come commercially successful. While our dio MoreFrames has created an animated model, bend, fold, weave, sew, carve, cast, regional universities offer degrees in art, Civitas members can be reached at celebration of Adam’s work. Kids will love rivet, weld, solder, and glue things togeth- business, and engineering, no school has an their website www.civitaserie.com, via the free “styled by Adams” tattoos. The tiny er. While today’s designers embrace digital industrial design program. Facebook at CivitasErie, by emailing Lisa@ illustrated exhibition brochure, a gem, is modeling and 3D scanners and printers, According to the Industrial Designers So- civitaserie.com, or by scheduling a Friday also free with admission. they still benefit by working directly with ciety of America, of the 7,000 higher-edu- morning meeting at the Civitas office in In the show, a copy of a 1938 publication, their hands. cation degree-granting institutions in the the Masonic Building, 32 W. Eighth St.

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 FEATURE 2014 Year in Review A Look Back So We Can Get Moving Forward

By: Alex Bieler

t seems as if it was just yesterday that peo- Golden Snow Globe Contest, a website that when the state denied Erie’s application for Not everyone was happy with the an- ple were still getting used to writing 2014 tracks just how much of the white, fluffy stuff a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone nouncement, like S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Vice Ion official documents, angrily scrapping comes down in cities of more than 100,000 designation, putting a damper on the Scott’s President Ed Kissell, a local advocate for wa- deposit notes and other slips when “13” man- people, had The Flagship City ranked first in “Harbor Place” mixed-use plan, a vision of terfront access. Kissell decried the lack of aged to make its unwanted presence known. the nation, as Erie nudged out fellow Rust publically-accessible areas like a park, a sky- direct access to Presque Isle Bay in the hotel Like many years, 2014 flew by, but there were Belt city Syracuse, N.Y. 138.4 inches to 132. bridge, and even a floating entertainment project’s plans. plenty of important moments that will be re- It’s not surprising that Erieites were treated barge, although the development did not Another source of grumbling was that membered for years to come. to a long, cold winter, but the 2013-14 season completely shelve the project. Local officials, the proposed 61-foot-tall hotel – which was Colorado didn’t wait long before legalizing was notable in the purchase of marijuana for recreational that The Gem purposes, doing so on Jan. 1, the same day City received an that the 2010 Patient Protection and Afford- additional 37.5 able Care Act went into effect. Donald Ster- inches on top ling was banned for life by the NBA following of its average of leaked recordings in which the former Los 100.9. Angeles Clippers owner made numerous Erie wasn’t racist comments, an event that nearly led alone when it to a boycott by Clippers players and coaches came to winter during the playoffs. misery, caused Pennsylvania became the 19th overall state by the intense in the nation to recognize same-sex marriage Polar Vortex, back on May 20, with same-sex marriage as cities in the legal in 35 states total by year’s end. Seattle, Midwest and CDC / CYNTHIA GOLDSMITH CYNTHIA / CDC Wash. made news when its city council voted New England to raise minimum wage within the city to $15 were hammered an hour. with frozen pre- The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Hobby cipitation from Lobby, a retail arts and crafts chain, and other December to WEATHER ACCU “closely-held” stock corporations can choose March, with at to be exempt from the Affordable Care Act for least 21 deaths religious preferences. American attention on being blamed on the World Cup continued to grow as the Unit- the extreme cold ed States survived longer than expected in wave. It makes the “Group of Death” only to be eliminated by this current Belgium. season seem The Ebola virus made people freak out pretty tame in across the nation after a patient with the comparison, disease was taken to Emory University Hos- but don’t worry, pital in Atlanta and other citizens caught the it doesn’t take deadly virus. Robin Williams’ suicide led to long for the fore- AURAELIUS a push for greater mental health awareness. cast to change in SCKEET RUSSELL Bill Cosby came under fire after more than 20 Northwest Penn- women came forward accusing the iconic co- sylvania. including Sen. Sean Wiley, pushed the Pa. 2014 began amidst the Polar Vortex median and TV star of sexual assault. As of Dec. 15, Erie was ranked third for to- House of Representatives to speed up and storm (clockwise from top-left) but And most of the nation heard more about tal snowfall in the current snow season, but expand the CRIZ program in September, and many national headlines reported grand juries than ever before, after police something tells me that Erieites would be Scott Enterprises President Nick Scott, Sr. the Ebola virus outbreak and gun officers Darren Wilson and Daniel Pantaleo fine with not taking the top prize this time, told the Erie Times-News that Harbor Place were not indicted for the deaths of unarmed especially given that Buffalo has already re- is “shovel ready,” but that a CRIZ designation violence. In local news, the derailing African-Americans Michael Brown and Eric ceived eight feet of snow. would be crucial for its future. of the proposed rail terminal reflected Garner, respectively, while we still wait for a Erie County Council voted 4-2 to issue a the power a community had to state: decision for 12-year-old Tamir Rice’s death in Bayfront Hotel Development bond guarantee for the construction of the Not In My Backyard. Cleveland. publically-funded hotel, allowing the EC- Erie also had its fair share of big news items. he topic of Bayfront development was CCA to move forward with its plan – only af- Here are some of the most important, inter- Tnot a new story in 2014, but was certainly ter councilmember Jay Breneman brokered granted a height-related variance by the esting, and amusing topics that came to be in one that received a lot of attention through- what Jay Stevens described as a “nuanced Zoning Hearing Board so it could exceed the 2014, like the snowpocalypse, Tom Corbett’s out the year. Last year, we saw both publicly- credit enhancement deal” that required year- Bayfront’s 50-foot height limit – would be an- defeat, and a tale of two hotels. and privately-funded plans for new hotels on ly payments of $65,000 from the ECCCA to other building to mar Lake Erie’s shoreline, a Erie’s waterfront announced, with the Erie make up for the tax revenue lost from the complaint that Reader contributor Bryan Toy The 2013-14 Snow Season County Convention Center Authority and property’s tax-exempt status. As Stevens con- encapsulated in his regular cartoon Just Toyin Scott Enterprises offering up separate ideas tinued to point out in a February Street Cor- Witcha back in August. e’re No. 1! At least, that’s what the city for the community. ner Soapbox, the council was never likely to However, the Zoning Board did include a Wof Erie was ranked in terms of overall The ECCCA received a $25 million state turn down the public hotel, as it’s hard to pass condition that it would allow the height vari- snowfall during the 2013-14 snow season. The grant in 2013, but Scott Enterprises lost out up on a $25 million state grant. ance in exchange for increased public space.

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 FEATURE

Councilmember Dave Brennan also proposed who are either struggling with addiction or included such names as Bobcat Goldthwait, the slack for the local music scene’s loss. a condition that the Convention Center Hotel know someone who is to reach out to one Gilbert Gottfried, Judah Friedlander, Louie The Rook’s owners bursted onto the scene include an 800-square-foot landscaped plaza another. Facebook pages like HOPE – Heroin Anderson, and Darrell Hammond of Satur- with an emphasis on live music and with a in addition to the already-required walkway Overdose Prevention in Erie – and FOHAT – day Night Live fame. newly renovated basement space, becom- in order for the council to sign off on the de- Friends of Heroin Addicts Talk – have given The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Cul- ing the place to see several of the bands that sign plans for a $30 million hotel and parking those in need a place to share stories and ture had a banner year with its Live Perfor- used to play at the i. garage. raise awareness for this issue. mance Series, including a sold-out Snarky Although not new to the scene, Basement The latter of those two buildings wasn’t Still, the heroin problem continued to per- Puppy show at the crooked i in March for Transmissions’ move out of the old 1501 without controversy, either. Civitas members sist, causing Pennsylvania Attorney Gener- the tail end of its 2013-14 season. MIAC’s State St. location and into the old Road- Lisa Austin and Stephen Sonnenberg railed al Kathleen Kane to form a new multistate current season has seen acts as diverse as house Theatre space at 145 W. 11th St. was against the parking garage based on its spe- taskforce in October with officials from New the “queen of modern folk” Anais Mitchell, big news this year. By moving into the spot, cific location on the former GAF site in an op- York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, as the the health-care drama Mercy Killers, and BT Founder Bob Jensen was able to not only ed written for The Erie Reader in September, fight against heroin reached much farther Ben Sollee. Another great part of the Live increase capacity to pack in bigger audienc- blasting the decision for wasting waterfront than just Erie County. Performance Series is that, unlike 2014, it es and attract bigger names in the touring space that could be used for more than 2,000 won’t be ending this month, as you’ll still world, but also provide new types of events, parking spots. 2014 Midterm Elections have an opportunity to see more entertain- such as film screenings. Development of the Bayfront is a major fac- ment ranging from jazz fusion trios to live tor in Erie’s future, and it’s a news story that trade of Toms highlighted the 2014 action graphic novels in 2015. Honorable Mentions will continue into the next year and beyond. AMidterm Elections in Pennsylvania, as Best Summer Night returned in 2014 after But for now, the council has spoken on the Democratic challenger Tom Wolf defeated a year off. The Presque Isle Partnership fol- fter 130 years of serving the com- subject, and as Stevens wrote in February: Republican incumbent Tom Corbett by more lowed up 2012’s successful event featuring Amunity, the Erie Business Center an- There will be hotel. than 300,000 votes this past November, the Crosby, Stills & Nash with the influential nounced that it will officially close, ceasing first time that an incumbent Pa. governor jazz-rock duo Steely Dan, providing audi- academic operations Dec. 31, 2014. Porreco College did not win in a reelection attempt. It was ence members plenty of memories of that The Erie Bluffs were the source of some a small victory for Democrats nationwide, everlasting summer night that certainly debate, as critics decried the use of signs for he debate of having a community col- as Wolf unseated a governor who had one won’t be fading fast. businesses and institutions as shameless Tlege in Erie has been a subject of discus- of the lowest approval ratings in the United The Erie Otters completed what could be marketing in an area which advertising is sion for years, but in 2014, it finally became States while the GOP picked up 12 spots in the described as one of their best seasons ear- not allowed due to zoning laws, and propo- a reality. House and took a majority in the Senate. But lier this year. Actually, it probably would nents called the 23-acre strip part of a larger Edinboro University announced in March still, the elections marked the end of the Cor- have been known as the franchise’s finest plan. that it would help fill an educational void bott. season, but the junior hockey squad fell in Erie was featured on AMC’s Game of Arms, with Porreco College, where full-time tuition Elsewhere in Northwest Pa., 26-year-old the Western Conference Finals to eventu- which covered the underground sport of for students working toward an associate de- Democratic challenger Dan LaVallee was al Ontario Hockey League Champions, the arm wrestling. gree or certificate program can cost less than defeated by incumbent Mike Kelly, a man 40 Guelph Storm. More than 3,000 people, including some $2,500 per semester with endowment fund- years his senior, after Kelly stormed back for In the following offseason, it was an- local officials, were found on a list of people ing. a 21-point victory. Kelly’s fellow Republican nounced that team owner Sherry Bassin who decided that garbage-pickup bills were Porreco College, with the tagline: “The Glenn Thompson easily took care of Kerith was in negotiations with two groups to sell a load of trash. Some hadn’t paid the fees in Community’s College,” is not a traditional Strano Taylor in the fifth congressional dis- the Otters franchise. The NHL’s Edmonton more than a decade. community college; instead of being publicly trict. Oilers also wanted to have a say in the sale While we still await word as to when hu- funded, the school will be supported private- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro kept his spot in the of the Otters, pushing for the forced sale of man trials will take place and what will ly, meaning that the community will not see third legislative district seat without much of Erie’s team at an auction to help recover a $4 follow if they’re successful or not, The Kan- added taxes. Donations, including a $1 mil- a sweat, trouncing challenger Luke Lofgren million-plus debt from Bassin after a failed zius Cancer Research Foundation nonprofit lion gift from Louis and Debbie Porreco, will nearly two to one, while Republicans Curt move to Hamilton, Ontario in 2011. A fed- ceased operations in June after a cancer-kill- be used toward $3,000 per full-time student Sonney and Brad Roae won back their seats. eral judge ordered a halt to the forced sale, ing radio frequency device was approved for seeking a degree per year scholarship called Democrats Flo Fabrizio and Pat Harkins making Bassin’s hold of the franchise safer said human trials. the “Porreco Promise,” allowing students to didn’t have much trouble with Mickey Mouse at the moment, but the future of the Otters Summer Jobs and More helped 122 at-risk work toward one of four associate degrees in uncontested races, although 346 people in Erie is still in doubt depending on the fall- youth find part-time employment – appro- and one certificate program on a 26-acre for- voted for a write-in candidate (potentially the out from further legal action. priately, during the summer. mer estate and working farm on West 38th aforementioned Mr. Mouse) against the sil- A pair of former Erie high school athletes The Erie Rail Terminal was scrapped after Street. ver-haired Fabrizio. made national headlines. Villa Maria Acad- Harborcreek Township was deemed un- The 180 students who started classes in the Roughly 41 percent of voters did their civ- emy basketball star Kayla McBride came suitable for the project. Later, DevelopErie fall – whether they pursue further degrees or ic duty this election cycle, which wasn’t as one win away from a national champion- President and CEO John Elliott – who cham- not – will help make Erie a smarter county high as Erie County Clerk of Elections Doug ship with Notre Dame before being taken pioned the aforementioned terminal – re- thanks to The Community’s College. Smith’s prediction of 45 percent, but at least third overall in the WNBA Draft by the San signed in October, while the Port Authority it was better than the 31.2 percent of people Antonio Stars, while McDowell High School announced Brenda Sandberg as its new ex- Heroin Hits Erie who reported back in November 2013. Also, running back James Conner was named ecutive director. Erie ranked higher than the national average ACC Player of the Year in just his sophomore And the closing of Bradley’s Shur Fine on estern Pennsylvania was the scene of of 36.4 percent voter turnout, so at least we season at Pitt and has been getting Heisman West Eighth Street led Civitas members to Wseveral tragic deaths this year, as her- can pride ourselves on being slightly less bad buzz already for the 2015 season. call Erie a “food desert” in a November issue oin overdoses frequently made the news in at voting than the rest of the country. Finally, it was a sad day when the afore- of the Reader. 2014. Earlier this year, Erie County Coroner mentioned crooked i shuttered its doors at Also, 2014 marked another milestone for Lyell Cook was quoted by the Erie Times-News, Entertainment Update the end of March. The venue had become everyone at the Erie Reader, as the 100th is- saying that he believed heroin-related acci- a staple in the local music scene, provid- sue of our paper was published in October. dental deaths would be even higher in 2014 he Erie entertainment scene didn’t ing an outlet for music fans to see talented It’s been an honor to be the local voice for than in 2013, when 60 percent of fatal over- Tdisappoint in 2014, although they’re bands from in and out of state every week, news, arts, and culture for the people of Erie doses were attributed to the highly-addictive some notable standouts. Jr’s Last Laugh ex- like Black Flag, Dead Prez, and Larry and His since 2011, and we have you fine readers to drug after 2012 had a rate of just 20 percent. perienced a revival, as owners Dave Litz and Flask. thank for helping us reach this point. On- Cook’s predictions weren’t far off, as 29 out Rob Neville, the latter of whom bought into The development of two other locations ward to 2015! of 54 confirmed drug-related deaths – 54 per- the business last year, helped rejuvenate the has been instrumental, though, in keeping cent – were from heroin. comedy club. The two have brought an im- the music scene alive and well in Erie. The Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ The surge of heroin use and related overdos- pressive number of talents to the Jr’s stage King’s Rook Club and Basement Transmis- ErieReader.com, and you can follow es led some locals to create outlets for people all year that’s too long to list in full, but it sions’ new location have picked up some of him on Twitter @Catch20Q.

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December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 CALENDAR

Basement Transmissions Closes 12073 E. Main Road, Center, 301 Peninsula Styled by Adams: Out the Year Strong with Lineup of North East. 725.5509. Drive. trecpi.org. Streamlining America Local and Regional Metal Stars Ongoing — All Day Peek‘n Peak Brunch History of Computer Main Gallery, Erie Art t’s been one hell of a year for music in Dec. 28 — 10 a.m. Hacking Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. IErie, especially for the underground Royal Court Dining Dec. 26 — 7 p.m. hotspot Basement Transmissions. Mov- Room, Peek’n Peak, 1405 Erie Movie House, 3424 Sanctuary of Illumination, ing from the small but tight-knit spot on Old Road, Clymer, New Westlake Road. facebook. York. 716.355.4141. An Installation By State Street to the bigger, more extrav- com/ErieMovieHouse. Lucy Slivinsky agant building on West 11th Street was Sunday Brunch at Presque Dead Alive Ongoing to Dec. 31 — All Day no easy task; yet BT Founder Bob Jensen Isle Wine Cellars Dec. 27 — 7 p.m. McCain Family Gallery, kept a steady stream of shows at the new Dec. 28 — 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Erie Art Museum. 20 E. Erie Movie House, 3424 Fifth St. 459.5477 venue and upped his game by bringing in more national bands than he was able to at the Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Westlake Road. facebook. old venue, all while effectively expanding his audience and doing his part to help the local 9440 W. Main Road, North com/ErieMovieHouse. NPAA’s Holiday Art scene grow. East. 725.1314 ext. 215. New Year’s Eve Music Exhibit and Sale On Dec. 27, BT is celebrating their last show of a very successful 2014 by going back to its Ongoing to Jan. 3 — 7 to 10 p.m. roots in a sense, hosting a lineup featuring strictly local and regional bands – just like the GE Employee Customer Video Jukebox Appreciation Days Urraro Gallery, 135 W. 14th St. good old days on State Street. Dec. 31 — 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 6 — all day This all-metal show features Erie’s Bail Easy and Agathist, New Castle’ Tuesday’s Too Late, Erie Movie House, 3424 Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Westlake Road. facebook. Ceramic Constructions and Oil City’s Apollo’s Last Breath. 9440 West Main Road, com/ErieMovieHouse. by Ron Mazinowski Despite all of the bands falling under the umbrella term that is “metal,” each group covers North East. 725.1314. Ongoing to Jan. 6 — Monday to a different aspect of the metal spectrum, with Bail Easy and TTL being melodic metalcore, Starring Adam West Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun- Agathist leaning more toward death metal, and Apollo’s Last Breath describing themselves FILM Jan. 2 — 6 p.m. day noon to 4 p.m. as “on the fence between hardcore and metalcore.” Erie Movie House, 3424 Glass Growers Gallery, As stated before, it has been a great year for Basement Transmissions, so let’s send off the Great White Shark Westlake Road. facebook. 10 E. Fifth St. Ongoing — noon, 4 p.m. last show of the year with a (head)bang. – Tommy Shannon com/ErieMovieHouse. Paintings by Joyce Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Perowicz DECEMBER 27 // BASEMENT TRANSMISSIONS // 145 W. 11TH ST. VISUAL ARTS Drive. trecpi.org. Ongoing to Jan. 6 — Monday to DOORS AT 5PM // PRESALE TICKETS $6, $8 DAY OF SHOW Focus Fiber: 2014 Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun- Mysteries of the Ongoing — All Day day noon to 4 p.m. MUSIC 3064 W. 12th St. 833.7106 Friends w/ Dag nabit Unseen World Bacon Gallery, Erie Glass Growers Gallery, Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. Ongoing — 2, 5 p.m. Art Museum. 20 E. 10 E. Fifth St. Case In Point Christmas Night King’s Rook Club, 1921 Tom Ridge Environmental Fifth St. 459.5477 with TJ the DJ Reunion Show Peach St. 456.6439 Center, 301 Peninsula Pattern Recognition: Dec. 25 — 8 p.m. Dec. 27 — 9:55 p.m. Drive. trecpi.org. Higherglyphics: Annex Works By Jamie Borowicz Sherlock’s, 508 State The Fugitive Band Stairwell Project Ongoing to Jan. 11 — All Day Sherlock’s, 508 State Wonders of the Arctic St. facebook.com/ St. facebook.com/ Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. Ongoing — All Day Hagen Family Gallery, Erie sherlocksparkplace. Ongoing — 11 a.m., 1, 3 p.m. sherlocksparkplace. Girard American Legion, 42 Annex Stairwell, Erie Art Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. Wall St., Girard, PA 774.3326. Tom Ridge Environmental Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. Hair Nation Leather and Lace Dec. 26 — 9 p.m. Dec. 27 — 9 p.m. The Groove Peek’n Peak Ski Resort, 1405 Sherlock’s, 508 State Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. Ladyfest Erie Returns St. facebook.com/ Old Road, Findley Lake, NY 716.355.4141. Zem Zem Shrine Club, 2525 for Second Year sherlocksparkplace. W. 38th St. 833.3391. Next of Kin n a society often all-too-eager to tear Jake Banta Dec. 27 — 8 p.m. I-90s w/ French Kiss Iwomen down or pit them against Dec. 26 — 6 to 9 p.m. Doc. Holliday’s, 7425 Schultz Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. each other, it’s paramount for ladies Sprague Farm and Brew Road. dochollidays.net Sherlock’s, 508 State everywhere to lift each other up. It’s Works, 22113 US HWY 6 & St. facebook.com/ important to celebrate our work, our 19, Venango 398.2885 Sean Patrick McGraw sherlocksparkplace. creativity, our survival. It’s important Los1 Dec. 27 — 6 to 9 p.m. Jackson Station to celebrate ourselves. Dec. 26 — 6 p.m. Sprague Farm and Brew Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enter Ladyfest. Works, 22113 US HWY 6 & Last spring, the international music St. James African Methodist 19, Venango 398.2885 The Brewerie, 123 W. Episcopal Church, 236 14th St. 454.2200 and culture event made its Erie debut. E. 11th St. 456.4011. The Newgrass Revolution Ladyfest got its start in 2000 as a not- Dec. 27 — 9:30 p.m. Small Town Revolution for-profit event focusing on music, Next of Kin Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. the arts, and general women’s rights Dec. 26 — 8 p.m. King’s Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. 456.6439 South Erie Turners, 2663 activism. Now, organized by Rebel Girl Doc. Holliday’s, 7425 Schultz Peach St. 454.5601. HQ, Ladyfest Erie is entirely communi- Road. dochollidays.net. Sektor vs. Bobby J Show ty-based – and aims to benefit the com- The Armitan Hand Dec. 27 — 5 to 11 p.m. munity, too. Though this time there’s a Tara Graves with Ion Sky Jan.. 2 — 9 p.m. Dec. 26 — 9:30 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 14 cover fee – $5 at the door – all proceeds W. 11th St. basementtrans@ King’s Rook Club, 1921 will benefit the Crime Victim Center of Erie County. In short, the focus of the one-day Peek’n Peak Ski Resort, gmail.com. Peach St. 456.6439. 1405 Old Road, Findley event is to shine a light on women in the Erie community: Women who are working to Lake, NY 716.355.4141. Chris Higbee Scarlet Ledbetter make the area a better and more equal place for everyone. The day includes music from Amanda Lynn Barton and Sara Rafaloski, planet claire, Rodger Montgomery Dec. 31 — 9:30 p.m. Jan. 3 — 9:30 p.m. Blues Band Presque Isle Downs Casino, King’s Rook Club, 1921 RIDE OR DIE, Roulette Waves, Life(Liss) & The Graveyard Orchestra, Jessica King, The Peach St. 456.6439. Off-Color Fragments of Britches, and Dysmorphia; speakers Karley Miller and Danie Wat- Dec. 26 — 9:30 p.m. 8199 Perry Hwy 860.8999 son; and vendors from across the region. King’s Rook Club, 1921 Dine FOOD & DRINK Peach St. 456.6439 So if you’re in the need for an empowering day of strong women from all walks of life – Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. let’s face it, after a holiday spent with grandparents and drunk uncles, you probably will Holiday Week at UNORDAINED The Beer Mug, 1108 be – get down to the PACA for a celebration of all things lady. – Sara Toth Liberty St. 454.4753. the Wineries Dec. 26 — 8 p.m. Dec. 26 to Jan. 2 — All day 3 P.M. TO 10 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27// 1505 STATE STREET // PACA1505.COM Last Shot Bar and Grill, Eric Brewer and Arrowhead Wineries,

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16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 CALENDAR

Candles, Memory, and Raw Local Talent Trohoske’s Tribute to The Cure and Sean Patrick’s andles will be burning brightly and young Newgrass Revolution Cpeople will be displaying their talent at the Booker T. Washington Center when Mothers Against Teen Violence hosts the fifth annual rie bassist, composer, and memorial vigil to remember Steve Arrington II Eband-leader Stephen Trohoske and all victims of violent crime. said he became an instantly-en- Sonya Arrington, Steve’s mother and founder gaged, life-long fan of The Cure of MATV, says the vigil is her favorite part of the when, just a little kid, he bought event, but she added a talent show to honor her his first album of theirs back in son. “Steve loved music, so giving other young 1982. people the chance to perform seemed like the best way to memorialize him,” she says. There’s been some years – and, The event starts with the candlelight vigil that includes speakers, singers, music, and a for Trohoske, much music – be- moment of silence for victims. Everyone is invited to attend, and there is no admission fee. tween then and now, and, he says, If you want to stay for the talent show, which takes place after the vigil, there is a $3 admis- “I’m at a point in my life now sion charge. where I kinda wanna reach back The talent show this year is themed “Change Starts When Unity Begins’’ and features and play the stuff I grew up on, youths age 5 through 19. that was an inspiration to me,” – “We had about 350 people attend last year and are expecting more this year,” Arrington the stuff that, as a musician, “I cut says. “There will be 15 talent acts and it should be very competitive; last year a six-year-old my teeth on.” won second place.” Prizes are awarded for first ($500), second ($250), and third place ($100). So now, The Cure’s music is the Arrington also states that this is a great way for people to come together and start the new stuff that he (along with a nice, big year on a positive note, as well as give young people a way to express themselves in a healthy group of gifted musical friends) is manner. going to be cutting on when Tro- If you want to help, good news: Volunteers are still needed. All you have to do is give Ar- hoske’s Art Groupies present “A rington a call at 572.9567. If you cannot make the event and would like to make a donation, Tribute to The Cure,” a very spe- a check may be sent to MATV, PO Box 11414, Erie, Pa. 16514. cial, one-hour set that opens Sean “All we hear about are the bad things,” Arrington says. “But there are good kids doing good Patrick & The Newgrass Revolu- things, too. This is a chance for us to celebrate that.” – Mary Birdsong tion’s Saturday, Dec. 27 show at the King’s Rook Club. It’s a free show, too, making a NOON TO 4 P.M., JAN. 3 // BOOKER T. WASHINGTON CENTER, 1720 HOLLAND ST. // 572-9567 very nice post-Christmas, pre- New Year’s present for Erie show-goers. It’s also the first of a few ‘80s-themed tributes – all formulated and presented, of course, with Trohoske and cohorts’ unique takes and tastes – being planned, he says. Others he’s lining up will pay homage to bands including the Violent Femmes, Joy Division, and, last Snowtown Throwdown: but not least, Duran Duran. Mercyhurst University Musically speaking, each one, Trohoske says, will feature “different instrumentations, vs. Ohio State University different configurations,” and will be “different, but a fitting tribute” to be sure. men’s ice hockey games Sounds real good. – Ryan Smith

hile many people SATURDAY, DEC. 27, 10 P.M. // 1921 PEACH ST. // FACEBOOK.COM/KINGSROOKCLUB Wwill be watching FRIDAY, JAN. 2 AND 2:35 P.M. SATURDAY, JAN. 3 // 809 FRENCH ST. // ERIEEVENTS.COM Ohio State University play the University of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl as part of the new four-team college The Christmas Show Station Dinner Theatre. 4940 Jan. 3 — 3 to 4 p.m. Peach St. canterburyfeast.com football championship Ongoing to Feb. 15 Tom Ridge Environmental Gannon University’s Schuster Center, 301 Peninsula playoffs New Year’s Day, COMMUNITY Drive. trecpi.org. Erie will have a chance to Theatre, 700 Peach St. see the Buckeyes up close Shaping the Future: Asbury Woods Winter Fifth Annual Candlelight this January, just in a dif- Pennsylvania Artist Wonderland Vigil and Talent Show ferent sport. Educators Dec. 27 to 30 — 6 p.m. Jan. 3 — noon to 4 p.m. Mercyhurst Universi- Jan. 4 — 5 p.m. Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Booker T. Washington ty will host 5-9-1 Ohio Road. asburywoods.org. Center, 1720 Holland St. Cummings Art Gallery, Contact Sonya Arrington. State in the Snowtown Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. 824.3000 PACA’s New Year’s Throwdown at Erie Insurance Arena, a two-game bout on Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. Eve Masquerade FUNDRAISERS 3 between each school’s men’s ice hockey teams. While most hockey fans typically head to Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. French Street to see Connor McDavid and the Erie Otters hit the ice, this major matchup THEATER PACA, 1505 State St. 434.0687. ANNA Shelter Collections between Division I powers is big enough to move from the Mercyhurst Ice Center to the Elf the Musical Dec. 28 — noon to 7 p.m. building formerly known as the Tullio. Brew Year’s Eve 2015 Dec. 27, 28, Jan. 3, 4 — 2 p.m. & Finders Keepers of “We are extremely excited to be hosting this event,” said Mercyhurst head coach Rick Got- Jan. 2 — 7:30p.m. Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Erie, 1651 W. 26 St. FindersKeepersofErie.com. kin in an online announcement for the Snowtown Throwdown on the Mercyhurst Athletics Erie Playhouse, 13 W. The Brewerie at Union Station, website. “To not only have a nationally-recognizable school like Ohio State come to Erie to 123 W. 14th St. 454.2200. 10 St. 454.2852. The Gatsby Gala play, but to be able to do so at the beautiful Erie Insurance Arena is unbelievable.” Dec. 31 — 8 p.m. It’s a big matchup – both in terms of opponent and stage – for the 8-5-2 Lakers, who de- Nine in Concert Animals of Presque Isle Dec. 31 — 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2 — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Masonic Temple, 32 feated No. 17-ranked Robert Morris University 3-0 in the squad’s last game. Even better, the W. Eighth St. 314.9113. Snowtown Throwdown is an opportunity to see a pair of talented Division I teams right here Erie Playhouse, 13 W. Tom Ridge Environmental 10 St. 454.2852. Center, 301 Peninsula in The Flagship City. – Alex Bieler Drive. trecpi.org.

7:05 P.M. FRIDAY, JAN. 2 AND 2:35 P.M. SATURDAY, JAN.3 A Few of My Favorite Things Children’s Story // 809 FRENCH ST. // ERIEEVENTS.COM Dec. 31 — 7 p.m. Time and Craft

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 CALENDAR TONI BLAY TONI

New Year’s Eve Gala From live music to dancing New Year’s Eve Roundup – Nine in Concert to theater, many Erie Those looking for a little more venues are open for By: Alex Bieler drama with their New Year’s Eve business the big night the festivities will love this option. 31 for Brew Year’s Eve. Cele- ball drops. The Erie Playhouse is putting on t won’t be long before 2014 brate the end of 2014 with live a one-night-only run of Nine in is over, but you still have one music in the concourse with big night to commemorate Concert, with The Rev. Shawn State St. // facebook.com/ I Jackson Station and a dance sherlocksparkplace // Cover Clerkin charming the audience the memories made in the past party in the rotunda with DJ in the role of Guido, an Italian year and welcome the new pos- John, as well as an open bar Noon Year’s Eve film director struggling to start sibilities of 2015. New Year’s Eve and hors d’oeuvres. at ExpERIEnce a new project, letting you see a is a special occasion all across 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 123 W. 14th St. // Children’s Museum the nation, and Erie has several brewerie.com // $45 per person fabulous show and still be home Those looking for a more celebrations planned for Dec. – or elsewhere – by the time the kid-friendly affair on Dec. 31 The Gatsby Gala 31. To help make your choice of ball drops. should check out Noon Year’s evening activities a little easi- The Masonic Temple on 7:30 p.m. // 13 W. 10th St. // Eve. This family affair runs from erieplayhouse.org // $30 er, we’ve come up with a list of West Eight Street will play 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features a host to an exclusive Roaring some of the best New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve Party DJ dance party, a special balloon parties to be found in The Gem ‘20s-themed shindig New at the Ambassador drop and countdown, bubble City. Year’s Eve. Make sure to wear stomping, and an apple juice your best flapper or dapper The Ambassador’s New Year’s Boogie on the Bay at the Eve Party is almost like two sep- toast. Bayfront Sheraton Hotel don attire to this event, as the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // 420 French United Service Corps fundrais- arate events in one, with DJ Matt Planning on a long night this St. // eriechildrensmuseum. er will provide an open bar and Barnes working his magic in the org // $6 admission or New Year’s Eve? It sure would hors d’oeuvres all night long, Crystal Ballroom and Ameri- free with membership be convenient to be able to head as a live big band, casino-style can Ride Band rocking out in straight to bed after a night of PACA’s New Year’s Eve gambling, and a Chinese raf- the Garden Atrium. Overnight adult beverages, tasty treats, Masquerade Ball fle. packages are available and there and live music from The Cho- will be an open bar until mid- If you like options for your 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 32 W. Eighth St. sen Few Band. That’s exactly // unitedservicecorps.com/gala night for partygoers. year-end celebrations, PACA what the Bayfront Sheraton // $100 per ticket, $150 for VIP 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 7794 Peach has the event for you. The New Hotel offers with Boogie on the St. // ambassadorerie.com/ Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball pro- Bay, allowing you to celebrate The King’s Rook New newyear // $56 per person or vides live music with hip-hop- $239 overnight package responsibly and with class with Year’s Eve Party rock group The Lower Eastside a room package that includes What better way to end 2014 New Year’s Eve Show Connection, poetry readings, a too much of a good thing three drink tickets, hors d’oeu- than with a rockin’ show? at Sherlock’s cash bar, raffles, movies, hors is still a good thing. vres, and a champagne toast. The King’s Rook will host Eric Transport yourself back to d’oeuvres, and a 1 a.m. break- 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 1 Sassafras Pier // Brewer and Friends with open- ‘80s and ‘90s at Sherlock’s this fast buffet. What’s more is that erieevents.com // $45 per person ers Dag Nabit to provide some the night acts as a fundraiser for or $199 for a hotel room package New Year’s Eve. The rock ‘n’ sonic bliss at the venue’s New roll-loving venue is hosting ‘80s PACA so that the venue can con- Brew Year’s Eve at Year’s Eve party. Even better, glam-metal crew French Kiss tinue to provide plenty of great the Brewerie there’s no cover! and ‘90s cover artists The I-90s events for the community. 8 p.m. // 1921 Peach Craft beer fans should consid- on the final day of 2014. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1505 State St. St. // facebook.com/ // paca1505.com // $15 advance, er heading to the Brewerie Dec. kingsrookclub // Free! 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 508 $20 at door, $30 for a couple

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20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 FOOD & DRINK

1201 Kitchen’s Ramen Lunches Innovative and Traditional Takes on the Japanese Noodle-based Soup Offer a Distinct Dining Experience

By: The Reader Eater

nless you’re a bit of a world traveler pay homage to the regions with several stamps on your pass- from which they hail. Uport to Japan, or are someone who 1201’s Sapporo ramen har- frequents bigger U.S. cities, like New York kens to its roots – named or LA where chefs have reached peak ra- after the capital of Hokkai- men experimentation with things like ra- do, a city celebrated for its men fries, ramen egg rolls, and ramen hot ramen – featuring a piquant wings, your experience with the Japanese red miso broth richened by noodle-based soup dish most likely comes the roasted chāshū pork by way of a block of dried noodles wrapped shoulder that’s rounded out in a plastic satchel accompanied with a with bean sprouts and corn spice pack found on the bottom of grocery – yes, corn, an ingredient store shelves. most likely introduced to Forget momentarily the desire of some ramen after the arrival of chefs to make something as simple as a U.S. soldiers during WWII – boiled egg not a boiled egg with Franken- for a pleasant crunch. stein trials behind their kitchen doors to Other 1201 ramen dishes remember that there remains a basic but benefit – to a carnivore’s fundamental continuity between both the delight – from intense artful and commercial approach to ramen: meat flavor combinations, The slurping devouring of savory broth and like the Kumamoto ramen, slightly chewy noodles. which features a pork bone- Which now is being adroitly approached based broth, crispy pork bel- by Executive Chef Dan Kern and company ly, and roasted chāshū pork at 1201 Kitchen – and is far, far better than tempered by shiitake, mayu PHOTOS BY JIM WERTZ JIM BY PHOTOS what you may have been used to nuking in garlic oil, pickled mustard your college dorm room. greens, and scallion. Known for their contemporary take on Already known for being innovative with- soup that offers diners the chance to con- the latter option leaving room for any one of Asian and Latin cuisine, 1201 Kitchen is out bending food to the breaking point of struct their own experience by adding var- the well-paired appetizers, amongst which now dishing out both distinct and tradi- near-absurdity (read: ramen hot wings), ious ingredients from a plate placed in the various – and oft rotating – takes on don- tional takes on ramen by way of its intended 1201 serves a deliciously sound variation to middle of a table, ramen often comes to the buri (a traditional Japanese rice bowl dish origins: Salty soup built from the broth up. mostly meat-oriented ramen by way of the table mostly completed by the chef’s ren- that focuses on the resulting interplay be- Typically pork- or seafood-based, a rich, vegetarian option, stocked with a sweet soy- dering of the canvas and the chosen mate- tween a protein and vegetables served over luscious broth serves as the backbone and milk broth and loaded with soft tofu, mus- rials; 1201 is no exception. But the menu rice) stand out. The crispy fried egg version foundation of any good ramen. From there, tard greens, pressed garlic, shiitake, mayu does allow for eater-driven creativity with offers a spicy bite – from chili oil – calmed the canvas of this Japanese art is framed in garlic oil, and scallion, with the mushrooms the option to add extra noodles, seasonal with the silky texture of the soft egg, creat- with wheat-based noodles, which most of- – which are more subtle and subdued in the pickles, a soft-boiled egg, pork shoulder, ing a harmonious balance of savor and spice ten are thin or wavy. Beyond that, the ramen Kumamoto dish – giving it a surprisingly and pork belly to any menu item – yes, even softened by the sticky bed of sushi-style palette remains largely open to fresh exper- brawny boldness as a key feature. the vegetarian bowl, because, well, why not. rice. imentation while certain interpretations Unlike Vietnamese pho, a noodle-based Each bowl is available in full or half-size, The simplicity coupled with creativity of the ramen at 1201 has brought the Japanese tradition to Erie – and with an authentic yet nov- el approach, here’s hoping that this soulful satiation is here to stay.

The Reader Eater can be contacted at ReaderEater@ ErieReader.com. More information on 1201 Kitchen, which is located at 1201 State St., can be found at 1201Restaurant.com.

Clockwise from top: 1201 Kitchen’s Kumamoto Ramen with a soft egg, gyoza (foreground) with complementary rooibos served to every table, and crispy fried egg donburi.

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MOVING & ESTATE SALES 22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 YEAR IN MUSIC

nother year, another crop of memorable mu- 7. The War on Drugs, Lost in the Dream 2014 ALBUMS sic.There were plenty of excellent releases Listening to The War on Drugs’ Lost in the Dream is almost like Asince January, but only a chosen few made it watching a movie scene where the proverbial good guys take OF THE YEAR into Arts and Culture Editor Alex Bieler’s year-end list. the long drive out through the American heartland: Just plug Here are his Top 10 albums of 2014, as well as some in some headphones, close your eyes, and you’re there. Drugs’ honorable mentions. frontman Adam Granduciel (yes, the victim of the silly Kozelek feud from album No. 4) channels Tom Petty and Bruce Spring- 1. Run The Jewels, Run The Jewels 2 steen on Lost in the Dream, adding a touch of psychedelia for I had high expectations for Run The Jewels 2, and the hip-hop good measure on the excellent, cinematic album. super-duo of El-P and Killer Mike easily exceeded them. If songs could bruise you, the titanic twosome’s second album would 8. Cymbals Eat Guitars, LOSE leave you black and blue after a furious 40 minutes of hard-hit- Cymbals Eat Guitars showed plenty of promise over the course ting tunes. El-P and Killer Mike don’t hold back on RTJ2, taking of its first two albums (see: “…And the Hazy Sea”), but it’s on on crooked cops, and trading verses with Rage Against The Ma- LOSE that the New Jersey band really come together into some- chine’s Zach de la Rocha, all while sounding like they’re having thing special. Joseph D’Agostino and his band mates have ma- more fun than anyone in the business. tured since Cymbals Eat Guitars was founded back in 2007, and it shows on the album’s sprawling nine tracks. There’s a resil- 2. St. Vincent, St. Vincent ience to LOSE, an album that deals with death and depression, It’s appropriate that Annie Clark’s fourth album as St. Vincent and that sense of strength turns LOSE into a triumph. was self-titled, because it was on her latest release that she ful- ly evolved into a rock goddess. The sweet-yet-sinister-sounding 9. Saintseneca, Dark Arc artist has always impressed with her stunning vocals and rip- It took me a few months to realize it, but Saintseneca’s Dark Arc ping riffs, butSt. Vincent really grabs your attention on an al- is a bit like a roller coaster. You get strapped in, experience the bum that is, as I wrote in a review back in March, “a musical mar- slow build that is the beginning of opener “Blood Bath,” and just riage of earthly desires in a digital age.” In 2014, Clark treated us over a minute in, you experience the rush, this time in the form to a hypnotic balancing act, pairing rough sonic textures with of harmonies and thundering foot stomps. After that, you ex- soothing coos and robotic rhythms with very human emotions, perience exhilarating twists and turns as you follow Zac Little’s and the results are wonderful. mesmerizing lyrics and the band’s stirring arrangements.

3. Strand of Oaks, HEAL Timothy Showalter always had a knack for storytelling in his earlier Strand of Oaks material, but he only had to look in the 10. Owen Pallett, In Conflict mirror for his autobiographical turn on this year’s HEAL. The Owen Pallett received a lot of press for his work on the Os- former folkie turned up the volume on his latest album, both car-nominated score for the film Her with Arcade Fire’s Will emotionally and sonically, taking an unflinching look into his Butler, but it wasn’t much of a surprise to fans of the Canadi- personal life to provide one of the most honest albums in 2014. an musician. He continued his streak of excellence on 2014’s Each song seems perfectly placed, from the rip-roaring lead In Conflict, where Pallett continued to show off his gift for lush, track “Goshen ’97” to the hopeful closer “Wait For Love,” making beautiful compositions, swells of strings supporting the person- for an album that you can’t help but connect with. al, and, at times, ominous songs on his latest album.

4. Sun Kil Moon, Benji After watching Sun Kil Moon’s Mark Kozelek one-sided feud with The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel play out over the latter half of the year, it would be easy to disregard Benji as the HONORABLE MENTIONS work of a mean-spirited bully. However, doing that would be a disservice to Kozelek’s album, which was one of the most heart- Protomartyr, Under Color of Official Right breakingly open works this year. Kozelek’s world-weary voice Protomartyr’s Under Color of Official Rightis not a happy album, but and gentle finger-picked guitar make for a gorgeous soundtrack that doesn’t mean that it’s not fun. Despite having created an album to various details in his life, from the tragic death of his second with themes of indifference, corruption, and violence, the Detroit cousin to standing in line at Panera Bread. post-punk band still manages to make these songs fun. Joe Casey and his band mates aren’t surprised by misfortune – hell, they’re expecting 5. Future Islands, Singles it – but that doesn’t mean that they can’t make bleak messages be pret- Samuel T. Herring put Future Islands on the map with a mem- ty damn enjoyable. orable performance of song-of-the-year candidate “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on The Late Show with David Letterman. Flying Lotus, You’re Dead! Herring’s memorable dance moves made for a meme-worthy You’re Dead! is not an album meant to be digested in small doses. showing, but it was the combination of his bellowing vocals, Apart from the fantastic Kendrick Lamar-featured “Never Catch Me,” shifting at times from a confident croon to a guttural growl, and it would seem odd to dissect each piece, as each of his free-wheeling the band’s sparkling synth-pop that shone brightest in 2014. Sin- sections add up to an intriguing mix of hip-hop, jazz, and drum ‘n’ gles is, like the name suggests, packed full of tremendous songs, bass. What results is a fascinating sonic experience, as Steve Ellison, with Herring’s passionate delivery leading the way. the man behind Flying Lotus, examines life after death.

6. Cloud Nothings, Here and Nowhere Else Aphex Twin, Syro Cloud Nothings’ transformation from a sugary pop-rock band Richard D. James may be a sonic architect, but he’s also demolition into a gritty rock outfit was remarkable, but the Cleveland man. The massively influential electronic artist behind Aphex Twin crew’s job following up the excellent Attack on Memory with lat- has made a career breaking down genres, using those broken-down est album Here and Nowhere Else might be its most impressive sounds to reconstruct mind-bending structures of sound. On Syro, the yet. Cloud Nothings main man Dylan Baldi continued to pump first Aphex Twin album in 13 years, he’s tearing down the genre he out intense tracks, producing squalling rockers like “Pattern helped create, assembling songs that seem simplistic at first, but keep Walks,” while keeping just a touch of his pop background to turn providing new surprises after every listen. glorious closer “I’m Not Part of Me” into one of the most rousing songs of the year.

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 YEAR IN MUSIC

clipping., CLPPNG CLPPNG is one of the more fascinating albums I listened to this year. From the very start, you’re treated to the minute-long “Intro” featur- ing rapper Daveed Diggs ripping through rhymes over high-pitched feedback, the beginning of an uncompromising trip into experimen- tal hip-hop. It’s too uneven to make the top 10, but CLPPNG goes big on songs like the alarm clock-aided Get Up and the speed Story 2, making for some of the most creative and original songs in 2014.

Spoon, They Want My Soul Now on album No. 8, it’s not shocking that Spoon would put out a good release. In fact, expectations have become so high that 2010’s Transference, a very solid album, was met with some disappointment because it didn’t quite reach the same heights as past efforts. That’s not a problem for They Want My Soul, as the detail-loving band shows how good it is a capturing a mood, particularly the meditative con- tentment of the shimmering gem that is “Inside Out.” There’s a safety in Spoon’s music, and that’s because the band knows how to reach your soul through song.

very musician has to start out somewhere, playing on hometown stages while hon- 2014 LOCAL Eing his or her craft. Luckily for Erie, there are myriad talented artists that call Northwest ALBUMS OF Pennsylvania home, giving locals a chance to see something special whenever they go out and THE YEAR support the scene. Some petty great music came out of Erie County this year, and the Erie Reader is proud to present the best local albums of 2014.

C.Brown, The Charles Brown Project Powerful and provocative hip-hop, The Charles Brown Project packs tense urgency with gritty, intelligent lyrics and over- flowing passion that all result in an album grounded in intro- spection that demands reflection without any alienation – all unfurled in an intensity of his sharp observation that leaves listeners breathless.

NatasK, I Keep It Moving I Keep It Moving’s high-end production and thoughtful genre blending set it apart, as NatasK showcases his talents as more than an EDM artist, displaying fresh perspective on where electronic music’s headed – not where it’s already been. The album spins cleanly front to back, demanding listeners to bask in and absorb its layered richness.

Tyler Smilo, Blood Into Sound Nifty studio effects can be nice, but sometimes simplicity is the best weapon a musician can have. Tyler Smilo embraces the concept on Blood Into Sound, wielding his guitar and pas- sionate vocal delivery to create a stirring 10-song album that hits you right in the gut with its earnestness.

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 24, 2014 TECHNOLOGY

is Puerto Rican? This was an incredible year ning to see the fruits of the maker move- Geeked Out to see comic books begin to address these ment finally take grasp in mainstream. larger issues and begin to give a better rep- From the President of the United States 2014’s Top 10 Moments of Geek Culture resentation for the incredibly diverse world himself acknowledging the importance in which we live. Also, you can factor in that of this manufacturing revolution to the By: John Lindvay Marvel also announced a Black Panther many startups/documentaries/produc- movie! tion breakthroughs that have been ap- s the days become longer and the of Flappy Bird’s success, the App store was pearing, the future will forever be shaped nights become shorter, it’s that time FLOODED with knock-offs of the original. 6. Local Multiplayer Games by this new movement. Ato look back across the passage of In the end, all the attention and debate sur- Holy crap, people – this year was incredible the last twelve months that were 2014. rounding the game resulted in Nguyen pull- if you like playing games with other people 2. Net Neutrality While I am not always a fan of lists – the ing the game down – even though it was a in the same room. Nintendo was killing it 2014 also featured the largest defense of kind that all too often litter websites – I am runaway success, earning him tens of thou- with releasing Mario Kart and TWO Super the Internet to date. Net Neutrality is slow- fond of thinking back on all the great things sands of dollars every day, from a free game Smash Bros. games. Add in the wealth of ly becoming a household term, as the battle that happened in a year. So as we close this serving ads. indie games such as Lethal League, Sports- for how we use and regulate the Internet year and this volume of the Reader, let’s look friends, Crawl, Gang Beasts, Nidhogg, and continues to be waged. It has been a busy back at all that was awesome geeky, nerdy, 8. Serial Towerfall. Heck, I’ve already sunk countless year for this particular sortie since the Su- and amazing in 2014. Look, I am a podcaster myself, so maybe hours into the multiplatform Plants vs Zom- preme Court struck down the loose struc- this is self-aggrandizing, but Serial is literal- bies: Garden Warfare, an amazing spin off ture the FCC had in place to regulate the 10. Star Wars ly the best use of podcasting to date. We are from the critically acclaimed tower defense utility of the 21st century. Now the battle This Thanksgiving, our table conversa- all familiar with the standout podcasts like game. rages on for how we classify it and decide tions all revolved around Star Wars. With This American Life, The Nerdist, and Planet who gets to control it. The fight isn’t over, the release of the trailer, everyone quickly Money, but Serial was such a huge success 5. Guardians of the Galaxy and for the benefit of all, we must contin- dusted off their copies of the venerable se- that it helped reinvigorate the medium and Before 2014, I would be hard pressed to ue to work toward keeping the Internet free ries and sat down and washed in the waves make us remember why storytelling in a ra- believe that one of the best movies I would for all who want to work and do business of nostalgia. This new trailer converted us dio/podcast format can be so powerful. see would, one, be a comic book movie, two, on the most important technology of our all back into our former adolescent selves as It has become a ritual for me on Thursdays feature a team of four people with no super lifetime. we remembered what it was like when we to sit down and find out the next turn to Ad- powers, and three, feature a soundtrack watched Star Wars for the first time. nan’s story. comprised of old pop hits from the ‘80s. 1. SPACE! Just think about that trailer for a minute. For those not in the know and not tun- But it’s obvious now to anyone who has I’ve said it once, but let me say it again… It was perfect – the first few shots were that ing in regularly, Serial reexamines the case seen Guardians of the Galaxy that all those WE ARE GOING TO MARS! This year has of people, and it wasn’t until moments later against Adnan Syed, who was convicted for above statements are absolutely true. With been incredible if you geek out about out- when the CG kicked in that we all got chills the murder, by strangulation, of his ex-girl- this film, Marvel has completely established er space. From all the amazing discoveries as we watched the Millennium Falcon soar friend Hae Min Lee. Most of the trail was themselves as a major player in Hollywood. from the Curiosity Rover – including water through the sky. based on a sole testimony by Adnan’s friend For better or worse, prepare for a LOT of and organic compounds on Mars – to the The hype is palpable. Jay. All of this took place over 15 years ago comic book movies coming out in the next European Space Agency’s Rosetta Comet back in 1999 when they were all in high twenty years. Landing mission, space geeks like me have 9. Flappy Bird school. been all a twitter. Factor in the new Orion Flappy Bird wasn’t released this year, but it In a world where investigative reporting 4. The Lego Movie space vessel and the amazing new rockets definitely ended up on everyone’s radar in has been snuffed out of major cable news, The Lego Movie was an unexpected plea- of the Space Launch System and we space the early part of 2014. Flappy Bird was the Sarah Koenig and Serial remind us that sure. With very little idea of what a Lego nerds can barely contain ourselves. The phenomenon of Dong Nguyen, an indepen- sometimes a story takes time to properly movie would be like or even about, I was future is now and deep space exploration dent game designer from Vietnam. It was formulate, and even then it can still be a stunned. The Lego Movie not only captures is almost at our fingertips. It is an incredi- a phenomenon in the truest sense. Nearly mess. the essence of what the act of playing with ble time to be alive, knowing that in twenty everyone was talking about Flappy Bird, the iconic toy is like, it also has such a soft years a human will walk on the surface of gaming publications were blindsided by 7. Comic Books touch on dealing with much more real in- Mars and will then come home to tell us all the skyrocket of interest in this game, and Yes, comic books! While they aren’t new by terpersonal issues we as humans face. And about it. many game designers were split on whether any means, this year was an amazing year the end, where it pulls back to a story about to celebrate its simplicity or cry foul. for comic books’ ever-growing diverse fan a father and son, is deftly executed. John Lindvay can be contacted at Regardless of what you thought of the base. Who would’ve know that in 2014 we [email protected]. You can matter, Flappy Bird highlighted a known is- would see Captain America’s shield passed 3. 3D Printing follow him on Twitter @Fightstrife. sue in the game development community to a black man, Thor’s mighty Mjolnir wield- 3D Printing continues to amaze me in ev- to the outside world: Cloning. In the wake ed by a woman, and have a Spider-Man who ery conceivable way. This year we are begin- Sponsored by: Epic WebStudios

December 24, 2014 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 SPORTS

ER Sports Mid-Season Report Card for Local Men’s College Basketball Teams

By: James R. LeCorchick

HE 2014-15 MEN’S COLLEGE basket- Edinboro University women’s ball season has been extremely excit- basketball coach Stan Swank Ting, and if the 2015 segment is half as (center) celebrated his 500th win entertaining, this will be something special. recently. Joining him were Boro As we head into the holiday break, the Erie Reader will take a glimpse back and hand out Athletic Director Bruce Baumgartner mid-term grades for the four squads. and VP of student affairs Kahan Please take note the schools are listed al- Sablo. phabetically, so there can be no whining about playing favorites due to placement. Keep in mind, too, that the winner of the of 5-2, despite being a team that was deci- PSAC West will host the state tournament mated by injuries at the beginning of the this season. And these games are going to be season. The Hurst will be a factor in the new amazing. year, as Manchel’s teams are always strong on defense and this year’s edition is no ex- EDINBORO UNIVERSITY – The Fighting ception. Scots enter the holiday break with a 5-5 mark PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Manchel, in his 12th season on the hill, saw overall and a 3-4 chart in the PSAC West. The ter the first of the year with hoop leader Gan- Bench strength is aided by local products the Lakers give up just 60.3 PPG last season, Boro squad has several excruciating losses non and a solo contest with second-place Mike Beck (McDowell) and Jeremy Lynch second best in the country, MU winning 17 on their record, but are still in a position to Mercyhurst. (Cathedral Prep). games and advancing to the PSAC final four make a strong run at the playoffs. Making the Scots so dangerous is the one- Cleary has put together a team that is get- for the second time in three seasons. The charges of Coach Pat Cleary have four two punch of junior Henri Wade-Chatman ting better every outing and plays an exciting As is the case with most PSAC teams, close setbacks by a combined 16 points, including (19.3) PPG and General McLane redshirt brand of hoops. Look for them to be in the games are a way of life, but the setback that league losses to California (69-63), Slippery freshman Jaymon Mason (15.2 PPG), the playoff chase right down to the final game. stung the most was the defeat to Gannon Rock (69-65), Mercyhurst (67-65), and Ship- ex-Lancer in the hunt for PSAC Freshman of This is a tough team to grade, but the close when the Lakers led 41-26 with 10 minutes pensburg (57-53). the Year honors. He has been named PSAC losses do hurt. A couple of key hoops would left. Gannon’s Adam Blazek hit a three-point- Edinboro has shown it can play with anyone Western Division Freshman of the Week have them hovering near a solid A, but facts er with seconds remaining to give his team in the league and will have two meetings af- twice already. are facts. the two-point win. MID-TERM GRADE: C+ However, Manchel’s team is in a great posi- tion and will be fighting to best the host team GANNON UNIVERSITY – The Golden in the PSAC post-season playoffs. MU is defi- Knights’ John Reilly celebrated his 400th nitely doing much better than expected. victory recently, but he’s looking to add a MID-TERM GRADE: B+ lot more in the win column, and his team is poised for a strong run after the holidays as PENN STATE BEHREND – Coach Dave The Golden Knights are playing some of the Niland’s crew has roared out of the starting best-ever-seen basketball at the Hammermill gate with seven straight wins, the Cubs top- Center. GU is allowing a meager 56.3 PPG ping Thiel (74-63), Westminster (80-74), Al- while posting an overall record 8-4 with six legheny (63-51), D’Youville (67-57), LaRoche straight wins. (57-40), Fredonia (71-48), and Penn State Al- Gannon is the lone undefeated team in the toona (71-43). The Cubs are 4-0 at home, 3-0 PSAC, East or West, with a 7-0 chart. on the road and 3-0 in conference play. Leading the scoring charge is the senior dy- PSB is averaging 69 PPG and allowing just namic duo of four-year starter Adam Blazek 62 PPG while limiting the opposition to a (16 PPG) and Girbran Smith (14.4 PPG), field goal percentage of 37 percent. while powerful Raphael Thomas-Edwards Coach Niland’s crew has four players aver- is close to averaging a double-double with aging double figures, seniorNick Delisio 10.8 PPG and 9.6 RPG. A’Darius Porter con- leading the way with 14.7 PPG, junior Zane tributes a healthy 6.7 PPG and 8.1 RPG. Hackett in with 12.9, sophomore Wes Dav- The Golden Ones are close to an A+ but also ic at 10.7, and senior Keith Wallace tossing close to a D. If you attend one of their con- in 10.9 PPG. Sophomore Malquan Pullium tests, you are probably going to see a contest contributes 9.4 points every outing. Davic go down to the wire. The four losses could’ve leads the work on the boards with 12 RPG been wins, but several of the wins – includ- and Hackett grabs seven missed shots every ing a pair of OT contests – could’ve gone the contest. other way, too. The Cubs are solid at both ends of the court, GU should be in every remaining game, and Niland could have one of his better just on its unbelievably intensive defensive teams ever. The PSB boss is in his 21st season effort. and has compiled 394 wins, including seven MID-TERM GRADE: A NCAA appearances. MID-TERM GRADE: A MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY – Coach Gary Manchel has one of the top surprise James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at teams in the PSAC, as the Lakers show an [email protected], and you overall record of 8-4 and a conference chart can follow him on Twitter @JRLSports.

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