Erie's Mayor Speaks on the Rise in Crime and Violence in the City

Home , Another Summer Night, Digging for Fire, Psychostick, Sing into My Mouth, The Black Messiah

The local voice for news, arts, and culture. with SINNOTT Erie’s Mayor Speaks on the Rise in Crime and Violence in the City August 5 - 18, 2015 / Vol. 5, No. 16 / ErieReader.com

ATTACK OF BEARDED BABY THE PACA CELEBRATE ERIE GALLABALOO SUMMER JAM AT BT IS TODAY THE DAY YOU IGNITE YOUR FUTURE? If you have the spark, we have the programs to guide you toward a rewarding career. FORTIS offers programs in the following areas: Nursing • Medical/Dental • Business I.T. • Skilled Trades • Cosmetology

CALL 1.800.555.7600 TEXT “IGNITE” TO 367847

FORTIS.EDU IGNITE YOUR FUTURE

FORTIS INSTITUTE 5757 WEST 26TH STREET, ERIE, PA 16506 Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. Career Placement Assistance for All Graduates. For consumer information, visit Fortis.edu. From The Editors ter @Snevets_Yaj, as he’ll soon be launch- ing a podcast amongst what we’re sure or better or for worse, Erie has spent in search of a silver-bullet-proof-vest an- will be many other creative ventures. nearly a decade with Mayor Joe Sin- swer but to offer a longform interview he next installment of Erie Gives Fnott. And for better or for worse, that would fill as many pages as possible TDay falls on Tuesday, Aug. 11. From 8 Sinnott, who ran unopposed for his final and address as many topics as they could a.m. to 8 p.m., Erieites have a twelve-hour of three terms, reaching the imposed limit fit in. window to donate to the nonprofit of on all mayors after Lou Tullio’s two-de- Does it answer everything? No. Does it their choice. And if past years’ successes cade long stand, isn’t an out-and-front cover all topics from all angles? No. Does and the swell of donations as the event kind of guy. it provide a continuation of the conversa- continues to grow are any indications, Editors-in-Chief: Although there had been some grum- tion in the form of a five-thousand word we can expect to see record numbers yet Brian Graham & Adam Welsh blings in years and terms past, not much dialogue that seeks to move the discus- again. Which spells a good day for non- Managing Editor: was made of the public perception of sion of crime and violence and how the profits throughout the region, as the Erie Ben Speggen Erie’s Mayor. Maybe because citizens Erie community and the City of Erie Ad- Community Foundation also provides a Contributing Editor: thought he was doing the job well. Maybe ministration address the most pressing prorated match to all donations. Jim Wertz because no one cared. Maybe because it concern facing us today? Yes. For many nonprofits, this day, this Arts & Culture Editor: hadn’t been a matter of life or death, yet. We hope that at the very least this helps twelve-hour window, provides the op- Alex Bieler But after the alarming uptick in crime clarify how the Mayor sees his role in this portunity to secure the funds necessary Contributors: and violence throughout the City, many conversation. At the very most, we hope to sustain their organizations and their Lisa Austin, Civitas began questioning his public policy — that it’s a conversation you’ll join, too, so missions in order to ultimately give back Mary Birdsong Katie Chriest and there’s a trail to follow one of those that it doesn’t end here. to the community. So it seems odd at best Rick Filippi conversation threads. Local businessman hat does end here, in this issue, that again the Erie Regional Chamber and Frank Garland Dale McBrier questioning the Mayor at Wis the longest running column in Growth Partnership is using the day to James R. LeCorchick an open forum on violence, to which Erie the Reader, Street Corner Soapbox. Aside raise funds for... fireworks. John Lindvay Bob Protzman Times-News Pat Howard responded in his from his always on-point commentary, “Your support is critical in raising ade- Dan Schank op-ed, titularly arguing that “Erie needs longtime Reader contributor Jay Stevens quate funds to ensure the return of Boom William G. Sesler Mayor Sinnott to raise his expectations,” has profiled swimmers, teachers, and Over the Bay next summer!” read at email Chris Sexauer to which Sinnott — against his normal chefs. He’s authored outstanding fea- that went out July 30. “Thanks in part Tommy Shannon Ryan Smith policy of not addressing editorials — fired tures on the Eerie Roller Girls, the Pater- to YOUR generosity, the ERCPG and the Jay Stevens back, defending his stance and his actions. no scandal and Erie’s role in it, Lake Erie Flagship Niagara League brought back Rebecca Styn In short, Sinnott sees the City’s core and the environmental threats facing it. the BOOM this past 4th of July!”, it con- Sara Toth competencies being that of law enforce- He covered the controversy surrounding tinued. Bryan Toy Jim Wertz ment and public services, jobs programs raw milk and numerous political events, Doesn’t the Chamber have a strong a secondary concern, and social services and he penned the first coverage of Erie’s enough network of businesses that could Cover Photo: Brad Triana not a role the City should play. bayfront development on the former GAF fund this if a true desire for fireworks And in short, people want answers, and site. is clear and present? Must donors with Cover Design: Liz Venuto they want them now. But you likely knew all of that already. limited resources truly choose between Photographers: So Managing Editor Ben Speggen wrote What you may not have known was that funding their own firework show or any Ryan Smith the Mayor an email. In it, he offered the Jay and his family have since moved to one of the various organizations, like the Brad Triana chance to go on record, the chance to meet Minneapolis. And as Jay puts it in his Erie Neighborhood Watch Council, that Designers: off record — either way, the chance to get farewell column, which you’ll find in this endeavor to address, curb, and reduce vi- Mark Kosobucki to know more about the Mayor’s philos- issue, “you just can’t write for a place like olence in our community? Liz Venuto ophy and vision. Mayor Sinnott respond- Erie without living in a place like Erie.” Let’s also remember that ERCGP tried Interns: ed, said he wanted to go on record, a date We wish him the best of luck as he starts this last year with a target goal of $40,000, Lauren Griffith Emily Hanisek was set, and Ben and Contributing Editor drafting the next chapter of his life. And falling quite short by netting less than Candice Martone Jim Wertz headed down to City Hall, not we encourage you to follow him on Twit- $9,000. Nicolas Miller Jim Wertz explores this issue more 1001 State St. Suite 901 fully in his regular column in this issue, Erie, Pa., 16501 Contents — August 5, 2015 where he explains that this has never [email protected] been about fireworks, but instead the Street Corner Soapbox 4 fact that a campaign exists to siphon The Erie Reader is the local voice for news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only Farewell, Erie. off critical funds from culturally-en- independent, alternative newspaper. Founded in 2010, the Reader has quickly Erie At Large 5 riching, social-oriented, educational- become the region’s award-winning source ly-based organizations — for fireworks. for arts coverage, a strong cultural compass, Erie Gives Day: an annual day of giving worthy of a fireworks display. and a dynamic resource for news and Because let’s be honest: If there’s opinion. With a dedication to long-form journalism and a commitment to provoking News of the Weird 6 anything that’s simply “just for show,” thoughtful discussion, the Reader tells the Harrisburg Happenings 9 stories of the people and places making and it’s fireworks — bursts of colorful gun- shaping Erie, while highlighting the events The budget impasse continues. powder in the night sky over which and issues influencing life in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published we ohhhh and ahhhh but for a brief every other week and distributed at over 250 West Erie Wonder Years 11 high foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania Local developers re-imagine historic plaza. moment, only to return to the very from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In real and very present threat of gun- addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content daily at ErieReader.com as Geeked Out 37 fire throughout our city. Competing well social media sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 Kepler 452b gives us hope. in a limited marketplace against orga- State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of nizations in search of real solutions to this publication may be reproduced without ER Sports 38 permission. The opinions of our columnists make Erie a safer, better place to live in and contributors are their own and do not The Otters enter the Jim Waters era, and Jim LeCorchick is convinced that always reflect that of the editorial board or greatness lies ahead for the team. simply to fund fireworks is a lot of tak- organization. Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 or [email protected]. ing without much giving back.

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION Street Corner Soapbox Farewell, Erie. 1 item per coupon consignment items plant and got to stand at the top of the excluded expires 8/18/15 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! By: Jay Stevens incinerator tower and look over the bay. Summer “The view is breath-taking,” I wrote T-Shirts hen I moved to Erie almost then. “On one side are the settling are in! eight years ago, the first tanks. They look like swimming pools thing I noticed was the tail- – at least half a dozen in neat rows, Earthshine Company W gaters. Drivers in Erie love to tailgate. filled with oily brown sewage. Some are 118 Meadville St. It doesn't matter where you are driving. swirling and bubbling like hot tubs, and Downtown Edinboro 814.734.5858 It doesn't matter how fast you're going. you have to remind yourself the jets are You could be on I-90, 12th Street, or in a feeding air to feces-eating bacteria. On goddamned parade on State, there'll be the other side is the lake and peninsu- someone on your ass minutes after you la, and as the Assistant Bureau Chief take to the road. and I stand talking on the incinerator, Once I was driving on a residential the Niagara rounds the point with sails

street, going maybe 30 or 35 in a 25 CONTRIBUTED PHOTO aflutter, emerging from the bay. I point miles-per-hour zone at the back end of The author of Street Corner Soapbox out the swallows that dart among the a long string of cars, when a kid pulled columns and many Reader features, Jay settling tanks. up behind me and got so close I couldn't Stevens bids adieu. “'Like the Capastrano swallows,' says see his headlights, his grill, the front the Assistant Bureau Chief, 'they return half of his hood. If he were any closer, to knock over people's garbage cans on every year.'” he'd be in my back seat. What's he do- that block!” ing? I thought. Does he think he's going And that, too, sums up Erie. to make me go faster? And then, across a So does the storm that blew over the That’s Erie, isn’t it? Deeply double-yellow line, a residential street! Flagship Niagara on her way back from a Saturday afternoon! kids out on their Lake Ontario. She was nearly home. weird and listless at bikes! he passes us all. You could see the entrance to the har- times – but then full of Which reminds me of one of the first bor ahead, the smokestack in front of surprises, and vitality. columns I ever wrote for the Erie Read- the Erie Maritime Museum beyond, er, about crosswalks, and how danger- Presque Isle on our right. The storm, ous they were because no one stops to a solid black cloud laced with brilliant let you across. Commuters won't stop streaks of lightning, raced over us and That's Erie, isn't it? Deeply weird and for schoolkids – unless there's a cross- we had to drop anchor, ride it out. The listless at times – but then full of sur- ing guard, and even then it's dicey. I captain ordered lifejackets, the rain prises, and vitality. If you're trying to, I held my breath every time our crossing hit us hard and cold, blown sideways don't know, build an inland port, it can guard stepped into the street. And I've by a force 10 wind, and one of the high be a frustrating place. But if you're a seen cars skid through the crosswalk school trainees was crying, but there writer, Erie is a rich and fertile ground with my kids in it, nearly running over wasn't much you could say to him be- for your work. Thanks to the Erie Read- their toes. cause, yeah, right now you can imagine er, I got to know this city intimately. It seems like everybody's in a hurry to the ship sinking right here, just outside Without the Reader housing my work get someplace else. the harbor. and sending me on assignments to meet Which pretty much sums up Erie. And then, like that, the rain stops, the with people I'd otherwise never know And then there's this. Someone I wind calms, the cloud barks and shakes and to go places I didn't know existed, talked to for a Reader story, also origi- its way up the coastline to Buffalo. The my life in Erie would have been small. nally from out of town. We were com- anchor's retrieved, the sun's out, and a So maybe you can see where this is miserating about how tribal Erie can rainbow arcs over the trees and beach- going. I am done. I'll no longer write for be. How friendships and rivalries go es of Presque Isle, and that, too, is Erie. this paper in your hands. Last summer back decades, and how hard it can be So is picking blueberries, peaches, and I moved to Minneapolis, and I hung on sometimes to make friends, bust into green beans. And planting green on- to the Reader as long as I could, but the community. Living in Erie, he said, ions with a stick until the backs of your you just can't write for a place like Erie is like living at a perpetual high school thighs ache. And leaning back on the without living in a place like Erie. This reunion for a school you never went to. hill at Liberty Park with a beer, listening is my farewell column. How many times people asked what to music. And the pirate wolf's head on So, goodbye, Erie. And thank you. You street and block I lived on, and then the crisp, white shirts of our SeaWolves were an excellent neighbor and friend, how they had a friend who grew up at Jerry Uht Park. And gagging a little and you'll live with me always. in the house next door, or how they at the smell as you round the corner of themselves grew up in the house next the Bayfront Parkway where the waste- For just two weeks more from the door. Once I was at a party, started water treatment plant sits. date this issue hits stands, you talking with a guy. As part of our small Did you know I wrote a piece about can contact Jay Stevens at Jay@ talk, where I lived in Erie came up. “No the plant? Not unless you're my editor. ErieReader.com. You can follow shit!” he said. “When I was a kid, I used It never got to print. But I toured the him on Twitter @Snevets_Yaj.

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Erie At Large

Erie Gives Day: an annual day of giving worthy of a fireworks display. TV 54.1 • Radio 91.3FM • WQLN Education • Q-Media Schedule Highlights MAF04

By: Jim Wertz schools and museums to soup kitchens the region’s leading businesses would and safe harbor locations for victims of siphon much needed funds away from ere we go again. It was around domestic violence. In short, there are the regions culturally-centered and so- this time last year that I pub- some very worthy organizations that cial service-oriented nonprofit groups Hlished 270 words at ErieReader. rely on Erie Gives Day to help make op- in order to fund a fireworks display com calling into question the ethics erating budgets whole. that could easily be supported by a of the Erie Regional Chamber and small partnership of a few key commu- Growth Partnership’s campaign to col- nity-minded members of the ERCGP. lect money from the citizens of Erie Moreover, the fact that we must re- for a “Boom Over the Bay” fireworks Last year the visit the very same episode on an an- display, using the Erie Community nual basis is a high-definition illustra- Foundation’s “Erie Give’s Day” as its Chamber asked tion of the lack of creative thinking fundraising mechanism. Needless to that permeates economic policy and say, I was underwhelmed to learn that the community to socio-political agendas throughout the the ERCGP was once again initiating a region. In twelve months since failing campaign to raise money for fireworks pony up $40,000, to meet its funding goals in 2014, the through Erie Gives Day, which will be but fell woefully organization spent no time thinking held on Tuesday, Aug. 11. about creative solutions to a relatively Erie Gives Day provides an annual short of that goal. simple problem; relatively simple, that injection of capital to regional 501(c)3 is, in comparison to gun violence and organizations that are either a mem- job creation. ber of The Nonprofit Partnership or It’s problems like these – symptoms have an Agency Endowment with the Last year the Chamber asked the of poverty, hopelessness, and other en- Erie Community Foundation. The day community to pony up $40,000, but demic economic plagues – the ERCGP of giving began in 2011. From 8 a.m. to 8 fell woefully short of that goal. Scott could participate in solving if it only p.m. people can donate $25 or more to Enterprises pledged $5,000 in seed committed to its "core mission of pro- a nonprofit of their choice. Donations money and other contributors collec- viding the leadership to attract, retain can be made online at ErieGives.org. tively gave $3,366.25. Nevertheless, the and expand business in the region." Last year 5,465 individual donors gave Chamber managed to find a partner for That would be, once again, worthy of a $2,271,693 including prorated matching its fireworks in the Flagship Niagara fireworks display. funds from The Erie Community Foun- League. The bay boomed once more. dation, GE Transportation, Erie Insur- But the issue has never been about Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ ance, and Presque Isle Downs & Casi- fireworks. Rather it’s the fact that an ErieReader.com, and you can follow no. Recipient organizations range from organization comprised of many of him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION

Palm Springs — is the reputed rong Place, Wrong Time: the result of home pregnancy News of the Weird “world’s leader” in prize money W(1) A court in Lincoln, tests. Some women, apparent- ($4,500). [New York Times, 7-6- Nebraska, which had already ly, had discovered the magic By: Chuck Shepherd 2015] sent Paul Boye to prison for at of “Photoshopping” the pink least 10 years for shooting his reading on the home test’s a warning photo of a so-far- girlfriend, ordered him in June strip — to take a faint pink There’s an App for That rare Texas Redhead — an Profile in Leadership to cover her resulting medical line (not a certified pregnan- 8-inch-long centipede with mong the health and fit- aryland state Delegate bills. The woman had taken a cy) to make it bold (pregnant!). gangly white legs tipped with Aness apps for comput- MAriana Kelly was charged .22-caliber bullet, which left a Although the doctor warns of venom-delivering fangs and ers and smartphones are with trespassing and indecent scar cutting right through her the general hazard of “false which eats lizards and toads. sex-tracking programs to doc- exposure in June after she tattoo reading “Happiness Is A positives,” the 415-word news [Business Insider Australia, ument the variety of acts and arrived at her ex-husband’s Warm Gun.” (2) A task force of story does not explain how 6-3-2015] [Washington Post, positions, degrees of frenzy home to drop off their kids and Benton, Arkansas, police and Photoshopping a not-positive 7-6-2015] and lengths of sessions (via learned that his girlfriend was U.S. Marshals tracked down reading into a positive one im- an on-bed motion detector) — inside. According to police, she The Continuing Crisis Tieren Watson, 26, in June af- proves the likelihood of con- and menstrual trackers aimed started banging on the door ter he had spent several days ception. [KPHO-TV, 7-7-2015] at males (to help judge their euters reported in early and ringing the bell repeatedly on the lam as a suspect in a partner’s fertility but also RJuly that a big loser in the and, aware that her husband shooting. When arrested, he her predicted friskiness and nuclear pact between Iran and had a camera trained on the was wearing a T-shirt reading Mangoes in the News likelihood of orgasm). Several six world powers was (since all doorway, she faced it, exposed “You Can Run, But You Can’t osefina Tometich, 64, was ar- have chart- and graph-making negotiators have gone home to her breasts and shook them, Hide.” [Lincoln Journal Star, Jrested in Fort Myers, Florida, potential for data (noise lev- sell the deal) the brothel indus- one in each hand, toward the 6-13-2015] [The Smoking Gun, in June, charged with shooting el, average thrust frequency, try of Vienna, Austria, which lens. Eventually, she dared an 6-18-2015] out the back window of Chris- duration, etc.), and of course, hosted that final round. With officer to arrest her. (The Wash- topher Richey’s pickup. Richey the highlight of many of the so many (male, mostly) diplo- ington Post reported that Kel- Wait, What? had fetched a “perfect-looking” apps is their ability to create mats in town for two stressful ly is a member of a legislative mango from the street in front a “score” to rank performance months, business had been task force studying maternal ine worker Joshua Clay of Tometich’s house, but Tome- — even encouraging compar- robust — especially compared mental health issues.) [Wash- Mclaimed in a lawsuit that tich insisted it was hers since isons across a range of popu- to the previous round in no- ington Post, 7-14-2015] a foreman had twice taunted it had earlier fallen from her lations and geography. (Sociol- toriously expensive Lausanne, him for complaining about tree. (An attorney consulted ogist Deborah Lupton’s app Switzerland. [Reuters, 7-5-2015] Ironies conditions — by restraining by WBBH-TV said wind-blown research was summarized in him and spray-painting his tes- he Undernews From Wim- n 87-year-old man, taking mangoes landing on public the July Harper’s Magazine.) ticles white. Clay filed against bledon: The All England his license renewal driv- property is a legal “gray area.”) [Harper’s, July 2015] T A Kielty Mine in Mingo County, Club, host of tennis’s most hal- ing test in Deerfield, Illinois, (2) In one of the most success- West Virginia, in July, alleging lowed tournament, is, formal- in June, accidentally crashed ful redresses of grievance in We Are Not Alone that the company had forced ly, the All England Lawn Ten- into the driver’s license office history, the Venezuelan gov- cientists from Australia’s him to work on the dirty side nis and Croquet Club, at which (based on brake/accelerator ernment gave Marleny Olivo a James Cook University told of a coal-dust conversion ma- S presumably Britain’s 11,900 confusion). Neither he nor the new apartment in April. Only reporters in June that they chine — a practice forbidden croquet “regulars” aspire to examiner was injured. [Chica- days before, as President Nico- had spotted an aggressive fish by federal regulations — and play — although their British go Tribune, 6-11-2015] las Maduro toured her neigh- that can walk on land making that when he complained, he Open Championship is actual- borhood in Aragua state, she its way toward the country n 83-year-old man, driving was subjected to off-the-books ly held at the nearby Surbiton had hurled a mango at him from Papua New Guinea. The around Cape Coral, Flor- discipline. [Courthouse News, Croquet Club, which this year A with her phone number on it, native freshwater “climbing ida, in May, suffered a fatal 7-16-2015] hosted 50 competitors from hitting him just below the ear. perch” can live out of water for heart attack at the wheel, and four continents, according to a The new president (a “man of days and has survived short the uncontrolled car came to Inexplicable July New York Times dispatch. the people”) called her, listened saltwater treks from PNG to- rest in shrubbery ringing the KPHO-TV news story in The leading U.S. player — Ben to her story, and ordered a ward Australia’s Queensland. Florida Heart Associates build- Phoenix featured a local Rothman of Oakland, Califor- A housing upgrade. [WBBH-TV, (2) In July, the Texas Parks and ing. [Fort Myers News-Press, doctor advising expectant nia, the “croquet pro” at Mis- 6-30-2015] [BBC News, 4-25- Wildlife Department posted 5-11-2015] mothers against “tweaking” sion Hills Country Club near 2015]

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA — BY: B. TOY

ERIE GIVES DAY This year your donation will go towards a much-needed, go-anywhere Now with extended evening hours! van to transport our students to events, sports, retreats, activities! General Dentistry August 11 Please give generously to MPS on August 11. WE DO Dental Implants Mark it for MPS! Cosmetic Dentistry IT ALL Braces

吀栀攀洀漀洀攀渀琀栀攀眀愀欀攀猀甀瀀Ⰰ 栀椀猀洀椀渀搀挀愀琀挀栀攀猀漀渀琀栀愀琀猀瀀氀椀琀猀攀挀漀渀搀⸀ 倀甀猀栀椀渀最椀琀愀猀椀搀攀愀最愀椀渀Ⰰ 栀攀最攀琀猀甀瀀愀渀搀眀愀猀栀攀猀琀栀攀猀氀攀攀瀀昀爀漀洀栀椀猀攀礀攀猀⸀ 䠀攀昀氀漀愀琀猀琀栀爀漀甀最栀栀椀猀搀愀礀㨀栀椀猀琀漀爀礀挀氀愀猀猀Ⰰ 氀甀渀挀栀Ⰰ 琀栀攀爀愀瀀礀Ⰰ 戀愀猀欀攀琀戀愀氀氀瀀爀愀挀琀椀挀攀⸀ 䠀攀猀洀椀氀攀猀琀漀栀椀洀猀攀氀昀㨀吀甀攀猀搀愀礀洀攀愀渀猀猀眀椀洀洀椀渀最愀昀琀攀爀搀椀渀渀攀爀⸀ 吀栀攀礀ᤠ爀攀欀椀渀搀琀漀栀椀洀栀攀爀攀⸀ 倀愀琀椀攀渀琀 ⴀ 攀瘀攀渀漀渀琀栀攀戀愀搀搀愀礀猀⸀ 䠀椀猀唀渀椀琀䴀愀渀愀最攀爀琀攀氀氀猀挀漀爀渀礀樀漀欀攀猀氀椀欀攀栀椀猀䄀甀渀琀匀愀爀愀栀Ⰰ 愀渀搀琀漀搀愀礀栀攀最漀琀愀䈀⬀ 漀渀栀椀猀最攀漀洀攀琀爀礀焀甀椀稀⸀ 䠀攀眀愀渀琀猀琀漀琀愀氀欀愀戀漀甀琀椀琀㨀琀漀挀爀礀Ⰰ 琀漀礀攀氀氀Ⰰ 琀漀氀攀琀椀琀愀氀氀漀甀琀漀昀琀栀攀搀愀爀欀渀攀猀猀 ⴀ 戀甀琀琀栀攀眀漀爀搀猀猀琀椀挀欀椀渀栀椀猀琀栀爀漀愀琀⸀ 倀愀渀椀挀猀眀攀氀氀猀椀渀栀椀猀挀栀攀猀琀⸀ 䠀椀猀琀栀漀甀最栀琀猀搀椀猀猀漀氀瘀攀愀渀搀猀挀愀琀琀攀爀愀猀栀椀猀栀攀愀爀琀爀愀挀攀猀⸀ 䘀漀爀渀漀眀Ⰰ 琀栀攀爀攀愀爀攀渀ᤠ琀眀漀爀搀猀⸀⸀⸀戀甀琀琀栀攀爀攀椀猀栀椀猀猀漀渀最⸀

倀猀礀挀栀椀愀琀爀椀挀刀攀猀椀搀攀渀琀椀愀氀䌀愀爀攀 ⴀ 䘀愀洀椀氀礀吀栀攀爀愀瀀礀 ⴀ 吀爀攀愀琀洀攀渀琀䘀漀猀琀攀爀䌀愀爀攀㔀㜀㄀㈀䤀爀漀焀甀漀椀猀䄀瘀攀渀甀攀Ⰰ 䠀愀爀戀漀爀挀爀攀攀欀 ⴀ 㠀㄀㐀ⴀ㠀㤀㤀ⴀ㜀㘀㘀㐀 ⴀ 眀眀眀⸀栀礀猀ⴀ攀爀椀攀⸀漀爀最

䜀椀瘀攀愀瘀漀椀挀攀琀漀欀椀搀猀眀栀漀愀爀攀栀攀愀氀椀渀最昀爀漀洀琀爀愀甀洀愀搀甀爀椀渀最䔀爀椀攀䜀椀瘀攀猀漀渀䄀甀最甀猀琀㄀㄀琀栀㨀礀漀甀爀搀漀渀愀琀椀漀渀眀椀氀氀栀攀氀瀀瀀爀漀瘀椀搀攀瀀爀漀瘀攀渀䴀甀猀椀挀Ⰰ 䄀爀琀Ⰰ 愀渀搀䴀漀瘀攀洀攀渀琀吀栀攀爀愀瀀椀攀猀愀琀䠀愀爀戀漀爀挀爀攀攀欀夀漀甀琀栀匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀猀⸀ 䘀漀爀洀漀爀攀椀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀愀戀漀甀琀栀漀眀眀攀栀攀氀瀀欀椀搀猀Ⰰ 琀栀攀椀爀昀愀洀椀氀椀攀猀Ⰰ 愀渀搀琀栀攀挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀Ⰰ 瘀椀猀椀琀眀眀眀⸀栀礀猀ⴀ攀爀椀攀⸀漀爀最℀

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Harrisburg Happenings The budget impasse continues. tingency plans are only a dream. What By: Senator Sean D. Wiley happens then? Do those organizations then find a source of income in the ive weeks … and counting. Thir- form of a loan or do those services con- ty-five days ago Gov. Tom Wolf tinue to operate without any revenue? Fsent the Pennsylvania budget bill Or does this community and commu- back to the General Assembly to restart nities all across the Commonwealth the negotiating process, and since that find themselves without vital human veto, both chambers of the General As- services? sembly have convened for legislative School districts will also be in the session without considering any bud- same predicament when students re- get specific bills. turn to the classrooms in just three So where are we? Still at the prover- weeks. How long can a school district bial square-one with only a series of like Erie’s Public Schools survive with- closed-door meetings on which to hang out state funding? I mentioned not our legislative hats. having a crystal ball in my July column, Leadership in all four caucuses has and I still don’t have one, but one is indicated that negotiations do contin- not required to see that this Common- ue while mainstream media continues wealth is on the precipice of a crisis. to beat the drum of a ‘budget impasse’ The voters in this Commonwealth and a ‘budget stalemate.’ How stale made their priorities clear by changing those conversations may be remains leadership in the Governor’s office and to be seen, but they do look to be quite chewy as the weeks drag on. Shortly, there will be sweeping At the core of the impasse lies a true consequences to this impasse. philosophical difference in how the State funding for critical social Commonwealth spends its money and service programs will stop makes its money. It is similar to a dis- flowing, forcing many to enact agreement in a household as to how and when the bills should be paid and contingency plans. who will be working at what job to gar- ner the necessary income. rallying behind a necessary fresh start. Gov. Wolf has made it abundantly The General Assembly, elected by the clear since taking office earlier this people to do the people’s work, needs year that he will not accept “business to actually listen to the voice of the as usual” in constructing a spending voter where those voices are singing plan and any plan to be considered a chorus of property tax reform and must include a number of priorities: a increased education funding though a severance tax to fund our schools, an tax on natural gas with lyrics that in- 2015 atypical formula specific to proper- clude a government that works. ty tax levies, and a plan of attack for What we are doing is not working. the unfunded pension liability of the And I say we loosely, but I am lumped Commonwealth by modernizing the into the same batter as my colleagues state-controlled liquor system. across the aisle who continue to bury Republican leadership continues to their heads in the sand, as we all make fail in sharing those priorities while up the General Assembly. rebuking the Governor at every turn. The Senate is not scheduled to return When one has an overwhelming ma- to voting session until the middle of jority in both the House and the Sen- September, but it remains under the ate, one can do that. But those rebukes call of the President Pro Tempore to NOMINATIONS have led to 35 days and beyond. initiate session earlier. Every move, ev- Shortly, there will be sweeping conse- ery step, and every conversation needs quences to this impasse. State funding to be strategic in ending this deadlock. CLOSE AUG. 18 for critical social service programs will It is not an exaggeration to say that stop flowing, forcing many to enact lives depend on it. contingency plans. As we all know, many of the smaller Senator Sean D. Wiley can be agencies have a tough enough time contacted at SenatorWiley@ VOTING BEGINS keeping the lights on and the payroll PaSenate.com, and you can follow obligation met each month and con- him on Twitter @SenatorWiley. AUG. 20

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 Q&A How do I get ﬁber internet to my home? Q Let’s walk through the process...

Visit www.vnet ber.com and complete the survey. Once the survey has been completed, your address will be added to A the VNET Fiber map.

Look Mr. Deuterman, someone else has completed the survey!

When there is enough interest in a particular VNET will then help to spread the word in your neighborhood with neighborhood, VNET will start taking pre-orders barbecues and other awareness initiatives. for service. How do I Who‛s hungry?! sign up? How fast is it?

Not so much here...

or here... but right here.

Once enough households have committed with pre-orders, VNET fiber

HowHurray fast is it? engineers will begin installing fiber to each home. for fiber!

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 BUSINESS West Erie Wonder Years Local developers re-imagine historic plaza. .com BRAD TRIANA

By: Jim Wertz ed thousands. In recent years, into the design. ing redefined. . vnetﬁber the plaza became little more VCG also set up a suggestion “I think people see the work ong before the marquee than a relic, supporting its few box on site before construction we’ve done and the different ten- came down at the Plaza remaining tenants, but serving began and established a Face- ants that we’ve already brought www Cinema in West Erie Plaza, most people with only a dose of book page to solicit feedback in and they want to be a part of L facebook.com/ vnetfiber the Plaza lights had gone dim. nostalgia, be it memories of the on the redevelopment and to it,” says Chris Greene, a manag- Several businesses remained music lessons taken in Osiecki keep the public engaged in the ing partner in VCG Properties. there despite the fact that the Music or the kisses stolen in a process. Most of the comments Hertel and Brown Physical property had not been upkept in dark theater at Dipson’s Plaza were positive, but many people Therapy and Dairy Queen oc- ested by taking the survey at: any substantive way for sever- Cinema. wanted to preserve the old the- cupy the plaza’s only renovated al decades. It’s hard to renovate “Let’s just erase the last 30 ater. spaces at what will eventually ourGig around tenants, on one hand, years,” says Chris Conrad, man- “I walked into the theater, and be the north end of the plaza, and it’s pretty easy to ignore age aging director of VCG Proper- I wanted it to work,” Conrad re- once the movie theater is com- and time, on the other. ties. “Let’s look at the beginning. members. “It was a great space, pletely removed. The rest of the e inter

A map of the fully stocked You went to the Boston Store, but it wasn’t a viable structure. structure is literally wide open. #GetY West Erie Plaza published in the you went to West Erie Plaza. There was just too much dete- “We took the bones of the

Erie Times-News in 1971 thanked There’s a lot of history here. rioration.” The cinema marquee building down to the nitty-grit- d. Millcreek Police for making the That means there’s a lot of mem- has been crated for safekeeping ty. The only things remaining plaza “a safe place to shop,” and ories here too.” and is incorporated into the final are the firewalls. Everything else in the top corner of the adver- Those memories and the histo- site plan. came out so that we can define tisement an invitation to poten- ry of the West Erie Plaza – a for- Moves like that are an attempt the space as best we can,” Con- tial shoppers read “free parking merly bustling destination com- by developers to show the public rad says.

for thousands.” plete with department stores, that they understand what the VCG Properties is treating this ll us that you’r By the time Erie-based devel- grocers, and even miniature golf space once meant to the com- as an opportunity to bring to Te opment firm VCG Properties – is at the heart of its redevel- munity. Erie the kind of outdoor mall ead the wor acquired the Plaza in 2012, it had opment. Bricks from the movie The redevelopment has en- that other communities across literally been decades since the theater complex, some inscribed tered phase four of the project. the country have experienced parking lot – or the storefronts, with reflections of former pa- Much of the demolition work is since the beginning of the post- for that matter – accommodat- trons, are being incorporated complete. Tenant spaces are be- mall revolution in the late 1990s. Help spr

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 SECTION BRAD TRIANA CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

COMING SOON HELP WANTED ADS POST AND FIND JOBS in the exclusively through ERIE READER ERIEPAJOBS.COM

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 BUSINESS

get or Walmart plazas on upper Peach Page 11: A view of the construction at West Street. Conrad and company under- Erie Plaza from the northeast corner of stand that model; it’s tested and it the property. Left: A concept rendering of planned development, including bike lanes works – it’s just not their approach. and trees. “Placemaking defines your space,” says Conrad. “It defines your future. It defines your tenants. So if you start If you’ve traveled or lived outside of by placemaking and you create a des- Northwestern Pa., you’ve probably tination where there is already traffic, experienced this kind of communi- you have the conditions to bring in ty centered retail space. Wide pave- the right kind of tenants.” ments, bike lanes, and greenspace Greene says he hopes to see a full where people can sit, meet, and enjoy compliment of tenants and completed the space define the area. You spend renovations on the mall structure by as much time milling around and late Spring 2016. hanging out as you do shopping. If public feedback is any indication, “We want people to loiter,” Conrad the community is as hopeful as the quips. “We went through a three- developers for a successful tenure. A year planning process where we re- ten-year old dropped a note in the sug- searched what tenants want, what gestion box asking for a dog park to shoppers want, what’s working and be included in the plans. After signing what’s not working across the United the suggestion, the kid wrote three States and beyond.” times, “We can do this.” And apparently what shoppers and It sounds like someone’s ready to tenants want is not your grandpar- make new memories under those old ents’ stripmall, but it’s also not exactly plaza lights. the big box plazas to which Erie has become accustomed. In those devel- Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ opments, small tenants are situated ErieReader.com, and you can follow next to a major retailer, like the Tar- him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

NO ORDINARY degree

Earn a master’s degree in Special Education from Mercyhurst University — the region’s only graduate program whose focus on autism and applied behavior analysis prepares you to join the ranks of the most sought after teachers, behavior specialists and autism consultants.

SPECIALyou’re EDUCATION invited! GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, August 11 · 5-7 p.m. RSVP & Directions: mercyhurst.edu/ed-openhouse

[email protected] 814-824-2297 mercyhurst.edu/graduate

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 Come and see the unique gift items that capture the essence of Presque Isle

Jewelry HOT DOG! Clothing Local artisan pieces WHAT A and much more DEAL! 500 business cards of same design only $29.50 ($54.00 value) AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST DETAILS: 2 Sided Full Color Glossy, 16 pt. 2015 Cover 4-5 day turn around. *Some Graphics fees may apply.

Go Ask Alice! 814-833-9020 Presque Isle 4523 W. Ridge Road Located in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Peninsula Drive Printing Services Erie, PA 16506 Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm 814.836.9107 DiscoverPI.com @GoAskAlice08 All proceeds are used to enhance Presque Isle State Park www.presqueisleprinting.com

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 FEATURE Sitting Down with Sinnott Erie’s Mayor speaks on the rise in crime and violence in the city BRAD TRIANA

By: Ben Speggen and Jim Wertz to the helmsman to steer us Contributing Editor Jim Wertz through to the brighter, safer (far left) and Manging Editor Ben Speggen met with Mayor Joe rie’s 47th Mayor took uate, a practicing lawyer, and his administration’s concerns. potential on the horizon. Sinnott (right) in his office in City office amidst choppy a one-term member of City He says he campaigned on the From City Council candi- Hall to discuss the reason rise in Ewaters. In 2005, the City Council who opted to swing core competencies of the City dates to local reporters to con- crime and violence in Erie. found itself adrift politically, from the legislative branch to being that of law enforcement cerned citizens, many hold the unsure how to cope with the the executive. But unlike his and public services. Jobs pro- perception that the Mayor’s tained by public marches and then subsiding tide of the real predecessor, Sinnott – when grams were secondary and preferred role out of the spot- demonstrations. estate scandal that severely all’s said and done – will have social services, the Mayor has light means he “doesn’t care, Mayor Joe Sinnott says he weakened at best and wrecked held the Mayor’s office three echoed throughout the years, is aloof, and is disconnected,” has solutions to the current at worst Incumbent Mayor times, reaching the maximum are not a concern of the City. as one City Councilman re- crime plaguing our City. He Rick Filippi’s run at a second term limit. Moreover, he didn’t Despite the recent rise in marked. His resignation has recently sat down with Con- term. Although Filippi was ac- face a single challenger on the crime, comparatively, Erie is been called for in the pages tributing Editor Jim Wertz and quitted on all charges – from ballot in either bid for re-elec- still a relatively safe city when of the Erie Times-News, after Managing Editor Ben Speggen criminal conspiracy, to con- tion, suggesting we’d reached stacked against the national he responded to Pat Howard’s to answer their questions flict of interest, to accepting calm waters and a cool breeze. average, as examined in the in- column “Erie needs Mayor Sin- about his plans, his philoso- improper influence, which re- Read recent headlines or augural Jefferson Essay, pub- nott to raise his expectations.” phy on City government, and sulted from his involvement in watch the top-of-the-hour lished by the City’s think tank, Admittedly – even opening his decision to publicly de- a company interested in pur- reports and it’s impossible to The Jefferson Educational So- with it in his response to How- fend his image and his actions chasing land for an $80 million ignore the rash of crime and ciety. ard – Sinnott hasn’t been one against violence as our Mayor. gambling complex – he lost the violence across the City. But times change, crime to respond publically to edito- Ben Speggen: You said in the election to then-City Council- Yet since he took office in evolves, and solutions remain rial commentary. But he did. Lisa Adams’ [of WICU] inter- man Joseph Sinnott. 2006, Sinnott says that ad- elusive. And he’s defended his view view that at the forefront of Like his predecessor, Sinnott dressing crime and violence Again, we find ourselves in that he’s seeking substantive your administration has been was a Gannon University grad- has been at the forefront of choppy waters and looking results – something not ob- targeting [Cont. on page 31]

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 CALENDAR

Wednesday Aug. 5 happily married couple who discover bination of wit and action anticipates a gun and a (potentially human) bone many of the most charismatic block- Digging for Fire Brings while housesitting for a friend. Though busters of recent years. It’s tough to ‘Mumblecore’ to the ostensibly a mystery, there’s far greater imagine Guardians of the Galaxy or Mainstream emphasis on character development Iron Man without it. On the other and interplay among the film’s impres- hand, its handling of race is occasion- sive ensemble cast. Expect to see rising ally troublesome, and its central narra- stars like Brie Larson (21 Jump Street, tive lacks the epic mythology of Ford’s Trainwreck), major stars like Anna Ken- other super-sized contribution to pop- drick (Pitch Perfect), people you most ular culture, the Star Wars trilogy. likely already love (charismatic cow- These concerns are small potatoes boy Sam Elliott), and people you may, though – see it on Aug. 6 at Porreco in fact, loathe (Orlando Bloom, possibly College for its sharp sense of humor, in search of an image makeover). or for Karen Allen’s refreshingly hard-

GARRETT MOTION PICTURES GARRETT MOTION If you’re tired of superheroes and boiled (and hard-drinking) take on the vampires, or if you’ve lamented a lack “damsel in distress.” Hell, see it for its irector Joe Swanberg is a busy guy. of relatable characters at the box of- merciful lack of Shia LeBeouf. And D Over the past ten years, he’s di- fice, drop by the Erie Art Museum on bring the kids – it’s still as welcoming rected 17 feature films – a few of which Aug. 5 for a down-to-earth alternative. and fast-paced as it was in the Reagan helped people like Greta Gerwig and – Dan Schank era. – Dan Schank

Mark Duplass become recognizable PICTURES PARAMOUNT stars. He’s considered one of the key 7 p.m. // Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. // 9 p.m. // Edinboro University’s Porreco figures of the “mumblecore” move- erieartmuseum.org/events/film.html diana Jones, Harrison Ford’s combina- College, 2951 W. 38th St. // Bring blankets ment, which emphasizes naturalistic tion of swagger, sarcasm, tough love, or lawn chairs for an outdoor screening dialogue and relatable, everyday expe- Thursday, Aug. 6 and bravery exemplified everything // edinboro.edu/porreco-college/movies- riences (usually alongside a bare-bones Raiders of the Lost Ark I wanted to be around age ten (save under-the-stars.html budget). Directors like Woody Allen maybe a ninja?). I can even remember and Eric Rohmer anticipate the style, is Still the Gold Standard my disappointment when my father in- Thursday, Aug. 6 and contemporary filmmakers like for ‘80s Action formed me that real archeologists were Dramashop puts new spin Lena Dunham (creator of HBO’s Girls) s a suburban boy in the ‘80s, Raid- more likely to work in a university lab have certainly been influenced by it. on Shakespeare Classic ers of the Lost Ark was as beloved than an Egyptian pit filled with cobras. Digging for Fire promises to stick to A Raiders and inescapable a part of my upbring- So how does hold up over 30 hakespeare’s plays aren’t for every- the mumblecore template for the most ing as an afternoon game of whiffle years later? Its most memorable scenes one. Most people get flashbacks to part – the sparse plot concerns an un- S ball. As globetrotting adventurer In- still pack a punch, and the film’s com- high school, when they were forced to read

August 7 — 9 p.m. August 8 — 9 p.m. Penn Shore Vineyards’ August 12 — 12 p.m. Abbey Road MUSIC Kings Rook Club, 1921 Presque Isle Downs Summer Concert Series Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth August 15 — 6 to 9 p.m. Peach St. facebook. and Casino 8199 Perry presents Abbey Road St., erieartmuseum.org. BT’s Mid Week com/kingsrookclub. Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Sprague Farm, 22113 US-6, Punk Night presqueisledowns.com August 8 — 5 to 9 p.m. You, Me & Everyone sleepingchainsaw.com. August 5 — 5:30 p.m. Goodell Gardens Penn Shore Vineyard, We Know Summer Music Series Arundel Cellars 10225 East Lake Road, Armitan Hand Basement Transmissions, lakeeriewinecountry.org. August 12 — 6 p.m. 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ Presents Patchouli Summer Concert August 15 — 10 p.m. Basement Transmissions, basement.transmissions. Series presents Kings Rook Club, 1921 August 7 — 7 to 9 p.m. 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ Bearded Baby Summer Peach St. facebook. Cheeseburgers in basement.transmissions. Erie Art Museum Goodell Gardens, Jam with Shai Halud com/kingsrookclub. 221 Waterford St., Paradise and Key Mid-day Art Break West Express August 8 — 4 p.m. goodellgardens.org. Cosmic Rhythm Celebrate Sherlock’s presents The Loose August 8 — 2 to 5 p.m. Basement Transmissions, Change Band 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ August 14 — 9 p.m. with French Kiss Indierealm Arundel Cellars, basement.transmissions. Sherlock’s, 508 State August 15 — 9 p.m. August 5 — 12 p.m. August 7 — 5 p.m. 11727 E. Main Road, St. facebook.com/ Sherlock’s, 508 State Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Basement Transmissions, lakeeriewinecountry.org. sherlocksparkplace. Radio Age St. facebook.com/ St. erieartmuseum.org. 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace. basement.transmissions. Black Bear Prodigy August 9 — 2:30 p.m. Stoned & Beautiful Erie Downtown Block Presque Isle Downs August 8 — 9 p.m. August 14 — 9 p.m. Tony Monaco, B-3, Party featuring The “Old Skool,” and Casino 8199 Perry Sherlock’s, 508 State Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Kings Rook Club, 1921 and Pete Mills Romantic Era and Cleveland’s Tribute to St. facebook.com/ presqueisledowns.com Peach St.,facebook.com/ Small Town Revolution Old School Hip-Hop sherlocksparkplace. kingsrookclub/events. August 15 — 6 to 9 p.m. Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. August 6 — 6 to 10:30 p.m. August 7 — 9 p.m. The Classic Rock Calje Chicago Latin Experience w/ Chrome Eighth St., jazzerie.com. Sluggers Sports Bar Sherlock’s, 508 State Jazz Ensemble and Grill, 14 E. 10th St. St. facebook.com/ The Nied’s Hotel August 14 — 9 p.m. M4 eriedowntown.com. sherlocksparkplace. August 8 — 6 to 9 p.m. Band and Mia Z at Presque Isle Downs Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. 8 Great Tuesdays and Casino 8199 Perry August 16 — 2:30 p.m. Kevlar Whiskey Road Eighth St. jazzerie.com. Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Presque Isle Downs August 11 — 6:30 p.m. presqueisledowns.com and Casino 8199 Perry August 6 — 9 p.m. August 7 — 9 p.m. Dance Party with Burger King Amphitheatre, Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Sherlock’s, 508 State Presque Isle Downs Liberty Park, porterie.org. Tennessee Backporch presqueisledowns.com St. facebook.com/ and Casino 8199 Perry DJ Weazildust sherlocksparkplace. Highway, Erie, PA 16509 August 8 — 9 p.m. August 15 — 9 p.m. presqueisledowns.com Erie Art Museum Mid- Psychostick Kings Rook Club, 1921 day Art Break presents Presque Isle Downs The Falconers + August 16 — 6 p.m. Peach St. facebook. Erie Philharmonic and Casino 8199 Perry Adam Mckillip Mid-Life Crisis com/kingsrookclub. Highway, Erie, PA 16509 Basement Transmissions, Brass Quintet presqueisledowns.com 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 CALENDAR the likes of Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet. The dropped, it is easier to understand, yet the language can be tricky, and the characters play itself never loses its complexity and confusing. But thanks to Dramashop and detail. Gannon University’s Shakespeare Summer The first night of the play was a success, Nights, this time around it is different—and with 47 others and myself in the theater – it has changed for the better. leaving only two empty seats. Even if you Gertrude, Queen of Denmark puts a spin hated Shakespeare in high school, what on the story of Hamlet, and tells it from Robert Michael Morris has done with the female perspective. I was skeptical that his characters is worth seeing. Just three Robert Michael Morris’s take on Hamlet chances to see Dramashop’s take on this wouldn’t be any more convincing or grab- adaptation. This time, make sure there bing than Shakespeare’s original classic, aren’t any empty seats left in the theater. but I was pleasantly surprised that it was. – Lauren Griffith I caught myself laughing out loud, and feeling for Gertrude. The play unfolds straight 8 p.m. // Renaissance Theatre 1001 State St. through (with no intermission) and lasts // Dramashop.org roughly an hour and a half. Thursday, Aug. 6 Dramashop’s casting was excellent. For both Sue Ellen Wojciechowski, who played Sluggers Block Party w/ a maid, and Justine Julia, Gertrude herself, The Romantic Era and the acting was genuine and believable. Dra- mashop – utilizing a sparse setting – didn’t Small Town Revolution leave out any details, and had an intricate luggers Sports Bar and Grill is set to host set-up for a small stage. The actors and ac- Sa Block Party that will please both pop- tresses used every corner of the stage, as rock fans and country lovers alike when Gertrude saw Hamlet, her dead husband, The Romantic Era and Small Town Revolu- in a dream or as Gertrude’s new husband, tion take to East 10th Street Thursday, Aug. Claudius, tells Gertrude that her son has 6. gone mad. Both acts will bring plenty of punch The show features plenty of young talent to the Block Party, with The Romantic as well, in the roles of Hamlet, and Mar- Era providing dance-inducing pop jams cus, played by Matthew Crays and Eudora and Small Town Revolution covering Baltusavich, respectively. Because the ma- artists ranging from Blake Shelton to jority of the Shakespearian language was Eric Church. Even more, proceeds from basement.transmissions. Porreco College, 2951 Zentangle Class W. 38th St. edinboro. Donna the Buffalo edu/porreco-college. August 8 — 1 to 4 p.m. w/ Tiger Maple Sensory Winery, Airplanes 10953 W. Main Road., String Band at 8 lakeeriewinecountry.org. Great Tuesdays Ongoing to Sept. 7 — 11 August 18 — 6:30 p.m. a.m. and 3 p.m. Photographic Burger King Amphitheatre, Tom Ridge Environmental Impressions Liberty Park, porterie.org. Center, 301 Peninsula Drive #1 trecpi.org. August 7 through September 8 — Daily Gem City Jazz James Cameron’s Glass Growers Ensemble Deepsea Challenge Gallery, 10 E. Fifth St., August 18 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. glassgrowersgallery.com. Ongoing to Sept. 7 — St. John’s Lutheran Church, 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. 2216 Peach St., jazzerie.com. Erie Open Figure Tom Ridge Environmental Sessions Center, 301 Peninsula FILM Drive #1 trecpi.org. Thursday evenings Digging for Fire — 6:30 to 9 p.m. August 5 — 7 p.m. Mysteries of the 1505 Artworks, 1505 State St., erieofs.com. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Great Lakes St. erieartmuseum.org. Ongoing to Sept. 7 — 1 p.m. Erie Open Figure Tom Ridge Environmental Session Raiders of the Lost Ark Center, 301 Peninsula August 6 — 9 p.m. Drive #1 trecpi.org. July 26 — 5 to 9 p.m. Porreco College, 2951 1505 Artworks, 1505 W. 38th St. edinboro. Rocky Mountain State St., erieofs.com. edu/porreco-college. Express Ongoing to Sept. 7 Minyao: Chinese Folk Slow West — 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Pottery, Imperial Porcelains, and August 12 — 7 p.m. Tom Ridge Environmental Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Center, 301 Peninsula Brother Thomas St. erieartmuseum.org. Drive #1 trecpi.org. Daily July 17 through November 15, 2015 VISUAL ARTS Moonrise Kingdom Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth August 13 — 9 p.m. Watercolor- St. erieartmuseum.org.

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 GORGEOUS HAS ARRIVED IN ERIE

Swing by for Manscape Monday 8/10 from 4-7 pm for complimentary back or chest wax for ERIE Join us for our men and for our Brow & Bikini Happy Hours for women on Tuesday 8/11, Wednesday 8/12 814 866 9929 GRAND OPENING and Thursday 8/13 from 4-7 pm to enjoy a complimentary brow or bikini line wax & mingle 6660 Peach Street over mocktails & ﬁnger foods. waxcenter.com

CALENDAR the Block Party benefit the Make-a- out the Patricia McCain Outdoor Class- Elvis, meaning you have 11 chances left da talk when it comes to the Binghamp- Wish Foundation, giving you just an- room in style. to hear songs like “Heartbreak Hotel” ton, N.Y.-based indie roots-rock duo, other reason to head downtown and The fiery folk foursome has already and “Jailhouse Rock” performed on the and, in our books, that’s something to celebrate another summer night in made an impression on Erie, enough Playhouse stage. – Alex Bieler hear, to listen to, to get to know. Erie. – Alex Bieler so that the band was awarded top Al- Luckily for us – and you – we’ll soon ternative group at the 2014 Blue Pike 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, 13-15, and 19-22, 2 have the chance to do just that, as the 6 p.m. // 14 E. 10th St. // sluggerserie.com Awards. Now you can see them in ac- p.m. Aug. 16 and 23 // 13 W. 10th St. // Falconers are set to perform on Friday, tion for the low price of zero dollars at erieplayhouse.org Aug. 7 at the Kings Rook Club. Thursday, Aug. 6 Frontier Park, so do yourself a favor Jamestown-based stringman Adam Friday, Aug. 7 Potwhole at LEAF and swerve around to this Potwhole. – McKillip is opening the show, which Alex Bieler The Falconers Fly in is free, so that makes at least two, or to Kings Rook three, hell, a good number of good rea- 7 p.m. // 1501 W. 6th St. // leaferie.org sons, anyway, to go check out what’s going on. – Ryan Smith Friday Aug. 7 Erie Playhouse Presents 9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/ kingsrookclub All Shook Up hen you take the King of Rock ‘n’ Friday, Aug. 7 WRoll and The Bard and put them Tune in to Daybreak Radio at together, you get All Shook Up. The 2004 musical combines the music of El- WQLN Sounds Around Town vis Presley and William Shakespeare’s aybreak Radio are the stars of the Twelfth Night to create an energetic ad- next – and this year’s final – install- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO D

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO venture that begins an 11-performance ment of WQLN’s Sounds Around Town run Friday, Aug. 7. summer concert series. Sounds good. Joe DiPietro’s musical tells the sto- listened to your beautiful album The show – free and open to all – starts ry of Chad, a cool guitar player who “Ifor a week straight,” one fan wrote at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, pond-side at mbrace gypsy fever when Potwhole visits a quiet town and shows them recently on the Falconers’ Facebook the pavilion on WQLN’s campus. If it Eheads to Frontier Park Thursday, how to rock – because that’s what El- page. “The music is powerful. The lyrics rains, no worries – they’ll be taking it in- Aug. 6. The local gypsy-tonk quartet vis would want. All Shook Up marks are powerful. It’s such a beautiful work doors. And, like this summer’s previous will be performing for the Lake Erie the third and final Elvis-themed show of art.” Sounds Around Town events, craft beer Arboretum’s concert series, rocking during the Erie Playhouse’s Summer of People seem to have a lot of that kin- and coffee samples from Erie Beer and

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015

SUMMER SAVINGS Purchase a NEW 96% eﬃcient furnace now open & 14 Seer A/C unit that comes with a FREE digital thermostat & air cleaner and get your choice of a FREE humidiﬁer or 50% OFF a new water heater ($350 value) (Prior sales excluded) CALL NOW! FOR A FREE ESTIMATE SALE! 459-8255 ccis accepted PA0005218 emphasis on fun activites on large indoor turf field :TEAM DOUBLE TROUBLE PRESENTS: Embrace your inner star! nutritious meals KARAOKE : before and after FOR school care

CROHN’S Call us at 814.490.9193 3515 MCCLELLANd AVE. or email us at [email protected] NEAR BAYFRONT CONNECTOR AUG 14 for a quote. 814.451.1155A 6:00PM UNTIL FITKIDSERIE.COM 10:00PM COACH’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL www.starlightphotobootherie.com BASKET AUCTION :RAFFLES :KARAOKE

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 CALENDAR

McCormick Coffee will be on hand for rangement, and Duskas-Taylor Funeral ry on the back stage will take place at enjoying. Home is donating prayer cards and 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. both nights. Sounds Around Town (all of which are other funeral home items, according to New this year is a third day, designed being recorded for airing both on WQLN Rodland. especially for the younger scene. Start- radio and TV stations) are emceed by PACA has also rearranged the sched- ing at noon on Sunday, enjoy a mario- WQLN Radio’s own groovy Gary Finney, ule a bit compared with past Attacks. nette version of Pinocchio presented by host of “The Third Set.” Rather than interspersing all genres the National Marionette Company and In short, it’s good, local music (and oth- throughout the night, the theater acts move on to making pirate sock pup- er good, local stuff) presented by people will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. and pets, playing pirate games, and learning in the know about such things. the music will start after that. Fri- pirate songs. At 4 p.m., PACA will pres- And, with Daybreak Radio rounding day night features an opening act by ent 13 Ways To Screw Up Your College out this year’s series lineup, it’s definitely Brett Fallon and Saturday opens with Interview. worth tuning in (and, by that, we mean a group of monologues from the likes But wait there’s more! A Kung Fu attending) on Aug. 7. – Ryan Smith of writers Kelli Powell, Maya Angelou, demonstration will take place each Will Levesque, Sojourner Truth, Dud- evening and a visual arts show will be 6 p.m. // 8425 Peach St. // WQLN.org ley Randal, Wade Bradford, and Alice mounted where artists were encour- Walker. aged to incorporate 3-D elements into Friday, Aug. 7 Both nights include the musical re- their works. Several more fun activi- Attack of the PACA, Take 3(D) view, Kelly and Friends, short plays and ties and artists have yet to be finalized. some monologues done by John Stock- So, as always, PACA delivers a very good movie sequel has to offer hausen, as well as Funeral Parlor. full-throttle worth-the-price-of-admis- Eup new and dazzling special effects BRAD TRIANA Rodland says “many people are turned sion event. And no need for awkwardly to impress the audience. PACA is no off by theater because it means sitting fitting 3-D glasses. —Mary Birdsong different as it rolls out its third annu- As always, theater, music, poetry, and in a chair for three hours, but these are al Attack of the PACA, now a three-day visual arts fill the dance card, but PACA 45 to 50-minute sets, so you can come Friday, Aug. 7 celebration of the arts. “We have been has a few new tricks up its sleeve. and see one, or two, and book it; or you using the ‘50s sci-fi, B-Movie concept Alongside the host of monologues, can stick around and see some really Italian Festival Kicks Off for the first two Attacks,” says Jeff Rod- skits, and short works presented on awesome live music.” land, chief impresario of the event. “So angia, mangia! The Italian Festi- both Friday and Saturday evenings will Bands booked for the music lovers I thought, many of those cheesy mov- Mval returns to St. Paul Catholic be the play Funeral Parlor by Christo- include Liquid Nixon, Desmond Collier, ie series had a third installment that Church, providing Erie with plenty of pher Durang that will be presented in and Human Flux on Friday; Teatime, was in 3-D.” So expect a 3-D look or feel food, entertainment, and history from Sense-O-Vision. Larese Floral is supply- The Lower Eastside Connection, and wherever it can be accomplished. “the boot.” ing the sense of smell via a funeral ar- Matt “Broke” Boland on Saturday. Poet- The three-day event has a little bit of

Pastel in Three Voices Ian Brill: Storm, Presque Isle Wine McCain Family Gallery Cellars, 9440 West Main July 3 through Aug. Road, piwine.com. 4 — all day Ongoing — All Day Glass Growers Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth THEATER Gallery, 10 E. 5th St., St. erieartmuseum.org. glassgrowersgallery.com. The Station Dinner Kristen Cliffel, Ronald Theatre Presents Efforescent E. Holstein Gallery Celebrate America! July 3 through Aug. Ongoing through Aug. 5 — 12 p.m. 4 — all day Aug. 22 — All Day The Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach St. Glass Growers Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth canterburyfeast.com. Gallery, 10 E. 5th St., St. erieartmuseum.org. glassgrowersgallery.com. 8/5–Digging for Fire DANCE All An Act Theatre Holocaust Exhibit Presents Oliver! 2015, Drama/Comedy Mid-Day Dance Breaks June 22 through October August 5, 6 & 7 — 7 p.m. Jake Johnson, Sam Rockwell, Anna Kendrick 28 daily — 8 to 4:30 p.m., August 6 — 12 to 1 p.m. All An Act Theatre, 652 W. Gannon, 619 Sassafras St. Perry Square, State St. and 17th Street allanact.net. erieartsandculture.org. Rt. 5 jenniferdennehy.org Dramashop Presents Selected Works from Children’s Beginner Gertrude, Queen 8/12–Slow West the Mercyhurst Division Summer Camp of Denmark 2015, Action/Western University Permanent August, 6, 7 — 12 p.m. Aug. 6, 7 & 8 — 8 p.m. Art Collection Lake Erie Ballet 701 Holland Dramashop Renaissance Michael Fassbender, Kodi Smit-McPhee Ongoing through St. lakeerieballet.org Centre, 2nd Floor 1001 Aug. 14 — All Day State St. dramashop.org. FOOD & DRINK Cummings Art Gallery, 501 Erie Playhouse E. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Vineyard Walk Presents All Shook Up and Tasting Higherglyphics: Annex August 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, August 13—2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Stairwell Project, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 — 7:30 Johnson Estate, 8419 US Route Annex Stairwell p.m. (Sundays at 2 p.m.) 20, lakeeriewinecountry.org. Ongoing — All Day Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. erieplayhouse.org. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Pasta Pairing St. erieartmuseum.org. Wednesdays @ 7pm • filmsocietynwpa.org $5 August 14—7 p.m.

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 CALENDAR

everything for families, from live mu- xRepresentx and Sea of Teeth. Each sic to the procession of a statue of the band is bringing their own diverse Virgin Mary through Little Italy. And styles of hardcore to the stage (save for of course, there’s always the food. At The Moms, who play a mix of emo and the Italian Fest, you can try a variety indie rock). of cuisines, dining on delicious dishes 11 bands for $15 is a steal, so don’t miss ranging from pasta fagioli to cannolis. this opportunity to kick off the begin- If you’re still feeling a little puckish, ning of the end of summer. – Tom Shan- perhaps the spaghetti-eating contest is non for you. – Alex Bieler 4 p.m. // Basement Transmissions, 145 W. 1617 Walnut St. // stpaulrcerie.org 11th St. // $15 Advance, $18 day of show Saturday, Aug. 8 Saturday, Aug. 8 Shai Hulud Headlines Bearded Fiery Foursome Calje Baby Summer Jam at BT Take to Romolo Stage hink of fiery, infectious, danceable Trhythms and incessant grooves, and often a floor crowded with dancers or folks moving to the music standing in front of (or in) their seats. $ Chances are you’re thinking about a 70 for musical style called Latin jazz, brought to Eyelash the U.S. from Cuba in the early ‘40s, and Extensions* hugely popular ever since in America and around the world. We’re going to get a taste of this exciting, exotic music with the appearance of

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO a group called Calje (Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble) Saturday, Aug. 8 at Romo- lo Chocolates’ free Sweet Summer Season. $ 55 for Calje, formed in 2006, performs in var- First girl t wouldn’t be summer without at ious-sized units, from duo to a 16-piece Ileast one hardcore fest in Erie, and band. They’ll be a quartet at Romolo. Brazilian this year Shai Hulud is bringing it Co-leaders are trumpeter Victor Garcia Wax* down at Basement Transmissions on and pianist Darwin Noguera. Juan Daniel Saturday, Aug. 8 for the Bearded Baby Pastor plays trap drums and the cajon, a Summer Jam. percussion instrument, and John Benitez, Hailing from Pompano Beach, Fla., Shai Hulud was at the forefront of the $ melodic hardcore/metalcore scene in 60 for the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. The band Summer was perhaps a little ahead of their time, Facial plus $ as the style from their earlier albums,

45 Pevonia s l such as 2003’s That Blood Ill Tem- Product to i a pered, is still being emulated by mod- take home t * e ern bands, like Counterparts and The * r D Ghost Inside. Call fo Next on the bill is Such Gold, a pop- punk/hardcore hybrid from Roches- ter, N.Y., whose first two EPs are some

of this writer’s favorite music to come CONTRIBUTED PHOTO out in the last six years, giving a perfect blend of aggressive-yet-melodic riffs, and catchy, memorable lyrics. Their de- bass. Benitez, a major international play- N Located in the Shs but full-length album Misadventures er, is sitting in with the band. was released in 2012 and reached No. 6 Interestingly, none of the four is from on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Cuba, the hotbed of Latin jazz, but are na- at the C y Plaza The third highest spot in the line- tives of other Latin American countries. up goes to xBishopx, another Flori- Most now live in Chicago. 2640 West 8th St. da-based band with a heavier, beatdown “Although we do have a large selection style of hardcore, a distinct reflection of Afro-Cuban compositions, our focus is Sandcille.com of the style of most straight edge bands and has always been to feature the music of the mid-‘00s. Three of the band’s al- from ALL Latin American countries,” said 814.456.7400 bums are distributed through Down Noguera. For Anything Records, a label started in Sounds like the audience will get a little Edinboro. learning with their listening. – Bob Prot- Filling out the bill is Forty Winters, zman We Can’t Wait to You After The Fall, The Moms, Until We Are Ghosts, Burn Book, as well as Erie’s own 6 p.m. // 1525 W. Eighth St. // Spl romolochocolates.com

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 CALENDAR

Tuesday, Aug. 11 Wednesday, Aug. 12 ‘70s Arena Rock Show Woodwinds of the Erie at 8 Great Tuesdays Phil Fill the Art Museum ime travel may not be an option Patio with Airy Delight Tquite yet, but you can head back in f you went to the Erie Art Museum’s time when 8 Great Tuesdays presents IBlues and Jazz Fest this past week- The Classic Rock Experience ‘70s Arena end, you heard the shredding sounds Rock Show Tuesday, Aug. 11. of a guitar, the euphonic ballads from The Experience will bring the sounds a harmonica, combining to make those of Led Zeppelin, Queen, Deep Purple, ever-present, heavy blues tunes. Styx, Journey, Grand Funk Railroad… Head to the Erie Art Museum’s Fifth well, you get the point. In short, if it was Erie’s community and nonprofit events calendar, Street patio this week to hear some- brought to you by Country Fair performed by a powerhouse ‘70s band, thing else entirely—the light, airy The Classic Rock Experience could play sounds of the flute, the clarinet, and the it at the Burger King Amphitheater. other members of Erie Philharmonic’s Joining the Experience will be Mia Z woodwind quintet. The warmth and Color Run Erie Karaoke for Crohn’s from NBC’s The Voice and Pittsburgh quiet clarity that the music brings can- August 8 — 8 a.m. August 14 — 6 to 10 p.m. rockers The Nied’s Hotel Band, adding not be found elsewhere, especially at Perry Square, Sixth and State Coach’s Sports Bar, 3804 a modern twist to a classic night. – Alex noon on a Wednesday. street. thecolorrun.com. Elmwood Ave. facebook.com/ Bieler Stick around for a gallery tour, and let events/1621127921492327. the sounds transcend the Mid-day Art St. Paul’s Italian Festival 6:30 p.m. // Burger King Amphitheater Erie’s Advanced Industries: Break with this free performance. Grab August 7-9 — 6 to 10 p.m. at Liberty Park // porterie.org/8-great- A Discussion of the a bagged lunch or a sandwich from the tuesdays West 16th and Walnut Findings of the Second Wave Café and enjoy the show. With streets. goerie.com. Jefferson Essay Wednesday, Aug. 12 only two more performances left in the series, now is as good of a time as any Octopi Your Library August 6 — 7 - 8:30 p.m. Upbeat Pop-Rockers You, to enjoy live, free music during your August 8—9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jefferson Educational Society, Me, and Everyone We Know lunch break. –Lauren Griffith Blasco Library, 160 E. 3207 State St. jeserie.org. Front St. goerie.com. Headline Diverse Lineup at BT Noon // Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. // Block by Block erieartmuseum.org Presque Isle Bay August 5 — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Messabout Wednesday, Aug.12 Country Fair, 9030 Main August 14 — 4 p.m. St. erietogether.org. Slow West is an Offbeat Take Bayfront Maritime Center, Block by Block 40 Holland St. goerie.com. on a Classic Hollywood Genre August 7—11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. t’s an exciting time for Westerns Attack of the PACA 3D Country Fair, 12th & Peninsula streets, erietogether.org. Ithese days, with everyone from August 7-9 — all day Quentin Tarantino to Ang Lee to the PACA, 1505 State St. Flagship City Chorus Coen brothers looking to the rugged erieartsandculture.org. genre for inspiration. Slow West, the Open House debut film from director John Maclean, Jump Back to School Monday nights in August follows a similar dusty path to tell a August 9 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning August 3 — 7 to 9 p.m. story about lost loves and questionable Bayfront Convention Immanuel Lutheran Church, Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. 1002 Powell Ave. 449-1855. erieartsandculture.org.

ou, Me, and Everyone We Know will Ybe at Basement Transmissions on Aug. 12. No, I don’t mean you and every person you literally know, I mean the band of the same name. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO YMAEWK’s upbeat pop-rock tunes are sure to set the mood for a fun and exciting night, with songs like “Some Things Don’t Wash Out” and “I Can Get Back Up Now.” Contrasting YMAEWK’s cheerful style on the night are emo/punk bands Bonfires, and local act Archway. More opening bands are yet to be announced. Come out to Basement Transmis- sions for a fun night of diverse music, and bring everyone you know. SEE SAW FILMS SEE SAW – Tom Shannon allegiances. 6 p.m. Aug. 12 // Basement Transmissions, The cast features a who’s-who of tal- 145 W. 11th St. // $10 advance, $13 day of ented familiar faces. Erie folks may show recognize Kodi Smit-McPhee as Viggo

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 ROCKABILLY|BLUEGRASS|PUNKROCK EXTRAVAGANZA JIM N I MUSIC PARK BYOB SAT GATES OPEN AT BELLY AUG15 HIGH NOON DANCING 14301 W RIDGE RD W. SPRINGFIELD PA ON SITE 16443 (ROUTE 20) CAMPING QUALITY FOOD BY BREAKWALL BBQ

GET YOUR HOWL ON! vs. HARRISBURG AUGUST 7-9 vs. NEW BRITAIN AUGUST 18-20 JERSEYS PRESENTED BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 • 7:05 PM Jerseys to the first 1,000 kids (ages 4-14) Autographs with former Pirates & Tigers manager Jim Leyland Enter to win Steelers or Pirates tickets thanks to Pepsi Second Hand Rose & CONSIGNMENTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 • 7:05 PM Make the PURR-FECT Team! FIREWORKS presented by Fortis-Erie 351 W 26TH ST. ERIE, PA Fun & Games Fundraiser 814-455-3061 Beer Tasting in the Bud Light Beer Garden When: August 15 & 16 Where: Family Video

Fri, Aug. 7 is McDonald’s Friends & Family Night HOURS: 3759 W. 12th St. Erie, PA 16505 Wed - Fri Get 4 tickets + 4 SeaWolves caps + 4 McDonald’s Value Meals 11-5 1509 E. 38th St. Erie, PA 16510 Sat 722 Main St. E. Girard, PA 16417 (over $120 in value) for just $32 until 3 PM on game day. 11-3 MOVING & ESTATE SALES CALL Help stop animal cruelty! (814) Soak up the hot summer deals 456-1300 at Secondhand Rose! familyvideo.com

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 CALENDAR

Mortensen’s son from The Road, which ers, put a Kinks record on in the back- was partially shot in the Gem City. He’s ground, make Salinger-esque observa- in search of his endangered lady-friend, tions about personal maturity, and pop whose father is played by Rory Mc- it into the oven. Cann, aka “The Hound” from Game of Moonrise Kingdom is no exception – it Thrones. Australian actor Ben Mendel- takes place at a Boy Scout camp in the sohn – one of those character actors mid-‘60s, for Pete’s sake – but it’s also who seems to be in everything (Net- the most focused of the director’s later flix’s Bloodline, most recently) – shows works. By concentrating exclusively on up as the leader of an outlaw gang. And a deepening love between two pre-teen Michael Fassbender, an A-lister whose outcasts, the director’s trademark pre- talent matches his striking looks, por- ciousness feels thematically appropri- trays a morally-ambiguous bounty ate. It’s a childlike film that tells a child- hunter. like story. Anderson has never been I wouldn’t expect a classic John the deepest director in the world, but Wayne sort of thing from this one. Ma- Moonrise Kingdom makes it clear that clean is drawing from arthouse cinema he loves what he loves quite deeply. On as much as the old shoot-em-ups of Aug. 13, at Porreco College, the film will Howard Hawks or John Ford. Instead, be screened under the stars at 9 p.m. expect the unexpected – and marvel at For a film so committed to maintain- the makeover the Wild West is receiv- ing a sense of wonder about the world, ing lately, many years after its heyday. it may prove to be the perfect setting. - Dan Schank – Dan Schank

7 p.m. // Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. // 9 p.m. // Edinboro University’s Porreco erieartmuseum.org/events/film.html College, 2951 W. 38th St. // Bring blankets or lawn chairs for an outdoor screening Thursday, Aug. 13 // edinboro.edu/porreco-college/movies- Moonrise Kingdom under-the-stars.html Exemplifies the Wes Anderson Thursday, Aug. 13 Formula for Filmmaking LEAF Series Presents f you walk around a hip, urban neigh- the Heliotropes Iborhood in this country, you’ll quickly see that Wes Anderson’s fingerprints o far this summer, the Lake Erie Ar- are everywhere. Ever since the 1998 Sboretum at Frontier (LEAF) has pre- release of Rushmore, the poker-faced sented several very worthwhile, total- romantic comedy that put him on the ly-free musical performances: Stephen cinematic map, Anderson’s storybook Trohoske’s Art Groupies; Familiar Spirit world of prep-school uniforms, vintage Band; Bronsen Euard; Bangerzz; Abbey Road; and Potwhole have all taken the stage at Patricia McCain Outdoor Am- phitheater. And the series continues, fittingly, on Thursday, Aug. 13, with a return performance by Heliotropes, a band that also graced the series with its signature stylings in 2014. Featuring a wide variety of local talent, the concerts are supported by the McCain Foundation and the Pennsyl- vania Council on the Arts. So grab a chair, and support this cool- ness in an intimate, pretty setting. – Ryan Smith

7 to 8:30 p.m. // Frontier Park // leaferie.org Thursday, Aug. 13 CelebrateErie Kicks Off INDIAN PAINTBRUSH elebrateErie returns for a four-day run starting Aug. 13, offering up a paperbacks, and twee apparel has in- C variety of entertainment options down creasingly begun to resemble our own. on State Street. The annual street festi- This has been a blessing and a curse val gives Erieites a chance to check out for the filmmaker, whose subsequent local artists, dancers, and of course, live features often rely too heavily on the music. same ingredients that made Rushmore If you’re looking to check out Celebra- so unique: Take one lovestruck male teErie’s three headliners, Fran Cosmo, protagonist, add a variety of eccentric Kool & the Gang, and Tanya Tucker, supporting characters in ‘60s-mod blaz-

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 CALENDAR

then you’ll want to be at the Main Stage Saturday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re not too keen on the headliners, Gallabaloo 2 Comin’ Up there are several talented Erie perform- Around the Bend ers that will on display at the street fes- t’s its own kinda festival, alright: tival’s stages, including what’s sure to be A little country, a little punk-rock, a highlight set from Eric Brewer and the I a little psychobilly, and a little blue- Erie All Star Band. – Alex Bieler grassy, too. Downtown State Street // celebrateerie. That’s the now-annual event known com as Gallabaloo, and its second-ever go- round is coming up Saturday, Aug. 15 Saturday, Aug. 15 at Jim N I Music Park in nearby West Springfield, Pa. Tony Monaco Closes Out This year, the one-day festival fea- Romolo Chocolates’ Seventh tures quite a tasty mix of a lineup: Season of Free Jazz Concerts Jayke Orvis, Whiskey Daredevils, Sean Patrick & the Newgrass Rev- nspired by the playing and advice of olution, The DredNeks, The Coffin Ithe legendary jazz Hammond B3 or- Bangers, Lunch Munny, and several ganist Jimmy Smith and encouraged by other genre-spanning bands and per- today’s reigning organ master Joey De- formers from throughout the region Francesco, Tony Monaco has achieved and country. critical acclaim of his own. “It gives everyone an opportunity to Monaco, a frequent performer in Erie, see a vast array of very high-caliber bands and be exposed to different styles of music that they might not know that they like,” festival organiz- er Dan Biscoff told the Reader before the first Gallabaloo event last year. Sounds like plenty of good reason to go. And, oh yeah, there’ll be some bangin’ barbecue, too. – Ryan Smith

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Noon // 14301 West Ridge Road, West Springfield // gallabaloo.com Tuesday, Aug. 18 returns Aug. 15 to close out Romolo Chocolates’ seventh season of free con- Donna the Buffalo to be certs. It’s a Sweet Summer Season gift to Heard on 8 Great Stage us all, but especially for jazz fans in a city ver the years, lots of us have seen pretty much starving for big-time jazz. Oroots-jam mainstays Donna the Monaco, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, Buffalo do their thing on stages large will bring along tenor saxophonist-com- and small, from the Gem City to the poser Pete Mills, his Columbus com- wilds of West Virginia, and various padre, while awaiting them will be the points in between. talented and popular Erie tandem of And no matter where you’ve heard guitarist Frank Singer and drummer Joe ‘em do what they do, chances are you Dorris. remember them doing it well, with Some fans have called Monaco a “mon- tons of high energy and the ability to ster” on the B3 recently, and it likely get a crowd really movin’ and groov- wasn’t because the word is alliterative, in’. but rather because Monaco is a fiercely It’s a sure bet, then, that the Aug. physical player. As large and imposing as 18 installment of 8 Great Tuesdays the B3 is, Monaco seems to tame it, get- will be one to move to, and groove ting as much sound from it as possible to, as Donna the Buffalo – along with and exerting every bit of his skill and opening act Tiger Maple String Band energy. – perform at the amphitheater at A boyhood accordionist at 8, that phase Liberty Park. ended at 12 when Monaco heard Jimmy The two bands have always played Smith and had an epiphany. He immedi- well together, and their spot on the 8 ately started playing organ. Great lineup could very well be one At 16, Monaco got a phone call from to remember for old and new fans Smith, who continued to call with play- alike. ing tips for a number of years. And, just like all 8 Great Tuesdays, Talk about the importance of a good the show’s free, too. – Ryan Smith teacher. – Bob Protzman 6:30 p.m. // Burger King Amphitheater 6 p.m. // 1525 W. Eighth St. // at Liberty Park // porterie.org romolochocolates.com

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015

Beyond A  B  C

and 1  2  3

Bringing the Big Screen to the Community Erie Day School’s Early Childhood Program Enjoy summer evenings under the stars while watching movies hosted by (Toddler, Preschool, PreK and Kindergarten) offers The Community’s College. Admission and parking are free! Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs and relax outdoors on the beautiful Porreco College campus. a high-quality curriculum with certified teachers, small class sizes, studio-based art, All movies Thursday nights at 9 pm: music and daily physical education. August 6: Raiders of the Lost Ark Learn more about our educational community, August 13: Moonrise Kingdom philosophy, programs and affordability. August 20: Edge of Tomorrow

Erie Day School Learning today, leading tomorrow. 814-452-4273 2951 West 38th Street, Erie | Porreco.Edinboro.edu eriedayschool.com Follow us on Facebook. Come early for children’s activities at 8 pm!

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 MUSIC REVIEWS

Titus Andronicus Iron And Wine & Ben Bridwell Indigo Girls Russell Malone The Most Lamentable Tragedy Sing Into My Mouth One Lost Day Love Looks Good On You Merge Black Cricket Recording Vanguard HighNote

atrick Stickles and ron And Wine’s Sam my Ray and Emily uitarist Russell Phis Titus Andronicus IBeam and Band of ASaliers put together GMalone has prov- bandmates are no strang- Horses’ Ben Bridwell a string of bewitching en long ago to jazz and ers to ambitious endeav- are both gifted singers albums in the late ‘80s guitar lovers, critics, ors, so the release of a 29-song, 93-minute who have enchanted listeners with im- that helped keep me from punching out and, most importantly, himself, that punk opera isn’t as surprising as it usually passioned performances. Sing Into My my eardrums to avoid the pop-crap found he can play a set or even a night full would be for another act. The lengthy rock- Mouth brings the pair together, as both everywhere during that era. Their perfect of blistering, note-filled guitar. Time er centers on Our Hero, an insecure, con- men tackle some of the songs of the art- harmonies molded poignant storylines for a change of pace, however, he says fused man who is confronted by his well-ad- ists they admire. What you get are a doz- and poetry into enthralling set pieces that and demonstrates on his new album, justed doppelganger. The album may not be en lovely performances that never really were, themselves, perfect – which makes primarily a warm and wonderful set directly about Stickles (although you can feel all that essential. Beam and Bridwell songs like “Kid Fears” and “Galileo” a tough of melodic balladry, with just a taste never be too sure), but the frontman still can certainly sing, and their vocals are act to follow. If you are a die-hard Indigo of funk, soul, blues, and medium and imbues the album with a passion matched the highlight of the album, but many of Girls fan, by all means, you have to check up-tempo, straight-ahead jazz. It’s by few singers, giving fiery performances the songs end up running together in out this album, if only to hear Amy’s “The Malone’s first outing for his new la- backed by Springsteen-inspired punk rock a mix of folky covers that don’t always Rise of the Black Messiah,” a straight- bel, and for several weeks after its re- that can’t help but rouse your spirit. Sure, stand out from one another. Opening ahead rocker done with no overdubbing lease, was No. 1 on the jazzweek.com The Most Lamentable Tragedy may seem a track “This Must Be the Place” is one of that tells the story of three inmates at Top 50 chart. Standing tall among bit bloated at times, but that’s because it the exceptions, as the duo transforms Angola Penitentiary held in solitary con- today’s slew of superb jazz guitarists, acts more as a film than an album. Close the track in a warm, fingerpicked version finement for 30 years. If you are new to this Malone – when not leading a group your eyes and delve into Stickles’ detailed of the Talking Heads track. Each singer faultlessly-matched duo, listen to “Findley, – has played on four Grammy-win- lyrics and you can immerse yourself into the has his highlight moments on Sing Into Ohio 1986,” to get some idea of the heart- ning albums. Here, heading a fine pi- story of Our Hero. Titus Andronicus swung My Mouth, which become the best parts ache that Emily’s stories can evoke when ano, bass, and drum quartet, Malone’s for the fences with The Most Lamentable of the album, a covers project with some she’s on her game. Otherwise, you would cushioned, easy-on-the-ears tone Tragedy, and the band knocked it out of the nice, but ultimately unspectacular re- be best served to pick up a copy of 1990’s alone makes this album worth hear- park. — Alex Bieler sults. — Alex Bieler Nomads, Indians, and Saints. – Bryan Toy ing. – Bob Protzman

Have you heard God’s love calling your child to baptism? Tuesday: August 11: 8AM-8PM “Let the little children come to me” Luke 18:16 ErieGives.org

You are invited to worship with us. On August 11, for all charitable donations to L.I.F.E. (Living in Fulﬁlled Excellence Inc.) Baptism Informational Meetings following our services on: through ErieGives.org, LifeThruMusic will Sunday, September 20 receive a portion of the Erie Community and Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 am Foundation’s $220,000 pro-rated matching pool. Give during the hours of 8am to 8pm Light refreshments provided Reservations appreciated and your gift will help us continue to Call 864.1920 mentor and inspire youth for today’s always-evolving music industry.

New Hope Presbyterian Church 5440 Washington Avenue Erie, PA 16509 Pastor: Reverend Charles McClung www.NewHopeChurchErie.com lifethrumusic.org

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 Check out our Breakfast Menu Make itTM Downtown Erie’s Best Omelets

1001 State Street Y URS! First oor of the Renaissance Centre 814-455-8008

francoscafeerie francoscafe.net More Choices! Great PriceS! PREMIUM You fought for our homes. We’ll fight for yours. Assistance for veterans & their families who are: homeless or at risk of homelessness

• Rental Assistance • Child Care Services • Auto Repair Assistance • Utility Assistance

For more information, please call: 1-855-431-3755

**NO COVER EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS** ok FRI 8/7 s Ro THE FALCONERS King + ADAM MCKILLIP Club [FREE] SAT 8/8 DJ WEAZILDUST SAT [PACKY LUNN FROM JIMKATA] [FREE] AUG29 FRI 8/14 STONED & BEAUTIFUL [FREE] Smart SAT 8/15 THE ARMITAN HAND [FREE] FRI 8/21 CHROME MOSES [FREE] SAT 8/22 +JUNK SHOP FAILURE SCARLET LEDBETTER [FREE] D OORS 8PM | MUSIC 9PM FRI 8/28 TROPIDELIC DOWNSTAIRS + VIBE & DIRECT CONCERT COMPLEX [FREE] SAT 8/29 PRE & AFTER PARTIES BASTARD BEARDED IRISHMEN IN UPSTAIRS LOUNGE + JUNK SHOP FAILURE w/ JEFF DULOZ MA FRI 9/4 TTY B’S MISTER F [FREE] EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! SAT 9/5 SPECIAL GUEST Grab your gear and get here! • 9pm [FREE] No Cover • Drink Specials • Open 8pm

MUSIC AT 9:30•NO COVER EXCEPT SPECIAL EVENTS FREE POOL, SHUFFLEBOARD & GAMES ALWAYS!!! 1921 Peach St. Erie Pa•Private Parties Available•MEMBERS & GUESTS Contact: [email protected] & find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub countryfairstores.com

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 Erie's Only Hot Power Yoga Studio Donate the gift of YOUR FIRST CLASS IS Wellness. Remember Stairways on August 11!

FREEDiscounts for Students, Seniors & Veterans

Located in the Colony Plaza 2560 West 8th Street, Erie PA 16505 814-520-6998 www.yogaerie.com www.StairwaysBH.org 814.453.5806

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 FEATURE

[Cont. from page 15] crime and violence. You’ve been re-elected twice, which is clearly an affirmation that what you’ve been doing is working. I’m curious what you see as your three or four key successes in addressing crime and violence during your time in office. Joe Sinnott: Well, the way crime has been…I think what has been most successful for us over that time is our ability to transform, for lack of a better word, our operations and our deployment to address the way that crime has changed. Crime tends to morph. As different things happen, different circumstances arise, you

“What I think we’ve been successful doing when looking at crime overall is changing our deployment, changing our special operations – things like that – to try and address the changes that are giving rise to some of these things and really attack the BRAD TRIANA root causes.” I’m talking about, but even on gal gun market has changed? years. Mayor Joe Sinnott took office in the larger scale, if you look at If that is in fact the case, then [Former Police] Chief [Steve] 2006 and has won both of his re- election bids uncontested. drugs, we have a much greater maybe our focus has to be a lit- Franklin had a number of spe- have crime changing, and I’ll heroin issue now than we ever tle different as to how to get to cial operations in the course of give you an example: The first had because that has changed, that supply line. his tenure here designed spe- and criminal behavior? We’ve couple of years – and it’s not the model has changed, the In other words, if we’re see- cifically to deal with certain seen an increase in crime over responsive to your question, culture has changed, so to ing drug dealers putting guns issues and they worked. So I the past ten years. Where’s but it’s an example of how speak. in the hands of younger peo- think our success overall isn’t that coming from? thing tend to change – one of What I think we’ve been suc- ple because they’re co-opting one specific thing. Yes, we’ve JS: That’s a difficult ques- the troubles we used to have in cessful doing when looking at them into the drug trade at a got a lot of guns off the street; tion, because it’s something the summertime was that we’d crime overall is changing our younger age, then we get after we continue to do very well that you’ve seen across the have these large groups of kids deployment, changing our that – to stop it before it gets with chronic violent offend- country. Gun violence is on the fighting in the streets over in special operations – things like there. What puts a gun in a 14- ers, targeting what we believe rise everywhere, so what has the 24th and Ash area. There’d that – to try and address the year old’s hands? That could to be the most violent people caused that? We haven’t seen a be 50 kids – not kids, but young changes that are giving rise to be a multitude of different in the community. Those have large uptick in the drug trade adults, actually – and today, we some of these things and real- answers, but we have to real- been very successful, but still here. We have seen it change in see none of that. None of it. ly attack the root causes. Right ly start getting to some of the we’re seeing this. I think prob- profile, somewhat. Poverty is In a couple of years, the now what we’re looking at do- root crimes. We’ve taken a lot ably our greatest success has an issue. There’s a plethora of way disputes are handled, ing as we’re seeing more gun of guns off the street, we really been our ability to change as things that lead to it, which is the things that are giving rise violence, we’re seeing more have, but are we getting there we’ve needed to. why it’s not a singular answer. to that type of thing is that guns on the street, we want to when it’s too late? Should we Jim Wertz: What’s changed It’s law enforcement, there has you’re seeing more gun vio- look at what is putting them be getting to it sooner? Is there in this community? What fac- to be the social service, and the lence than you are seeing kids there. Is it part of the way the a way to get to it sooner? So tors have changed over time community has to be involved in the streets fighting. That’s a drug trade has changed? Is it that’s what we’re working on. that have led to some of the as well to stop it. You can’t put rudimentary example of what part of the way that the ille- We’ve been successful over the changes in violent behavior your finger on one thing and

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 FEATURE say, “Okay, this changed, and do employ 140 people over the this is why,” because otherwise summer months, but it’s not the solution would be much really what I call social service more prevalent. in the things that are out there JW: You talk a lot about to help families and to help root causes, and you’ve been structure solutions. talking more about root caus- JW: Let’s talk about the es. Last year when you and I non-governmental services, spoke about the City’s decision because those seem to be an not to participate in the fund- area of contention because ing of the Summer Jobs And they’re not contributing to the More program you said, “Our tax base, but they play a real- core competencies are public ly important role in this com- safety and public services. Job munity. So what’s that bridge? training is not one of our core What’s that mean in address- competencies that we would ing root causes? Doesn’t the normally fund.” Then in your city play a role in allowing response to Pat Howard in these non-governmental ser- the Erie Times-News you said, vice agencies to persist? “I view this city’s primary re- JS: Sure, and when I talk sponsibility as law enforce- about playing a role, I’m talking more along the lines of what we’re able to fund, what we’re able to support, and we “The City’s role don’t really fund and support those things – granted they are is primarily law nonprofits within the city so the community overall helps enforcement. It’s BRAD TRIANA the way we’re to support them. But they play an invaluable role. structured; it’s the I think part of the issue, one to be? As it is you have people times that our police are get- really need to find systemic way we’re funded. of the facets in the overall moving to the suburbs because ting guns off the street, they’re solutions for the long term, so County government picture, is the way that social of what it costs tax-wise to live getting criminals off the street, that’s where I think a lot of the services have been systemat- in the city. So part of keeping they’re solving crimes where resources I would say would deals with social ically funded over the years. the tax base under control and we have the right cooperation, need to be focused. Coinciden- services. That’s the There aren’t as many resourc- keeping it affordable for peo- or evidence, or whatever, al- tally, that’s where you’ve seen way they’re funded. es as there used to be. We’re ple to live in the city is to stay most as quickly as they’re hap- a lot of the resources go away. That’s what they do.” fortunate here. We have a lot with your core competencies, pening. So where is the chain JW: In terms of deterrents, of very good ones, so they still to fund the things that we broken? The chain is broken in wouldn’t asking City police make a really good impact, I have to fund. The funding for the other areas, in the commu- officers to live within the city believe, so we’re fortunate here those other things is designed nity areas. Structurally those facilitate some of that deter- in Erie, but they struggle every to be different. The city tax- are funded and supported rence? ment, jobs programs are sec- day to be able to stay in opera- payers can’t afford to pick up through some of the other ser- JS: That’s something that I ondary and social services are tion. I’ve talked to the Senators the bill for everything. vices that aren’t here at City think everybody would agree, not our responsibility.” Where – federal Senators and Con- BS: Funding is the bottom Hall. that if officers still lived in the do the City and social services gressmen – and the state offi- line for everything. We have So, I think that even an neighborhoods, it would be a blend? What’s the role of social cials about our need to contin- limited resources and one of unlimited supply of money good thing. But that’s some- services and what’s the role of ue to keep funds going to these the things that you’ve been – while sure, getting more po- thing that was awarded to the city in aiding them? social services because with- credited with doing is keeping lice officers would be great them years ago, and it’s just JS: The City’s role is primar- out them who knows what the budget within means and because it would alleviate the not going to change. You can’t ily law enforcement. It’s the these cities would become. I’m fiscally managing the city well. burden on the ones we have force that. It’s outside of our way we’re structured; it’s the not just talking about Erie, Pa., So hypothetically, if money – but deterrent-wise, which is providence to be able to force way we’re funded. County gov- I’m talking about cities every- was not an object and we had where you really have to focus that, but I think myself and ernment deals with social ser- where. all the resources necessary, and where you really have to others would agree with you vices. That’s the way they’re JW: So doesn’t the city have how do we address crime and make a dent into why this is that it was definitely a positive funded. That’s what they do. a responsibility to intervene or violence if we have all the re- happening, you have to get to when you had city police living We have our summer recre- fill in the gaps? sources we need? the families, you have to get in the neighborhoods. ation program, which bleeds JS: We don’t have the re- JS: I think the funding would to why these young people JW: Couldn’t that be initiated into that a little bit with giv - sources to fund that. It all be best served being diverted are heading down these paths. for new hires? ing young people alternatives, comes down to funding. The into support areas, into social Is it educational opportuni- JS: No. and we’ve been very successful tax base of the city cannot service-type of areas. Law en- ties? There’s been a lot of talk JW: How does it work in oth- with that. We serve 5,000 kids afford paying for everything. forcement, it’s a challenge ob- about that. That’s much more er communities that enforce a summer doing that. And we What do you want your taxes viously, and I’ve said this many complicated. That is where we that policy? Pittsburgh city

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 Need someone that speaks fluent The Only Way

insurance? Renaissance Centre to do 1001 State Cam El-Farouki, Agent I’m your agent for that. Great Work 3319 W 26th Street Street No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with my help, you won’t have Erie, PA 16501 Erie, PA 16506 to. I’ll help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the Bus: 814-833-6663 is to best coverage at the best price. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® 814-451-1101 www.teamerie.com CALL ME TODAY. PDAINC.US Love

1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Where you Work!

Join our current tenants: Web development, cafés, state offices, boutiques, theatre screen printing, non-profit, attorneys, accountants, endodontics, marketing, business center, and more!

Office, Retail and Medical Space Available Custom spaces from 500-10,000 square Feet Affordable Rates

Centrally located in the heart of downtown Erie with convenient parking in attached parking garage.

Offer Expires: 8/18/15

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 Rides, Slides & Waves of Fun!

Over 75 rides, slides & attractions including the largest wave pool in the tri-state area! Free Parking! Free Admission to Amusement Park! Water World open daily at 11am, Waldameer at noon Toll Free 1.877.817.1009 • 814.838.3591 • waldameer.com • At entrance to Presque Isle State Park

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 FEATURE

A peek inside the Mayor’s office: A the same as ours. It’s not the memorabilia case filled with items media’s responsibility to have collected throughout the years. the institutional memory of everything that’s been done in not governed by the curfew. the past nine years. It’s more Now we’re starting to see some to deal with what’s happening younger people getting more right now, and I understand involved. We just think it’s go- that. But there’s a lot of people ing to be a more useful tool. in this community that have It’s certainly not going to be a been working very hard on solution to it, but it does give this for a very, very long time. the officers the opportunity to The district attorney, the U.S. approach young people after attorney, UnifiedErie that we ten o’clock as opposed to wait- started to put together a few ing until midnight. So that’s years ago and we’ve done a lot more why we did that. with it. BS: Do you feel like the me- The legwork is done primar- dia is accurately portraying ily by the NRO (Neighbor- you and your vision and your hood Resource Organization) thoughts on [the rise in crime at Mercyhurst University, and violence]? Do you feel like and these guys are surveying the perception is accurate, young people, these guys have from a longer interview with Lisa (Adams) to a shorter interview with [WJET’s] Caroline “I think the media Collins, where the cameras are is clamoring around turned off and then brought back on? one or two singular JS: Well, I think the media events, but what is clamoring around one or they’re not privy to or two singular events, but what accurately portraying BRAD TRIANA they’re not privy to or accu- because they haven’t rately portraying because they been around this issue police and Allegheny sheriffs finding is that we are a safe have civil service laws that haven’t been around this issue are all required to live within city by comparison. A lot of it govern hiring; you have veter- is the work that we’ve done for is the work that we’ve their respective jurisdictions. is circumstance. You see a lot ans’ preference and things of nine years here. We’ve been done for nine years JS: I’m not familiar with it, of smaller cities that are more that nature. So I don’t believe working on these issues ev- here.” because our circumstances are dangerous because they’re that is the solution. If it’s more ery day for nine years. It’s not that we’re not permitted to do along different drug lines that officers, then you’d hire them about one event. It’s not about that. are known drug lines going through the normal hiring two events. It’s about how been out there and nobody BS: One of the things that from the North to the South. practice, and I think that is the we’ve been following the cul- sees the need to make that a you had mentioned – going They have more gang activity way to do it. ture of crime in this commu- photo op, which I think is fine. back to the Lisa Adams inter- that we don’t really have here. JW: In terms of action items, nity over nine years and that’s They’re focusing on the solu- view – was that by compari- So our circumstance is safer you’ve just initiated a restric- not really been brought up at tions as well. But I think the son, Erie is a safe city. What by comparison. tion on curfews. Why did you all. I understand what their immediate inclination when cities are your administration Some of the cities that are wait until now? By the time mission is currently, but my something catastrophic hap- looking at in comparison, and safe, if you look at the statis- that City Council passes the philosophy on everything I’ve pens is to just focus on that, what can we learn from those tics that were out a few years ordinance it seems that most done here is to focus on solu- and really you lose the whole cities in terms of addressing ago, a lot of the safer cities are of the kids would be back to tions, not focus on photo ops picture. violence? One of the things I’m small, wealthier communities school and the curfew would or media or things of that na- Again, it’s not the media’s thinking of is the Cleveland that aren’t really prone to a lot have been adjusted anyway. ture, and I’m not going to start. mission to focus – nor do you Heights second-tier policing of violent activity and crime, Why not do this in May or BS: Do you think one of the guys have the real estate to model. I don’t know if that’s so I think for cities of our size, June? There seemed to be things that has been challeng- write about everything that’s something Erie is considering we’re doing very well. some sense that this was going ing for you is that there hasn’t gone on in the past nine years. or would find beneficial, but by What we’re seeing now are to be a tough summer given been [embrace of] that idea of I don’t fault the media for comparison, where else are we things that have been atypical the violence during the school “let’s roll up the sleeves and get anything that’s happened. looking outside of ourselves for Erie for a long time. That’s year. to work,” rather than being out It’s about perspective, and I to say “these cities are doing it what we’re trying to deal with. JS: What we weren’t really for a photo op shaking hands? think a lot of the people in the right” or “here are some things Of course we’ve looked at cities seeing was a lot of violence That the media lose sight suc- community have developed to avoid”? all over and what they’ve done, among the age demographics cesses of because there’s no the right perspective over the JS: We’ve looked at cities all what works, what doesn’t. that we’ve seen in the last cou- public presentation of all the years as to what’s happening. I across Pa. and other parts of There are problems with a ple of shootings. It was more of guns taken off the street? think our primary issue right the country as well. What we’re two-tiered police system. You the 19-27 years old, and they’re JS: The media’s mission isn’t now is that people in this com-

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 FEATURE munity need to feel safe and them. It’s just that having an- sponse to an attack on me in We wanted the money, which current tone of the city and we want them to. That’s what other person at a crime scene a public forum. Because the they were fine with. We also the current understanding of we need to focus on as well. might not be the right thing. irony of it is that you stand think that through the pro- the City’s role – or misunder- JW: You’ve received some BS: I’m not sure if it was any up there and say we’re not do- cess it's not going to be that standing of the City’s role – criticism for saying that you one particular thing he wrote ing enough to find the money, different between the PILOT makes you feel more inclined believe marches are ineffective or his column in general, but when they’re trying to get and what the valuation is. to focus more time and atten- and you want to see substan- your response to [ETN’s] Pat out of paying their taxes, and BS: Going back to solutions tion on violence and crime- tive actions, that’s what you’re Howard’s column seemed like that’s already gone somewhat within the community, where based meetings so that people trying to do here. Empirical a tipping point where you felt down the road. But it was like do you see yourself in that dia- know you’re plugged into that? evidence is on your side that like you had to respond pub- look everywhere else, but not logue with organizations? Cre- JS: This is something that’s marches don’t have an impact licly – you had to address it. to me. That was what prompt- ating dialogue? Or just being been a part of every single day on crime rates, but early on Was that the tipping point? Or ed that. My point is don’t be supportive and allowing those that I’ve been here. I’ve spent in your administration you was it just the time you need- hypocritical. community solutions to hap- time every day since I’ve been seemed to be present at cat- ed to be public and to get your JW: Wasn’t there an offer pen organically while the city here – not on the problem as it astrophic events. Do you feel thoughts on the record? What made by the Jefferson to pay focuses on law enforcement? is today – but on the problems like if you were at 29th and was going through your mind? taxes like other community JS: The established social that we’ve had with crime and Summit last week, would that JS: You and I have actually nonprofits? services have been doing their violence over the years, wheth- have lent some sense of public talked about my stance to re- JS: There was an offer of a part for a long time. They have er it was the young people perception of security or boots sponding to editorial content. PILOT (payment in lieu of tax- been. And those services con- causing trouble in the streets on the ground that may be I don’t think it’s appropriate, tinue to be there and there’s or others. We’ve spent time ev- lacking? and that’s how I started that been ongoing dialog over nine ery single day working on that JS: I don’t think my personal piece. However, when some- years between myself and and I will continue to. I’m not presence makes that kind of one editorializes about wheth- “I’m not going to different organizations and going to be at every meeting. difference. People want to see er an elected official cares sit idly back and then the community orga- That’s just not possible. I have results, and that’s what gives about their community, then I nizations that need to get to responsibilities to many other them the sense of safety. I’ll think it’s a bit much, especially let him (Howard) rowing the boat in the same things and I will continue to tell you, when I first started I if you look at what I’ve done tell me after direction. That’s really what serve those responsibilities went to all those things – and here. I think that just becomes everything I’ve has to happen. That’s why the as I see fit. I have a staff that I still go to a lot of the fires – personal at that point. That’s UnifiedErie movement is real- goes to a lot of things that I’m but I went to a shooting at Sev- why I responded to that. Hope- gone through in ly the mechanism for that. We not able to be at and when my enth and Ash with then-Dis- fully, it won’t continue to go to nine years that I need more of the community staff is there, I’m there. I meet trict Attorney Brad Foulk and that level, but if it does, I’m not groups to get involved in that very regularly with each of my I ended up in the wrong place. going to sit idly back and let don’t care about initiative because right now staff members to discuss, not I was with Brad and we ended him tell me after everything my community. we have a lot of folks out there only this issue, but all of the up inside the police tape. The I’ve gone through in nine years The only reason doing good work, it’s all very issues we face. So they go with police chief came up shortly that I don’t care about my well intentioned, but you have my message and my plan and thereafter and said, “I appre- community. The only reason I’m here is because a lot of small groups doing they represent me. That’s why ciate you coming out to these I’m here is because I care about I care about my their own things. in positions like this you have things, but when you go onto my community. That’s the only My message has always been people like that. a crime scene it’s not the best reason I’m here. community.” – and I’ve had many meetings BS: To our demographic, to thing for us if you’re inside po- JW: In your response to with members of the clergy, those who pick up the Erie lice tape. You could end up on Pat Howard’s column, you members of the African-Amer- Reader throughout the City the witness stand or if some- were dealing with Pat and es), but we’ve been of the belief ican community over these and the County, what would thing gets kicked or touched; [small-business owner] Dale from the beginning that they nine years to discuss just you say your mission is as sim- that’s not the right thing.” So I McBrier and you made this should have a valuation and this – that until everyone is ply put as you possibly can? said, “Okay, I’ll stay away from turn to the Jefferson Society go through the process like the on the same page working in JS: My mission has not some of the crimes just be- and nonprofits in the commu- others do. That was what the the same direction to create changed since the day I walked cause I’m not a necessary par- nity. Why take that turn? It board felt as well, but I don’t a united front and focus your through the door. That is to ty there.” I took his expertise, seemed an outgrowth of your want to talk too much because resources on these problems. make this the best city we can. and I don’t go to as many of the interactions with Mr. McBrier. it's still an open issue. But the Unified Erie has taken a very That includes making it safe, police things anymore for that JS: It wasn’t to be critical of process of that valuation is the technical, almost scientific ap- making it vibrant, bringing as reason. the Jefferson or any nonprofit appropriate way to do that. proach to this, using stats and many new opportunities here I still go if there’s a big fire, in this community. The irony We’ve talked to them about other things to formulate a as we can and that mission because there’s more room for of it all – and you guys weren’t the pilot. solution. So people need to get hasn’t changed. extraneous folks there, but it at that meeting – if you had JW: Isn’t the PILOT program going on that same page, and I was more along the lines to be seen the whole thing you’d a good value for the commu- think that’s the right vehicle. Jim Wertz can be contacted supportive of our folks who understand better. I actually nity? The city spends a lot of That’s where I'm focusing as at [email protected], were doing it. It was never for got an email from the Jeffer- money on research and assess- well. Getting everyone to do and you can following him photo ops. It was just to show son afterward and I emailed ment. that is a different issue but on Twitter @Jim_Wertz. Ben that I care what they are do- back and said if you had been JS: They don’t have a lot of we’ve been focusing on that. Speggen can be contacted ing – and I do – and they know there you’d understand better. services for us. They could do BS: In your role, you clearly at bSpeggen@ErieReader. that. I continue to talk with It wasn’t an attack on you or more along the lines of what can’t be everything to every- com, and you can follow him them and be supportive of nonprofits; it was simply a re- the (Erie) School District does. one, but do you feel that the on Twitter @BenSpeggen.

36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 TECHNOLOGY Geeked Out Kepler 452b gives us hope. An artist rendition of Kepler 452b, the recently discovered Earth-like planet two- thirds larger than our own planet located 1,400 light years away.

has the same temperature. While the Kepler Mission has discovered thousands of candidates, only a handful have been confirmed exo- planets that orbit in that precise zone. Kepler 452b is also the first discovered planet that is close to the Earth’s size, as all previous confirmed planets were significantly larger, significantly younger, or too close to the edges of the habitable zone. Since Kepler 452b is older than Earth, it raises questions of the potential of life existing there. With 6 billion years to work with, the likelihood of life existing there seems significant and is what is driving much of the excitement for space geeks like me. For the more pragmatic science fans, knowing that we have discovered yet another potential Earth-like planet can be reassuring. For a long time, it was difficult with current technology to discover small garden worlds like ours; finally, we know, we’re not an anomaly in space. Will we ever see this planet – and whether it has, is, or could support life – in our lifetime? Consider the following: Kepler 452b is 1,400 light years away.

NASA Right now the fastest moving spacecraft is the Voyager 1. Shot out into space 37 By: John Lindvay planets. It is looking for planets that fall brightness lets scientists determine the years ago, it is traveling at its max speed inside the “Goldilocks Zone” – circum- size, position, and orbit of the planet. of 38,610 mph or 11 mps (miles per sec- ecently, NASA announced the stellar habitable zones, which, in this Here’s another explanation. Turn on a ond). The speed of light is 670 million discovery of exoplanet Kepler case, would be areas in which planets flash light and point it at a wall. If you mph. So our fastest space craft only R452b, which has since then been orbiting a star would have liquids pool- bounce a ball in front of that flashlight, travels at a fraction of the speed of light, dubbed “Earth’s older cousin.” This is a ing on the surface, just like Earth (you the light on the wall will dim slightly and even if we could travel at the speed momentous announcement for many know, places where everything is just as the ball passes the beam of light. If of light, it would still take 1,400 years to space fans, but I want to help explain right). you compared the light value of those get there. So based on our current tech- why a rock floating 1,400 light-years How does a space observatory orbit- two states, you can science your way to nology, it doesn’t look like we’ll be book- away nestled in the Cyngus constella- ing our sun discover planets orbiting knowing the size of the ball. ing trips there any time soon. tion is a big deal for all of us. stars that are just small dots off in the So that’s what NASA has been doing Regardless, this latest discovery gives First, a brief history lesson in NASA’s distance? It’s pretty radical actually. The with the Kepler Mission. But what does us hope of finding even more Earth- Kepler Mission. telescope focuses on a cluster of stars this mean? like planets out there in the night sky. Kepler is a spacecraft named after -Jo and observes them over the span of a Well, we know that planet Kepler 452b It’s discoveries like these that help fuel hannes Kepler – the scientist who dis- few years – or in this case since 2009. – the “b” indicating the planet and “452” the creative spirit that leads to scientif- covered the laws of planetary motion As it observes the stars, it records the referring to the star – is roughly 60 per- ic breakthroughs. And each discovery – that is currently orbiting the sun with brightness of the light given off. What cent larger than Earth. It is the small- helps us understand more about our the mission to observe other star clus- it is looking for is drops in brightness est exoplanet we’ve discovered to date place amongst the stars. ters in search of Earth-like planetary as planets transition in front of that that is orbiting in the Goldilocks Zone candidates. Launched in 2009, The Ke- star. They then wait for the planet to around a star that is similar to our sun. John Lindvay can be contacted at pler Space Observatory has had its ups transition again to remove any doubts Research suggests that it may have a [email protected], and you can and downs due to hardware failure, but of passing celestial bodies. After a year, rocky composition, like Earth. It has a follow him on Twitter @Fightstrife. in short, the spacecraft has been staring you know how long it takes for the plan- yearly calendar that is 385 days. Its star at stars in our galaxy in search for exo- et to orbit, and the change in the stars’ is 1.5 billion years older than ours and Sponsored by: Epic Webstudios

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37 SPORTS

ER Sports when asked if he was going to be a That’s a refreshing attitude and a Los Angeles Kings and also has front hands-on owner. cause for local fans to be optimistic office experience with the Pittsburgh The Otters enter the “It would be crazy to spend that much about the future of the team. Penguins. He is a native of Parma, Ohio, Jim Waters era, and Jim money and not be on top of things,” It also bodes well for the future of the and is in the process of moving to Erie LeCorchick is convinced Waters told the Erie Reader. front office, as Frey, who is extreme- from Cleveland. Personally, I don’t think the Toronto ly well-respected in the local sports Waters is also thrilled to have Kno- that greatness lies ahead native is crazy, so I believe Otters’ fan community after 11 years as General blauch back as coach. “Kris has estab- for the team. will see his prints all over the organiza- Manager of the Erie SeaWolves and lished himself as one of the premier tion. He adds that he will be involved another three with the Otters, pointed coaches in minor league hockey,” ex- By: James R. LeCorchick with many of the business decisions out, “After one meeting you know Jim plains Waters, adding, “there is no – along with NHL veteran Roy Mlakar is the kind of person you want to work doubt we will see him in the NHL some reat news for local hockey fans, – and will leave the on-ice and person- for. He has a presence that excites the day.” as the Erie Otters have a new nel moves to the experts – that being whole organization and he’s such a I have to admit that in the 19 years Gowner, and even greater news coaches, scouts, and general manager. successful businessman that everyone the Otters have been in Erie, I have seen for the Otters’ faithful as the new main The Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto wants to observe and learn from him.” one period of action (that’s correct, a to- charge is Jim Waters, an extremely im- Blue Jays die-hard has already done his He added, “With Jim and Roy Mlakar, tal of 20 minutes of action) so far. How- pressive, and successful, businessman homework on Erie and the organiza- the Erie fans are blessed. This will be a ever, after two telephone sessions (I ha- who appears ready to run the OHL or- tion. “I was here several times to watch great organization.” ven’t even met him face-to-face and I’m ganization in a way it has never been the Otters in the playoffs, and it was a Hopefully the Waters Era will not this excited) with the new main man, run before. And that is in a first-class great experience. The fans are incredi- turn into the roller coaster ride that I expect that one period total to triple manner on and off the ice. ble.” was the trademark of the previous ad- after just one game in the upcoming If first impressions count for any- He admitted he had never been to our ministration, seemingly leaving the Ot- season. With many more to follow. thing, Waters is off to a flying start. city before that, but was told by the ters to fall into an abyss following three Also, I know you may think I was ne- He actually called me when he heard hockey people he trusts that the arena consecutive first-place finishes. After glecting my duty when I didn’t ask the I would like to set up an interview with was absolutely beautiful and that he winning the OHL crown in 2001-2002, it Otters’ owner the inevitable question, him and was a guest on my Sports Blitz would love Erie. He added, “They were was rough sledding – or skating – the “Are you moving the team?” However, show that very same day. absolutely on point.” next 11 seasons. Included in this streak there is a reason I didn’t pose this ques- It was a positive delight talking to an As a former radio mogul, Waters was the 2011-2012 season when the lo- tion. I firmly believe it’s a moot point, as owner that wanted to discuss the team, knows the value of “knowing the mar- cals finished with just 10 wins and only there’s no doubt in my mind Waters did the city, the fans, and the future – rath- ket” and pointed out, “I have really been 26 points. not buy the team to move it. er than himself. I had to actually prod impressed with the people already on Ending the year with just 26 points As a matter of fact, at the end of the a bit to get some information about his board, and I will be counting heavily is the equivalent getting a 500 on your interview, he commented that I was life. and John (Frey) and Jaime (Cieszyns- college boards when you get 400 for the first person that didn’t make that Refreshing to say the least for a man ki) for direction. It’s obvious they are spelling you your name correctly. How- the initial query to him. I took that as who came to town with very little fan- well-respected in the community. and ever, on the plus side, it enabled the a compliment. fare and did not have a self-proclaimed there’s no doubt they are great assets.” Otters to get Connor McDavid with the The new owner is a charismatic indi- “Mr. Hockey” title. The Canadian broadcaster accumu- first pick in the OHL, draft this leading vidual, and I am a believer already. Af- If the Otters play with the same en- lated numerous awards during his ra- to a second and a first place in the divi- ter two phone interviews, I am totally thusiasm the new owner has shown dio days, including being honored as sion, including a runner-up spot in the convinced our great community is get- since the purchase, it’s going to be a the Broadcasting Executive of the Year, OHL playoffs. ting an owner “that just gets it!” great ride. I’m sure I’ll never know what and he was also inducted into the Ca- Mlakar, who the new owner is ex- Go Otters! it’s like to spend more than $7,000,000 nadian Music Industry Fall of Fame tremely confident in, will bring some for a sports’ franchise, but I’m not too The new owner, who played a lot of much needed business acumen to the James R. LeCorchick can be sure I would be in such a good mood. hockey growing up, told the ER, “This is Erie front office, as he was the former contacted at JRLSportsReport@ However, he did show his manage- a dream come true for me, and I am not president and CEO of the NHL’s Ottawa gmail.com, and you can follow ment philosophy for the Erie team going to let it fail.” Senators, as well an executive with the him on Twitter @JRLSports.

OUR FREE GAIT ANALYSIS 2309 W 12th Street WILL HELP YOU FIND THE SHOE Erie, PA 16505 THAT’S RIGHT 814-871-6320 FOR YOU! www.achillesrunning.us 15% OFF Min. $50 purchase of Running & Walking Specialties any reg. priced item. the ultimate medical & technical Not valid with any other offers or specials. running & walking shop Expires /2015 Running & Walking Shoes • Apparel • Accessories 8/18 We actually ﬁt you for shoes!

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com August 5, 2015 2015 KIA OPTIMA LX 2015 KIA SOUL BASE

Or own it for as low as Or own it for as low as $58/mo* $83/mo* 24 mo lease $18,995 36 mo lease $14,245 $2,995 Down plus taxes, acquisition fee, DMV & all other fees. Security $2,995 Down plus taxes, acquisition fee, DMV & all other fees. Security deposit waived. Included college, military incentives. In stock vehicles only deposit waived. Included college, military incentives. In stock vehicles only 9/8/15 9/8/15 2016 KIA SORENTO 2015 KIA FORTE LX LX AWD

$ Or own it for as low as Or own it for as low as 115/mo* $62/mo* 24 mo lease $25,595 36 mo lease $14,995 $2,995 Down plus taxes, acquisition fee, DMV & all other fees. Security $2,995 Down plus taxes, acquisition fee, DMV & all other fees. Security deposit waived. Included college, military incentives. In stock vehicles only deposit waived. Included college, military incentives. In stock vehicles only Scan to browse 9/8/15 9/8/15 our current deals!

10320 Wattsburg Rd Erie PA 16509 www.AutoExpressSuperstore.com Sales: (888) 308-4531 Service: (888) 476-0866 Parts: (888) 470-3276

August 5, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 39