VOTE DEMOCRAT CHRIS CAMPANELLI SHERIFF MAY 18

Endorsed by Sheriff John Loomis • Marine Corps Veteran • 25 years experience in the Sheriff’s Office

Visit campanelli4sheriff.com to learn more about Chris.

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHRIS CAMPANELLI

LECOM RADIO 60’s 70’s 88.5FM 80’s Music you grew up with More than 50 minutes of music per hour!

2 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 CONTENTS From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. MAY 2021 A triage of the soul Editors-in-Chief ne of the fundamental challenges Brian Graham & Adam Welsh of human existence is determining Managing Editor Erie’s Municipal Primary Elections Set for May 18 – 4 where our priorities lie. Unfortu- Nick Warren Mayor, County Executive, City and County O nately, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, Sur- Copy Editor Council races see new faces Matt Swanseger geon in Chief to Napoleon’s Imperial Guard, Contributing Editors Unpacking Your Primary Ballot Questions – 7 often found his lying on the ground. Ben Speggen Operating frequently within the midst of Jim Wertz What they mean in plain English and what they’d entail mass casualty events at the turn of the 19th Contributors century, Larrey helped refine a system for Liz Allen On Your May 2021 Ballot – 7 prioritizing care for the wounded according John Bavaro to the severity of their injuries. The process Charles Brown A partial list of who both parties will see on election day Jonathan Burdick that we now know as triage derives from a Tommy Link Erie at Large: Prejudice and the Old Politics – 9 French word meaning “to break into three Ally Kutz pieces” — originally that meant filtering Aaron Mook Why Chris Campanelli is the right choice for sheriff groups who required 1) immediate, 2) urgent, Brad Pattullo or 3) non-urgent medical attention. Dan Schank From General McLane to the White House – 10 Melissa Sullivan Shimek Today’s triage categories and processes Cara Suppa Climate advisor Ali Zaidi to speak at Global Summit vary from place to place, but the goal re- Forest Taylor mains the same — to maximize life and Bryan Toy Misinformation in the Aftermath of Trump – 14 minimize loss. However noble that aim may seem, though, part of the equation is eval- Photographer QAnon, “Stop the Steal,” and everything in between Jessica Hunter uating who is beyond saving (dubbed “ex- Intern Year of the Nurse –16 pectant” or “presumed dead”) so that more Kimberly Firestine resources can be committed to those who Cover Design Nurses gave everything and more as pandemic peaked most realistically can be saved. Nick Warren It’s an ethical burden assumed not only ‘Virtually’ Impossible to Miss: JES Global Summit XII – 18 by military medics, but also civilian first re- 1001 State St. Suite 1315 sponders and — especially during the ongo- Erie, Pa., 16501 Rescheduled speaker series streaming ing pandemic — emergency room and ICU [email protected] throughout month of May nurses. Despite being often understaffed, underequipped, and underprotected, the na- The Erie Reader is published Warner Theatre Rehearses for Stunning Second Act – 22 every other week and tion’s nurses battled back tirelessly against distributed at over 350 high Fitted with new rehearsal hall and loads of upgrades, a tireless adversary in 2020. Jonathan Bur- foot-traffic locations in Erie treasure to return in December 2021 dick and all of us at the Reader will continue Pennsylvania from North to be grateful for their selflessness and sac- East to Girard to Edinboro. In Movie Reviews – 26 rifice throughout National Nurses Month addition to appearing in print, Tensions mount between family members and Kaiju alike and beyond. Erie Reader adds new content Even so, bodies are not the only things that daily at ErieReader.com as well Book Reviews – 29 could use nursing back to health. In obser- as social media sites. All rights vance of Mental Health Awareness Month, reserved. All content © Flagship On flying around the world and navigating perhaps we could pay some attention to our Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State a decade-long relationship St., Suite 1315, Erie, Pa, 16501. psyches, too. Between waves of misinforma- No part of this publication Podcast Picks – 30 tion, propaganda, and general ill will, wide- may be reproduced without spread damages have been wrought. What permission. The opinions of our Cozy horror chats, comedy weirdness, of ourselves can still be saved? What have columnists and contributors and reluctant historians we already lost? are their own and do not always It is, perhaps, time for a triage of the soul. reflect that of the editorial DMX: A Leader Gone Too Soon – 31 As another election season comes into fo- board or organization. Direct cus, it’s imperative that both politicians and sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. Members of the Erie hip-hop community voters examine their conscience and devote For editorial inquiries, email look back on rapper’s legacy [email protected]. their resources and energies toward what Local Cartoons – 33 matters most. Political leaders should leave egos and vendettas to die while working to Spiritual journeys, awakenings, fancy feet, resuscitate education, healthcare, climate, and ways to bond with your crazy aunt and social justice situations in critical con- dition. Meanwhile, voters should do every- Album Reviews – 34 thing they can to enlighten themselves — may we suggest the Jefferson Educational Alfa Mist, The Armed, Gojira, and Cade Eliason Society’s Global Summit XII and XIII for Crossword Puzzle – 35 starters? As long as human curiosity, compassion, The latest stumper from David Levinson Wilk and conscience have a pulse, we still have a chance.

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & VIEWS Erie’s Municipal Primary Elections Set for May 18 Mayor, County Executive, City and County Council races see new faces

On average, only about 51,500 of Erie the incumbent has decided to step County’s registered voters cast their ballots in local elections, compared to down, guaranteeing that new leader- about 85,000 in midterms and 124,000 in ship will be sitting in the Erie County presidential elections. Executive seat. While eligible to seek a third four- candidate running? Why show up to year term — which would be her final, not have your voice heard? if elected, due to term limits — current This time around, however, even County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper third-party candidates will have cause decided not to seek reelection. The for- to cast ballots, as four questions are on mer congresswoman defeated Demo- the ballot, three of which are proposed cratic incumbent Barry Grossman in constitutional amendments. It may not 2013 and later Republican Don Tucci in appear to be much, but it is. the general election. In 2017, she defeat- ed Republican challenger Art Oligeri, File Under: Not Quite as We Might’ve becoming just the second County Ex- Expected ecutive in Erie’s history to serve more Four years ago, 2017 featured two than one term. The other, Democrat marquee races, both for top executive Judy Lynch, served five terms in an era positions — Erie County Executive and pre-dating term limits. City of Erie Mayor. This year, they’re Six candidates are vying to become both in play but in ways we may not Erie’s seventh County Executive. Both

JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA have expected. the history (there have been four) and For the mayoral race, Erie’s current Joe voter-registration edge (86,453) favor By: Ben Speggen and downs, a paltry average of about lacks the electoral victory security lux- Democrats. Two Republicans — Rus- 51,500 voters voice their decisions in lo- ury of Erie’s former Joe. Erie’s previous sell Robison, the first Erie County Ex- hen it comes to voting in Erie, cal elections. mayor, Democrat Joe Sinnott, emerged ecutive, from 1978 to 1982, and Richard voter participation doesn’t In percentage terms of those voting victorious from a crowded field when Schenker, the last Republican County Wcome in one-size-fits-every- compared to those registered to do so, he, amongst others, challenged incum- Executive, from 2002 to 2006 — have election. Just as elections may be cat- the numbers declined from more than bent Democrat Rick Filippi, who was held the office. Current records report egorized three ways — presidential, two-thirds to less than half to around a coming off the heels of a Pennsylvania 66,922 registered Republicans through- midterm, and municipal — so can the third or less, respectively. Attorney General’s Office investigation out the county. levels of voter engagement. But for the first time, in the 2020 elec- into real estate deals. Acquitted on all Four Democrats — all familiar names Illustrated on a line graph, an ele- tion, thanks to 2019’s PA Voting Reforms charges of using insider knowledge to in Erie’s civic arena — seek the seat: mentary rendering of two-dimension- Act 77, voters could mail in their ballots, his benefits, Filippi sought a second Carl Anderson, the first-term county al crags and canyons takes shape. The no questions asked. A decision pre-dat- term but lost. Sinnott went on to win councilmember representing District highest, Rocky Mountain-style peaks ing the pandemic, it came as a welcome two more four-year terms in 2009 and 4; Rita Bishop, who sought the 7th Dis- represent the elections during which one during times of pandemic-induced 2013 and left office due to term limits. trict county council seat in 2019 but the nation chooses its top executive — social distancing restrictions. During neither of his reelection bids lost to Republican Ellen Schauerman; the president — while the lowest rep- Will these measures designed at mak- did he face primary opposition. Dylanna Grasinger, who’s seeking elect- resent when communities elect those ing voting an easier exercise in which For first-term Democratic incumbent ed office for the first time but who’s seeking to fill their local offices. to participate — which delivered a his- Joe Schember, it’s a different story. Two served as the Executive Director of the Since 2000, presidential elections have toric uptick of votes in the 2020 general candidates filled their bids for May 18’s International Institute; and Tyler Titus, drawn, on average, just over 124,000 election — carry through to the 2021 primary: Erie School Board member current President of the Erie School voters in Erie County to the polls (out municipal election in Erie? Time will Tom Spagel and Sydney Zimmerman, Board in their first term and the first of the over 177,000 total registered). tell, but in looking at the lead-up to the local activist and Erie County United openly transgender person elected in With 2000 marking the lowest turnout 2021 primary municipal election, there member. Pennsylvania. in modern history, at 112,355, and 2020 are plenty of races and plenty of new — Schember, after rising up out of a Two Republicans are squaring off on notching the highest, at 137,944, there and relatively new — names along with pack of seven Democrats in 2017’s pri- the other side of the ticket. Brenton have been ebbs and flows within those familiar faces vying for various offices. mary, faced Republican opposition in Davis, the first to announce his candi- 20 years, with an overall upward trend. the fall. He defeated John Persinger, dacy in this race, sought the office once The same undulation holds simi- File Under: Even third- who had bested Jon Whaley in the Re- before in 2017 but was upended in an lar for midterm elections. Falling two party voters have a say! publican primary. No Republican filed automatically triggered recount by Art years following a presidential election, Pennsylvania, still a closed primary for the 2021 mayoral election, meaning Oligeri. This time he faces first-time on average, midterm election results state, restricts voters to making choic- whoever wins in May this year has an candidate Shawn Wroblewki, a para- find just shy of 85,000 registered voters es only within their registered party. all-but-certain lock on being mayor medic with East Erie County Emergen- casting ballots. Have only one candidate carrying your come January 2022. cy Medical Services. Last in voter turnout in Erie County, party’s banner? Little incentive to pull The other marquee race in 2021 has all While May will, in all likelihood, close but certainly not civically least, lie the the lever for the presumed victor. Reg- eyes on it not because the incumbent the chapter on deciding Erie’s next municipal elections. With similar ups istered to a party that doesn’t have a faces primary challengers, but because mayor — Will Schember win a second

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 NEWS & VIEWS term? Will Erie voters elect to plot a publican Timothy E. Gostomski. Council. Also potentially at place: Erie Social media posts Sanfilippo en- new course? — things will continue to First-term incumbent Republican County Council District 5. gaged with — from liking, to comment- heat up in the County Executive race. Scott Rastetter faces a primary chal- ing, to sharing — link him to “un-Dem- Will the defeated back the victors of lenge from Samuel Charles Bayle IV. File Under: What’s the Total Reach of ocrat and bigoted sentiments on social their parties? Will the trend line con- Whoever emerges there will face the that Social Media Post? media,” as Wertz put it. Sanfilippo has tinue to be drawn in blue, or will red re- Democratic victor from the Lydia Lay- Like Clear in District 1, who filled the since issued an apology on his social emerge into the ledge for the first time the v. Herbert Riede race. While Riede seat vacated by Democrat Kathy Fatica, platforms and in an op-ed appearing since the early 2000s? Time — and the held prior offices — McSherrystown who decided not to seek reelection — as the same day as Wertz’s. voters — shall tell. Borough Councilmember, in Adams well as Ellen Schauerman in District 7, Adding to the tensions of the race, County, Pa., and as a former Mayor who filled the vacancy left by the Re- A.J. Rao broke the story for Erie Times- File Under: Even So, It’s Looking Odd of McSherrystown — Laythe holds a publican Councilmember Carol Loll, News on April 27 that Campanelli In Erie County, there are seven council current office: Washington Township who also opted not to seek reelection “posted Facebook images that attacked districts, for which elections are alter- Councilmember. Laythe won her seat in — Republican incumbent Erie County illegal immigration and the Democratic nated in even and odd seats. This elec- 2019 and looks to build on that momen- Councilmember Brian Shank, who rep- Party’s supposed willingness to sup- tion is for the even districts: 2, 4, and 6. tum as she seeks higher office. resents the 5th District, won his seat in port ‘illegals’ and refugees as opposed In the second district, incumbent Also seeking higher office: Kim Clear. 2019, unseating Democratic incumbent to soldiers and homeless veterans.” Democrat Andre Horton faces zero op- Clear won her seat as Erie County Coun- Kyle Foust. Shank filed his bid for Erie Campanelli distanced himself from position. No Democratic challenger, no cilmember representing District 1 also County Sheriff and is unopposed in the posts “insisting they do not reflect Republican challenger. Barring the un- in 2019. She is now vying to become Mill- May’s primary. his ‘ideals’ and that he is a proud son of likely, congrats, Councilman Horton — creek Township Supervisor, challenging Outgoing Erie County Sheriff John immigrants,” according to Rao’s report. we can, with confidence, call your race. first-term Democratic incumbent John Loomis has endorsed Democrat and To detail these posts, too, gives oxy- Change will be guaranteed in the Morgan in the primary. Either Clear or Deputy Captain Chris Campenelli, who gen to a hate-fueled social media fire fourth district, as Carl Anderson, who’s Morgan will face one of two Republi- faces a challenge from Anthony J. San- best left extinguished. But for the cu- seeking the County Executive seat, is cans in the fall: either James A. Lind- filippo. Campanelli has also received rious here, a quick Google search will legally prohibited (as would any can- strom or Kirk McCaslin for the six-year support from Erie County Democratic scratch this itch, as well. didate be) from seeking two offices at post. Chairman Jim Wertz, who explained his “My father and his parents came to once. This paves the way for one of four For County Council, this is significant, rationale in an op-ed for the Erie Times- this country in 1957,” Campanelli told Democrats — Julia Ann Calipo, Angela because if Clear does win, her District News published Thursday, April 29 and Rao. “They came here legally and made Euell McNair, Kevin E. Pastewka, or Jim 1 seat will be up for re-appointment, in another printed in this edition of the a wonderful life for us here and they Winarski — to square off against Re- meaning yet another change to County Reader. believed that this was the land of op-

Mental Health Awareness Month 1 in 5 people experience a mental health condition

Stigma and misconceptions about mental illness can prevent individuals from talking about, exploring and addressing feelings. Mental Health matters. Stop the stigma.

To schedule an appointment, please call (814) 454-3174

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS RE-ELECT JOE SCHEMBER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ERIE JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

portunity,” adding that he takes “full re- Get your “I Voted” sticker by visiting your Experienced sponsibility” for the content on his page, local polling place (if voting in person) by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. even though he didn’t recall posting cer- • Saved city taxpayers $158 million by paying tain images, according to Rao. down city’s debt Wherever this race goes in the coming in or civilian absentee ballot. • Ensured city taxes will not increase for the days — let alone weeks — Erie voters will May 18: Final day for county board of be watching. elections to receive voted mail-in and ci- next 5 years File Under: That’s Not All, Folks! vilian absentee ballots by 8 p.m. Which • Passed a LERTA program, creating nearly These races are amongst just a few on is also the day to cast your vote in-per- $86 million in investment the 2021 Primary Ballot. There’s the Erie son between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with the City Council race, where, again, Erie voters friendly reminder that if you’re in line • Solved the city’s pension problem will see a three-person slate of candidates to vote before 8 p.m., you cannot be advertised (this one supported by Erie turned away. Engaged County United). And they’ll see familiar And in Pennsylvania, it’s still legal to names, like first-term incumbent Demo- hand someone waiting in a line a drink • Promoted accessibility and transparency by crat Liz Allen (who won handedly in 2017 of water, which should give participants establishing the Citizen Response Center and ran as part of a slate then but was in this democracy of ours, regardless of • Expanded the Police Athletic League for Erie’s youth the only one to emerge victorious) as well their home state and home municipali- as folks who came up short in prior elec- ty, something else to think about in ad- • Developed Mayoral Advisory Councils, fostering tions trying to gain a seat at the table once dition to these local offices and why it diversity, equity, and inclusion again. matters that we vote for them. And there’s Erie School Board — where Because after all, it takes a lot more to Energetic candidates can cross-file under both par- run for an office than it does to show ties, which puts the onus on the voter to up to vote or put a ballot in the mail • Created first-ever grant programs for small know who belongs to which party. And for someone running for office. And it businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents with four open seats — as is the case with takes even more to hold office and to city council — a vacancy is certainly being hold those once in office accountable. • Works over and above to serve the residents of Erie left, as current President Tyler Titus can- And if you needed any more incentive • Active, visible, and involved not seek reelection here while also seek- to value the selection of and holding ac- ing election to Erie County Executive. countable of locally elected officials in And there are other mayoral races left the democratic process, the forthcom- Please vote for uncovered here, as well supervisor races, ing pandemic relief aid from the Biden and council positions to be filled — some administration’s American Relief Plan Mayor Joe Schember on May 18. unopposed, but not all. should give voters in Erie County $275 Now that voters have additional ways to million-worth of reasons. cast their ballots — as they did in the his- For an official list of candidates run- BUILD OPPORTUNITY. toric, record-breaking voter-turnout elec- ning, or to view your sample ballot, go RESTORE HOPE. tion of 2020 — will the records show an to eriecountypa.gov. uptick in Erie’s municipal elections? Time TRANSFORM ERIE. will tell. And as the time between when Ben Speggen can be contacted this story is published to election day, at bSpeggen@ErieReader. 814-480-0814 • joeschember.com there are a few key dates to be aware of: com, and you can follow him May 11: The final day to apply for a mail- on Twitter @BenSpeggen. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Joe Schember.

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 NEWS & VIEWS Unpacking Your Primary Ballot Questions What they mean in plain English and what they’d entail

Proposed amendments to the Pennsylvania State Constitution would allow the PA es and rescue vehicles, and for purchas- General Assembly to unilaterally terminate ing apparatus equipment, ambulances or extend disaster emergency declarations and rescue vehicles, protective and com- (beyond a proposed 21-day shelf life) made munications equipment and any other by the governor. Voters will be able to voice their approval or disapproval for these accessory equipment necessary for the measures by answering a series of ballot proper performance of the duties of the questions during the primary elections, fire companies and emergency medical which will be held in-person on Tuesday, services companies? May 18.

If your eyes glazed over, awash with legalese, you’re not alone. Both Repub- the disaster emergency; the Governor licans and Democrats have taken steps may not declare a new disaster emergen- to inform their base on how they wish to cy to respond to the dangers facing the see the votes go. PA Dems urge people to Commonwealth unless the General As- vote “No, No, Yes” on the first three mea- sembly passes a concurrent resolution; sures. Organizations such as the PA Sen-

ONASILL ~ BILL ONASILL the General Assembly enacts new laws ate GOP push for “Yes” votes across the for disaster management? board. Searching online, it’s much easier to find the Democrats’ clearly worded By: Nick Warren sylvania Constitution be amended to Ballot Question #3: Shall the Pennsyl- stance than the GOP’s. Perhaps that’s n addition to the dozen or so races you’ll change existing law and increase the vania Constitution be amended by add- for the simple fact that Pennsylvania has Ibe voting on during this year’s munici- power of the General Assembly to uni- ing a new section providing that equality not rejected a ballot measure since 1993. pal primary election, voters will face four laterally terminate or extend a disaster of rights under the law shall not be de- Still, Republicans have pushed back, say- ballot questions. For registered indepen- emergency declaration—and the powers nied or abridged because of an individu- ing that the language of these measures dent voters, now is your chance to vote of Commonwealth agencies to address al’s race or ethnicity? set them up for failure. This of course, in an off-year primary! The first three the disaster regardless of its severity almost exclusively pertains to the first questions move to amend the PA Con- pursuant to that declaration—through Ballot Question #4: Do you favor ex- two measures. These two measures fo- stitution. The first two deal with disaster passing a concurrent resolution by sim- panding the use of the indebtedness cus on the power of the state legislature emergency declarations (something we ple majority, thereby removing the exist- authorized under the referendum for to override declarations from the gover- all experienced in 2020) and the pow- ing check and balance of presenting a loans to volunteer fire companies, volun- nor’s office. Both parties — thankfully — ers of the governor. These are by far the resolution to the Governor for approval teer ambulance services and volunteer are pushing for a “Yes” vote on the third most polarizing questions along partisan or disapproval? rescue squads under 35 PA.C.S. Section question regarding race and ethnicity, lines. The third deals with denial based 7378.1 (related to referendum for addi- one appearing in remarkably straightfor- on race or ethnicity, and the fourth is a Ballot Question #2: Shall the Penn- tional indebtedness) to include loans to ward wording. Even with question four, budget measure for fire and emergency sylvania Constitution be amended to municipal fire departments or compa- It’s hard to rally against loans for fire de- services. While these questions require a change existing law so that: a disaster nies that provide services through paid partments and emergency medical ser- simple yes or no answer, any experienced emergency declaration will expire auto- personnel and emergency medical ser- vices, with neither side pushing against voter will know that the phrasing of these matically after 21 days, regardless of the vices companies for the purpose of es- it. Know what you’re getting into, read questions is anything but simple. severity of the emergency, unless the tablishing and modernizing facilities to and reread each question before you go Ballot Question #1: Shall the Penn- General Assembly takes action to extend house apparatus equipment, ambulanc- to the polls.

On Your Ballot A partial list of who both parties will see on election day

Justice of the Supreme Court (Vote For One) Republican Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 6th Dis- Democrat MEGAN SULLIVAN - CHESTER trict (Vote For One) MARIA MCLAUGHLIN - PHILADELPHIA Democrat/Republican Judge of the Commonwealth Court (Vote For MARSHALL PICCININI - ERIE Republican Not More Than Two) PAULA PATRICK - PHILADELPHIA Democrat County Executive Four Year Term (Vote For One) KEVIN BROBSON - DAUPHIN DAVID LEE SPURGEON - ALLEGHENY Democrat PATRICIA A MCCULLOUGH - ALLEGHENY LORI A DUMAS - PHILADELPHIA RITA BISHOP SIERRA STREET - PHILADELPHIA CARL ANDERSON Judge of the Superior Court (Vote For One) AMANDA GREEN HAWKINS - ALLEGHENY DYLANNA GRASINGER Democrat TYLER TITUS JILL BECK - ALLEGHENY Republican TIMIKA LANE - PHILADELPHIA DREW CROMPTON - CUMBERLAND Republican BRYAN NEFT - ALLEGHENY STACY MARIE WALLACE - MCKEAN SHAWN WROBLEWSKI

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & VIEWS

BRENTON DAVIS Republican JASMINE FLORES TIMOTHY E. GOSTOMSKI LIZ ALLEN Sheriff Four Year Term (Vote For One) CHUCK NELSON Democrat County Council 6th District Four Year Term MAURICE MO TROOP ANTHONY J SANFILIPPO (Vote For One) CORY DILORETO CHRIS CAMPANELLI Democrat KENDRICK TATE Republican HERBERT RIEDE BRIAN SHANK LYDIA LAYTHE Republican GREG BROWN Clerk of Records Four Year Term (Vote For One) Republican SHAWN LYONS Democrat SAMUEL CHARLES BAYLE IV AUBREA HAGERTY HAYNES SCOTT R. RASTETTER School Director Erie School District Four Year KARLA L JEFFERY Term (Vote For Not More Than Four) Mayor - City of Erie Four Year Term (Vote For Democrat Republican One) JAY BRENEMAN EDWARD T DIMATTIO JR Democrat JOE SCHEMBER Democrat/Republican County Council 2nd District Four Year Term SYDNEY ZIMMERMANN ZAKARIA SHARIF (Vote For One) TOM SPAGEL LAUREN GILLESPIE Democrat LEATRA TATE ANDRE HORTON City Controller Four Year Term (Vote For One) TIMOTHY E GOSTOMSKI Democrat AARON J LUNDBERG County Council 4th District Four Year Term TERESA STANKIEWICZ TISHAR MOSS (Vote For One) DEPEND TAMBA Democrat City Council Four Year Term (Vote For Not More TYWONN MR T TAYLOR SR JULIA ANN CALIPO Than Four) DARIA DEVLIN ANGELA EUELL MCNAIR Democrat KEVIN E PASTEWKA MARCUS P YUILLE JIM WINARSKI ELSPETH KATE KOEHLE

“Taking care of your transportation/errands ...is our business.”

We transport people basically anywhere they wish to go:

• Airport including Cleveland, • Courier services available Pittsburgh & Buffalo Transportation PUC #00122547 • Business Contracts available • Medical Appointments by appointment • Group Rates available • Grocery Shopping • Provide Senior Citizens (814) 455-1960 • Out to Dinner transportation with personalized service Call us today to schedule your pick-up or delivery! And everywhere in between!

PUC# A-00122547 www.hansenerrandservice.com

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 NEWS & VIEWS Erie at Large: Prejudice and the Old Politics Why I choose Chris Campanelli for sheriff

Locals can register to vote or cast their ballot in advance of the May 18 municipal primary at the Erie County Courthouse, 140 W. Sixth St. Candidates for — and in some cases positions for — county executive and sheriff, mayors, township supervisors, county executive, sheriff, school boards, and council members will be determined by this election.

while the police “finish their coffee.” It was a statement shrouded in racism and a profound display of derogatory arrogance toward the existential dilem- ma we face as a society. Quite frankly, it’s the kind of sentiment I have come to expect from Republican candidates. It can’t be the public profile of a represen- tative of the Democratic Party, particu- larly one who wishes to lead our coun-

NICK WARREN ty’s law enforcement. Since these memes and posts were By: Jim Wertz column, that we — the voters — do our the Erie County Sheriff’s Department discovered, Mr. Campanelli’s opponent homework to really know the people and, he has served as a member of issued a public apology on Facebook ne of the most difficult things on your ballot. Sample ballots for every Sheriff Loomis’ command staff for the in which he claims to have moved on for someone to do in exception- precinct in Erie County are available on past seven years, demonstrating trust from these recently held ideals. But his Oal times is to look objectively at the county’s website at eriecountypa. and fidelity that has been the hallmark timing points to a concern for political the present while reconciling the future gov. Don’t rely on familiar family names of his 25-year career. He understands expediency on his part to salvage his they want with the lingering past. It’s a or attachments to nostalgic political the challenges we face and, as Sheriff campaign, not of self-awareness and challenge in so many areas of our lives brands. That’s the politics of the past, Loomis affirms, Mr. Campanelli has the growth. This national cultural moment that it’s easy to get overwhelmed with and most assuredly will keep us teth- values and the temperament to lead us demands more and so should the people the prospect of change, and it’s easy to ered to that past, unable to break for- through challenging times. He’s not po- of Erie. get dismayed by the pace. Sometimes ward to a new future. litical. He’s just professional. While no one should claim to be per- it’s a slog. In the first half of the 20th century, Mr. Campanelli’s primary opponent, fect, and I certainly don’t believe in lit- With each passing election, we’re left that old way of voting could land you Anthony Sanfilippo, was recently dis- mus tests of any kind, Mr. Campanelli wondering what’s in it for us? How will a job or a political appointment, or per- covered to have shared, liked, comment- has openly acknowledged the injustice the issues and candidates on the ballot haps better treatment when you need- ed on, and espoused un-Democratic and of systemic racism and the inherent affect our daily lives? For a multitude of ed something. But in the first half of bigoted sentiments on social media. In bias of humans no matter their station reasons, the answers haven’t resonat- the 21st century, that kind of political posts as recent as last September, San- in life or political persuasion. ed during municipal elections like they patronage is all but dead. It’s the stuff of filippo made disparaging remarks about In times like these, in a race like this, should—the odd numbered years that legend, forever being chased by the left- organizations that support the victims and the other options before you, that’s most people call “off-year” elections, like over power-brokering wannabes with of police brutality, and previously he ex- a pretty good start toward pushing Erie 2021. less to give than they have to gain. pressed contempt for Presidents Obama toward a new politics and realizing the For those of us who engage in a new Last year, as we fought to preserve our and Biden with statements and images, purpose of what Frederick Douglass election every six months, there’s no democracy and wrapped ourselves in including some of the same Republican called “a Government founded upon jus- such thing as an “off year.” And in an (small “d”) democratic values, it was also symbols seen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. tice.” ideal world, there would be no off year clear that character — for most voters, 6, in multiple posts and as his profile pic- Our municipal primary is on May 18. for voters either. That’s because the is- regardless of party — was the primary ture. Showing he has not changed in his If you’re not registered to vote or you sues and candidates on the ballot in our issue on the ballot. In that case, the good perspectives, he continued to support would like to vote early, you can do so in odd-year elections have a much bigger guys (so to speak) won. But it doesn’t anti-Democratic and racist social media Room 112 at the Erie County Courthouse impact on our daily lives than those we end there. For people with their hearts posts several times last summer, and or you can register to vote and apply for send to Harrisburg or Washington D.C. and minds on our future, character will right through to Jan. 6 which portrayed a mail ballot at VotesPA.com. This year, we’ll elect a new county always be on the ballot. We have im- the insurrectionists as better behaved Don’t leave your voice out of this im- executive, and we’ll elect and re-elect portant choices to make for the future than those marching for racial justice. portant conversation. mayors, council people, township su- of Erie County. His disdain for the Black Lives Matter pervisors, school board members, and That’s why I’m joining Erie Coun- movement is crystal clear. Jim Wertz is a Contributing Editor a host of often forgotten offices such as ty Sheriff John Loomis in supporting Perhaps most dismaying was the lik- and the chairman of the Erie County tax collectors, auditors, and constables Chris Campanelli for sheriff. I hope you ing of memes that pitted law enforce- Democratic Party. He can be reached in every community in Erie County. will too. ment against those marching for justice at [email protected] or you can I’ll ask as I have asked before in this Mr. Campanelli is a proven leader in by referring to their “dying homeboys” follow him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS From General McLane to the White House Climate advisor Ali Zaidi to speak at Global Summit

Ali Zaidi, a 2004 graduate of General about “averting the worst that could McLane High School, emigrated from happen,” he said. “It’s about unlocking Pakistan with his parents in first grade, settling in Edinboro. Since then, he’s the full opportunities of what could earned a role as Deputy National Climate happen,” he added, including the new Advisor to President Joe Biden — and a “jobs, jobs, jobs” that Biden promised speaking engagement during the Jefferson in his April 28 speech to Congress. Steel Educational Society’s all-virtual Global Summit XII on Tuesday, May 11. plants in Alabama and West Virginia will be making offshore turbines; man- change. ufacturers in western Pennsylvania But Zaidi does not boast about aca- will be producing resin and other ma- demic achievements or career success- terials for the blades, Zaidi said. Those es. Rather, he remains focused on a workers will be doing that work the life of service, a role he embraced as a “right way,” with the right to bargain youth in Edinboro. and to make a fair wage, he said. Zaidi emigrated from Pakistan with Zaidi learned about the diverse occu- his parents, Syed and Afroz Zaidi, and pations that power an economy by liv- his younger brother, Danish, for his ing in Erie County. He had classmates Get safe, in-person help choosing father’s job at Edinboro University of who would graduate from high school Pennsylvania and had to learn English and take over the family farm. He lived in first grade. near the Edinboro campus where its the right Medicare plan for you. In a short Zoom interview, he talked biggest program was educating nurs- Get safe, in-person help choosing about the ideas he will share during es. He watched the rise and decline of CONTRIBUTED PHOTO his Global Summit talk. The White jobs in plastics, paper, and locomotives, Choosing the right Medicare plan is an important We have plan options with: House communications staff gracious- among other occupations. decision.the It can right also be confusing. Medicare Now you can plan for you. By: Liz Allen policymakers across a wide range of ly squeezed the interview into Zaidi’s As a White House policymaker, it’s • $0 premiums topics and ideas, from those impact- busy schedule, which included Biden’s important not to live in an ivory tow- get in-personChoosing thehelp right from Medicare a U PMC plan for is Lifean important Medicare We have plan options with: hen Ali Zaidi graduated from ing the national level to those shaping Leaders Summit on Climate April 22-23, er and for those on the two coasts to Advisordecision. safely It atcan an also open be confusing.house location Now you below. can • $0 PCP in-office and telehealth copays General McLane High School community at the local level, to con- a virtual gathering of 40 world leaders. understand what makes a place like • $0 premiums Our Medicareget in-person Advisor help from will helpa U PMC you for understand Life Medicare Win 2004, he aspired to go to nect them with our Erie audience,” said The Leaders Summit produced a de- Erie thrive, he said. People outside of • Allowance for health care products med school after his undergraduate Ben Speggen, JES vice president. tailed international agenda for tack- the heartland don’t know that Erie is MedicareAdvisor and safely choose at an an open affordable house location plan below.with • $0 PCP in-office and telehealth copays studies at Harvard College. “That’s perhaps a bit more special ling climate change as a follow-up to a big refugee resettlement community, Our Medicare Advisor will help you understand the benefits you deserve from UPMC for Life. • •Allowance Savings onfor preferredhealth care generic products drugs, “Someone else is living that dream. It when we’re able to reconnect Erieites Biden’s Jan. 20 order to rejoin the Paris where newcomers make their marks Medicare and choose an affordable plan with just wasn’t me,” said Zaidi with a smile. to one of their own. And when it comes Climate Agreement. As an official In as did the original immigrants, he said. Call 1-844-854-0558 (TTY:711) diabetic medications, and insulins, Today, Zaidi is using his passion for to topics of the day, climate impact President Barack Obama’s administra- “It’s that notion of America embracing the benefits you deserve from UPMC for Life. • Savings on preferred generic drugs, and more. healing in a different role — by helping ranks amongst the top, so we’re thrilled tion, Zaidi had worked for the Office of diverse people,” he said. “Edinboro did to reserveCall 1-844-854-0558 a spot at an open (TTY:711) house. diabetic medications, and insulins, to mend planet Earth as Deputy Na- to address a critical issue with Ali Zaidi, Management and Budget and on the it for my family.” to reserve a spot at an open house. and more. tional Climate Advisor to President Joe an expert from Erie’s own backyard, to White House Domestic Policy Council He remembered attending a mosque Biden. Zaidi brings a “whole of govern- talk about local, national, and global and had helped to negotiate the Paris in Erie, where the place of worship in- Loesel-Shaaf Insurance Agency Wednesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ment” approach to that job. This means implications,” Speggen said. “Of course, Agreement. cluded immigrants from tiny villages 3537Loesel-Shaaf W. 12th St. Insurance – Erie Agency WednesdayApril 6, 13, 1120, a.m. 27 - 2 p.m. that improving public health is one the JES has to thank its chairperson, Shaped by his immigrant experience and megalopolises alike. AprilMay 6,4, 13, 11, 20,18, 2725 desired outcome in addressing climate Steve Scully, who’s able to help us make and his Edinboro upbringing, Zaidi’s He also cherishes his memories of 3537 W. 12th St. – Erie change, along with achieving other “in- these connections and extend these in- perspective on public policy is also General McLane homecoming, where MayJune 4, 1,11, 8, 18, 15, 25 22, 29 tersectional” goals such as better hous- vitations.” framed by two milestones in the last “half the town” would attend the foot- June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 ing, transportation, and security. Erie folks take pride when hometown four years: walking out of the White ball game, then convene at John’s Wild- Zaidi is one of the stellar speakers people make good, and at age 34, Zaidi House gates at the end of the Obama wood Pizza on Main Street. “It’s not lined up for the Jefferson Educational deserves to be included on any “I knew administration and returning through just ‘Friday Night Lights’ in Texas,” he Call us toll-free at 1-844-854-0558 Society’s Global Summit, which is di- him or her when” list. those same gates at the start of the said. Call us toll-free at 1-844-854-0558 vided into two parts. Global Summit After receiving his A.B. from Harvard, Biden presidency. In the intervening He hopes to never lose that sense of (TTY:(TTY: 711) 711) Monday Monday through through Friday Friday XII, a free digital program featuring he earned his J.D. from Georgetown four years, young people successfully community he experienced in Edin- fromfrom 8 a.m. 8 a.m. to to8 p.m.8 p.m. and and experts on such topics as race in Amer- University and taught as an adjunct made the case that climate change is a boro, where “we were all in it together,” MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM ica, public health, politics, civic renew- professor at Stanford University. At crisis and their advocacy made it possi- he said. “I got to see a great cross-sec- SaturdaySaturday 9 a.m. 9 a.m. to to 3 3p.m. p.m. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM al, extraterrestrial life, as well as cli- Stanford, he co-founded Lawyers for a ble to imagine the possibilities of what tion of people pitching in.” He is a reg- mate change, takes place May 10-May Sustainable Economy, which provided can be achieved, he said. ular visitor to GoErie.com, too, to stay to reserveto reserve your your time. time. 27. Zaidi speaks on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. sustainability-focused startups with Solving climate change is “about im- in touch with Erie’s values and issues. Global Summit XIII follows in late Oc- pro bono legal services. Before joining proving outcomes in people’s lives. Another defining experience for him All plans may not be available in all counties. Please contact UPMC for Life to find out what plans are available in your area. has a contract with tober and early November with in-per- the Biden administration, he served as It’s about people’s health. It’s about as a teen was volunteering at Shriners All plans may not be available in all counties. Please contact UPMC for Life to find out what plans are available in your area. has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. son speakers. deputy secretary for Energy and Envi- the dignity of work, about being able Hospitals for Children in Erie. “What Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. “A big goal of the Global Summit has ronment for New York State, leading to provide for their families,” he said. motivates me is what we do for those Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. been to invite experts, scholars, and the state’s efforts to address climate Working on climate change isn’t just kids,” he said. And by kids, he means Only RSVPs will be seen at these dates and times. Your safety is important to us. All visitors must wear a face mask, practice social distancing, Only RSVPsand use will hand be seensanitizer. at these Dates datesand times and aretimes. subject Your to safetychange is or important cancellation. to us. All visitors must wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and use hand sanitizer. Dates and times are subject to change or cancellation. Y0069_211505_M 10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 Y0069_211505_M Get safe, in-person help choosing theGet right safe, Medicare in-person planhelp choosingfor you. Choosing the right Medicare plan is an important We have plan options with: decision.the It can right also be confusing. Medicare Now you can plan for you. • $0 premiums get in-personChoosing thehelp right from Medicare a U PMC plan for is Lifean important Medicare We have plan options with: decision. It can also be confusing. Now you can • $0 PCP in-office and telehealth copays Advisor safely at an open house location below. • $0 premiums Our Medicareget in-person Advisor help from will helpa U PMC you for understand Life Medicare • Allowance for health care products MedicareAdvisor and safely choose at an an open affordable house location plan below.with • $0 PCP in-office and telehealth copays Our Medicare Advisor will help you understand the benefits you deserve from UPMC for Life. • •Allowance Savings onfor preferredhealth care generic products drugs, Medicare and choose an affordable plan with Call diabetic medications, and insulins, 1-844-854-0558the benefits you deserve(TTY:711) from UPMC for Life. • Savings on preferred generic drugs, and more. to reserveCall 1-844-854-0558 a spot at an open (TTY:711) house. diabetic medications, and insulins, to reserve a spot at an open house. and more. Loesel-Shaaf Insurance Agency Wednesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 3537Loesel-Shaaf W. 12th St. Insurance – Erie Agency WednesdayApril 6, 13, 1120, a.m. 27 - 2 p.m. 3537 W. 12th St. – Erie AprilMay 6,4, 13, 11, 20,18, 2725 MayJune 4, 1,11, 8, 18, 15, 25 22, 29 June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

CallCall us toll-freeus toll-free at at1-844-854-0558 1-844-854-0558 (TTY:(TTY: 711) 711) Monday Monday through through Friday Friday fromfrom 8 a.m. 8 a.m. to to8 p.m.8 p.m. and and MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM SaturdaySaturday 9 a.m. 9 a.m. to to 3 3p.m. p.m. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM to reserveto reserve your your time. time.

All plansAll may plans not may be not available be available in all in counties. all counties. Please Please contact contact UPMC UPMC forfor Life toto find find out out whatwhat plans plans are areavailable available in your in yourarea. area.has a contracthas a contract with with MedicareMedicare to provide to provide HMO, HMO, HMO HMO SNP, SNP, and and PPO PPO plans. plans. The The HMO HMO SNPSNP plans have have a acontract contract with with the the PA StatePA State Medical Medical Assistance Assistance program. program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. Only RSVPs will be seen at these dates and times. Your safety is important to us. All visitors must wear a face mask, practice social distancing, Only RSVPsand use will hand be seensanitizer. at these Dates datesand times and aretimes. subject Your to safetychange is or important cancellation. to us. All visitors must wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and use hand sanitizer. Dates and times are subject to change or cancellation. Y0069_211505_M Y0069_211505_M NEWS & VIEWS

President Biden assembled 40 world leaders for the Leaders Summit on Climate Learn more held on April 22, announcing an ambitious One book that persuaded Ali Zaidi, new goal of cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. a 2004 graduate of General McLane High School, to pursue a public poli- est University, a Master of Bioethics cy career in law was How the Human from Harvard Medical School, and a Mind Works, by Steven Pinker, an ex- Master of Theological Studies at Har- pert on cognitive evolutionary theory. vard Divinity School. Danish is a res- He also credits the late Harris Wof- ident physician in internal medicine ford, a former U.S. Senator from Penn- at Yale University School of Medicine sylvania and civil rights activist, as a and Yale-New Haven Hospital. His mentor. At age 18, Zaidi served on the brother is not only a great clinician. board of America’s Promise with Wof- He’s “an incredibly brilliant, insightful ford. “I learned a lot from him about bioethicist,” he said. “He’s about con- the civil rights movement,” Zaidi said. necting the big dots.” He credits Wofford for introducing him The same can be said about Ali Zaidi, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech, who offered words of wisdom to to- “Unfulfilled Dreams.” That MLK talk day’s teenagers. “I’m just as idealistic taught him “to always agitate for big and optimistic as I was 20 years ago,” things” even while you work for incre- he said. And for youngsters pushing mental change. “I don’t see that with

WHITE HOUSE to solve climate change? “What you’re being in conflict,” he said. doing is working.” all children who have to “jump up to By the way, the person he referred to “A Conversation with Ali Zaidi, deputy catch the ladder of opportunity.” as “living that dream” of becoming a Liz Allen met Ali and Danish national climate advisor to the Biden Working on climate change, he said, doctor is his younger brother, Danish Zaidi when they wrote for Administration,” takes place during “is always about opportunity.” Pres- Zaidi, who attended Collegiate Acad- Fresh Ink, the teen journalism the Jefferson Educational Society’s free ident Biden, he said, “sees the whole emy, got his undergraduate degree in program she supervised at the digital Global Summit XII on Tuesday, finish line and wants to win the whole theology from Georgetown University, Erie Times-News. You can reach May 11, at 7:30 p.m. Reserve digital thing.” has a medical degree from Wake For- her at [email protected]. seats, which are limited, at jeserie.org.

FOR Erie County Clerk of Records

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 Designed for Hanging Artwork The gallery space walls are speci cally designed to help make your artwork setup and breakdown quick and easy. Plus the oor space is ample to properly showcase your products on any table or pedestal of your choosing. To showcase your various works there is movable track lighting and also a medium sized boxed storefront window.

NEW SHOP ALOCAL! FEW WORDS | ABOUT VILLAGE WEST STORES! A Charming Specialty Shopping Plaza Created In The Style Of A Quaint New England Village. Sample An Interesting Variety Of Specialty Shops And Boutiques Oering Apparel, Gifts, Specialty FoodNEW Items, Art, Custom Framing, Casual Dining, Professional SHOP AndSTORES! Personal Services, And Much More! Come In And Browse. LOCAL! Located Abut A Mile West OfMay 26th & Sterrettania is DriveNational Pet Month! AN ECLECTIC VARIETY OF Do you know about Mud Puppies? SPECIALTY RETAIL SHOPS • We Offer all Natural, Made in the USA Products AND SERVICE PROVIDERS! • When you walk in our store,You can be assured that there is NO Wheat, No Corn, No Soy! COMING SOON! Cellar 22,www.erievgallery.com Lake Erie Candy Company, Erie Reader’s Turn 2 Sports Cards & Collectibles • Come in, try some of our products, 2020 “BEST IN we offer Free Samples on most! GROOMING” Award Accurate Performance PostNet Erie’s NominationChoice Awards We have Beautiful, Clean, Self- 8 Years! Braserie Dearie Presque Isle Closing Services Serve Tubs that are fully attended! Board and Brush Ralph Miller Jewelers Rent the Gallery @ Village West Have a question? Need a hand? Butch’s RestaurantThis space is available for rentalSerendipity by the week or Emporium We are right there! Homesteadmonth. Mortgage It's a perfect venueStoneworks for your pop-up Wellness Center Our Self Serve Washes include retail, a special launch event, photography and everything...Including a Nail Kelly’s Sewingexhibits Corner with wine tasting. The possibilitiesTalbots are Nipping! Maki Kurata endless!Acupuncture Contact our management teamTalbots today Petite Nail Creationsto view the gallery and exploreThe how youLavender can Rabbit We have No timeline and No utilize the exhibit space. product limit, Just bring the Plasha Yoga Studio V Gallery Dog and leave the mess! When you come in, ask about our Training Classes!

th We look forward Hours of Operation: T-FR 10 -7 Sat 10-6 3330 West 26 Street to seeing you! Self Serve Dog Wash Hours: T-FR 12-6 Sat 11-5 www.villagewestshops.com Mud Puppies Self Serve Dog Wash 3867 Peach St. • 814-864-0032 • mudpuppieserie.com

Erie County Human Relations Commission

The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) works to eliminate ECHRC’s Ordinance makes it unlawful to discriminate against protected discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations through classes that include: identification, consultation, and investigation of complaints. • Race; Color; Family Status; Religious Creed; Ancestry; Age; Sex; • The ECHRC provides a system of equal justice for employer–employee, National Origin; Sexual Orientation; Disability; Gender Identity; Criminal landlord–tenant, business–patron, and lending institution–homebuyer. History; and Source of Income.

1001 State St, Suite 812 • Erie, PA 16501 • 814-451-7021 • [email protected] • eriecountygov.org/hrc

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 NEWS & VIEWS Misinformation in the Aftermath of Trump QAnon, “Stop the Steal,” and everything in between

Propagating propaganda and Saving the children? misinformation is easier than it’s ever been, Last summer, my fascination with spreading through forums, chat rooms, and QAnon shifted from morbid curiosi- social media like wildfire. It’s helped fringe movements such as QAnon gain traction ty to genuine concern when its ideo- among popular, prominent, and public logues began infiltrating good-faith figures. efforts to fight child abuse. In late August, a series of marches were or- poll found that less than 47 percent of ganized across the country under the the inquiry’s participants could identi- hashtag #SaveTheChildren. Ostensibly fy the following statement as false: “A coordinated to draw attention to the group of Satan-worshiping elites who “800,000 children who go missing each run a child sex ring are trying to control year,” the demonstrations were a mix our politics and media.” The same inqui- of concerned allies, abuse survivors, ry also found that 39 percent of Ameri- and QAnon conspiracists. In fact, as the cans believe in a “deep state” working to Q-sympathetic agenda became clear, undermine Trump. Other data shows the hashtag switched to #SaveOurChil- declining support for QAnon, such as dren to avoid association with the Save a Morning Consult poll from late Janu- the Children Fund, a legitimate U.K.- PAOLESE ary, indicating a 14-point decrease since based non-government organization. By: Dan Schank October. But even after factoring in So let’s talk about that agenda, if you weeks later, the vice president of the that decrease, the poll indicated that 24 have the stomach for it. One of the oes any event encapsulate the Obama administration took office with percent of Republicans found QAnon’s strangest parts of the QAnon world- anxiety, disillusionment, and little fanfare. It’s this rinse-and-repeat claims “at least somewhat accurate.” view is its obsession with something Dchaos of the Trump presidency cycle of anxiety and pointlessness that Obviously polls can be misleading. called “adrenochrome.” Many QAnon more effectively than the storming of seems so demonstrative of pandem- And the grab-bag of false claims we la- believers don’t simply believe that the the Capitol on Jan. 6 of this year? ic life during a time of unprecedent- bel as “QAnon” is very multifaceted. For global elites are abusing children — You know the story already. After ed misinformation. And I’m not sure example, not everyone who suspects they claim they’re actually drinking months of unsubstantiated claims where it’s headed next. elite-level pedophilia necessarily be- the adrenaline-rich blood of terrified, about a rigged election, Trump support- What follows is an attempt to map out lieves that kidnapped “mole children” dying infants to ensure personal lon- ers gathered for a “March to Save Amer- the paths of misinformation as they were being rescued from underground gevity (or even immortality). ica” on the National Mall. In the words seep into our discourse, both locally tunnels in Central Park last spring. Not The “adrenochrome theory” is essen- of the former president, they came to- and nationally. everyone who thinks a “deep state” con- tially a repurposed variation on antise- gether to “demand that Congress do the trols our government also believes that mitic “blood libel” propaganda dating right thing and only count the electors The QAnon spectrum Vincent Fusca, a fortysomething finan- as far back as 12th century England. who have been lawfully slated.” At the First, some good news. cial advisor from Pittsburgh, is secretly Though the specifics obviously vary, end of a characteristically unscripted Most of our local elected officials JFK, Jr. QAnon beliefs circulate across the basic outline remains intact across speech, Trump encouraged his support- (and candidates for office) shy away a constantly-changing, always-con- centuries — a secret cabal of elites (or ers to set off for the Capitol building “to from openly supporting QAnon, the tradictory spectrum. This may be why Jews, in its most racist version) kidnap, peacefully and patriotically make your conspiracy theory claiming that Don- they’re so dangerous. abuse, and extract blood from innocent voices heard.” ald Trump is secretly working to bring The conspiracy has led to political white children. In 13th century France, What followed was anything but down a cabal of elite pedophiles with campaigns in Pennsylvania as well. they supposedly mixed this blood into peaceful — you’ve undoubtedly seen direct ties to the Democratic Party and Last year, a QAnon supporter named their Passover bread; by 2016, it became the pictures of QAnon conspiracists, Hollywood. Bobby Jeffries ran for our 10th congres- Hillary Clinton and George Soros din- Proud Boys, neo-Confederates, and But the broader influence of the con- sional district as well as the state House ing like vampires. armed vigilantes storming their way spiracy is still alarmingly widespread. of Representatives (unsuccessfully in I learned about a #SaveOurChildren into Congress by now. By day’s end, five Some high-profile supporters include both cases). Until a few weeks ago, state gathering in Erie from a left-leaning people were dead, over a hundred were former national security advisor Mi- Sen. Doug Mastriano and Pennsylvania Facebook group, of all places. Thank- injured, and Trump was no closer to re- chael Flynn, Passion of the Christ star Supreme Court candidate Paula Patrick fully, the event came and went with claiming his office than he was on the Jim Caviezel, and comedian Roseanne were both scheduled to speak at a Q-af- little excitement. In fact, I suspect that morning after Biden’s election. Barr. More alarmingly, a February re- filiated conference in Gettysburg. Both the event page was shared by someone It’s not just the sense of alarm I felt port from the conservative American backed out when the event’s conspir- unfamiliar with adrenochrome or the on that day that seemed so emblemat- Enterprise Institute found that 29 per- atorial agenda became clear, but both imaginary cabal of Democrat Satanists. ic of our historical moment. It was also cent of Republicans found the claim have also appeared on podcasts sup- More likely, it was the “800,000 missing the sense of futility. For all of its trag- “Donald Trump has been secretly fight- portive of the conspiracy. Finally, when children” that set off their sense of edy and chaos, the insurrection didn’t ing a group of child sex traffickers that the House of Representatives passed alarm. And why wouldn’t it? end with a Great Awakening, or a coup includes prominent Democrats and legislation condemning QAnon last fall, But that number is also incredibly d’etat, or even an election recount. It Hollywood elites” to be either mostly 17 members voted against the measure, misleading. The Huffington Post’s ended with middle-aged men shooting (17 percent) or completely (12 percent) including Central PA’s Scott Perry and Michael Hobbes traced the origin of selfies in Nancy Pelosi’s office. And two accurate. In December, an NPR/Ipsos our own representative, Mike Kelly. the statistic last September to a 2002

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 NEWS & VIEWS survey from the National Center for into the next rotation of the presiden- Missing and Exploited Children which cy.” Though she is quick to assert that asked parents if they had reported she doesn’t see our former president as ERIE DONOR CENTER, 2646 PEACH ST • 814-456-4206 TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT their children as runaways the previ- the mastermind of QAnon, she claims ous year. The “800,000 children” men- that “Trump’s secular, ‘I-am-the-great- All donors in May are automatically entered to win a tioned in this nearly 20-year-old text re- est’ ideas, draw out of the recesses not ferred only to the number of reports, not only folks who are desperately and le- Kayak Package: 2 Kayaks, 2 Paddles & a $100 Gift Card! the total number of children. Meaning gitimately looking for a way out of their that if you filed a dozen reports about misery, but also the folks at the periph- the same child in a year, the number eries of antisocial society.” increased by 12. Furthermore, Hobbes It’s the latter group — the image board found that the vast majority of children moderators, the crypto-fascists, the (nearly 99 percent) who were reported failed Instagram influencers, and the missing returned home within hours or Roger Stones of the world — that seem days — and about half of the cases were especially well-suited to amplifying and related to custody battles rather than profiting from chaos, often through nefarious child abduction. well-timed emotional appeals and a Since child sex trafficking is obviously very sophisticated understanding of the awful, you might find these numbers internet’s algorithms. beside the point if they’re raising aware- ness. Unfortunately, there’s evidence Failed prophecies that legitimate anti-trafficking organi- As I write this at the tail end of April, zations were flooded with unfounded I’m reminded of the futility I mentioned theories in response to these gatherings. at the start of this piece. Thank you Erie This sudden attention distracted from Q believers must certainly be feeling more legitimate abuse inquiries, often futile as hopes for a second Trump term by looking in the wrong places for the slowly die. It’s hard to predict Trump’s for Voting Us wrong signs. For example, according future legacy, but his presidency strikes to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National me as memorable for three things be- Best Boutique! Network, 93 percent of juvenile victims yond the shallowness of his personal know the perpetrator of sexual violence. character: the normalization of overt Instead of demanding vigilante jus- bigotry, the consolidation of right-wing tice at the Democratic Convention, we ideologues in our judicial system, and should probably be examining relation- the half-million people who died of ships with coaches, teachers, parents, COVID, due in large part to his incompe- 2518 Peach Street and priests. tence. 814-454-9545 In the end, Trump turned out to be “a How did we get here? small boy’s idea of a tough guy,” to bor- th Street Every era has its conspiracies. I’m old row a phrase from Raymond Chandler. 2818 West 8 enough to remember the “9/11 Truth” He could wind up the liberals with his 814-836-9545 movement of the Bush era, while my Twitter account and he could express parents’ generation watched the John anger in a way that was cathartic to Birch Society accuse President Eisen- those who agreed with him. He could hower of being a Communist. So what’s orchestrate misinformation with aston- different about QAnon? ishing success, but he certainly couldn’t To rhetorical theorist Colleen Kelley, a change much on a day-to-day level. colleague of mine at Penn State Behrend, Obamacare is still the law of the land, a key difference is technological. In a re- his border wall is more of a symbol than cent talk on the subject for the Jefferson a functional barrier, opioid overdos- Educational Society, she noted that “Q es are worse than ever, education and is fundamentally a digitally-based, hy- health care are as expensive as ever, and per-connected coalition that rhetorical- massive ecological destruction almost ly operates in a different way — and on certainly awaits us. a different scale — than much of what The question that really alarms me is we’ve seen before.” She also notes its this — what happens when the antiso- ability to cultivate community quickly: cial media manipulators truly internal- Uplifting and Fun Gifts “It is highly participative in a way that ize this futility? Do they double down? few other conspiracy theories have ever Do they change their ways? Do they get been. You get together, you code, you Trump back in office and start all over Incense & Oils, Stones & Crystals, Candles, play the game, and you bond with fellow again? Tie Dyes made by Us, Ceramic Handwarmer Mugs, travelers and believers.” I have no idea what the answer is. In a follow-up conversation I conduct- Peace Wreaths, Erie & Presque Isle T-shirts, Hoodies, ed with Dr. Kelley, she stressed that Dan Schank can be reached at Gifts and Souvenirs, Local Lake Erie Trump’s base will play a key role “well [email protected] Beach Glass Jewelry.

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FEATURE Year of the Nurse Nurses gave everything and more as pandemic peaked BLUE PLANET STUDIO BLUE

The World Health Organization was eerily By: Jonathan Burdick have a perfect storm brewing across before,” Tamara Williams, a nurse prophetic in 2019 when it designated 2020 the country.” At her hospital in Erie, from Dallas, told the New York Times as The International Year of the Nurse and n 2019, it was announced that the she said, over one-fifth of her nurses on April 28, 2020. “And dying, despite Midwife, prior to the pandemic taking hold. World Health Organization was were over the age of 56 and nearing everything that we’re doing.” That honor was earned many times over as more was demanded from the profession Idesignating 2020 as the Interna- retirement. The American Nurses As- Sara Marks-Sammons, a graduate than ever. tional Year of the Nurse and Midwife. sociation more recently noted that of Union City Area High School, now Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, di- with 500,000 registered nurses retir- resides in Florida where she works as rector general of WHO, stated in the ing by 2022, there will be a need for 1.1 a registered nurse. When she heard 3,000 had called out sick the day pri- official announcement that the year million new RNs in order to avoid an reports of what was happening in or. would be “dedicated to highlighting even worse nursing shortage. New York City, she felt a sense of ob- “I don’t think there was any part of the enormous sacrifices and con- In April 2020, this predicted perfect ligation to help. being there that was easy. From be- tributions of nurses and midwives, storm manifested in New York City. “It was just so heart-wrenching and ginning until the end of my entire 31 and to ensuring that we address the It was only in 2019 that 13,000 city saddening to hear how bad things days there, it was a struggle mentally, shortage of these vital professions.” nurses voted to authorize a strike really were [in New York City],” she emotionally, and physically,” explains Little did he know what 2020 had in over a lack of safe staffing ratios. says. She, along with nurses through- Marks-Sammons. “Every day was a store for the world. Dr. Jenna A. Lo- Now, New York City was the world out the country, arrived in the city to new challenge … [and] the days were Giudice and Dr. Susan Bartos recent- epicenter of the pandemic and the help in the midst of that deadly April, long and hard. Flexibility became ly wrote for AACN Advanced Critical city’s Health Department estimated a feeling a duty to her fellow nurses as who I was when I was there.” Care that WHO’s yearlong honor was then-unfathomable 10,000 residents well as the community. “I just knew The Journal of Clinical Health not- quickly “overshadowed by the inter- had died due to COVID-19. The virus in my heart it was what I needed to ed that same month how nurses were national invasion of the novel coro- overwhelmed the hospital system. do no matter how hard or scary it “literally working until they drop” navirus disease 2019.” Nurses, who were overworked and was with all the unknown.” and many were “dealing with a lack Over the past year, nursing shortag- understaffed before the pandemic, Nurses were at the forefront in a of essential items.” es have been at the forefront of the worked even more tirelessly to save way that many in the field had never “I think a lot of what was happen- conversation as SARS-CoV-2 spread lives, risking their own safety and anticipated. Already thinly-stretched ing was known, but maybe not nec- rapidly throughout the United health in the process. Selfless nurses staffs were reduced even more from essarily believed. We didn’t all have States, but it is hardly a new conver- from all over the United States trav- their own infections. On a single day PPE. We were reusing it and putting sation. Dan Schank wrote about the eled to the city to assist with an in- in April, the NYC Health and Hospi- ourselves in danger. It was real and nursing shortage for the Erie Read- flux of as many as 3,000 new admis- tals Corporation confirmed that 924 it was hard,” says Marks-Sammons. er in 2016 and a local chief nursing sions per day. staff members in city hospitals had The uncertainty did not help. “It was officer in his story stated that “we “I have never seen patients so sick tested positive for the virus and over also new and a learning process for

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 FEATURE everyone. We weren’t ready for a of New York City, it seemed like the National Nurses United has con- importance of preventative and pandemic of this degree and that be- calm before the storm. servatively estimated that 1,700 management strategies. came clear.” The deadliest wave began here as healthcare workers have died from “I wish people realized that over She says that they all simply did winter arrived. By the end of De- COVID-19. The toll this pandemic has the past year everyone who makes everything that they could, based cember, there were over 270 con- had on nurses cannot be overstated. up our healthcare system is still on what they knew at the time, and firmed COVID-19 related deaths in JAMA Psychiatry, a peer-reviewed struggling,” says Marks-Sammons. hoped, if nothing else, they were Erie County (with nearly 200 more journal published by the American “Some have coped and others have making some kind of difference by deaths added since). According to Medical Association, published its not. Some have left the field from being there. The signs and support data from the CDC and Pennsylva- findings last month that female such overwhelming feelings of being from the residents of New York City nia Department of Health though, nurses are twice as likely to die by helpless. Many are still trying to find as well as the hospital staff helped their way back to what real life con- and were encouraging. sists of after being on the frontlines. “The clapping during shift changes The American Nurses Association more Some of us are still there fighting. and all the healthcare signs on build- recently noted that with 500,000 registered We literally battled a war that’s not ings were noticed,” she says. “There over and are still experiencing the was a genuine thankfulness from nurses retiring by 2022, there will be a need for mental fatigues that come with such the majority of staff that we were 1.1 million new RNs in order to avoid an even devastation.” there to help. They needed us and we Nurses have been taking care of were there. We stepped in and did ev- worse nursing shortage [than the one in 2020]. us and our loved ones since before erything we could, with very little, to the days of Florence Nightingale. It make a difference.” Still, she adds, “It is imperative then that we as a soci- was a lot of feeling helpless.” 725 more people died in 2020 than in suicide than women in the general ety and as communities, make sure In Erie by this point, two deaths 2019 across the county. Since 2000, population. Perhaps the more alarm- that we help take care of and listen were known to be from COVID-19. an average of 2,774 people have died ing part of these findings is that to them now more than ever. Yet, while some in the Erie area were each year countywide. In 2020, a total these conclusions came from analyz- arguing over the constitutionality of 3,650 people died throughout Erie ing pre-pandemic data. Other recent Jonathan Burdick runs of mask-mandates, for many, espe- County. By the side of each person studies have assessed post-traumat- the historical blog Rust & cially those in healthcare who were who died of COVID-19 were the local ic stress symptoms in healthcare Dirt. He can be reached at reading about and seeing reports out nurses who were caring for them. workers and have underscored the [email protected]

How long should your pet live? Need someone Help your pet live a longer, healthier life. that speaks fluent insurance?

Cam El-Farouki, Agent I’m your agent for that. Nickel Plate Mills 3319 W 26th Street No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with my help, you won’t have Erie, PA 16506 to. I’ll help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the Bus: 814-833-6663 1932 Parade St, Erie, PA 16503 best coverage at the best price. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® www.teamerie.com www.nickelplatemills.net CALL ME TODAY. Like us on facebook 1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 FEATURE ‘Virtually’ Impossible to Miss: JES Global Summit XII Rescheduled speaker series streaming throughout month of May CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Speakers for the Jefferson Educational Society’s Digital Global Summit XII will include, in order of appearance: (top row, left to right) Camille Busette, Rashawn Ray, Ali Zaidi, Avi Loeb, Rev. Jeffrey Brown, and Nile Gardiner; (middle row, left to right) Gerald Seib, Dr. Michael Saag, Susan Page, Karen Tumulty, Dr. Leana Wen, and David Ignatius; (bottom row, left to right) Ambassador Christopher Hill, April Ryan, Steven Ascher, Jeanne Jordan, and James and Deborah Fallows.

By: Cara Suppa preferred in-person aspect, a virtual sation at a time, and those can often Camille Busette, director of the Brook- ccording to Dr. Ferki Ferati, the event does have some benefits. vary widely,” he said. ings Race, Prosperity and Inclusion President of the Jefferson Edu- “A key difference for the Virtual Glob- Global Summit XII is an excellent Initiative, and Rashawn Ray, a David Acational Society, the JES team al Summit is that we didn’t have to standalone event, but it’s also some- M. Rubenstein Fellow at the Brookings was initially resistant to a virtual event. ask our speakers to commit up to two thing of a precursor to Global Summit Institution and professor at the Univer- “The Global Summit is such a special days of their time to come to Erie,” Fe- XIII in November, with the original XII sity of Maryland. The two will combine program for us that we initially did rati commented. “We were asking our slate — which had to be canceled in their insight, research, and expert anal- not want to hold it virtually,” he said. speakers for an hour to an hour-and-a- 2020 due to the pandemic — all honor- ysis to discuss the ways in which mi- “We pushed the in-person Summit to half of their time. The logistics of secur- ing their speaking commitments. nority communities have been lawfully November of this year but wanted to ing speakers was easier.” Events all begin at 7:30 p.m. exploited and oppressed, and what can provide the community with content One of the summit’s great strengths be done to change it. until we are able to resume in-person is the versatility of its speakers, from Monday, May 10 programming safely.” a variety of fields and on a whole host Tuesday, May 11 So Steve Scully, the chair of the Global of subjects, and this spring edition does Addressing Policy Reform and Racial Summit, Vice President Ben Speggen, not disappoint. Ferati is entirely enthu- Equity with Camille Busette and A Conversation with Ali Zaidi, Deputy and Ferati got together to arrange the siastic about the lineup and the discus- Rashawn Ray National Climate Adviser to the Biden Summit XII lineup, scheduled for the sions they will generate. Racial injustice can never be right- Administration last three full weeks in May. “As a community, we must be bold ed until the policies and laws which If you were a student at General Mc- While the organizers had to forgo the enough to have more than one conver- govern our society are changed. Enter Lane High School between the years

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 FEATURE of 2000 and 2004, you might have theories, particularly that concern- Friday, May 14 has afforded him some spectacular shared a class or a hallway with this ing ‘Oumuamua, an unidentified views — not only to the tidal wave next illustrious speaker. Ali Zaidi, interstellar object that was detected Nile Gardiner — The Iron Lady political force that is Trump but to who moved to Edinboro with his in 2017. Loeb believes, based on its on Screen: Discussion Margaret all the elements that have been in family in 1993, is a Pakistan-born appearance and movement, it was a Thatcher in Film and on TV play long before the real estate mo- attorney and political advisor; he is solar “light sail” from a defunct far- If you happened to catch the lat- gul even considered filling the high- also a current member of the Biden away galaxy. Intrigued? You’re not est season of Netflix’s The Crown, est office in the land. This Pulitzer Administration, serving as the very alone — and maybe neither are we. you couldn’t miss Gillian Anderson’s Prize-winning journalist has covered first Deputy White House National stunning performance as the late Washington politics since 1987; his in- Climate Advisor, under Gina McCar- Thursday, May 13 Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s prime sights provide an invaluable insider’s thy. He is part of an essential climate minister from 1979 to 1990. But how perspective. change team that will help the presi- A Conversation with Rev. Jeffrey authentic was Anderson’s portray- dent shape environmental policy for Brown: Race in America and al? Or Meryl Streep’s in the film The Tuesday, May 18 the next four years and beyond. Today’s Black Lives Matter Iron Lady? Nile Gardiner, an aide to Movement Thatcher and director of Thatcher Dr. Michael Saag — The Global Wednesday, May 12 Reverend Jeffrey Brown has been Center for Freedom and fellow at Coronavirus Pandemic and credited with playing a major part Heritage Foundation, will dismantle America’s Path Forward Avi Loeb — Extraterrestrial Life: in the “Boston Miracle” — a reduc- media portrayals as needed and de- In a December 2020 interview with Are We the Sharpest Cookies in the tion in youth homicides in the Mas- scribe the real person at the heart of AL.com, Dr. Michael Saag — already Jar? sachusetts capital over the course world politics for 11 years. renowned the world over for his Are we alone in this massive ex- of eight years, from 73 deaths to groundbreaking research with the panse we call the Universe? Avi none — and he founded RECAP, Re- Monday, May 17 HIV/AIDS virus — described his mis- Loeb, the chairman of the Astrono- building Every Community Around sion back in March as both a deeply my department at Harvard and au- Peace. The Baptist minister’s life Gerald Seib — We Should Have concerned physician and a COVID-19 thor of Extraterrestrial: The First has been devoted to ending racial Seen It Coming: From Reagan to patient himself: “Put a story to the Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth, violence through his faith, his orga- Trump — A Front-Row Seat to a numbers.” As an infectious disease thinks not, and he’s got receipts. nizations, and the municipal models Political Revolution expert, he realized that sheer data Loeb has been shaking up the as- he has developed and shared with Gerald Seib’s rise to Washington bu- would not be enough to convince tronomical world for years with his cities nationwide. reau chief at the Wall Street Journal Americans to put on a mask and

THE EXTRAORDINARY WAY TO SAY “I love you”

panacheerie.com • 814.838.3333 • Online Gift Cards Available

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 FEATURE

socially distance. Dr. Saag, who Friday, May 21 tilingual in five languages) became is currently the director of infec- a Chinese celebrity, famous for his tious disease at the University of Dr. Leana Wen — COVID-19: easygoing demeanor while on camera. Alabama — Birmingham, shared The Path Forward for Parents, Hill is currently the George W. Ball every stage of his personal, har- Educators, and Public Health Adjunct Professor at Columbia Uni- rowing experience battling COVID Experts versity’s School of International and to make an emotional appeal and Dr. Leana Wen came to national at- Public Affairs. potentially save lives. Where we tention when Planned Parenthood go from here is still uncertain, but announced she would be heading the Wednesday, May 25 if anyone could hypothesize, it organization. Though she departed a would be Dr. Saag. mere eight months later, the Wash- April Ryan — Front Row to History: ington Post columnist and CNN med- Reporting from the Front Lines of Wednesday, May 19 ical analyst, who is also a practicing the White House physician, is turning her gaze for- During a time characterized by Susan Page — Madam Speaker: ward to life in a post-COVID world. rampant misinformation from the Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Parents and educators alike were White House, April Ryan’s reporting Power hard-hit during the pandemic, their pressed for truth and transparency. Six White House administra- lives disrupted in unimaginable ways She stood her ground in exchanges tions, ten presidential elections, by the “new normal,” even as public with Trump and his press secretary, nine presidential interviews, and health officials used what data they Sean Spicer. She speaks up for mi- most recently, the Vice Presiden- had to pinpoint what normal would norities, sometimes as the lone voice tial debate between Mike Pence be. Dr. Wen has provided a guiding in the room, asking the questions no and Kamala Harris — Susan Page, voice to many with her simple, com- one else will. As a CNN political ana- the Washington Bureau Chief for mon sense, fact-driven approach to lyst and White House correspondent, USA Today knows a thing or two COVID. plus the Washington, D.C. Bureau about American politics, and she’ll Chief for The Grio, Ryan witnesses be here to speak about it. She will Monday, May 24 history firsthand — and isn’t afraid focus on the formidable Nancy Pe- to make it herself. losi, once the top-ranked woman David Ignatius — Russia, China, in American government and now and What You Need to Know about Thursday, May 26 second only to the VP. Page recent- America’s Greatest Foreign Policy ly published a biography about Pe- Challenges James and Deborah Fallows + losi’s influence over, and instinct After receiving a diploma in eco- Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan — for, the Washington political ma- nomics, David Ignatius went into “Our Towns”: From the Pages to the chine, which was made even more journalism, writing for the Wall HBO Screen impressive by her breakthrough Street Journal and the Washington The cultural/political/economic into a traditionally “boys only” Post, covering various topics such as evolution of a population is a nev- club. foreign affairs, politics, and econom- er-ending process, and very many ics. Some might call it a career at that are on the decline. Outside of major Thursday, May 20 point, but Ignatius also went on to centers like New York or Los Angeles, publish 11 novels, one of which was what can the rest of the country’s Karen Tumulty — Nancy Reagan: turned into a film by director Ridley small towns do to revitalize and re- Archives, Letters, Memoirs, and Scott (Body of Lies). With his political invigorate their communities? This Interviews Offering a New and expertise and intelligence analysis, is precisely what James and Deb- Revealing Look at the Former Ignatius will speak to the challeng- orah Fallows, writers, researchers, First Lady es our country faces internationally, and travelers, set out to unearth in Karen Tumulty has covered poli- from two of its greatest recognized their book Our Towns: a 100,000-Mile tics since the 1970s and has seen it threats. Journey into the Heart of America, all as a journalist. She went toe-to- published in 2018. Award-nominat- toe with the McCain campaign in Tuesday, May 24 ed filmmakers Steven Ascher and 2008 and has appeared on numer- Jeanne Jordan developed the book ous news programs, like PBS New- Christopher Hill — Understanding into an HBO documentary that is cre- sHour and Special Report with America’s 21st Century Diplomacy: ating a crucial open dialogue about Bret Baier. Her latest work is a Lessons from the Front Lines of small-town America’s path forward. biography of Nancy Reagan, Pres- Europe and Asia ident Ronald Reagan’s most trust- Which American do you think has All events begin at 7:30 p.m. // All ed — and some might argue capa- one of the best-known faces in China? speakers will broadcast virtually, via ble — advisor. Critics have singled If you guessed Christopher Hill, you Zoom // Pre-registration is required out Tumulty’s deeply thoughtful would probably be surprised, but also // All events are free // For more research, on which she spent four correct. The former Assistant Secre- information or to register visit: years, and the three-dimensional tary of State of East Asian and Pacific jeserie.org/digital-global-summit picture of the enigmatic First Lady Affairs and former US Ambassador who steered her husband’s course, to Iraq, South Korea, Poland, and Cara Suppa can be reached at and that of America’s. Macedonia (who happens to be mul- [email protected]

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 UPCOMING EVENTS YOUR GIFT CAN MAKE Thursday, May 13 Open Mic with host 50 Miles to Empty Friday, May 14 Concord Station A GREATER IMPACT Saturday, May 15 Kevin Wilson Acoustics Sunday, May 16 Breakfast with Jesus (11am) ON ERIE GIVES! Sunday, May 16 Brunch with 50 Miles to Empty (12 Noon) Friday, May 21 Jim Froman Band Saturday, May 22 Mark Morris (Afternoon) Saturday, May 22 Mike Mannerino (Evening) Sunday, May 23 Brunch with John & Richard Friday, May 28 Memorial Weekend Music Saturday, May 29 Memorial Weekend Music Sunday, May 30 Breakfast with Jesus Give to your favorite nonprofit(s) on Complete listing for the French Creek Music Erie Gives and a portion of the Series available on WWW.FCMS.ROCKS prorated match will be added to your gift!

Tuesday, August 10 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 21747 Cussewago Street • Venango, PA 16440 • 814.422.5323 www.ErieGives.org VISIT VENANGOGENERALSTORE.COM/EVENTS FOR DETAILS Make a difference with an online gift, a check, a stock gift or even your IRA minimum distribution. Edinboro Call us at 814-454-0843 Grand for questions. Opening May 24, 2021 Erie Gives is a project of NOW HIRING! The Erie Community Foundation with Line Cook, Server, Host(ess), Dishwasher, Prep Cook, Baker, Management support from our generous sponsors.

• Open Interviews every Wednesday 10am-7pm

• On the spot interviews and offers

• Apply in-person or at nowhiring.com/workforperkins

PERKINS RESTAURANT & BAKERY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 FEATURE Warner Theatre Rehearses for Stunning Second Act Fitted with new rehearsal hall and loads of upgrades, Erie treasure to return in December 2021

Passers-by the Warner Theatre’s State Street entrance have noticed the glaring absence of its famous marquee, which is being replicated out-of-state in all of its original 1931 glory. The fourth and final phase of Warner renovations is slated to be completed by December of this year.

sorely lacking in modern ame- nities.

The Warner’s at-times tenuous future By the end of 2021, the Warner will have comfortably broken free of the “inadequate” label with a fully-equipped modern theater facility, the culmination of a renovation project that be- gan all the way back in 2002. That’s when plaster, gold leaf, tapestries, and other surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and restored and the roof was re- placed (Phase 1). The following year, new seating — a re-creation of the theater’s original seating — was installed in a configuration better suited to audience comfort and ma- neuverability (Phase 2). Also in

NICK WARREN 2003, the Erie County Conven- tion Center Authority (ECCCA) By: Matt Swanseger perial styles, with just a touch of large cinema multiplexes in the formed the Erie Civic Center purchased the adjacent Nation- atch the eyes of a Tutankhamen (King Tut’s tomb 1970s nearly proved its undoing. Authority to operate the Warner al City Bank Building, which was child as it enters was discovered in the 1920s, After being sold to CiNENET Theatre, and in 1981, it hosted its integrated into the complex for “Wthe portals of our making Ancient Egypt quite Corp. in 1973 and an unsuccess- first Broadway show after some additional restrooms, bar areas, great theatres and treads the fashionable). Its employees, un- ful run showing B and C mov- minor updates to get the build- conference rooms, and offices. pathways into fairyland. Watch der the direct employ of Warner ies, CiNENET was prepared to ing up to code. Vintage movie posters from the the bright light in the eyes of the Bros. Studios in Hollywood, re- cut its losses and commit the However, an inevitable conse- Warner’s early days (framed and tired shopgirl who hurries noise- galed patrons with their enter- historic building to the wreck- quence of raising a facility’s pro- arranged by the Erie Art Muse- lessly over the carpets and sighs taining chops. For Ra’s sake it ing ball. Thankfully, then Mayor file is that of comparison. As far um) hang on its walls to impart with satisfaction as she walks even boasted air conditioning Lou Tullio intervened, and con- as character goes, Erie’s Warner the requisite charm. And thus amid furnishings that once de- — a contrivance unbeknownst vinced the Commonwealth of was virtually peerless — oth- fulfilled Phase 3. lighted the hearts of queens. to most at the time. To be at the Pennsylvania to purchase the er Warner Theatres were con- The fourth and final phase, as See the tail-worn father whose Warner was to be somewhere Warner. structed in the early 20th centu- should be quite clear, has had dreams have never come true, else, and through the Great De- The Warner escaped its ry, but of those only five remain difficulty evading delay after and look inside his heart as he pression into the war years, that near-certain doom because intact (with Youngstown, Ohio’s delay. The biggest holdup was finds strength and rest within was exactly what people want- Tullio and others recognized its Powers Auditorium the closest the acquisition of the property the theatre. There you have the ed. merits and history as a presen- to our motion picture palace behind the theater — although answer to why Motion Picture But although the Warner has tation house — a designation in aesthetic). In 1992, when the the ECCCA held a 99-year lease Palaces are so palatial.” reliably provided an escape over that encompassed more than Erie Metro Cultural Planning on that parcel (owned by the — George Rapp, Warner The- the past nine decades, it could film. Although the theater had Committee declared the Warner National City Development atre architect not itself escape the demands hosted vaudeville acts and oth- Theatre the top priority of the Corporation, who manages the Dating back to its grand open- of changing times. It served er live performances during its arts community, they brought in neighboring Mid City Towers ing on April 10, 1931, Erie’s War- beautifully as a “motion picture first act, it was the Erie Philhar- leading theater architects from apartments), the Common- ner Theatre had always been palace” (Warner Bros. films and monic’s adoption of the Warner major cities all over the country, wealth (who owns the Warner) intended as a great escape. Its others after a 1948 federal an- as a performing space in the all of whom were spellbound by would not approve construction opulent interior drew heavily titrust lawsuit) for its first 40 ’70s that really galvanized pres- how much of its original majesty on land it doesn’t own. There- from Art Deco and French Im- years — but the emergence of ervation efforts. In 1977, Tullio remained. Still, all knew it was fore, the ECCCA was forced to

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 Mary Lynn Rote, LPC, CADC Rob Giannamore, LPC Charen Pasky, LCSW Jillian Rhoades, LCSW Ashley Gleason, LPC Lisa Yaple, LPC TOP 5 REASONS TO STAYCATION! Alen Melik-Adamyan, LCSW EARLY CHECK IN – LATE CHECK OUT! Samantha Marcinko, LPC 1. No Jet Lag. 2. Relax and Unwind more quickly. COUNSELING SERVICES Individuals | Couples | Families | Depression 3. No long drives. Addictions | Anxiety | Trauma | EMDR Therapy 4. Re-discover the beautiful places of this city. Personal Fitness Training | Nutrition & Weight Management 5. STAY SAFE, STAY SMALL, STAY INN!

Distinctive Historic Bed & Breakfast, located in downtown Erie, PA steps from Gannon (814) 825-2930 University, UPMC Hamot, Erie Insurance, 4320 Dexter Ave. Erie, PA 16504 and the beautiful waterfront. 401 Peach St • Erie, PA • (562) 235-5968 For more info, visit www.marylynnrote.com victoriainnerie.com

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 HIRING TODAY!

Make a living difference.while making a

Lakeshore Community Services is seeking dedicated and reliable Direct Support Professionals and Certified Nursing Assistants eager to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Are you compassionate and motivated to help others? Join us!

We offer: • Great Pay and Benefits Package • Opportunity for Advancement • Varied hours - Nights, evenings & weekends available There may not be the guessing of songs • Potentially earn up to $1,300 in bonuses in Year 1! until next year in person, but this year’s event has something for everyone! Apply today at LakeshoreCS.org. There will be signature theme baskets, a 50-50 raffle, unique silent auction items, and more for this virtual event! 1350 West 26th Street • Erie, PA 16508 • 814-456-9962

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 FEATURE

[left] Situated behind the original Warner’s main stage. Warner Theatre building on East The brand new rehearsal hall Ninth Street, a new rehearsal will be connected to the exist- hall will be accessible both from the street and via a glass-walled ing Warner foyer by means of an outdoor link connected to the outdoor link running alongside existing Warner foyer. A video the building on French Street, board showing performances enclosed in clear glass. Eventu- to onlookers on French Street will be added sometime in the ally, a video wall on the French future. [bottom right] Offset Street side of the rehearsal hall barrel-vaulted ceilings and a will show movies and broadcast gallery-style overlook highlight sold-out events to public spec- the contemporary interior of the new Warner Theatre rehearsal tators on the lawn outside Erie hall, scheduled for completion in Insurance Arena. Between the Dec. 2021. arena, UPMC Park, and the War- ner complex, summer nights • 1 laundry room in Downtown Erie’s Sports and The pièce de résistance of Entertainment District should the project, though, is the con- have no shortage of lights, cam- struction of the two-story re- era, and/or action post-pandem- hearsal hall that will sit above ic. the loading dock on East Ninth. It’s an escape we can most cer- This contemporary but intimate tainly look forward to. space will have its own dedi- Special thanks to the Erie cated entrance, ticketing area, County Historical Society and lobby, restrooms, and bar area Erie County Convention Cen-

COFFEY GROUP ARCHITECTURE COFFEY GROUP for small gatherings and re- ter Authority executive direc- ceptions. Offset barrel-vaulted tor Casey Wells for their Zoom wait for the HUD mortgage on with certain elements (such as • 3 quad dressing rooms ceilings will offer exceptional presentation “The Warner The- that property to fully mature be- the antique Tiffany glass) being • 3 eight-seat dressing rooms acoustics, while a gallery-style atre: Past, Present, and Future,” fore purchasing. restored and others being re- • 2 chorus dressing rooms overlook will feed into the classy from which this article has been Of course, the price tag for placed. • 2 musician locker rooms atmosphere. It is expected to adapted. planning, labor, and materials Those passing underneath • 1 green room accommodate crowds of up to Matt Swanseger’s favorite Warner only go up over time, so con- the marquee into the lobby will • 1 wardrobe room 400, and will be programmed for Theatre memory was losing his struction bids were consistent- notice little difference in aes- • 1 wig room (for the first time both performances and art edu- tassel during Collegiate Academy’s ly coming in $10 million over thetic. Once they sit down for Warner history — it’s taken cation throughout the year, in- graduation ceremony in 2005. If by the set budget of $16.5 million a performance, however, the 90 years, but we’re finally dependent of or supplementary chance you have it, reach out at — $11 million in state funding, difference in experience should getting ahead!) to whatever’s transpiring on the [email protected] $3.5 million from the Warner be obvious. A newly installed or- Theatre Preservation Trust es- chestra shell and state-of-the- tablished by former Gov. Tom art, in-house sound system will Ridge in 1997, and $2 million provide acoustics previously raised by Erie Events. Just be- unmatched in Warner history. fore the bids expired in February Underneath the stage, a trap of 2020, another $3 million in system will allow for a much full- corporate donations helped res- er complement of theatrical ef- cue the project from limbo. The fects. The stage itself will be ex- planned relocation of the Erie panded by 15 feet, and equipped Philharmonic’s 2020-21 concert with an orchestra pit lift that can season to the Erie Insurance be raised or lowered, supporting Arena (which never happened various symphonic configura- in-person due to the COVID-19 tions. Meanwhile, the available pandemic) helped close the electrical supply to the stage is budget gap, as crews have been being quadrupled, generating a allowed to work continuously foundation for some of profes- toward a projected completion sional theater’s flashiest shows. of December 2021. Behind the scenes, drastical- ly enhanced accommodations What will the renovated War- should encourage bigger and ner look like? better productions to not only For those wondering, the icon- stop by, but to stick around a ic Warner Theatre marquee will while. These include: be back to shine upon State • A loading dock on East Street once again. It will be an Ninth Street exact replica of the 1931 original, • 2 star dressing rooms ARCHITECTURE COFFEY GROUP

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 MOVIES A Comedy of Errors Shiva Baby is as funny as it is uncomfortable

she didn’t even know about. he term “cringe comedy” has been With its witty, rapid-fire dialogue and Ta popular moniker for the past de- strong performances from an ensem- cade-and-a-half and plenty of films and ble cast, the film works wonderfully as television shows have certainly earned a comedy. However, the tight, hand- that distinction since that time. How- held camerawork and often overbear- ever, I don’t think anything has so per- ing soundtrack often make it feel more fectly embodied the description quite like a horror film. The end result is a like Emma Seligman’s Shiva Baby. This film that is simultaneously funny and is a film that is tense, uncomfortable, nerve-wracking. Seligman does a great anxiety-inducing, and incredibly funny job putting us in the protagonist’s head- all at the same time. Suffice to say, it’s space while her life falls apart during an absolute blast. the course of one horrible day. If that We follow a single day in the life of sounds like a fun time at the movies, then Danielle (Rachel Sennott), a college this film is for you but it may lead some student who is sleeping with an older viewers to bouts of anxiety themselves. man (Danny Deferrari) who’s paying her — Forest Taylor way through law school. That afternoon Shiva Baby is currently playing in select she attends a family shiva (a traditional theaters and is available on Amazon Jewish gathering after a funeral) and Prime, Apple TV+, Google Play, and Vudu // has to endure awkward conversations Written and Directed by: Emma Seligman with family members whom she hasn’t // Starring: Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, EAST WEST seen in years. But things take a turn Polly Draper, Danny Defarrari, Fred 810 East 38th Street 3201 Greengarden Blvd. for the worse when she learns that the Melamed, Dianna Agron, Glynis Bell, Sondra 459-1145 864-5322 shiva is being attended not only by her James, Deborah Offner, and Rita Gardner Mon-Sat 11am - 8pm Mon-Sat 11am - 6pm ex-girlfriend Maya (Molly Gordon) but // 77 minutes // Unrated (‘R’ equivalent) // Sun 10am - 6pm Sun 9am - 2pm also her sugar daddy and his family that Utopia

No sales pitch. Erie Ads start immediately. Reader Cancel anytime. NOW SERVING OUR FULL MENU. Online CALL AHEAD FOR SAFER, FASTER SERVICE. VISIT OUR TERESA’S ITALIAN DELI Ads FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS. FULL MENU LOCATED AT WWW.TDERIE.COM Work 26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 The Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity Presents the 12th Annual Time and Temperature Russian Festival at Your Fingertips Friday, May 28, 2021 - 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2021 - Noon to 6 p.m.

Church of the Nativity Community Center 109 German Street Erie, PA 16507 www.churchofthenativity.net/troika

TROIKA 2021 is a Go! Take Out & Curbside Pick-up Only

Call it for

Call it for the MEMORIES! Sponsored by Dr. James Lin, Geriatrician at

Senior Living Center

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 MOVIES War of the Gargantuas Godzilla vs. Kong is very dumb but occasionally entertaining

Godzilla to them as he is compelled to destroy Kong and the two find them- egendary Entertainment’s so-called selves in the fight of their lives. L“Monsterverse” has been the strang- The story is a convoluted mess with est cinematic universe to date. After sinister corporate conspiracies, an- a somber and fairly serious beginning cient legends, a little girl with an almost with Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla, the se- psychic connection to Kong, and a se- ries has followed Toho’s lead and made cret world that exists at the center of every subsequent film increasingly the earth. That said, we came to this dumber and sillier. This all culminates film for the monster fight and it mostly with Adam Wingard’s (You’re Next, The delivers. Godzilla, Kong, and an unex- Guest) Godzilla vs. Kong, which might pected third monster late in the film all just be the dumbest and silliest one have distinct personalities and it’s fun yet. The film is loud and obnoxious, the watching how each one comes up with story is incomprehensible, and the ac- ways to pound on the other. It’s a lot tion wears tiresome. However, there are of stupid fun but the fun lies in seeing some unexpected pleasures to be found just how far the stupid is willing to go. in just how far it’s willing to go with its — Forest Taylor ridiculous premise. Directed by: Adam Wingard // Written After being discovered on Skull Island, by: Terry Rosso, Michael Dougherty, Eric Kong has been living safely these last Pearson, Max Borenstein, and Zach Shields // decades under Monarch supervision. Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby But when an Apex CEO learns about a Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun possible new power source below the Oguri, Eiza Gonzalez, Julian Dennison, Lance surface of the earth, he puts together Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demian Bichir, and a team of scientists to look for it with Kaylee Hottle // 113 minutes // Rated PG-13 // Kong guiding them there. This attracts Warner Bros. Pictures

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 BOOKS Great Circle Takes Adventure to New Heights Maggie Shipstead’s new novel awes and inspires

here is a lot to be said about the mie, a gentle boy who becomes a kind felt intensely and deeply as though it that each reader is sure to devour Tstory told in Maggie Shipstead’s man and incredible artist. Other nota- were happening in real-time. There is the story, hungry for more adventure. newest novel, Great Circle. But to sum- ble characters include Wallace, their something so amazing in the novel’s — Ally Kutz marize it in one word: fantastic. painter uncle who takes in the twins composition that even the most mun- Knopf // 627 pages // Historical Fiction Spanning the majority of the 20th when they are just babies; Barclay, a dane or technical details — such as century, Great Circle is an adventure in bootlegger who sets his sights on Mar- complexities regarding airplanes and and of itself. Its main venture is telling ian and will not take no for an answer; machinery — jump off the page, draw- the story of Marian Graves, a female pi- Caleb, a childhood friend who grows ing the reader in. lot who eventually sets out to perform with them into adulthood; and Ruth, a In a display of true talent, Shipstead a great circle of the earth. A great cir- brazen female pilot Marian befriends sets the scene of each location — and cle is, by definition, the largest circle during World War II. there are a lot of them — in striking that can be drawn on any given sphere, Hadley, the Hollywood starlet playing beauty and detail. From Montana to with Marian setting out to do so across Marian, has her share of fumbles and Alaska, Europe to Africa, New Zealand both poles. flaws, but ultimately wants to bring to the Arctic, and many more places in The novel, however, focuses less on truth to Marian’s story, digging into between, the imagery is so profound her final attempted feat and more on the pilot’s past to truly understand the that it is difficult not to feel as though her early life and what leads her to her part she is playing. With some help you can smell the mountain air or feel great circle. Marian’s story intersects from those who knew Marian, Hadley the chill of subzero temperatures. with that of Hadley, a scandal-prone uncovers truths that she never could The only fault in the novel is in its actress in modern-day Hollywood who, have imagined possible about the lost ending — or, rather, the fact that it has following a series of public disgraces, pilot. to end at all. Shipstead has created a is cast to play Marian in a movie adap- Shipstead’s writing is absolutely world so unique and filled with such tation of the pilot’s life and final flight. stunning, each character coming to riveting characters that it is devastat- The story’s focus goes beyond Marian life through her mesmerizing descrip- ing to have to leave them behind. and Hadley, though. Sharing many of tions and masterful imagery. Each high Great Circle is so heartbreaking- the pages is Marian’s twin brother Ja- is ridden along with Marian, each low ly beautiful and stunningly written

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 BOOKS / PODCASTS The First Ten Years Welcome To Night Vale’s Joseph Fink teams up with wife Meg Bashwiner for new memoir

n 2009, Joseph Fink was a 22-year-old Story by Joseph Fink and Meg Bashwin- While heartwarming and hilarious, the Iaspiring writer who moved cross-coun- er is as entertaining as it is heartwarm- book also contains heartbreak and loss. try from California to New York City to ing. The initial premise itself is enough The perfection of this memoir is truly in follow his dreams. Working odd jobs to to draw readers in: Fink and Bashwiner its imperfections, laid bare by authors pay the rent, he takes up volunteering wrote their pieces separately, not con- who do not shy away from the more diffi- with a theater company in the East Vil- sulting each other, leading to two differ- cult subjects. Loss of a loved one, break- lage for free tickets to their shows. Meg ent interpretations of the same events. ups, make-ups, and dark points in life are Bashwiner, also 22 years old, was an as- Some are remembered vastly different discussed and brought to the light, rath- piring performer and playwright living in from one another, while other events are er than hidden away and brushed under New Jersey with her parents, working a nearly identical. the rug. desk job during the day, and commut- After the two met in 2009, Fink found Both Fink and Bashwiner have strong, ing to the city for her internship with a huge success with Welcome to Night unique voices that come alive on the theater company in the East Village — Vale, a podcast co-created with Jeffrey page, having readers laugh along with the same one Fink was volunteering at. Cranor. Set in the fictional town of Night them, but also grieve their losses and They met, became friends, and the rest, Vale, the podcast is presented as a radio continue to root for them throughout the as they say, is history… Well, it isn’t really show that reports on the strange events memoir. With the first ten years being this that simple. that take place in the town. Bashwiner is good, the next ten should be even better. Hilarious and down-to-earth, The First also involved, voicing a number of char- — Ally Kutz Ten Years: Two Sides of the Same Love acters on the show. Harper Perennial // 193 pages // Memoir

Our Monthly Podcast Picks Cool things to listen to this lunar cycle Podcast Pick: With Gourley and Rust Podcast Pick: The Dana Gould Hour Podcast Picks: Throughline Hosted by: Matt Gourley, Paul Rust // patreon.com/ Hosted by: Dana Gould // danagould.com Hosted by: Ramtin Arablouei and Rund Abdelfatah // withgourleyandrust NPR erhaps you know self-professed Phim as “fragile” hile listening to a A “cozy-cast” that Frankie Merman, or Wpodcast episode can often run close maybe, somehow, on James Baldwin to three hours long, you recognize his during an evening walk With Gourley and voice from the Gex last fall, I was stopped Rust can best be com- video game fran- in my tracks. The epi- pared to watching a chise. Most likely, sode had been slow- movie with friends you’ve seen Dana ly building towards a — something we Gould’s name in the gut-punching mono- could all use during credits of The Simpsons from 2001 to 2007. Even if logue that was so moving that I needed a moment to these final hours of quarantine. (Ironically, one of those aren’t ringing any particular bells, you’ll want gather myself. When it ended, I listened again. their Patreon tiers rewards subscribers with synced to get to know the sound of his voice on his regular The podcast is Throughline. It launched in 2019, but was commentaries to additional films, allowing listeners podcast, The Dana Gould Hour. Here, Gould mines perhaps an unlikely show. Co-hosts Ramtin Arablouei to actually watch the films with them in some capac- his weird well of interests like a madman. Listen to and Rund Abdelfatah are not historians. In fact, before ity, but the same point stands for regular listeners.) this show if you are enamored with the following: Throughline, the duo were only producers who had never Every Friday, Matt Gourley (Superego, Conan O’Brien Plan 9 From Outer Space, the Planet of the Apes even been on air when they pitched their idea to NPR. Needs A Friend) and Paul Rust (star of Love and half franchise, bizarre true stories, mid-century Holly- “There were these large gaps in our knowledge about of the band Don’t Stop or We’ll Die) discuss a film to- wood, any of artist Drew Friedman’s subjects, any all of these important events, and if we felt that way, we gether — often part of a franchise, often horror-ad- of artist Mitch O’Connell’s subjects, or comedy in thought others did too,” Abdelfatah told Podcast Review jacent — usually something like an hour into record- general. The show is half interview podcast, half in 2019. ing. The rest of the show, which often feels minimally variety show. It’s also remarkably easy to jump Arablouei and Abdelfatah are contagiously curious in edited in a charming way, captures two friends into with its once-a-month schedule. It gener- their conversations with knowledgeable guests as they catching up, telling stories from growing up and ally strays far from its titular length, but tends to examine the nuances of history often remembered more working in film, and generally trying to make each hover between the acceptable runtime of a mov- broadly. Episodes challenge listeners to set aside precon- other laugh. It’s an incredibly genuine and whole- ie. Tangential to the podcast, Gould recently con- ceptions — which the masterful storytelling makes easy. some experience that leaves listeners caring less cluded the first season of Hanging With Doctor Z Episodes cover wide-randing topics including the N95 about Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Meyers and (hangingwithdoctorz.com), where he conducts respirator, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Billie Hol- more about their friends, Matt and Paul, who seem Space Ghost-style interviews in full orangutan liday’s “Strange Fruit,” the Kurdish people, the banana in- to burst with encyclopedic film knowledge and over- makeup. The podcast isn’t so much of a binger, dustry, and a self-proclaimed genderless prophet named the-top anecdotes. In this way, and just in time for but it’s a fantastic one to have in your feed, so tune the Public Universal Friend. the weekend, it truly lives up to its “cozy-cast” status. in, it’s a gas, it’s the Dana Gould Hour podcast. For those who want to know the stories behind the — Aaron Mook — Nick Warren headlines, Throughline is for you.— Jonathan Burdick

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 MUSIC DMX: A Leader Gone Too Soon Members of the Erie hip-hop community look back on rapper’s legacy

Rapper Earl Simmons — more popularly “Party Up” at a friend’s house. “I later known as DMX — passed away of an apparent overdose on April 9, leaving a got the album and fell in love with his huge void in the hip-hop community felt storytelling abilities and it definitely im- worldwide, including in Erie. pacted my own writing.” Renowned hip-hop personality Jay Rastik recognized DMX’s powerhouse God, X’s lyrics displayed his trauma as status claiming him as a centerpiece much as his desire to be saved from it. to what hip-hop is. “Just watching his With a distinctive voice that carried an videos and being able to meet him and undeniable raspiness, this Ruff Ryder know how genuine he was is inspira- made it known that he was hungry for tional. Hip-hop lost a gem when we his shot in the world, and at the same lost DMX. He helped many people get time wanted to heal others with the through rough times.” word of God and natural philosophies. DMX was hospitalized at White Plains Earl Simmons became a ray of light Hospital in New York where he was for those who were experiencing rough patches in their own personal lives. He was not only the voice of the streets, DMX’s music was based but a leader of the hopeless. What on the crippling duality of would you expect from a man who came from abuse (both physical and drug-re- man, fighting what he would lated), neglect, group homes, and nu- call the dark and the light. merous times behind bars? X’s messag- Filled with outbursts of pain, es were brutally truthful which led him criminal motives, prayers, and to be an unstoppable force in hip-hop conversations with God, X’s from 1998-2003 and dominating the rap game alongside his peers such as Jay lyrics displayed his trauma Z and Eminem. Hollywood quickly took as much as his desire to be notice of the iconic Yonkers native saved from it. which placed him in cult-classic mov- ies such Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds,

MIKA VÄISÄNEN and Cradle To The Grave. placed on life support but was in a veg- To show how meaningful DMX’s leg- etative state with little to no chance By: Charles Brown acy is, I asked a few Erie artists to ex- of fully reviving. Shortly after, he was Dec. 18, 1970), was more than an in- press their sentiments on the growling pronounced dead. He was 50 years of s if America hasn’t dealt with spiration to listeners worldwide. DMX poet that we all know and love. age. Before his passing, Dark Man was Aenough heartbreaking news over (or Dark Man X) would carry the torch Female rapper/producer/DJ Ne’Richa’ back into the music with a new album the past year, we still find ourselves tak- from those before him such as Tupac took some time to lament and cele- planned to hit the waves all over with ing curveball after curveball, becoming Shakur, to present some of the grittiest brate “The Dog’s” artistry. “DMX was some of the most prolific names in rap more unsure of the future. But let’s of street tales and cringe-worthy yet the artist that I could relate to during and R&B featured on it from Lil Wayne focus the scope on hip-hop, a genre beautiful introspection that resonates a time when music focused way too to Alicia Keys. X’s memorial service was that’s claimed to be “the sound that with fans until this day. X emerged onto much on materialistic things,” says the held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn runs the world.” Fans all over are con- the rap world in 1997 and sky-rocketed multi-faceted creator. “He talked about where his family, friends, fans, and var- stantly anticipating the big next song in 1998 with his debut album under Ruff real subject matter and feelings. He ious artists attended and spoke on his or arguing who is the greatest to ever Ryders/Def Jam It’s Dark And Hell Is wasn’t afraid to be emotional, and hon- behalf. put the pen to the test. And as always, Hot. Within the same year, he dropped estly, after Pac (Tupac) died, that was a Though one of hip-hop’s prophets is the culture never lets go of its legends his follow-up titled Flesh Of My Flesh, void that needed to be filled.” no longer here, the fans still champion even after their passing. From borough Blood Of My Blood which featured one Rapper Tone Fach, who is trending his music allowing X’s catalog to make to borough, murals are painted all over of his most honest songs yet, “Slippin.” upward with his newest album re- a killing in streams over Spotify. Multi- to commemorate our street poets in Both albums went #1 on the Billboard lease (L.O.S.T. Lyrics Over Silly Trends), ple headlines have been hitting the net order to keep hip-hop alive. And we’ll 200 charts with his next three releases reminisces over his introduction to on a daily basis covering his problem- continue to do so as we have lost one tackling the same position. X became the legend. “I remember back before atic beginnings to his last days. DMX of the rawest talents to ever blaze the the first rapper to go #1 five times in a I had MTV, everyone in school singing may have been a troubled soul thirsty scene. That artist, my friends, is none row and sold millions of copies each the ‘Ruff Ryders Anthem’ (DMX’s sec- for salvation, but his mission was to other than Earl Simmons — aka DMX time. ond single from his debut album) and save the world before himself like the — who passed away on April 9 of this DMX’s music was based on the crip- talking about DMX. I knew the chorus humanitarian he was born to be. Long year due to an apparent overdose. De- pling duality of man, fighting what he before I ever heard the song.” Fach re- live one of music’s icons. tails of what drug caused his untimely would call the dark and the light. Filled calls getting a hold of X’s third release Charles Brown can be found on Facebook demise have not been disclosed. with outbursts of pain, criminal mo- And Then There Was X after seeing the and Twitter @CEEBrown814, and online at To many, the Yonkers emcee (born tives, prayers, and conversations with world premiere video for the single ceebrown.com

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 Thanks for voting us the A Whale of A Deal! 250 Business Cards Best Radio Station AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THE MONTH ONLY OF MAY the last 5 years! $29.50*! 2021 Need More? Add 250 More of Same Design

for ONLY $ best oF best oF 10.00! 2016 2017 DETAILS: 2 Sided Full Color, 16 pt. Cover, Glossy or Matte Finish Available. 4-5 day turn around. *Printing only. Typesetting and design services are also available for an additional fee. Helping Our Clients Look and Be Their Best! DESIGN • PRINT • ON-BRAND MARKETING Presque Isle 814-833-9020 4318 W. Ridge Road Printing Services Erie, PA 16506 2014 ‡2015 ‡2016 ‡2017‡2020 www.presqueisleprinting.com

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 ALBUM REVIEWS

Alfa Mist The Armed Gojira Cade Eliason Bring Backs Ultrapop Fortitude Forget Me Not ANTI- Sargent House Roadrunner Self-released

o you need to t’s chaotic and ith Fortitude, f you’ve never Drelax? Do you Iexciting. Ul- WGojira have Ifollowed up on kind of like jazz? trapop is The cemented their a music review, I Put on this al- Armed’s fourth place as one of hope today is the bum today. Bring studio album progressive met- day. Writing mu- Backs is the latest since their for- al’s most import- sic reviews can solo studio album mation in 2009 ant bands. The be rewarding, and for Alfa Mist. The London-based pianist (including their hard-to-find debut), with seventh album from the Ondres, France Cade Eliason is one of those few artists and producer is a self-taught musician, as many EPs under their belt in that same quartet is a step beyond in their already that make that search worth it. Forget though this album — and his entire time. Functioning less like a band and impressive catalog. Recorded in their New Me Not, his third album is practically per- catalog in general — displays a highly more as a musical collective, the Detroit York City studio, this marks the band’s fect. Aside from a handful of mix-volume educated sense of inventive musicali- outfit is made up of around eight peo- return from their landmark 2016 album issues, I’m utterly blown away. It’s raw, ty. Like his 2017 debut album Antiphon ple. Throughout their history, The Armed Magma. Curiously, there’s almost a posi- and it’s elemental. It’s fun, and it’s real. On and his 2019 follow-up Structuralism, have been notoriously cagey and secre- tive feel on this record. Filled by the band’s a macro level, it’s ripe for fans of Rex Or- Bring Backs is bursting with luscious tive about their actual lineup. For this trademark heaviness, Fortitude exists as ange County. Eliason’s blend of emo, neo- tones and a laid-back vibe that’s worth album, they’ve released their official mu- a slightly more accessible endeavor than soul, hip hop makes for the ideal “bed- examining, having gathered inspiration sical roster, but whether or not they’re a previous offerings. Twenty-five years after room album.” Keep in mind that this is all from throughout the decades. Whether reliable narrator is anyone’s guess. Past their formation, Gojira find themselves at coming from an 18-year-old kid from Min- you’re putting it on as background music contributors have included members of the top of their game. The 11 tracks flow neapolis with no Facebook artist page. or fully indulging in every tone, listeners Dillinger Escape Plan, Rough Francis, and gracefully from one to another, with stand- Forget Me Not is a short, 8-song album will love what they find. While it’s not a Converge. What we do know is that the out moments like the title track and the that’s fully formed. Every song is better far cry from his earlier work, Bring Backs twelve songs on the tongue-in-cheekily- aptly named “The Chant.” Feelings are cod- than the last, with perhaps the best intro- is an exemplary piece in the burgeoning named Ultrapop are fuzzy and bombas- ified, coalescing in sections of unforgetta- ductory track being “It’s Okay.” It took me canon of nu-jazz. The album is stitched tic, a frenetic cacophony that’s not imme- ble fuzzy grandeur that you’ll be tempted to four listens to realize that the track titles together by the poetry of Hilary Thomas. diately decipherable. The album brings sing along with. The family tree of metal is form the last line he wrote on the album. A heartfelt and glowing addition to the elements of noise, punk, and shoegaze evident here, with sections that hearken to It all ends with the traditional, Civil War- record, Thomas’ words float along like together for a unique concoction that’s Led Zeppelin, Sepultura, and Iron Maiden, era song “Aura Lea.” Eliason has done magic against the backdrop of Alfa Mist’s worth hearing. For those of a more pop as well as contemporaries like Meshuggah his homework, and he’s incredibly wise lo-fi tones and Fender Rhodes sounds. predilection, don’t fear. It’s extreme- and Mastadon. There’s shredding aplenty, beyond his years, with an already-prolific Is it groundbreaking? Perhaps not, but ly listenable (calling all Lightning Bolt as evidenced in the opening licks of “An- output well worth diving into. In my five- it may just be the perfect soundtrack fans), an intentionally unsettling, foamy other World’’ melded seamlessly with epic and-a-half years reviewing music here, to the mood you’re looking for. brew of anger and experimentation. sequences of forceful riffs and choruses. this is the fourth perfect review I’ve given. — Nick Warren — Nick Warren — Nick Warren — Nick Warren

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com May 2021 CROSSWORD

Across Down 28. Diana with a record-set- 1. Taking advantage of 59. Home of 60% of the ting swim around Manhattan 6. Plumbing problem world’s people in 1975 10. Northeastern octet 60. Screenplay structure 29. Manhattan, por ejemplo 15. McGregor with the 62. Gasteyer of “Mean Girls” 30. Attachment to a fishing Twitter handle @TheNotori- 63. See 50-Across rod ousMMA 67. Put (down) 31. Epic ____ 16. “. . . on second 68. Below zero: Abbr. 32. Lab noise? Answers to last puzzle thought, pass” 69. Something that may be 33. Utah resort town 17. “As I’d’ve expected!” found in a belt 34. Passion 18. ____ cum laude 70. Flub 35. British city after which 19. “You ____ kiddin’!” 71. Dr. with Grammys the Big Apple is named 20. Prefix with phobia 72. Cowboys, at times 40. Change the color of 21. Motto that translates to 73. Org. concerned with again “Out of many, the actress who cyber threats 41. “Do or do not. There played Punky Brewster”? ____ try”: Yoda 24. “I figured it out!” Down 43. Observer 25. Wide shoe spec 1. Bay Area research sch. 44. Unit of bacon 26. Made tons and tons of 2. Sweet companion? 46. Egyptian ____ (spotted food in a wok? 3. “Waiter, there’s a fly ____ cat breed) 36. Scarecrow material soup!” 47. NBA official 37. 12-time NFL Pro Bowler 4. Dietary restriction 50. One may have ‘50s decor Junior 5. Staples of annual reports 51. Old enough 38. “Seinfeld” uncle 6. Gathering of lei people? 52. Lightbulb units 39. Company that launched 7. Mideast leader 53. They’re often under fire Pong 8. Years in the Roman Empire 54. Part of TNT 42. 1970s heartthrob Garrett 9. Hoda of “Today” 55. Lake in the Sierra 43. Spanish 101 verb 10. “Be with you soon” Nevada range 45. Leaned on kids to spill 11. Less specific 56. See 58-Across the beans? 12. Take ____ the chin 57. Goes to great heights 48. Junk ____ 13. Light beige 58. Bubble-blowing tool 49. Suffix with market or 14. Pillow cover 61. Banks on a runway musket 22. Back muscle, for short 63. ____-Mart 50. With 63-Across, a fast- 23. One-eighty 64. “There ____ God!” food employee’s classic query 26. “Wake Me Up Before You 65. Make public . . . or this puzzle’s theme Go-Go” duo 66. Emmitt Smith’s 175, 58. Portia de Rossi, to 56- 27. “I could ____ horse!” for short

May 2021 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 Event Sponsors

Thank You LSUMMIT Platinum BA X LO II Gold Silver G

Bronze Copper

T Y H T E IE JE C GOHRS F O p: (814) 455-0629 · f: (814) 454-2718 FE S RS AL Patron Sponsors ON EDUCATION

Personal Patrons

Maureen Plunkett and Family Anonymous Jefferson Trustee

ThomasJeffersonbelievedacitizenrythatwaseducatedonissuesandshareditsideas throughpublicdiscoursehadthepowertomakeadifferenceintheworld.

TheJeffersonEducationalSocietyofErieisastrongproponentofthatbelief,offeringcourses,seminars,andlecturesthatexplaintheideasthat formedthepast,assistinexploringthepresent,andofferguidanceincreatingthefutureoftheErieregion. 2021 FREE DIGITAL SUMMIT • Monday, May 10 – Thursday, May 27 3207StateStreet Erie,Pennsylvania 16508-2821 XII WEEK ONE WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Susan Page, Author and Washington Bureau Chief for MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. USA Today Camille Busette, urban expert from Brookings Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power Institution, andRashawn Ray, Brookings Fellow and University of Maryland professor THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Addressing Policy Reform and Racial Equity Karen Tumulty, Author of The Triumph of Nancy Reagan with Camille Busette and Rashawn Ray and a Washington Post columnist Nancy Reagan: Archives, Letters, Memoirs, and TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Interviews Offering a New and Revealing Look at the Ali Zaidi, Deputy National Climate Adviser to President Former First Lady Biden; Zaidi, a Pakistani-American, is a 2004 graduate of General McLane High School near Edinboro FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 AT 1 P.M. A Conversation with Ali Zaidi, Deputy National Dr. Leana Wen, Washington Post columnist and CNN Climate Adviser to the Biden Administration medical analyst WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. COVID-19: The Path Forward for Parents, Educators, Avi Loeb, author and chairman of Astronomy at and Public Health Experts Harvard University Extraterrestrial Life: Are We the Sharpest Cookies in WEEK THREE the Jar? THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Rev. Jeffrey Brown, President of Rebuilding Every David Ignatius, Washington Post columnist Community Around Peace, co-founder of My City at with expertise in foreign policy and economics; Peace, and “the architect of the Boston Miracle” author of 11 fiction novels A Conversation with Rev. Jeffrey Brown: Race in Russia, China, and What You Need to Know about America and Today’s Black Lives Matter Movement America’s Greatest Foreign Policy Challenges

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Nile Gardiner, Aide to former British Prime Minister Christopher Hill, Former Assistant Secretary of State of Margaret Thatcher; Director of Thatcher Center for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Former U.S. Ambassador Freedom and Fellow at Heritage Foundation to Iraq, South Korea, Poland, and Macedonia The Iron Lady on Screen: Discussing Margaret Understanding America’s 21st Century Diplomacy: Thatcher in Film and on TV Lessons from the Front Lines of Europe and Asia

WEEK TWO WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. April Ryan, CNN political analyst and White House MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. Correspondent and Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief Gerald Seib, Author and Washington editor of the for The Grio Wall Street Journal Front Row to History: Reporting from the We Should Have Seen It Coming: From Reagan to Front Lines of the White House Trump – A Front-Row Seat to a Political Revolution THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 AT 7:30 P.M. James and Deborah Fallows, authors of the Dr. Michael Saag, Director of Infectious Disease at the national bestsellerOur Towns and national University of Alabama Birmingham correspondents for The Atlantic, and Academy The Global Coronavirus Pandemic and America’s Path Award-nominated filmmakersSteven Ascher Forward and Jeanne Jordan “Our Towns:” From the Pages to the HBO Screen

Sponsored by in partnership with

Reserve your digital seats today at www.jeserie.org (limited capacity for all programs)