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erie.ahn.org Where do you go to CONTENTS From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. JULY 29, 2020 Signaling for help Editors-in-Chief t’s no easy thing to ask for help. Yes, there see a world-renowned Brian Graham & Adam Welsh The Case for a Citizen Review Board for Policing is sometimes pride involved — think of all Managing Editor in Erie – 5 Nick Warren Ithe dads out there aimlessly wandering Copy Editor the aisles of their local hardware stores right cancer specialist? Matt Swanseger now, how many roundabout odysseys for Contributing Editors cordless electric drill bits and toilet flusher Ben Speggen handles might’ve ended if well-meaning store Jim Wertz associates weren’t prematurely shrugged off. Contributors Those dads should be grateful — after all, out- Right here in Erie. Liz Allen side the retail world, how many of us wouldn’t Mary Birdsong love to be immediately directed to exactly Charles Brown what we want or need?

Jonathan Burdick NICK WARREN Katie Chriest Can I help you find anything today? Sure, Symoné Crockett show me the way to peace and quiet; to that Chloe Forbes How would it work to hold law enforcement funny thing I thought of the other day; to rec- Tommy Link accountable? onciliation with an estranged friend or fam- Hannah McDonald Aaron Mook ily member; to redemption for a past wrong; Brad Pattullo Chronicling Erie County’s Community College to self-confidence and fulfillment. There are Dan Schank Conversation – 9 countless items that we as individuals and as Tommy Shannon a society seek, for which we can’t simply scan Melissa Sullivan Shimek How did we get here? Ryan Smith a barcode or look up an SKU. Instead, we bar- Jen Sorenson Strength in Small Numbers – 13 gain and haggle, bartering time and energy Rebecca Styn for the mere chance. Cara Suppa Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie volunteers Unfortunately, many pleas for help are nei- Forest Taylor ther seen nor heard, however visible or loud Bryan Toy continue to lean on one another the distress signal. In fact, a good deal of them Photographer Jessica Hunter Skip the Highway; Build a Boulevard – 17 are ignored entirely. We’re not talking about flares shot off by crash victims lost in end- Interns Re-envisioning multi-million dollar Bayfront Hannah Wyman less expanses of wilderness or open sea; we’re Parkway Project Cover Design talking about problems in plain sight, voices Nick Warren within immediate earshot of our community. When the Giving Gets Tough – 18 Some of their fires have been billowing smoke 1001 State St. Suite 1315 Erie Gives Day gets the giving going for decades, proving that as hard as it can be Erie, Pa., 16501 to ask for help, it can be even more difficult to [email protected] Leadership, Lockdowns, and Snake Oil – 24 receive it. How long have we witnessed the ravages of The Erie Reader is published every How aloof administrations, science denial, and other week and distributed at over racial inequality? The destruction and degra- 350 high foot-traffic locations in contested business closures affected Erie ... in dation of our environment and its continued Pennsylvania from North East to 1918 detriment to our health and happiness? The Girard to Edinboro. In addition to underfunding of public education and the appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content daily at ErieReader. Cartoons – 28 gulfs it’s widened? The repercussions of self- com as well as social media sites. Picking it up, never surrendering, and approved ish shortsightedness and negligence? These All rights reserved. All content issues and many others are still out there. You © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 police procedures don’t need an eagle’s vision to spot the flames State St., Suite 1315, Erie, Pa, or a bloodhound’s nose to smell the fumes. 16501. No part of this publication Movie Reviews – 29 may be reproduced without You only need the conscience to care and the permission. The opinions of our Zombies, and new joints courage to act. columnists and contributors are Erie Gives Day is never going to put out all their own and do not always reflect Television Reviews – 30 of the fires — but each year, it offers anyone Dr. David Bartlett is the new Allegheny Health Network Cancer that of the editorial board or organization. Direct sales inquiries to K-Dramas and sword-wielding epics with an altruistic heart the coordinates to 814.314.9364. For editorial inquiries, those signaling for help. Helmed by the Erie Institute Chair. He’s a proven leader, a pioneer in new cancer email [email protected]. Video Game Reviews – 32 Community Foundation, the annual charity treatments, and he’s taking new patients right now at AHN Saint drive has raised over $26 million for area non- Vincent Hospital. It’s one more way you can be sure that if you get the Two of Whitethorn Digital’s newest profits since its inception, and has no plans of stopping anytime soon, coronavirus be news nobody wants, we’ll be ready. And always close by. Music Reviews – 34 damned. Log onto eriegives.org on Tuesday, Phoebe Bridgers, Hum, Oliver Tree, and Nadine Aug. 11, anytime from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Their Shah nonprofit search can help you find any cause The future of cancer care is at AHN. you might want to donate to (check out our Crossword Puzzle – 35 staff picks for inspiration). In a year that has taken so much from us, This issue’s latest stumper from David Levinson it might be harder to give. But it’s never been erie.ahn.org Wilk more important. July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3

NEWS & VIEWS The Case for a Citizen Review Board for Policing in Erie How would it work to hold law enforcement accountable?

Crowd control officers lingered in Downtown Erie the morning of Sunday, May 31 — after a peaceful Saturday protest over the death of George Floyd unraveled into chaos. The rifle pictured falls into the category of a “riot gun,” a firearm designed to fire “non-lethal” or “less-lethal” ammunition, such as rubber impact rounds.

ers. The letter purports to offer concern for a “peaceful resolution,” but instead indulges a number of racist and antise- mitic stereotypes about black people who “cannot take care of their own” and a “deep state” controlled by George Soros. Annunziata was fired shortly af- ter. Finally, on July 6, a video was made public following a court hearing of a violent confrontation behind a tavern on Erie’s west side, in which Patrolman Nicholas Strauch can be seen punching a suspect seven times in the head. In the midst of all this turmoil, four of City Council’s seven members (Liz Al- len, David Brennan, Michael Keys, and NICK WARREN Kathy Schaaf) have voiced support for a review board and Mayor Schember By: Dan Schank And I’m not sure there’s ever been a and demanded a Department of Jus- has expressed willingness to discuss it. ’ve never felt more like a witness to more appropriate time to push for one. tice investigation into our police force. history than I have this summer. Jenkins-Husband was able to secure a The community weighs in I The sustained anxieties of A 17-year history majority on City Council to establish “I have voiced support for a citizen COVID-19 have added to this feeling, as Demands for citizen review of our the board, but Mayor Joe Sinnott decid- review board since it would provide have the chaotic cruelties of the Trump police have come and gone many times ed not to move forward with the effort. an opportunity for open communica- administration. But it’s the movement without execution. When looking back In 2017, Council President Sonya Ar- tion, transparency, and accountability,” for Black Lives, and the degree to which on these efforts, a parallel timeline of rington renewed the call for a board in says Councilman David Brennan. “The it has reshaped public attitudes and po- controversies surrounding police prac- the wake of accusations of police bru- board would help to curb overt aggres- litical possibilities, that makes me feel tices emerges. tality toward Montrice Bolden, whose sion and bad behavior, and in the end, like something genuinely life-altering Take 2003, for example. Mayor Rick violent arrest was caught on camera build community trust.” Brennan also is happening all around us. Filippi was confronted with a federal outside a bar on Erie’s east side. Bold- notes that “in the past few months, the As concerned citizens react to the civil rights lawsuit after a local man en ultimately sued the six officers who city has launched three internal inves- murders of George Floyd in Minneap- claimed that two police officers broke arrested him, resulting in a $125,000 tigations to address behavior by Erie olis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and his nose and elbow during an unlaw- settlement in early 2019. Arrington lat- police officers which has heightened Ahmaud Arbery in southern Georgia, ful arrest. The conflict also revealed er withdrew her demand after receiv- the need to move forward.” a sincere reckoning with institution- complications within our city’s citizen ing assurances from police chief Dan Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf sees it al racism, police abuse, and constitu- complaint process. Filippi suggested ci- Spizarny that body cameras would as a way “to build a stronger sense of tional rights finally feels possible. The vilian oversight as a potential solution, soon be implemented for our officers, community relations,” while noting Black Lives Matter protests that began but found no majority on City Council. an effort that is still being finalized. that the mayor and community liai- in late May are still ongoing, both in Fast forward to 2009 and a less-ambig- In 2020, there’s more momentum than son Michael Outlaw have been doing Erie and across the globe. Monuments uous crisis led to Councilwoman Rubye ever. After the downtown protests on strong work to improve communica- to the Confederate South are being Jenkins-Husband calling for a citizen May 30 turned violent, a video quickly tion between the police and the com- dismantled as I write this. Authors like review board. A secret recording of po- emerged of an officer kicking a peace- munity. “There are programs in place Ibram X. Kendi and Ta-Nehisi Coates lice officer James Cousins II emerged, ful, seated protester named Hannah that are stepping stones in the right are topping bestseller lists. And ideas in which he drunkenly mocked an Afri- Silbaugh in the head. The officer, who direction,” according to Schaaf, but she that once seemed radical are attracting can-American murder victim in a local has still not been named, received sees a citizen review board as an im- serious consideration in our political bar. The video, which is still visible on three days of unpaid suspension. Then, portant way to maintain transparency. system. YouTube at press time, drew national in mid-June, Sgt. Jeff Annunziata, the Local activist groups have also sig- One such idea with a long history in condemnation. For example, the pres- city’s chief traffic investigator and a 34- naled support. Elspeth Koehle, an or- Erie is the demand for a citizen review ident of the National Association for year veteran of the police force, sent an ganizer with the activist group Erie board for policing. Frankly, I think we the Advancement of Colored People extremely ill-advised email to Mayor County United (ECU), claims that “the need to establish such a board in Erie. (NAACP) called for the officer’s arrest Joe Schember and several local report- formation of a board to investigate

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS

hour discussion with Nicci Page, an at- article for the Seton Hall Law Review, torney with the firm Melaragno, Placi- Udi Ofer (deputy national political di- di, and Parini. As a defense attorney in rector of the American Civil Liberties Erie, Page is familiar with cases alleging Union) offers eight key features for ef- police abuse in our city. Perhaps more fective civilian review, which I’ve para- importantly, she also served as a senior phrased below: prosecutor for New York City’s Civilian A board majority should be nominat- Complaint Review Board, where she ed by civic organizations with “an inter- successfully prosecuted officers facing est in the safety of the city and in the misconduct charges. civil rights of community members.” In the video, Page explains the ba- The board must be granted broad sic layout of New York’s review board. scope to review complaints. There are 13 members who serve three- Independent investigatory authority, year terms — five appointed by the including “the ability to subpoena wit- mayor, five appointed by city council, nesses and documents.” and three appointed by the police. Most Ensure that disciplinary measures board members have expertise regard- stick by limiting a police commission- ing the law, public health, or constitu- er’s ability to reject the board’s findings.

NICK WARREN tional rights. The board has the power to conduct independent investigations, Auditing powers to demand police participation, and The board’s budget “should be tied to wrongdoing, independent of police af- Officers in full riot gear stand in Perry to prosecute officers in some circum- a fixed percentage of the police depart- filiation, is the most fair, objective, and Square the morning after the incidents stances. Surprisingly, Page claims that ment’s non-capital budget.” of Saturday, May 30, in which several most of the cases she investigated were Due process protections must be equitable way to keep all members of downtown businesses incurred significant the community safe and accountable.” damage. about misconduct and courtesy, rather granted to police officers Andrey Rosado, of the newly-formed than use of force. Residents should be able to file com- protest group Erie Equal, agrees: “A lot reviewing other boards, typically the The advice Page offers for setting up plaints easily and public access should of us don’t believe that the police are mayor, city council, and the police se- civilian oversight is quite clear. She be as transparent as possible. capable of policing themselves, just be- lect the members.” Schaaf agrees with stresses the need to ensure that data Ofer’s list is an admittedly tall order. cause there’s such a strong conflict of this selection process but also suggests is compiled rigorously regarding police It’s unlikely that a board that mirrors interest.” Rosado, who co-founded Erie including the mayor’s recently-estab- encounters — and shared openly with his model exactly will be up-and-run- Equal less than two months ago but lished Strengthening Police and Com- the review board. She recommends em- ning in Erie any time soon. And there has already seen his group’s member- munity Partnership Council, since the bedding the board into the city charter are important conversations to be had ship exceed 3,000 people, is calling for group “could help in their alignment of so that its work doesn’t end alongside to ensure that the board is more than immediate action: “We want to have a priorities.” a particular administration. She says just a costly, bureaucratic public-re- board established — not necessarily ECU’s Koehle stresses a need for “civil- it’s crucial that you have buy-in from lations exercise without the power to people in their seats, but a framework ians with diverse backgrounds, includ- the police department so that investi- bring about real change. for it built — by the end of the fiscal ing law, social work, and other relevant gations can run smoothly. She cautions I wouldn’t say I’m optimistic about year. And that’s something we’ve pro- professions, but also folks who would against models that don’t have any au- the odds of a strong review board posed to the mayor himself.” usually be overlooked; civilians who thority beyond submitting reports, and emerging, but I’m certainly less pes- are often the target of police who lack stresses that independence is the most simistic about the potential for so- Establishing the board accountability.” Erie Equal’s Rosado important element a board can have. cial change than I’ve been in recent There are approximately 140 over- makes a similar point: “If you go ex- Erie County United is championing memory. Erie Equal has been leading sight boards in operation in the U.S., clusively based off of who’s qualified, a powers-auditor/monitor model for near-daily, non-violent protests for and there’s tremendous diversity re- it’s going to be based off of college de- citizen review. Koehle explains the well over a month, attracting a growing garding their duties, powers, funding, grees — which a lot of minorities and approach by stressing the need “to coalition of young people with the en- and effectiveness. Even the terminol- people who live in our community do promote broad organizational change ergy to bring about change. Governor ogy is complex — a “citizen review not have.” by conducting systematic reviews of Wolf has also begun executing criminal board” can include current members police policies, practices or training, justice reforms, such as his recent exec- of law enforcement or government, Making it work and to make recommendations for im- utive order to create the Pennsylvania while a “civilian review board” typical- Once a citizen review board is estab- provement. We need a board with sub- State Law Enforcement Citizen Adviso- ly does not. In some cases, boards are lished, additional urgent questions poena power, authority to recommend ry Commission, and his decision to cre- established through traditional ballot emerge. How independent will it be? discipline, the ability to hear testimony ate a mandatory, state-wide database measures, but more often mayors, city Will it be able to summon people to from all parties, and enforcement pow- of police misconduct. There’s a desire council members, and police chiefs ap- court? Will it have disciplinary power? er. Community input and involvement for change in Erie, as well as a growing point the boards. How will its work differ from that of an is crucial.” Earlier this month, the local coalition of highly motivated citizens Brennan and Schaaf are quick to internal affairs unit within the police chapter of the NAACP made a similar ready to implement it. stress that City Council is still in the force? What will its budget look like call for an independent review board It’s a unique and uncertain moment early stages of discussion, but both and where will the money come from? in a letter to the mayor outlining pro- that we’re living in. Let’s hope we can have ideas about how a board might be To answer these questions, City posed changes to combat racism in our capitalize on it to make our city more established. “Board members should be Council and Mayor Schember have ini- community. equitable. residents of the city and should reflect tiated a series of study sessions. The The academic data I’ve read encourag- the cultural and racial diversity of our first, which is visible in full on the City es me to take these recommendations Dan Schank can be reached at community,” according to Brennan. “In of Erie’s Facebook page, includes a half- seriously. For example, in a widely-cited [email protected]

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July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 WQLN PBS PRESENTS A FUN NIGHT IN FEATURING

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MORE INFORMATION AT WQLN.ORG/MAEWEST NEWS & VIEWS Chronicling Erie County’s Community College Conversation How did we get here?

For many young adults, especially those terview the late former County Ex- from poor or underprivileged backgrounds, attaining a degree from a traditional ecutive Barry Grossman. We at the research university can seem like an Reader had asked Vaillancourt to dig insurmountable challenge. A community into the community college conver- college, such as the one recently approved sation, because even at our young in Erie after decades of back-and-forth, opens pathways to valuable career skills and age, we recognized the weight of that family-sustaining wages that offer a more particular issue to the community realistic possibility of breaking the cycle of we were working to serve. If perhaps poverty. one more outlet in Erie discussed the story, something new might be found, County residents have already been something might just change. funding community colleges. Vaillancourt was right: The story Each year, state dollars flow into had been covered in detail. The news and out of the general fund, by way at the time of General Electric Trans- of taxpayer dollars on their way in portation in Erie publicly endorsing and financial support to the 14 exist- a community college and pledging ing community colleges on their way funding towards it, school board votes ALPHASPIRIT out. In October 2019, Pennsylvania on that matter affirming, recanting, Gov. Tom Wolf indicated to the Board shelving, and halting progress on the By: Ben Speggen during their time here in 2016 (a year of Education that the commonwealth matter, and more had grabbed more While uncertainty abounds when it I’d like to ask you to keep in mind). could fund an additional community than their fair share of headlines. The comes to the future of education on But not a community college. Then, college, according to a statement by ambition to construct a community the whole as the nation continues to four years ago, the prospect of a com- Elizabeth Bolden, president and CEO college had been heralded before in grapple with the evolving and fluid munity college was mostly just talk of the Pennsylvania Commission for community plans, like 2001’s “Toward nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we and most of the talk echoed from con- Community Colleges. an Economic Development Strategy know this much is true: Erie County’s versations past. But how did we get here? And where for Erie,” often referred to in Erie by bid for a public community college The answer to the question, Why exactly is here? the last name of its chief author, the has been approved. would towns and cities and regions Let’s go (as is often said) back to the Bosworth Report. Similarly, it was as- On Wednesday, July 8, the Pennsyl- need and/or want a community col- beginning, or rather, a beginning — signed, drafted, read, considered, and vania Board of Education voted 10 to lege? isn’t singular. Echoing Fallows’ that of the Erie Reader and its com- shelved. 5 in favor of the proposed plan. That observation, not all places have a re- munity college coverage. That comes More than anything else in the in- vote followed a preliminary vote that search university. And not all people with the caveat that much will be left terview (which is still available at fell 9 to 6 on June 11 after a two-day- have the means — or desire, or abil- uncovered here — from Erie County’s ErieReader.com), Grossman’s final long virtual hearing. ity — to travel to and attend one for community college experiment long, remarks to Vaillancourt perhaps But why a community college? Why studies, whether that’s full-time or long ago to some of the conversations echoed our own befuddlement the are we here — again — discussing the part-time, as a traditional or non-tra- spanning the years leading up to 2011. best — even by the time we were in need, the merits, and potential, now? ditional student. Those are stories for other days. And a rhyme of printing and had begun to “Not every city can have a research Others might point to the role com- so, here, we begin as we began. gain trust with our readers, ongoing university,” writes James Fallows in munity colleges play in creating path- Less than four months into its ex- conversations had precipitated little the 2018 bestselling Our Towns: A ways from minimum-wage work to istence, as the infant Erie Reader action: 100,000-Mile Journey in the Heart of family-sustaining employment in, swaddled along, Cory Vaillancourt, CV: I’m not much of a journalist. My America, which he co-authored with say, the high-tech sector or advanced self-described brilliant writer/com- editor keeps telling me I need a local his wife Deborah. “Any ambitious one manufacturing. One more would be plete hack (his words, not mine) was hook, a twist at the end of my story, or can have a community college.” services they provide when it comes doing something he proclaimed he some sort of personal anecdote. Can “And while research universities are to taking General Education Devel- was sometimes known to do: Listen- you help me out here? the most important part of the U.S. opment tests or earning trade certif- ing to the voices on the radio and do- BG: E.J. Dionne, Jr., who writes for educational system from a global per- icates. ing what they told him to do. the Washington Post, and is syndi- spective,” he continues, “I’ve come to The answer to the question Why Back in July 2011, it was the voice cated in the Erie Times, was here and think that community colleges mat- would Erie need/want a community of Don Henley, who, in Vaillancourt’s spoke to the Jefferson Society, and ter most domestically right now.” college?, likewise, isn’t limited. For words, was “imploring me not to get a bunch of us hosted him for dinner, Noting the critical role of its public many of the reasons “Anywhere, USA” caught up in the same old situation and I was sitting next to him. It was library system, the welcoming of New would want one or see the need, so others before me have — this story right after I was inaugurated. He Americans, unique impact investing does Erie. What’s more, the north- was covered in detail when it was looked at me during dinner, and said through casino revenue, locally pro- western region of Pennsylvania topical, and new ground was not to be “Well, Grossman, what was the big vided high-speed Internet, its anchor represents the largest geographical broken here, not today, not by me.” issue in your campaign?” and I said, Fortune 500 insurance company, and swath of the Keystone State unrepre- Interesting literary analysis of “The community college.” And he said, more, the Fallows collectively — long- sented by a community college tied to “Hotel California” overlaid to a de- “Really! What’s wrong with your com- time correspondents for The Atlan- the commonwealth’s public system. cades-long, ongoing story for Erie munity college?” And I said, “We don’t tic — found plenty to report on Erie Another response would be: Erie aside, Vaillancourt was there to in- have one.” I’ll never forget this as long

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 NEWS & VIEWS as I live — he dropped his fork, some on and formally endorsed the idea. America with Our Towns, local attor- accessible education and top-of-the- food dribbled out of his mouth, he “This election — if the political tea ney Ron DiNicola and Erie County line workforce training at no cost to stared at me incredulously and said, leaves tell us anything — revealed Councilman Andre Horton launched county taxpayers.” “What? You don’t have a community two key things that first began in the nonprofit Empower Erie “to devel- In short, NPRC, a quasi-community college? There’s three in the county I May: Erie was ready for change, and op the complex and detailed applica- college serving a nine-county range, live in.” That’s the message we have Erie wants to continue embracing tion necessary for state approval, and offers instruction emblematic of a to get across — that we are dinosaurs change,” we wrote, acknowledging to raise awareness about the need for public community college, with the in this, and we are really paying the Erie County voters’ decision to elect a community college in Erie County,” distinctive feature of lacking a brick- price for this. a new county executive and two new as noted on Empower Erie’s website. and-mortar campus. By the common- Stuck in the Jurassic Age, Erie lum- County Council members (Jay Bren- The following year, then Erie Mayor wealth’s definition, NPRC is not a bered on, and in October of that year, eman and Andre Horton, both of Joe Sinnott would be in the final year public community college, although Vaillancourt, this time with fellow whom endorsed the idea of a commu- of his third four-year term and he it does receive some state funding. former Reader contributor Mark nity college at the time). And of the would be ineligible for reelection due Partnership talks weren’t new. They Toriski, penned a feature on the im- four elected City Council members, to term limits. had been explored in 2017 when NPRC pending future of GE. Briefly men- nary a one opposed the community Faced with inevitable change, can- (founded in 2014 as the Rural Regional tioning the community college issue, college idea. didate after candidate began an- College) was just getting started and the two wrote: “Erie won’t even give “Yes, Erie County plays home to four nouncing their campaign bids to when the county had sought local GE the badly-needed community universities and a medical school seek election to the office of mayor sponsorship for a prospective public college they’ve been asking about,” a — and we’re lucky to have those re- — nine in total, seven Democrats and community college bid. While those sober reminder of the tenuous, trou- sources — but that’s no reason to two Republicans. We at the Reader at the table seemed to be seated too bled relationship the community had say ‘no’ to a community college, an asked “What history will Erie elect to far apart then, they had scooted clos- then with its then-largest employer, institution that would serve a differ- make?” as we began exploring what er over time. who relocated its headquarters from ent demographic with vastly limited many heralded as “the most import- A month later, NPRC pulled out. Erie to Chicago, shed hundreds of options currently available to it,” we ant election in Erie’s history.” After talks with an established Erie jobs in just a few years, and sold out added, concluding with the call: “Now Earlier in 2017, during the primary County Task Force, NPRC officials cit- to Wabtec corporation. it’s time to keep that change that Erie election, when nine became two, Joe ed changes to the drafted partnership Fast-forward a couple of years and voted for rolling. And that change Schember emerged from the crowded agreement were altered too drastical- the Reader brushed it off as “dead starts with returning to the potential Democratic pack and in a battle of the ly. They would return to their original in the water.” A notable change had of a community college in Erie Coun- Jo(h)ns, Persinger upended Whaley. plan, leaving the county alone at the transpired within Erie’s political are- ty.” Schember would go on to City Hall table. na, as former Congresswoman Kathy after November’s victory. “But the game doesn’t have to be Dahlkemper defeated the incumbent Skip ahead to April 2014, and just All along the way, two words be- over if enough regular folks and busi- Grossman in 2013’s Democratic pri- a few weeks later, then-City Coun- came frequent mentions at campaign ness leaders can raise a ruckus about maries. Riding out the remaining cilman (who’s back on council now) rallies, parties, debates: community why Erie has been excluded from months of his first-and-only term as Dave Brennan wrote a guest op-ed, college. state funding ever since the Penn- county executive, Grossman contin- proclaiming: “It’s time to develop, re- Those two words would continue sylvania Community College Act was ued to be vocal about his support for tain, and attract a talented workforce to reverberate throughout the region passed in 1963,” wrote Liz Allen, Erie a community college. for Erie.” Under his “develop” bullet over the next two years. In our “State Reader contributor and long-time In advance of the 2013 general elec- point, he listed the need for a low- of Erie Industry” feature in March public editor at the Erie Times-News, tion, in which Dahlkemper would go cost educational alternative, “such as 2019, Erie Reader Contributing Editor on Aug. 14, 2019. Allen highlighted the on to defeat Republican challenger a community college.” Jim Wertz reminded readers that “in dearth of budget-conscious learning Don Tucci, Reader contributor Rebec- As months fell from the calendar every community having economic opportunities in Erie while remind- ca Styn asked Dahlkemper: “[Gross- and into the waste bin of history, success, there is a common denomi- ing readers that funding was still be- man] has publicly stated he may be conversations seemed quieter about nator: proximity to a community col- hind Empower Erie thanks to the Erie willing to endorse a candidate if ei- a community college in Erie, but re- lege. Erie is the largest metropolitan Community Foundation. Allen also ther steps forward favoring the estab- minders along the way kept voices statistical area in the country with- covered stories of those positively lishment of a community college, and above a hushed silence. Like when I out a brick-and-mortar community impacted by a community college ed- to retain some of his staff. Thoughts wrote in March 2016 about one way college and whether or not one is es- ucation, wondering for many Reader on this?” Detroit was rebuilding and rebound- tablished in Erie County will be the readers what was being left on the Dahlkemper responded: “I have not ing that included free community difference between regional progress table if Erie County continued to go ever publicly tried to receive endorse- college education for city residents or the continued stagnation of the unserved by a true public community ments from public officials — rather — something that’s still scalable, I’d local economy — industrial, commer- college. focusing on the everyday voter. I don’t argue, in Erie. cial, and personal.” Nevertheless, they, those champion- believe those endorsements are vital. Which has brought us back to 2016 Just a few weeks later, County Ex- ing for Erie County to launch the 15th I would rather just hear the message — the year I asked you to keep in ecutive Dahlkemper penned a guest public community college in the com- of the constituents.” mind. And no, it wasn’t because of any op-ed for the Reader, explaining that monwealth, persisted. Those would be the now-in-her- particular elections that occurred Erie County would be negotiating a 2019 gave way to 2020, with the second-term County Executive’s first that year. partnership with the Northern Penn- county’s community college bid sit- words to the Reader on the issue, be- — sylvania Regional College (NPRC), ting in Harrisburg. Then came the fore later going on to be one of the Not long after the Fallows departed which would be “responsive to the announcement: A review would be issues’ most ardent voices of support. Erie in August that year, and short- needs of our employers and workers scheduled for March 18. Following that 2012 election, the ly after they began writing their while also being responsible to our But then came the bigger, global-im- Reader issued an op-ed that ad- modern day Travels with Charley: In taxpayers. If this partnership comes plication-bearing news: COVID-19. dressed the community college head- Search of America and Democracy in to fruition, we will have affordable, Slowly, March slipped away to April

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 NEWS & VIEWS and April gave out to May and then to June — when finally the first Erie Community College hearings would be held virtually and over the course of two days. And that brings us to here: First the 9-6 vote in June and the formal 10-5 vote in July. Now, both Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and County Coun- cil members have put out requests for applications to serve on the col- lege’s board of trustees. Dahlkemper will appoint two applicants and each of the seven members of council will appoint one, bringing the total of trustees to nine, to be established 60 days from the July 8 vote. Additionally, challenges to the board’s decision may be filled within 30 days of the decision. But as report- ed by the Erie Times-News just two days after the “yea” vote, the repre- sentatives of the Northern Penn- sylvania Regional College, which emerged as the most vocal opponent of the brick-and-mortar community college plan, signaled they would not file an appeal. After trustees, there will be hires — an administration, a faculty, staff members. There will be land-scout- ing for the location of the campus. There will be mission statements, vi- sion statements, curriculum drafting. There will be a call for enrollment. And then, there will be classes. While much may change between now and then — from ongoing de- velopments in the fight against COVID-19 to taking an approved plan and turning it into action — we know this much is true: Erie County’s pros- pect of establishing a public commu- nity college, which it has cried out in favor of for decades, is the closest it’s ever been to being actualized. Shifting the conversation from When and how might we get a community college here? to How can we ensure we do this right?, we see up ahead in the distance, a shimmering light. Our hope must be that long-fought bat- tles are in Erie’s past and that the fu- ture won’t linger much longer off on the horizon, that this long-had con- versation isn’t some hotel out west, which we again check out of — but never leave.

Ben Speggen can be contacted at bSpeggen@ErieReader. com, and you can follow him on Twitter @BenSpeggen.

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12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 NEWS & VIEWS Strength in Small Numbers Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie volunteers continue to lean on one another

[left] Paul Sullivan (center, with bowtie) and his wife Lucille (beside him in white) sit in the very first organizational meeting of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie County on May 3, 1965. [right] A family photo of the Sullivans from the 1960s shows their son Timothy, who passed away at the age of 10½ as a result of complications from cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disease that clogs the lungs, blocks the pancreas, and damages other vital organs.

Helena’s email “filled in a lot of the blanks,” said Carol Sny- CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS der, president of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie By: Liz Allen daughter Elaine, my school the Cystic Fibrosis Associa- Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and County, who is as passionate his Erie Gives story is friend. tion of Erie County in their to Boston’s Children’s Hospital. today about advocating for about a couple who When a dozen Villa alum and home with three other couples They had their other children cystic fibrosis patients as the Tgave back to Erie by I joined Zoom to share updates whose children were seriously tested for cystic fibrosis; none Sullivans were in their time. helping families of children on the latest COVID-19 news ill with cystic fibrosis or had had it. Until Helena’s email arrived, with cystic fibrosis. and bridge our social isolation, already passed away. Lucille Sullivan’s memoir Snyder said she didn’t even A rare genetic disease, cystic we decided to try to reconnect Their new association provides background on the know the name of Timmy Sul- fibrosis clogs the lungs, blocks with Elaine, whose family had pledged to raise awareness Erie parents who formed the livan, the child whose death the pancreas ,and damages moved from Erie to the Albany, about cystic fibrosis and to association and recounts their inspired the formation of the other vital organs. Treatments N.Y., area decades ago. help families obtain scarce efforts to get financial help association. That wasn’t inten- and therapies have evolved so In early July, we put our medical equipment, locate from Pennsylvania for fami- tional oversight. It’s just that that people with cystic fibro- heads together to find our medical experts, and arrange lies who had to travel out of 55 years had elapsed since the sis now live beyond childhood, lost friend. Scouring online physical therapy to help clear state for treatment because association was organized on but there is no cure yet. resources, we quickly located the lungs of the sick children. there were no cystic fibrosis May 3, 1965, and original mem- The heartfelt work of the Elaine’s sister, Mary Rose Sulli- “We wanted his life to have specialists in Erie. The memoir bers were no longer around. late Lucille and Paul Sullivan van, in Sacramento, Calif., and been meaningful; we wanted also points out that not all of “There were times when began in the 1960s, and their found the obituary for their to use our acquired knowledge the volunteers had children there were only two people on legacy endures at the all-vol- mom, Lucille Shea Sullivan, to give hope for a better out- with cystic fibrosis; many just the board,” Snyder said, refer- unteer Cystic Fibrosis Associa- who had died in California on come for other CF children,” wanted to be of service. These ring to Kathy and Evelyn Cage. tion of Erie County, an agency June 12. Mary Rose put us in Lucille Sullivan wrote in her volunteers helped the organi- Sisters who married brothers, that participates in Erie Gives. touch with Elaine, who lives in memoir, which her daughter zation grow to more than 200 both had children with cys- When I feel beaten down by Massachusetts with her fam- Elaine is editing. “I felt that if members; membership was $2 tic fibrosis. “They would hold grim news about COVID-19, ily. other children might live be- annually. Lucille Sullivan gives their meetings and sit across it helps me to remember that Reading the memorials, we cause of what we had learned a special nod to her dear friend the table and talk just to keep individuals and organiza- learned that Lucille and her with him, then in some mys- June Barbarula Smith, who ed- the organization running,” tions don’t have to be big and late husband Paul founded the tical way, it would be Timmy ited the association’s newslet- Snyder said. mighty to make a difference. Cystic Fibrosis Association of who was helping them and ter “faithfully and creatively” For Snyder, spreading news Instead, sometimes it’s our Erie County after losing their earning the significance he de- for years. about the work of the associ- humble but deep-seated peo- son Timmy, at age 10-and-a- served,” she wrote. Much of this history might ation is personal. Her 13-year- ple connections, the kind we half, in 1964. When Timmy was Lucille Sullivan documented have remained with the fam- old great niece, Hailey Bristol, treasure in Erie, that make the diagnosed at age 3, life expec- the couple’s dogged search for ily if not for the initiative of has cystic fibrosis. Hailey was world a better place. The good tancy for a child with cystic answers about the mysterious my friend Helena Power Foxe. born in North Carolina, one news is that those connec- fibrosis was only age 5. ailment that had caused Tim- After we found Elaine and of the states that did not test tions can be renewed even if In a detailed, poignant mem- my, the third of their five chil- read Lucille Sullivan’s obituary, newborns for cystic fibrosis. we’ve been separated by time oir, Lucille Sullivan has writ- dren, to lose weight and get Helena, who lives in suburban “When they have cystic fibro- and distance. ten about how Timmy’s death sick with bronchial infections New York City, emailed the Cys- sis, they have a hard time eat- I was a kid when I met the inspired her, her husband, at around 18 months. They tic Fibrosis Association of Erie ing. They’re too busy just try- Sullivans. We lived on the and many friends to educate consulted with doctors in Erie, County to tell the organization ing to breathe. What food they same street, Lincoln Avenue. Erie residents, including pedi- at Rainbow Babies and Chil- about Lucille Sullivan’s death do eat doesn’t absorb proper- But after graduating from atricians, nurses, civic organi- dren’s Hospital in Cleveland, and to explain her leadership ly,” said Snyder. “(Hailey) was high school and going away to zation and professors, about and at Children’s Hospital in role in the fledgling association malnourished even though college, I lost touch with their cystic fibrosis. They started Pittsburgh. They drove to the with her late husband, Paul. her mother was doing every-

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 NEWS & VIEWS CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS thing she could.” niece of Dr. Dorothy Hansine der learned more about the as- tablished a college scholarship [left and center] Photos captured When her niece and great Andersen, M.D. A graduate sociation’s early days. program for cystic fibrosis pa- from the CF Caregiver event on Sept. 7, 2019. Cystic Fibrosis niece moved back to Crawford of Johns Hopkins University “Then all of a sudden, Helena tients — one more way to ease Association of Erie County County, Snyder’s own moth- School of Medicine, in 1938 Dr. reaches out to us. It was kind the stress of living with chron- President Carol Snyder calls these er was determined to get an- Andersen became the first to of like putting the puzzle to- ic, serious illness. women “the faces of CF.” [right] swers about Hailey. “My moth- identify cystic fibrosis as a dis- gether,” Snyder said. One of the nuggets I savored Ryan Cook and his daughter Charlie participate in the Cystic er said, ‘Take her in and tell tinct disease. She also worked Elaine Sullivan then contact- about the association’s history Fibrosis Great Strides Walk at them you are not leaving until with researchers to create a di- ed Snyder to fill in more infor- is that the Sullivans enlisted Presque Isle State Park on May 19, they figure it out,’” Snyder re- agnostic test for cystic fibrosis. mation about how her parents teens from Villa Maria Acade- 2019. called. Doctors suspected cys- “I appreciate the chance to and the other parents of chil- my to provide physical thera- tic fibrosis; the diagnosis was help increase other people’s dren with cystic fibrosis had py for children with cystic fi- wrote in an email to me. confirmed a few days later in knowledge of this difficult dis- started the association. brosis who lived at St. Joseph’s As Erie Gives Day approach- Pittsburgh. ease that has no government “We pride ourselves on carry- Home, the Catholic orphanage. es, it’s good to know that Erie’s When her niece and great support,” Massey said in an ing on the legacy of the Sulli- “When (my mother) recruit- commitment to step up to help niece relocated to Erie in 2013, email to me. vans and the other founders. ed high school student vol- others goes way back. I’m also Snyder, who works in Erie in Two months after Massey We hope that they would be unteers, she was warned that proud that Villa, my alma ma- federal law enforcement, sug- contacted her, Snyder got a proud of us,” Snyder said. they would be unreliable,” ter, embraced community ser- gested that they all check out message from the son and The Cystic Fibrosis Associ- Elaine wrote on a memorial vice, then and now. the Cystic Fibrosis Association daughter-in-law of Art and ation of Erie County has no page for her mom. “She taught That’s probably why, during of Erie County. “I contacted Dotty Krespan, who were office. The organization is run them the strenuous method of our weekly Zooms, the Villa them, went to a meeting and among the association’s by an executive board of vol- providing postural drainage friends and I discuss how to just fell in love with the group founding families. Three of unteer officers. It works with and percussion — the phys- make the world a better place. and what they are doing,” Sny- the Krespans’ six children had anywhere from 40 to 45 fami- ical therapy that helped CF When we get depressed about der said. cystic fibrosis. lies at a time. children clear their lungs. She the pandemic and/or poli- She joined the board and is “We called Cleveland in dis- The association received explained that the health of tics, one of us quotes Marga- working to “modernize” op- tress one Saturday to inquire close to $3 million from Erie’s the CF children living at St. ret Mead: “Never doubt that erations, she said, including whether there was another anonymous $100 million do- Joseph’s orphanage depended a small group of thoughtful updating its website, www.cfa- CF family in Erie from whom nor in 2009 and also relies on on them, and on very regular committed citizens can change erie.org, and expanding its ser- we might borrow some of the other donors for its budget. treatments. She later said that the world. Indeed, it’s the only vice area to Crawford County. aerosol medication we were The association provides “di- not one of those volunteers thing that ever has.” When Snyder decided to up- out of, as the only Erie phar- rect dollar disbursements” to ever missed an appointment.” And if we get discouraged date the association’s history, macy (Heyl’s) that could pro- families to reimburse them for That’s a testament to the that we’re getting too old to she faced some obstacles. She vide it was closed on weekends medical expenses, copays and value of encouraging young serve others or act as change had photos but they were and our only other alternative other costs associated with people to give back to the com- agents, it’s good to know that undated. She had names, but was to drive to Cleveland,” visiting specialists in Cleve- munity. Lucille Shea Sullivan, former women were listed only as Lucille Sullivan wrote. “Dr. land and Pittsburgh. “It’s a “I am struck, looking back Erie resident, devoted mother, “Mrs.” without first names. (Leroy) Matthews gave us the long day. Normally when they and reading Mom’s history, teacher, pianist, card player But in recent months, she’s Krespans’ name, and Dotty go, they’re not just going for a that my childhood was filled and cofounder of the Cystic been able to update the asso- and Art proved to be like the checkup and then leaving. The with people who volunteered Fibrosis Association of Erie ciation’s history, thanks to a salt and gold of the earth. Al- doctors are doing lung func- to help others. Some names County, finished her memoir a series of communications that though we saw little of them in tions, a lot of different blood- I’d assumed were friends from week before she died, at age 97. she calls “blessings.” those days, learning that they work,” Snyder said. “And when church or parents of CF kids, About six months ago, she were nearby felt like being re- a patient goes to the hospital, but her memoir shows me that Liz Allen has yet to realize her said, she heard from Paula leased from solitary confine- we will pay for a hotel stay, up they were people who stepped ambition to write a family Massey, who had just moved to ment,” she wrote. to 14 days,” she added. up to help — loving, lifetime history. You can reach her Erie. Massey is the step great From the Krespans’ son, Sny- The association has also es- friends for my parents,” Elaine at [email protected].

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 As DAFMARK DANCE THEATER celebrates its 30th anniversary this September, we are looking forward to a new era of community involvement and artistic presence.

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July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 Little Italy Farmers Market 331 West 18th Street

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16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 NEWS & VIEWS Skip the Highway; Build a Boulevard Re-envisioning multi-million dollar Bayfront Parkway Project

This artist rendering by Maxwell J. Hentosh illustrates CIVITAS and Connect Urban Erie’s vision of a Bayfront Boulevard “complete street” and Bluffside Park near the Holland intersection. This concept represents a pedestrian-friendly alternative to PennDOT’s planned Bayfront Parkway project, which would reinforce the Bayfront’s current use as a high-speed vehicular traffic corridor, severing the waterfront from downtown.

high bluff is an underutilized asset. A Bluffpark could connect the down- town to the waterfront with paths (and tiered seating) giving people a won- derful view of Presque Isle Bay. Paths would create new connection points throughout Erie’s West and East Bay- front neighborhoods, spreading eco- nomic enrichment along the bluff, the city, and region. Consider that 20 years ago, Milwau- kee Mayor John Norquist’s demolition

ILLUSTRATION BY MAXWELL J. HENTOSH. VISION BY CIVITAS / CONNECT URBAN ERIE. COPYRIGHT 2020 ERIE. COPYRIGHT URBAN / CONNECT CIVITAS VISION BY MAXWELL J. HENTOSH. BY ILLUSTRATION of the Park East highway was con- troversial. Yet, this Great Lake city’s urged both an EA and Environmental traffic doubles, PennDOT says the subsequent Renaissance proved that By: Lisa Austin and Adam Trott Impact Statement. On July 15, Council east side’s Rt.290/Connector traffic will connecting assets helped Milwaukee n 2018, preliminary engineering removed the resolution from the agen- reach 24,000 a day. Today (post-Via- flourish. The Milwaukee Independent began for the Bayfront Parkway da and scheduled a study session. duct) the bike path along the busy, recently reported the $25 million in IProject, with construction slated to A highway will diminish the existing Rt.290/Connector arterial highway is federal funds used to tear down the begin in late 2021. PennDOT’s plan, es- downtown-to-waterfront connections the only route for many eastside resi- highway and provide “tax-increment timated to cost between $70 and $100 (and complicate future ones.) Penn- dents, including schoolchildren. financing to cleanup … and re-establish million, features an underpass at State DOT’s plan ignores a key principle of As thriving cities around the world a street grid” created “a magnet for cor- Street, “highway-style exits,” and multi- the Erie Refocused and Active Trans- are transforming highways into bou- porate headquarters” (including Erie’s lane roundabouts in support of the 80 portation plans: prioritize the needs levards or parks, why is Erie building own Zurn Industries) resulting in “$2 percent of Bayfront drivers currently and preferences of people walking and a highway? Too many local leaders billion of economic impact.” bypassing the city and cutting off the biking. are still embracing a dated, automo- In 2015, Norquist visited Erie as a downtown from the waterfront. If the highway is built, residents will bile-centric belief that development guest of Preservation Erie. Learning of When spending this much taxpay- face twice the traffic, and at least twice requires Upper Peach Street style PennDOT’s plans, Norquist comment- er money, the review process must be the roadway width at crossings. To at- highway access and vast parking lots, ed “Erie will be all alone in building a completed to understand how the proj- tempt to remedy the harm they’ll be where it is impossible to walk. waterfront highway.” Norquist says ect will impact the community. Thus, exacerbating, PennDOT has proposed Erie Refocused lead author Charles PennDOT’s plan “will reduce the attrac- the PennDOT project was scheduled huge, enclosed pedestrian bridges. Buki said “it is hard to imagine . . . a tiveness and value of Erie substantially for an Environmental Assessment (EA), However, bridges are unlikely to be more squandered asset in America and probably permanently.” the normal review to determine possi- built without private funding – a solu- than the City of Erie’s shoreline.” Buki When is Erie going to stop repeating ble harm to residents and the environ- tion that may restrict access. called for an “iconic connection” – not the mistakes of the past? ment. However, in March, PennDOT Roundabouts are dangerous, espe- a highway severing downtown from Urban highways are history. Let’s applied for a lesser review — a Cate- cially for residents who are physically the water. Former Destination Erie move the traffic cutting through the gorical Exclusion (CE). CEs are normal- or visually impaired. In July, a dis- project manager Michael Fuhrman ex- city to a streamlined 12th Street – and ly granted for small projects like bridge tracted driver braked sharply to avoid plained the Bayfront’s problem is not build a human-scaled Bayfront Boule- repair or roadway repaving. PennDOT hitting a Fairview pedestrian in the traffic congestion, but how to get “the vard serving all of Erie’s residents. claimed that their massive project has Millfair roundabout. Soon after, a sec- most out of our amazing waterfront.” no environmental impact or substan- ond car ran into the back of the first. A Fuhrman warned that PennDOT’s plan You can help protect the Bayfront tial controversy. Neither is true. roundabout at the bottom of Holland “may give us traffic efficiency” but will by calling for an Environmental In response to concerns including a Street’s steep hill will be dangerous. stop people from moving “easily be- Assessment. Learn more at letter from the Erie Bayfront Coalition, In the highway-loop around Erie tween the Bayfront and downtown.” ConnectUrbanErie.com City Council tabled a July 1 Resolution (from I-79 to the Bayfront, to the He believes PennDOT’s plan will dis- granting permission to begin Penn- Rt.290/Connector to I-90), the 4.5-mile courage new residents, the people “des- Lisa Austin and Adam Trott DOT’s project. Letters from PennFuture Bayfront is the only gap in PennDOT’s perately needed for revitalization.” are members of CIVITAS and and Congress for the New Urbanism high-speed, 4-lane route. If Bayfront Currently an obstacle, Erie’s 40-foot- Connect Urban Erie.

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 FEATURE When the Giving Gets Tough Erie Gives Day gets the giving going

[top left] The Erie Community Foundation, located at 459 W. Sixth St., has hosted tribute to making Erie a better place for Erie Gives Day since 2011. The annual those who live on life’s margins. I also event has raised over $26 million for area admire the way the SSJNN honors the nonprofits since its inception. [bottom right] While their ministries began in Erie’s immigrants who settled Erie’s central Little Italy neighborhood, the Sisters of St. city neighborhoods and how they wel- Joseph Neighborhood Network has grown come newcomers, including Erie’s New to embrace much of central Erie, with Americans, with open arms. Tireless community gardens and urban farms being just a sampling of their good works. helpers, they continue their good work well past normal retirement age. Bonus: Start at either the westside Who: Liz Allen, Contributor location, 425 W. 18th St., or the eastside Giving to: Sisters of St. Joseph Neigh- location, 436 E. 26th, and take a social borhood Network distance walk. See what makes these Who they are: The Sisters of St. Jo- neighborhoods special and learn how seph founded the SSJNN 20 years ago you can support the many small busi- in partnership with Saint Vincent Hos- nesses that still thrive there. pital to improve the immediate neigh- Who: Jonathan Burdick, Contributor borhood close to the hospital. The sis- Giving to: Burleigh Legacy Alliance ters began their ministry by walking Who they are: The Burleigh Legacy NICK WARREN door-to-door to listen to the needs and Alliance is dedicated to reviving and the aspirations of the residents of Little expanding the legacy of Erie born-and- By: Erie Reader Staff sponsors, which include Erie Insurance Italy. The network concentrates on ser- raised composer, arranger, and sing- and Wabtec in the “Gold” tier and E.E. vices that are not duplicated by other er Harry T. Burleigh by establishing he opening act of the 2020s has Austin & Son, ERIEBANK, and Knox agencies and, with staff and volunteers, Erie as a nationally-known center for tested us in several ways, but Law in the “Bronze” tier. provides tutoring, community gardens, Burleigh scholarship and performance. Tmost of all in our ability to hang The noble and important causes you an urban farm, help for renters and In its first year of existence, the alliance on. Amid sociopolitical upheaval and a might support range from community new homeowners and emergency assis- worked with the City of Erie to pro- global pandemic, there are many who development to wildlife conservation, tance, including food and personal care claim Dec. 2 as Harry T. Burleigh Day may find their grip slipping — maybe from aging and seniors to educating items. In 2014, the SSJNN opened a sec- and held a week of events including the even feeling as if their fingers are being our youth. Last year, healthcare ranked ond office, east of Parade Street on East unveiling of a new historical marker, stepped on — due to difficult circum- highly among our philanthropic prior- 26th Street. Today, the SSJNN serves daily performances, and lectures. stances. ities, with the Hamot Health Founda- Erie neighborhoods bounded by West Why I’m giving: When Burleigh died There are few of us who couldn’t use tion receiving donations from 680 indi- 26th and East 26th streets, between in 1949, he did so in relative obscuri- a helping hand right now, someone or viduals. As COVID-19 stubbornly wears Cranberry Street to East Avenue. ty. Growing up, I only knew his name something to pull us up from that cliff’s on, that trend is expected to continue. Why I’m giving: I credit the Sisters of from its attachment to a local school, edge so that we can dust ourselves off One pattern that may be more chal- St. Joseph for teaching me about com- but the more I learned about Burleigh, and carry on. That’s why this year’s Erie lenging to repeat in 2020 is the steady munity service from the time I attend- his remarkable life, and his influence on Gives Day — the 10th overall — means rise in both the number of total donors ed St. Andrew Catholic Grade School American music, the more fascinated more than any other. Since the Erie and the combined dollar amount of all through my education at Villa Maria that I have become with his story. In re- Community Foundation established contributions. In 2019, 391 nonprofits re- Academy. I see the selfless ways that cent years, many have worked tirelessly the annual event in 2011, over $26 mil- ceived $5,569,161 from 8,958 unique do- religious women, including the Bene- to bring to light Burleigh’s contributions lion in donations have been made to nors — factoring in the prorated match dictines and the Sisters of Mercy, con- and this organization is dedicated to re- hundreds of area nonprofits. Its im- from the ECF and sponsors. In 2018, pact is one of many reasons that ECF those numbers were $4,471,123 and 7,945; President Mike Batchelor was recently and in 2017, they added up to $4,427,877 awarded The Nonprofit Partnership’s and 7,685. It’s never been a question of Lifetime Achievement Award; he has whether Erie wants to give, but this served in the position for 30 years. year it may be a matter of who can? So from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, The Erie Reader, like most of you, has Aug. 11, you’ll be able to donate to any not remained unscathed from the fall- one or more of nearly 400 local nonprof- out of the novel coronavirus. Nonethe- its by logging onto eriegives.org. If you’d less, we will always strongly believe in prefer to write a check, you can do that using our platform to support others too. Just submit it to the Erie Commu- in whatever way can. Erie Gives Day is nity Foundation, 459 W. Sixth St., Erie, just one small way to give back. With- PA 16507 by Monday, Aug. 10. Either way, out further ado, in what’s become an your generosity will be greatly appreci- annual tradition, Erie Reader staff and ated — and matched with a percentage select contributors will now share who of the total proceeds by the ECF and its they are helping. NICK WARREN

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 Please remember us on Erie Gives Day August 11, 2020

Erie

The mission of Special Olympics PA is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 Save the Date Save the Date

Support Catholic Schools on Support Catholic SchTouoles sodnay, August 11, 2020 from Tuesday, August 11, 820a2m0 ftrom 8 pm. Your support helps to 8am to 8pm. Your support helps to maintain affordable tuimtioani nfotra oinur affordable tuition for our Savefam itliehs wheile inDstilalingt ifnae omu irlies while instilling in our students a strong moraslt cuhdaeranctesr ,a strong moral character, skills for academic sucsceksilsl sa nfdo ra azecaaldemic success and a zeal for service to others. Support Catholic Schools onfor service to others. Support CatholicTuesda Schoolsy, August 1on1, 2020 from The Sight Center has weathered many storms in its 81-year history ...but nothing like this! Tuesday, August 11, 8am 2020 to 8p mfrom. You r8am supp otort h8pm.elps to Your support helps musa inkeeptain a ftuitionfordable affordable,tuition for our The pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for all of us, but especially families while instilling in our for those who are blind. Despite the events of recent months, the Center allowing Erie Catholic to instill in our students remains focused on the needs of our low vision and blind clients by providing students a strong moral character, transportation, delivery of needed supplies and ongoing social support. a strong moral character,skills for a cskillsademi cfor suc academiccess and a ze al success and a zeal forfo servicer service toto o tothers.hers. Please help us remain focused on our mission to prevent blindness and promote independence in those with vision loss or who are blind with your donation through Erie Gives. DONATE AT ERIEGIVES.ORG between 8 AM and 8 PM on Tues. August 11

Your gift is critical in helping us support and empower women and families in Erie.

The Erie Women’s Fund is designed for collective and purposeful giving. To date, Erie County nonprofits have received over $600,000 from the power of the Erie Women’s Fund! Hooked on Books for • Promoting social justice with dignity Kids promotes literacy, for all God’s people, with love. Become a member or renew your membership on lie-long learning, and • Advocating ecological justice for all Erie Gives and be eligible for the prorated match. the love of reading God’s creation, with love. by giving brand new Online donations: books to Erie County’s • Supporting compassionate, On Tues., 8/11, 8am-8pm visit www.ErieGives.org underprivileged kids. courageous, creative leadership and to renew or become a member. Almost 500,00 books governance, with love. given! • Embodying inclusivity and respect as By check (preferred): we serve in Christ’s name, with love. Mail to The Erie Community Foundation at 459 W 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507, by Mon., 8/11. We invite you to join us in building new avenues for change right here in Erie to make this community, county, and region a beacon of hope, of equality, of friendship, of joy, of peace, of love. Thank you Erie Gives 2020 for your support. Tuesday, August 11th www.ErieGives.org

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 FEATURE

[top left] The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, located at 301 W. 10th St., is driven to support the local LGBTQIA+ community with cooperation from its straight allies. [bottom right] Meals on Wheels has been especially valuable to Erie’s limited-mobility population during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering wholesome meals to their homes and limiting their exposure to the virus.

Who: Brian Graham, Editor-in-Chief Giving to: Meals on Wheels Who they are: Meals on Wheels has been active in the Erie area since 1971,

NICK WARREN and is staffed by over 70 volunteer de- livery drivers with meals prepared by viving and preserving his legacy both Who: Adam Welsh, Editor-in-Chief LECOM Senior Living Center. locally and nationally, just as he revived Giving to: The Film Society of North- Why I’m giving: In the time of and preserved the spirituals he learned west Pennsylvania COVID-19, simply leaving the house from his once-enslaved grandfather. Who they are: The mission of the Film can be a daunting and dangerous task. Bonus: If you know the songs “Go Tell Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania Meals on Wheels helps by delivering It on the Mountain,” “Go Down, Moses is to elevate Erie’s film industry, empow- wholesome meals or groceries to the (Let My People Go!),” “Nobody Knows er regional filmmakers, and foster pa- poor, disabled, and elderly — the very the Trouble I’ve Seen,” and “Swing Low, tronage for the art of film. They offer an segments of the population most vul- Sweet Chariot,” then you’re already active schedule of events for their mem- nerable to the pandemic. familiar with some of the countless bers and the general public (like the Bonus: In addition to providing songs he arranged. Also, if you want a popular downtown Film Grain Dinner life-sustaining meals, the volunteers glimpse into Burleigh’s connection to and a Movie series), and are supported also provide companionship, and are Erie’s past, Jean E. Snyder published a by donations, sponsorships, grants, and often the only regular visitors their cli- must-read biography in 2016 titled Har- admissions to produce and present ex- ents have all day. Sometimes a friendly ry T. Burleigh: From the Spiritual to the cellent year-round film programming to face is the most valuable gift you can Harlem Renaissance. be enjoyed by the Erie community. give. Who: Nick Warren, Managing Editor Why I’m giving: Along with concerts, Who: Matt Swanseger, Copy Editor Giving to: The Greater Erie Alliance bars, and sporting events, not being Giving to: Erie Together for Equality able to go to the movies is high on my Who they are: Erie Together is a Who they are: The goal of the Greater personal list of things that depress me cross-sectional movement involving Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE) is to about 2020. This reality hits the Film over 100 local individuals, businesses, support the local LGBTQIA+ commu- Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania and organizations “working together to nity. Also reaching out to straight allies, and the programming they provide make the Erie region a community of they’re one of the key players in in- right at home, and they could use our opportunity where everyone can learn, creasing visibility, nurturing education, help. But it’s not all doom and gloom, work, and thrive.” and amplifying the voice of one of Erie’s as executive director John C. Lyons’ By pooling the efforts and resources most important groups. GEAE provides long-awaited, locally shot eco-horror of local businesses, government, edu- specialized training to improve busi- film Unearth will have its worldwide cational institutions, healthcare and ness competency, hosts group meetings premiere as part of the Fantasia Inter- social service providers, workforce of the Erie Gender Sexuality Alliance national Film Festival on August 20th. development initiatives, and faith- (GSA), and puts on community events This is the largest genre film festival in based organizations, Erie Together has — which of course, saw a rapid drop af- North America, and Unearth is already impacted the lives of over 10,000 Erie ter the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. receiving some high praise. Stay tuned County residents since its formation a Why I’m giving: Right now is a crucial as Erie’s film scene takes center stage decade ago. Its three task forces help time to do your part. Make sure that this summer! children become more successful adults those with marginalized sexual orien- tations and gender identities are heard. With rights that are continually under fire, increasing partisan polarization finds the LGBTQIA+ community in very real danger. Don’t let homophobia and transphobia overtake Pennsylvania, and don’t let us lose the progress that we’ve made. Bonus: Organizations like the NWPA Pride Alliance Inc, and the LGBT Com- munity Endowment (made possible by the GEAE) are also a part of Erie Gives, and need your help now more than ever. NICK WARREN

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 FEATURE

WQLN Public Media, located at 8425 Bonus: NAMI of Erie County is offer- Peach St., provides the Erie area with ing a free online support group every high-quality PBS and NPR programming. It has also hosted Erie County Executive weekday at noon. If you or someone Kathy Dahlkemper’s regular COVID-19 press you know is struggling with mental ill- briefings. ness please join NAMI at NAMIerie.org. Who: Rebecca Styn, Contributor has been a beacon of hope, fighting for Giving to: Erie Women’s Fund individuals affected by mental illness. Who they are: The Erie Women’s Fund Established in 1984, NAMI of Erie Coun- (EWF) is a philanthropic group that rais- ty addresses the increasing need for es funds for organizations and activi- families and individuals to have stron- ties that empower women and families. ger voices in the mental health system. Since 2007, the EWF has provided over The mental health toll of the corona- $600,000 to 30 charitable organizations; virus pandemic is now becoming clear. hosted several elevating educational

NICK WARREN The psychological effects of coronavi- forums and have worked to engage rus will long outlast the pandemic itself. members and prospective members (Learn), individuals secure and main- Who they are: NAMI is the Nation- Nearly a third of Americans are feeling through informational meetings and tain employment (Work), and families al Alliance on Mental Illness of Erie anxiety, according to Census Bureau social gatherings. Last year the organi- attain self-sufficiency (Thrive). County. NAMI is focused on fostering data, and nearly a quarter show signs of zation provided its largest single-year Why I’m giving: Because an Erie that personal growth and family stability depression. In addition to the pandem- grant to date, awarding $100,000 to Erie is together is stronger than an Erie that by supporting and educating family ic, the continuing anguish of racial in- Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT). is fragmented. Also, I’m indecisive. Giv- members and individuals facing the justice, have many of us struggling with The funding provided a foundation for en the unprecedented challenges this challenges of mental illness in Erie our mental health. Texts to emergency ECAT’s adult job-training programs for year has brought for everyone, it made County. NAMI envisions a world where crisis lines increased to almost 1,000 medical assistants and phlebotomists. sense to give to a nonprofit with such all people affected by mental illness live percent in April. The need for services ECAT provides programs to partici- an inclusive and multifaceted approach healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a like NAMI are crucial for our nation’s pants at no cost. to elevating this place and its people. community that cares while providing recovery. It’s extremely important to This year alone, the EWF has donated Who: Jessica Hunter, Publishing and advocacy, education, support, and pub- combat the stigma surrounding mental $20,000 to the COVID Rapid Response New Media Coordinator lic awareness. health and connect with others sharing Fund to help women and families in Giving to: NAMI of Erie County Why I’m giving: For many years NAMI similar experiences. Erie during the pandemic; $12,000 to the

Please consider donating to

Right now, this is so much more than just a laptop. so we can supply our kids in residential treatment with 72 Chromebooks for their schoolwork this fall! Erie Gives Day | August 11th | ErieGives.org

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22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 FEATURE

YMCA of Greater Erie for their Meals ter. Our family has experienced the in- PANDEMIC. A single word that has changed the for Kids Program; and $2,500 to United fluence of Our West Bayfront through way we work, play and interact with each other. Way of Erie County to support meal Earth Day clean up projects in Gridley kits for Erie students — and the year is Park, fun family events at the beauti- But one thing that remains unchanged is that only halfway over. fully improved Bayview Park, historic animals continue to be hungry and abandoned. They continue to be injured and ill. They continue Why I’m giving: As a volunteer mem- walking tours, community gardens, to be neglected and abused. And they continue ber of the EWF Steering Committee, I public art, and Little Free Libraries. Our to need your help. have had the opportunity to better un- West Bayfront has helped me achieve a derstand the systemic and challenging major parenting goal, which is to instill TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 8AM – 8PM issues affecting women and families. a sense of community in my children: Although there are many worthy or- your neighbors are like your family ganizations to support, the grants that and helping them helps everyone have the EWF provides are made solely from a better quality of life. members’ contributions. This is a fund Bonus: There are a number of neigh- created by and made up of women from borhood groups around the city mak- Scooby Oscar Lee around the community — but serves a ing similar efforts, perhaps consider SCOOBY came to Because You Care, aban- OSCAR LEE was surrendered with severe ear broader audience. donating to the one that is closest to doned, with his leg broken in three places infections that had gone untreated for a long and a severe respiratory infection. After time. His acute pain made him extremely Notable writer and filmmaker Nora your home and heart like SSJ Neigh- extensive surgery and a lengthy rehab with cantankerous! After months of continuous Ephron once noted: “Whatever you borhood Network or Bayfront East antibiotics, rest and love, Scooby recovered specialized care, medication, and patience from and found his happy place. He will forever his foster home, Oscar became the sweet boy choose, however many roads you trav- Side Task Force. be healthy and safe in his loving home. we knew he could be. He has been adopted and el, I hope that you choose not to be a Who: Ben Speggen, Contributing Edi- enjoys a pain free, happy life. lady. I hope you will find some way to tor Despite the pandemic, and despite the cancelation of fundraisers, break the rules and make a little trou- Giving to: WQLN Public Media Because You Care has persevered to rescue these animals. This year ble out there. And I also hope that you Who they are: In Erie, we get our NPR your donation is especially important. will choose to make some of that trou- and PBS fix thanks to WQLN Public ble on behalf of women.” Media, which features both public ra- Strong women uplift, encourage and dio and TV throughout the NPR and empower other women. And we need PBS family of programming, as well as more of this. local shows, covering a range of topics, Bonus: If you are looking to join the from current events to classical music organization or renew your member- and jazz. Please donate www.eriegives.org ship, Erie Gives is the perfect time to This all happens thanks to the sup- renew your EWF membership, as each port of members. But of course, you renewal would be eligible for a portion could listen and watch for free without of the prorated match. shelling out a dime. But why would you Who: Erin Phillips, Contributor want to do that and run the risk of los- Giving to: Our West Bayfront ing that trusted, quality programming? Who they are: Our West Bayfront I know I don’t, which is why I make was established in 2014 as a neigh- monthly contributions. borhood revitalization program for Why I’m giving: Odds are, you’ve been the area of the city west of Sassafras in a circle of friends, family, or even Street, south to 12th Street, and bor- foes and once heard someone say “I dered to the north and west by the heard on NPR…” Or, its counterpart: “I Bayfront Parkway. The mission of Our saw it on PBS.” You may have even said West Bayfront is to enhance the qual- it yourself. ity of life in West Bayfront neighbor- It’s because both are trusted sources hoods by promoting civic involvement, of news. Need proof? Look to The Me- thoughtful development, historical dia Bias Chart from Ad Fontes Media. preservation, and neighborhood pride. When it comes to sources that are most Their programs include neighborhood reliable, mostly neutral, and likely to clean-ups, community events, park feature original facts in their reporting, creation and maintenance, grant pro- few top NPR, and PBS isn’t far behind. grams for home improvements, Awe- Bonus: In the wake of the COVID-19 some Foundation grants, and just gen- pandemic, WQLN opened its studio to erally helping make life more beautiful, Erie County so that our County Ex- safe, and fun for the residents of the ecutive Kathy Dahlkemper and Erie West Bayfront. County Health Department officials Why I’m giving: My husband and I could host routine briefings to keep the moved into the West Bayfront neigh- media informed and thereby keep the borhood 11 years ago. The history, public informed. Now is your chance friendliness, and diversity of the neigh- to return the favor and help support borhood captured our hearts and we those who help us, by bringing us the were excited to start our family here. news, the facts, and so much more with Since that time, it has only gotten bet- your support of WQLN Public Media.

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 FEATURE Leadership, Lockdowns, and Snake Oil How aloof administrations, science denial, and contested business closures affected Erie ... in 1918

[top left] San Franciscans wait in line for flu masks during the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918. Then, like now, Americans resisted universal masking policies, doubtlessly elevating the flu’s casualty numbers. [bottom right] Popular or unpopular, young or old, the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic took its toll on Erie residents, including the “well-known” Burdett L. Hostetter.

saloons and entertainment venues remained open with strict guidelines, but they were soon shut down. All “street loafers and loiterers” were to be arrested. Caution was growing, especially as news trickled in about the outbreak in Philadelphia, but so were other ideas, ones which weren’t based on the sci- ence of the time. A homeopathic doctor in Pittsburgh

HAMILTON HENRY DOBBIN HENRY HAMILTON made national news when he pro- claimed that he had discovered “a cure By: Jonathan Burdick of the Deadliest Pandemic in History, pital space was to be conserved for the and preventive” for influenza: a pre- described, “To maintain morale during increasing wave of influenza patients. cise mixture of iodine and creosote. It f you ever wonder how we ended the pandemic, national public health Dr. Wright’s initial actions were swift didn’t work. up here with a pandemic increas- officials — people who knew the truth and authoritative. The city and the Where there is one snake oil sales- Iingly politicized — split down par- — said, ‘This is ordinary influenza by county collaborated on a plan and the man though, there are hundreds. Lo- tisan lines concerning the severity, the another name,’ and ‘You have nothing county appropriated additional funds cal newspapers were filled with ad- news coverage, and even the science to fear if proper precautions are tak- as needed. The fire department be- vertisements for bogus and unproven — one only has to look at the influen- en.’ … Local public health officials all gan washing down State Street every remedies. za pandemic of 1918 to gain some per- over the country echoed that line.” night as a “health precaution in the “Why take a chance when you know spective. The Erie Daily Times, like many hope of washing germ breeding refuse Spanish Influenza … [is] waiting for There have been a lot of comparisons newspapers across the country, didn’t into the sewers before the germs are you or yours?” an advertisement for between the two pandemics, but there run coverage of the pandemic on its blown all over the city.” Schools were Welsh’s Drug Store on Peach Street are many unexplored parallels from front pages, even as the flu ravaged shut down. Churches were closed and questioned. “Hudson’s Preventative which we can still learn. As I wrote the city. This lack of proper coverage received notice that “any violation of will absolutely prevent disease.” back in March, history doesn’t repeat, almost certainly encouraged a false this order will result in such building Horlick’s Malted Milk claimed it but it does echo. sense of security among the public. be placarded and the pastor or other was “endorsed by physicians every- While many today are enraged over Still, Erie’s coverage was better than person in charge prosecuted.” Many where” to help with the flu. Tonsiline the dismissive response to the corona- some cities. The daily updates, how- virus pandemic by the federal govern- ever buried, did provide valuable and ment, the Trump administration is not increasingly startling information. the first to fail the public during such The virus arrived in Erie in Septem- times — nor is it the first time that the ber, at the onset of its second wave. By public has been divided over measures early October, the paper reported that to stop the spread of a deadly virus. Hamot and St. Vincent hospitals were In 1918, President Woodrow Wil- almost at capacity. Both hospitals son had one fixation. It wasn’t pub- stopped accepting patients who were lic health. His focus was the war and only exhibiting mild symptoms. Dr. how he could maintain public support John W. Wright, Erie’s director of pub- until its end. In fact, he never once lic health, organized the creation of an publicly addressed the influenza pan- emergency hospital accommodating demic — even after he contracted it 300 patients at the government bar- himself. As 675,000 people died across racks on Fourth and Cascade streets. the United States from the deadly flu Dr. Morris H. Harrison, former super- strain, he and many public officials re- intendent of Hamot hospital, oversaw mained silent. its operations. All surgeries in the city, As historian John M. Barry, who except those “absolutely necessary to

wrote The Great Influenza: The Story save human life” were forbidden. Hos- TIMES ERIE DAILY

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 FEATURE noted that gargling would “sterilize Erie: 177 new cases were reported in “[T]hose guilty of such offences can the throat, which these deadly germs a single two-hour period one mid-Oc- rest assured that punishment will fol- must use as a gateway and breeding tober morning, larger than any single low their unloyal and illegal actions,” ground in entering the body.” Hill’s entire day before it. Multiple deaths he said. Cascara Quinine Bromide was said to were being reported daily. The health On Nov. 8 (one month after Erie’s first outright prevent Spanish influenza department blamed the spread on the Spanish influenza-related death was if taken at “the first sign of a shiv- mild weather which was “causing peo- reported), he announced the reopen- er or sneeze.” A cream called Forkola ple to be careless in the matter of look- ing of some churches and schools, but claimed “conclusive proof” of pre- ing after their health.” maintained that saloons and places of venting or decreasing the length of A second emergency hospital soon amusement would remain closed. Flu sickness if “applied to sensitive mem- opened at the Elk’s Club on Eighth and cases had decreased over the previous branes of the nose and throat.” Peach streets. Those who recovered day, but only slightly to 97 new cases “Nothing you can do will so effectu- were urged to stay quarantined for and five deaths. ally protect you against the influenza an additional two to seven days after “Go to church tomorrow,” a church … epidemic as keeping your organs of their fever broke. advertisement read the next day. “It digestion and elimination active,” one By Oct. 26 though, Dr. Wright seemed will help you during the week.” laxative advertisement maintained. optimistic. He reported “no material Meanwhile, the war’s end was im- Even dentists were buying adver- change in the influenza situation in minent. Erie Chief of Police William tisements, contending that a healthy Erie” and that “the disease is not on Detzel informed residents that they mouth could prevent the flu. “Laugh the increase.” He stressed still that would “be notified of the news [of ar- at Spanish Influenza,” one State Street people remain vigilant and avoid con- mistice] by the ringing of fire bells and dentist advertised. “Get acquainted gregating. the blowing of shop whistles, which with Dr. McKelvey and let him keep “Many questions are being asked as will give them an opportunity to get This poem by 25-year-old freight car inspector Frank Wallace Kern was your teeth and mouth in healthy con- to when the closing rule will be abro- to the main streets and Perry Square published in the Oct. 12, 1918 edition of the dition. That is the best prevention.” gated,” Dr. Wright said. “It is impossible in ample time to join in the celebration Erie Daily Times. Eventually, some cities (although for us to answer this question at the and take part in the informal parade.” not Erie) passed ordinances making present time.” He applauded churches, Mayor Miles B. Kitts did not mention it illegal to sell unverified cures, even schools, and businesses who were co- influenza or safety measures, only law and order must at all times during threatening prosecution. operating and warned those who were stating, “While we expect the greatest this celebration be maintained as usu- The flu spread quickly throughout violating the lockdown orders. enthusiasm, let it be understood that al.”

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July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 FEATURE

With local hospitals overwhelmed by bility for the surge, saying it was “di- Spanish flu cases, emergency care rectly chargeable to carelessness on centers popped up all over the country to the part of the people of the city.” accommodate the sick. Among those in Erie were the government barracks at Fourth Dr. B.F. Royer, Pennsylvania’s state and Cascade and the Elk’s Club at Eighth health commissioner, threatened to and Peach. shut the city back down. Dr. Wright asked for 48 hours. Royer agreed. nity,” Dr. Wright determined. Despite “So it is up to the people of Erie,” the another ten deaths, the board decided Daily Times read. “Either they must against shutting down the city again. take care not to aid in the spread of That weekend, even with seven the disease or else the ban will go on.” more deaths, new cases inexplicably Every place in the city would close if decreased to 25. It seemed possible that the worst had now passed, that the 250 total deaths so far in the city might be the end of it. The numbers skyrocketed to 379 new cases on Nov. 19. The newspaper re- ported on the serious conditions once again within the hospitals. “The serious lack of nurses has be- OTIS HISTORICAL ARCHIVES, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE MUSEUM OF HEALTH NATIONAL ARCHIVES, HISTORICAL OTIS come one of the greatest problems When the armistice was announced Then on Nov. 13, the paper report- confronting the city and some way on Nov. 11, there was laughing, crying, ed an increase of 108 new cases and of relieving this must be found in the and singing as “thousands thronged twelve deaths. The following day, it next twenty-four hours,” the paper the streets” of downtown Erie. spiked to 200 new cases. The board of stated. Some were sick. All were over- Soon after, the emergency hospitals health met on Nov. 15 to discuss the worked. were closed. Perhaps, many thought, surge. Even though the health department the worst of the pandemic was behind “This shows conclusively that the flu had decided not to reinstate the lock- Erie. still has a good hold in this commu- down, they did not take any responsi- TIMES ERIE DAILY

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 FEATURE the state ordered it, Dr. Wright warned. city to disobey the order outright. tributed throughout the city in mul- If city residents wouldn’t comply and Statements at the injunction con- tiple languages: “Keep away from the stop the spread, then the “strictest ban tended that Dr. Wright had “dou- cougher, sneezer and spitter who does that this city has ever seen” would be ble-crossed” the city, that Dr. Royer not use a handkerchief. Keep out of enforced. had “gone far beyond his legally con- crowds whenever possible. ... Walk On Nov. 21, there were 230 more cas- stituted authority,” and that the ad- instead of using the street car ... Be es and the paper reported “there was vice of “reputable physicians familiar temperate in eating and drinking, and nothing encouraging in the flu situ- with the situation” was being ignored. always wash your hands and face im- ation locally.” The state’s lockdown Then, without evidence or further mediately upon reaching your home, was expected. The spread was worse explanation, they made an ominous, and before eating food of any kind.” than it had ever been in Erie. Hamot conspiratorial accusation that there Over the following weeks, the virus was “threatening to refuse all charity were “sinister influences working in ran its course. By the end of the year, patients” unless they received funds the dark and at secret meetings and 504 Erie residents were dead. By appointment only: requested from City Council, while entirely for selfish designs.” Of course, science has come a long Visit facebook.com/1010Collective or call 814.983.8566 St. Vincent affirmed they would con- The meaning of that final statement way since 1918. Within weeks of our tinue to accept all patients regardless is open to interpretation, but the in- current pandemic, China sequenced of finances but they were “packed to junction was granted, paving the way the full genome of the novel virus capacity.” for businesses to remain open. Dr. and made it available to the world. Dr. Wright announced two days later Royer decided against further action. Treatments for respiratory diseases that his board wouldn’t shut down the It would be up to local authorities to no longer include whisky, enemas, or city, but he passed more restrictions deal with it. bloodletting. We now have antibiotics. on congregating and again urged cit- “Business men of the city were elat- Hospitals are far more sophisticated izens to act responsibly. He had want- ed,” the paper reported. Most busi- and sterile, while also having medical We trap feral cats and kittens, take them ed at least a “partial ban,” but the nesses remained open, although a specialists that didn’t exist a century to a licensed veterinarian for spay/neuter and vaccines and release the adult cats health board instead reasoned that “if handful of churches spoke out against ago. back to their colonies or a place where the injunction, believing it threat- Despite the medical and scientific ordinary common sense is used by the they are fed and taken care of. people of the city, they will avoid the ened public health and that “business advances though, nearly 150,000 peo- flu.” and money should [not] be weighed ple have died in the United States due 3335 Peach Street • Erie, PA 16508 On Nov. 26, with nine more daily against health and human life.” to the coronavirus since late February. 814.873.6265 • [email protected] deaths, Dr. Royer again sent a letter As Valerie Myers quoted in her com- As history demonstrates, leadership imploring the board to shut the city prehensive 2018 story for Erie Times matters during crises like these. The erietrapandrelease.com down. One health board member News, one minister proclaimed during day-to-day decision-making needed called it “nonsensical.” Locking down a sermon, “This is a contest between during a crisis is important. Whatever the city after the ban was lifted three dollars and human lives. We are mak- mistakes Dr. Wright may have made weeks earlier would be met “with con- ing laws a farce for the benefit of the in Erie during the 1918 pandemic, the siderable opposition.” saloons and the Christmas sales.” answers were never crystal clear, es- The Daily Times reiterated that the Local authorities devised new tactics pecially with people’s lives and live- flu could be prevented with “common, to combat the virus, forcibly quaran- lihoods at stake depending on his ordinary sense” and if people “do not tining the infected and placarding course of action. Above all though, stay away from crowds it is their own posters outside of their homes until he tried, and one can imagine an even fault if they are taken ill.” cleared by a physician. more grim outcome had he not. The state ordered Erie closed that Saloons were meanwhile embold- Wilson’s administration ignored the evening. The mayor released a state- ened. Many illegally stayed open past problem, passing the responsibility ment affirming he would comply with their agreed upon closing time of 11 on to states and local health boards. the state, but added that this would be p.m., which was revealed to police after Today, the current administration is an extreme hardship on Erie business- a midnight fight between two women utilizing a similar strategy: providing es. inside a State Street establishment. minimal and sometimes conflicting “Let it be understood that in my By the end of November, daily new guidance to states while also publicly official capacity I desire to do every- cases were still in the triple digits and downplaying the severity of the pan- thing possible to prevent sickness of daily deaths were still accumulating. demic and undermining the advice of, this kind and to save the lives of our When new reported cases inexplicably and even publicly discrediting, its own people,” Mayor Kitts wrote. “I take the began to decrease in early December, health experts. stand that had the homes in which the director of public safety investi- “Clearly we are not in control right this epidemic occurred been originally gated. Many doctors, it appeared, were now,” Dr. Anthony Fauci recently tes- quarantined this epidemic would have not reporting their flu cases, protect- tified. been stamped out in a few days.” ing their patients from having their As SARS-CoV-2 continues its silent Many city business leaders were en- homes placarded. spread and the public continues to be raged by the order. Richard P. Dailey, After a warning, more accurate re- divided over even the most basic sci- a saloonkeeper at Fourth and State porting came in the very next day ence, it remains to be seen how long streets, immediately filed an injunc- with a stunning 139 new cases report- before we regain control again. tion against the state and local health ed just on the morning of Dec. 5. An- departments in defiance of the order. other nine grisly days would pass be- Jonathan Burdick runs the historical Prominent local attorney Charles H. fore new daily cases fell below 100. blog Rust & Dirt. He can be reached English advised all businesses in the Pamphlets were printed and dis- at [email protected].

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 MOVIE REVIEWS What’s in Your Head?: Zombi Child is a Fascinating Spin on a Familiar Movie Monster`

n a recent review, I mentioned that zombies Ihave been used as metaphors for just about everything under the sun. However, there was one aspect about them that I missed: their im- portance in Haitian folklore and their connec- tion to the religion of Haiti. Bertrand Bonello’s (Nocturama) new film Zombi Child seeks to un- derstand the connection between the historic Help children reclaim their joy. zombie of Haiti and the movie monster that ChildrenHelp who witness children domestic reclaim violence aretheir three joy. times more likely to repeat the cycle of violence in adulthood. the white world has turned it into. The result is Children who witness domestic violence Your Erie Gives donation to SafeNet will help provide life- an uneven, but ultimately rewarding message are changingthree times services more for these likely young tovictims. repeat about cultural appropriation. the cycle of violence in adulthood.

AD VITAM th The film is two stories told simultaneously. Remember SafeNet on August 11 Beginning in Haiti in 1962, a man is brought back from the dead to work in the sugarcane fields, but his memo- Your Erie Gives donation ries of his old life compel him to escape and reconnect with his lost love. Meanwhile, in modern-day France, his granddaughter Melissa (Wislanda Louimat) has befriended a group of girls who are initially intrigued by her tales toHelp SafeNet children reclaim will their help joy. of zombies and Haitian voodoo practices. But one girl (Louise Labeque) thinks that voodoo can cure her recent Childrenprovide who witnessHelp life-changing children domestic reclaim violence their are services joy. three times more likely to repeat the cycle of violence in adulthood. relationship problems. Children whofor witness these domestic young violence victims. are three times more Yourlikely Erie Givesto repeat donation the cycle to SafeNet of violence will inhelp adulthood. provide life- The film contains multiple references to classic horror from Carrie to The Exorcist but especially the 1943 Your Eriechanging Gives donation services to for SafeNet these young will help victims. provide life- Jacques Tourneur/Val Lewton masterpiece I Walked with a Zombie. However, it expands that film’s themes by changing services for these young victims. th having voodoo be just another part of the main character’s culture and admonishing her white friends’ clueless- Remember SafeNet on August 11 th ness and condescending fascination. Sadly, this gets negated slightly when Bonello takes things into a surrealist, Remember SafeNet on August 11 horror-inspired finale of his own. Zombi Child has a lot to say and it doesn’t all get communicated properly, but that ambition is admirable on its own. Zombie Child is currently available for free on Criterion Channel and to rent on Vudu. — Forest Taylor Written and directed by: Bertrand Bonello // Starring: Wislanda Louimat, Louise Labeque, Katiana Milfort, Mackenson Bijou, Adile David, Ninon Francois, Mathilde Riu, Ginite Popote, and Nehemy Pierre-Dahomey // 103 minutes // Unrated (R equivalent)

Blood is Thicker Than Water: Da 5 Bloods is Ambitious, Engrossing, and Overwhelming

n his new film Da 5 Bloods, Spike Lee makes the brilliant decision to film the war flashback scenes using the Iolder actors without any digital de-aging. Watching them interact with their much younger comrades makes a powerful statement that while some men got to grow old and look back on the war, others never had that chance. This is just one detail among the myriad of ideas presented in this film, which often seems to be firing in five di- rections at once. The result is sometimes sloppy, occasionally ham-fisted, but just as often emotionally stirring. The plot follows four veterans who return to Vietnam to find the remains of their fallen friend as well as a buried chest of gold bars that got lost in the heat of battle. Things go bad for these old friends as other parties become aware of the treasure and internal tensions begin to tear the group apart. The film is at its best when dealing with the characters’ internal drama. Watching how these men have dealt with the scars of living through two wars that never really had satisfying ends (both Vietnam and Civil Rights) is powerful stuff and the performances are more than up to the task. However, when the film becomes more of an action movie in the second half it suffers. Big action set-pieces were never Lee’s strong suit and the action doesn’t mesh well with what has come before. Lee has a lot of big ideas with this film, a production that often wears The Youth Leadership its emotions on its sleeves. Some Institute is the only might find that melodramatic, but I’m happy when films are willing to youth development and be this ambitious and emotionally open, even if it doesn’t work all the education program of its time. Da 5 Bloods is currently avail- able on Netflix. — Forest Taylor kind in the Erie Region. Directed by: Spike Lee // Written by: Spike Lee, Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo, and Kevin Willmott // Starring: Please donate to YLI on Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Jonathan Majors. Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Erie Gives Day, August 11 Melanie Thierry, Paul Walter Hauser, Jasper Paakkonen, Johnny Tri Nguyen, Le Y Lan, Jean Reno, and Chadwick www.ErieGives.org Boseman // 156 minutes // Rated R NETFLIX

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 TV REVIEWS Netflix’s Newest K-Drama Compels with Complex Characters

Surprisingly dark, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay deviates from typical romance and opens up in the schemes of Ko Mun-Yeong (Seo Ye-ji), a con- dialogue about mental health fident yet aloof children’s book author with antiso- cial personality disorder as she shamelessly pursues Moon Gang-Tae. Set in South Korea, locations such as the warmly lit OK psychiatric facility and spooky “haunted mansion” act as startling contrasts to one another, cleverly re- flective of love interests Gang-Tae, whose priority is caring for his older brother, and Mun-Yeong, who has never felt love. However, the standout performance comes from ac- tress Seo Ye-ji as Ko Mun-Yeong. Seo Ye-ji could have easily played the leading lady as cold and overcon- fident, and while she is both things, Seo Ye-ji brings depth to a complicated character. The audience sees Ko Mun-Yeong as vulnerable and lonely, haunted by her past and her inability to connect with others. Viewers can’t help but root for Ko Mun-Yeong as she attempts to heal old emotional wounds and push NETFLIX / STUDIO DRAGON NETFLIX / STUDIO through her antisocial personality disorder. lthough Netflix is no stranger to the world of Kore- ling the complexities of coping with mental health and Steeped in allusions to dark fairytales and haunt- Aan dramas and its newest original series, It’s Okay past traumas while trying to build meaningful relation- ing flashbacks to childhood, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay to Not Be Okay is smashing stereotypes. Still full of ships. twists romantic comedy and Tim Burton-like fantasy dramatic car chases, the mysterious death of parents, In new episodes released each weekend, audiences into a unique story of love, secrets, and identity. — serendipitous run-ins, and swoon-worthy scenes, It’s follow caring psychiatric health worker Moon Gang- Hannah Wyman Okay to Not Be Okay (literally translated as Psycho Tae (Kim Soo-Hyun) and his autistic artist of an older Season one currently streaming on Netflix // Developed by: But It’s Okay) takes every K-drama cliché on TV and brother Moon Sang-Tae (Oh Jung-Se) as they run away Studio Dragon // Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung- reframes it in the context of a modern love story, tack- from unknown demons. The brothers become tangled se, Park Kyu-young // 16 episodes

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 TV REVIEWS Crossing Swords is a Royal Raunchfest Though pegged as crude, the new series at least tries to stay sharp dom a better place is low on the list of minds, and follows the pattern of rely- priorities in the eyes of the royal court. A ing on being crude and graphic for its lusty queen with a special dungeon and humor (complete with full-frontal nudi- a bloodlusting king with the attention ty, and gore that could appear in Game span of an 11-year-old make for medieval of Thrones). Though lacking depth, the mayhem. show offers impressive stop-motion an- Crossing Swords is not groundbreak- imation — such as a dragon breathing ing, but that doesn’t make it bad. Some colorful cotton fire — especially con- criticism could be a result of the pop- sidering the self-imposed limitations of ularity of animated shows that are utilizing armless wooden peg dolls for marketed towards adults nowadays. its cast. It is also fun to watch modern Rick and Morty and Bojack Horseman things get a medieval spin, like when the both use crude humor, but woven into princess attends a music festival called thought-provoking plots that explore “Beast Feast,” that feels like a Renais- complicated themes like nihilism and sance Faire mixed with a rave. So even

HULU self-destruction. As a result, the bar is though it doesn’t offer anything new, set pretty high, and animation for adults Crossing Swords still makes for an en- is expected to be deep and/or relatable. joyable watch. — Claudia Rose he Middle Ages, a time of kings, series follows a peasant named Patrick, However, prior to these shows being Currently streaming on Hulu // Created Tjousting, and 24-hour plague? Sea- voiced by Nicholas Hoult, who wishes to released, there was no expectation. Ro- by: John Harvatine IV, Tom Root // Starring: son One of the new stop-motion comedy be different from his siblings who pur- bot Chicken took dolls and made them Nicholas Hoult, Luke Evans, Alanna Ubach, Crossing Swords (from John Harvatine sued careers in piracy, roguish pillaging, say and do unspeakable things; its Adam Pally, Tara Strong, Tony Hale, Adam IV and Tom Root, producers of Robot and comedy. He gets a job as a squire, tenth season just aired in June of 2020. Ray, Seth Green, Breckin Meyer, and Wendi Chicken), is now streaming on Hulu. The and soon finds out that making the king- Crossing Swords comes from the same McLendon-Covey // 10 episodes

Cursed Finds Charming Fantasy Filler A reworking of the Arthurian legend, the popular saga finds a home with young adult In short, the story is a revisioning of the legend of King audiences Arthur, as told from the viewpoint of the Lady of the Lake. How did Arthur come to get the sword Excalibur? This tale explains it … kind of. Centering around Nimue, the source material serves more as a springboard than a retelling. Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why, Knives Out) plays Nimue, the show’s fae (fairy) protagonist, serving as an empowering heroine instead of a strange woman “lying in ponds distributing swords.” She’s backed up by Arthur, a mercenary with bard-like vocal abilities, played by Devon Terrell (who played a young Obama in 2016’s Barry), and Pym, a fellow fae played by Lily Newmark (Solo, Pin Cushion). Then there’s Wheel- er’s take on the wizard Merlin, played with drunken bra- vado by Gustaf Skarsgård (Vikings, Westworld), in a role and wardrobe that would put him at home at only the most debauched of music festivals. Though running rampant with dark veins like the most twisting of tree roots, the show is bright and colorful. The gorgeous opening credits happily serve as animated transitions from one scene to another, filling the screen with beleaguering beauty. It also suffers from bad make- up, as showcased by Rugen the Leper King (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) and Father Snake (Yan Shi) traveling with Ni- mue. This combination serves to give off much more of

NETFLIX a Dr. Who vibe than a Game of Thrones one, and maybe that’s the trick. At its heart, this is a young adult series, hough viewers who see Frank Miller’s name at- series is not a hard-boiled and brooding fantasy epic; and while it capitalizes on the current fantasy trend, it Ttached to this project will no doubt feel somewhat The Witcher took care of that well enough. It’s not light- just may find itself worthy of holding an audience, albeit shortchanged, there’s a lot of good to be had from hearted and fluffy, either. In October of last year, Mill- a specific one. — Nick Warren Cursed. The new Netflix series feels like a far cry from er illustrated Tom Wheeler’s novel, Cursed. Wheeler’s Season One currently streaming on Netflix // Created by: medium-defining comics like The Dark Knight Returns, credits of The Cape, Empire, and Puss In Boots shines Frank Miller, Tom Wheeler // Starring: Katherine Langford, Sin City, and (to a lesser extent) 300. Though, track- a much more telling light on what ended up on your Devon Terrell, Gustaf Skarsgård, Daniel Sharman, Sebastian ing those works, you might find a uniting thread. This streaming queue. Armesto, Lily Newmark // 10 episodes

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 VIDEO GAMES We Should Talk Finds the Right Words Whitethorn Digital’s latest game all hinges on your next response WHITEHORN DIGITAL

dimly lit bar, drinks with strangers, We Should Talk, the latest release by Erie- based video game publisher Whitethorn and endless possibilities. Though A Digital, plays like a cross between a choose- most of that is off the table these days, your-own-adventure book and dating We Should Talk lets you live the nightlife simulation. from the safety of your computer or fa- vorite console, and was released on July and ease any tensions that might arise, 12, 2020. At its heart, it’s a short-form nar- explaining why I’m out by myself at a rative game that operates like a choose- bar and chatting with my ex. Like many your-own-adventure book and a dating shorter games, it was over before I knew simulation. it. Finding myself relegated to couples Created by Carol Mertz, a St. Lou- counseling with Sam, I was viewing the is-based developer, the game garnered game’s credits in about 20 minutes. I set awards and distinctions from Indi- out to go against my instincts. Easily tak- eMEGABOOTH GDC 2020, WordPlay ing to my character’s pansexuality (or at 2019, NYU Game Center Incubator, In- least bisexuality), I flirted with everyone dependent Games Festival 2019, Differ- I could. Despite becoming friends with ent Games 2018, and Babycastles “IGF Jimmy (aka DaddyBaeCare), I couldn’t x NYC” exhibition. The game was then seal the deal. Over a few sittings, I nav- picked up by the Erie-based publisher igated some different scenarios. The Whitethorn Digital. point of this game is not to beat it, but to Like many of Whitethorn’s games, it’s play it through differently multiple times. cozy, quick, and accessible. The game- The selection of words gives you play relies on an extremely simple enough variety, without the more ob- concept. You select your responses to vious demarcations that these sort of the people you talk to in bite-size inter- games sometimes have. There’s subtlety changeable chunks. Each response has in what you say, even when you’re being two or three sections where you have over-the-top. That being said, the game three choices to pick from. Each permu- is far from oversexualized or even terribly tation you pick determines how other romantic. We Should Talk deals with re- characters will react to you. You can do alistic emotions with consequences and things like flirt, be aloof, or apologize, and repercussions of how you say things; it get a dialogue going as such. literally helps you choose your words Hunkered down at the Getaway, a pink carefully. Understanding the importance and purple color scheme sets the mood of tone and the particulars of language [potential spoiler alerts ahead]. You in- will help you immensely every step of the teract with four main characters, the way. You’ll no doubt feel tinges of reali- bartender Steph, Dante (your ex-boy- ty and lived experiences shine through friend), Jimmy (a stranger), and Saman- deeply. — Nick Warren tha (your girlfriend). The lion’s share of We Should Talk is available for download interactions take place on your phone, to on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, the mostly-unseen Samantha. and the Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, The first time I played through, I found and Macintosh operating systems for $6.99. myself instinctively trying to console her Rated M for audiences 17 and older.

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 VIDEO GAMES Evan’s Remains an Island Getaway Game Ancient ruins prove a good time

Evan’s Remains, a mystery-thriller puzzle platformer developed by Argentinian Matias Schmied and published by Erie’s Whitethorn Digital, features some Thank You, Erie seriously pretty retro- style visuals. for your support WHITEHORN DIGITAL

ecent college grad desperate for you’re given extra time to appreciate it through these Rcash auditions for the role of … de- as the dialogue unfolds. (Note: If you’re historic times! tective? Summer jobs rarely deliver seeking bombastic, continuous action such high stakes (and platforms) as they with no n00bs allowed, Evan’s Remains do in Evan’s Remains, a mystery-thriller may not be your cup of Mountain Dew.) STOP IN AND TRY OUR puzzle adventure game developed by The music, which combines classic Matias Schmied and published by Erie’s chiptune tones with live instrumenta- 14-YEAR OLD WHISKEY! Whitethorn Digital. Players take control tion, is entrancing and beautiful. It cer- of sun-hatted twenty-something Dysis tainly soothed me through any frustra- as she explores a remote tropical island tions I might have had with the game’s in search of her employer’s missing gold- platforming puzzles — although such en child, the titular Evan. Shortly after moments were few and far between. her arrival, she happens upon a series of Each monolith involves arranging a se- cryptic monoliths, each a word spelling ries of disappearing, teleporting, and/ out the location of an ancient artifact. or transforming ledges in such a way What do they mean, who planted them, that Dysis can leap over a tall column and where are those people/aliens/su- and continue sleuthing. With only two pernatural beings now? Given their love controls — walking and jumping — the of building (literally) lofty language, did learning curve is minimal. The mono- they collectively die of heatstroke in the liths have an internal logic to them, but midst of a civilization-wide spelling bee? you can also solve them through pure That’s up to you to find out as you tra- trial and error. Or skip them altogether verse the forsaken paradise’s breathtak- — this game is clearly not intended to ing landscapes, each stage uniquely ren- stress you out. dered in gorgeous pixel art — if you’re If you have a few hours to spare and familiar with other indie adventures such either a computer or any one or more as Fez and Hyper Light Drifter, you’ll have of the current generation of video a good idea of what to expect. Unlike game consoles, Evan’s Remains is a those games, however, Evan’s Remains pleasant distraction with heart. This EAST WEST is as much (if not more) about plot as is one summer job that is not a drag. 810 East 38th Street 3201 Greengarden Blvd. it is gameplay. In fact, it might be better — Matt Swanseger 459-1145 864-5322 described as a playable graphic novella Evan’s Remains is available for download on Fax: 480-8286 Fax: 864-5005 than a game — regardless, it’s success- Steam, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm ful as an overall experience. Each area is Switch for $6.99 // ESRB rating E 13+ for Sun 10 am - 6 pm Sun 9 am - 2 pm visually memorable and interesting, and serious themes and mild language.

NOW SERVING OUR FULL MENU. CALL AHEAD FOR SAFER, FASTER SERVICE. VISIT OUR TERESA’S ITALIAN DELI FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS. FULL MENU LOCATED AT WWW.TDERIE.COM

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 ALBUM REVIEWS

Phoebe Bridgers Hum Oliver Tree Nadine Shah Punisher Inlet Ugly is Beautiful Kitchen Sink Dead Oceans Earth Analog Records Atlantic Records Infectious Music

hoebe Bridg- t’s been 22 years ho does t times bom- Pers is a gift. Isince Hum, WOliver Tree Abastic and Her watershed the Champaign, make music for? brimming with an 2017 debut al- Illinois-based This question almost kitschy flair bum, Stranger in space-rock band feels significant for the dramat- the Alps, topped released their considering his ic, Nadine Shah’s our list of best last (and possibly label essentially Kitchen Sink is albums of the 2010s. Arriving seeming- best) album, Downward is Heavenward. held the viral star’s debut album hos- thoroughly entrancing. The follow-up to ly fully-formed, Bridgers personified a That feels crazy to write considering tage for over three months, with Tree the English songwriter’s 2017 album Hol- generation of emotionally-charged fe- just how perfect of a comeback Inlet supposedly not being allowed to release iday Destination (and fourth overall) hits male singer-songwriters. With a soft is, but the fact is, Matt Talbott (who has details on the project until he reached a powerfully, thanks in no small part to her and streamlined sound, she’s able to ar- gone on to produce records for Cloak- certain number of Instagram followers. longtime producing partner Ben Hillier. ticulate her feelings perfectly and with room, among others) and company Ugly is Beautiful runs just 37 minutes long Having spent years working with acts like grace. Her team-up with Conor Oberst weren’t ready to reappear under any over the span of 14 songs, a fact that is Natalie Imbruglia and Depeche Mode, for 2019’s Better Oblivion Community circumstances. In the midst of a glob- ultimately highlighted by just how un- Hillier also provides much of the album’s Center ratified her credibility, with her al pandemic, the band’s return to the dercooked the project feels as a whole. rhythmic energy via drums, production, highly-anticipated sophomore album spotlight feels like a gift to alt-rock fans Unfortunately, these cracks seemed and guitar. The complex beat patterns Punisher cementing her deserved place everywhere, regardless of their current predictable as Tree continued to release in Kitchen Sink are often hypnotic, and in the canon of new voices. Beginning relevancy. One of the most interest- album singles over two years prior to the when paired with Shah’s floating alto vo- with the overture-like instrumental track ing aspects of Inlet is just how much project’s release. Ugly is Beautiful features cals, the resulting combination is some- “DVD Menu,” Bridgers selects the scenes it differs from the band’s ’90s catalog. 14 producers, which is surprising consid- thing between Fiona Apple, a James Bond she wants us to hear. The results are both Despite undoubtedly being a Hum re- ering just how similar these tracks sound soundtrack, and a Broadway revue. While subtle and profound. One of the greatest cord, it has almost as much in common to each other. Start with a nu-Blink-style the 34-year-old Shah grapples topics like strengths of Punisher is how strongly it with doom and stoner acts like Sleep pop-punk chorus, add one part Marsh- mental health and modern aging, there’s bookends itself. The soft, floral tones of and Baroness as it does space-rock mello-esque production, and repeat ad fun being had right from the opening track “Garden Song” paired with the feel-good peers Failure. Unbelievable riffs mark nauseum. Ultimately, even the best songs “Club Cougar.” As soon as the horn sec- orchestration of “Kyoto” delivers a one- nine-minute tracks like “Desert Ram- here — “Miracle Man,” for example — are tion hits, it demands attention. Cuts like two punch of some of the record’s most bler,” ultimately held together by Tal- bogged down by just how similar “Hurt,” the titular track and “Walk” and “Dillydally” indelible moments. Though the breezy bott’s commanding monotone. But the or “Cash Machine,” or any given track here abound with fervent buoyancy and mag- charm of the third track inevitably stands real highlights come later, when the seems to be. Tree is undoubtedly talented, netic charm. The sultry cabaret sounds alone, the final two tracks of “Graceland band finally gives way to some of their and his big-budget videos are a pleasure of “Ukrainian Wine” and “Wasps Nest” Too” and especially “I Know The End” all-time prettiest moments on compel- to watch, but unfortunately, Ugly is Beau- balance out the record for a smooth, re- leave the listener shaken and affected. ling closers “Folding” and “Shapeshifter.” tiful feels cold at best and joyless at worst. peatable, and dense listening experience. — Nick Warren — Aaron Mook — Aaron Mook — Nick Warren

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 29, 2020 CROSSWORD

Across 53. Actresses Kendrick and 22. Containing state-of-the- 1. Physician with a daily talk Paquin art gadgetry show 54. Coat of frost 23. Caleb who wrote "The 5. Itinerant sort 55. Fly catcher Alienist" 10. Nada for Nadal 58. California's ____ Valley 24. Many a Meccan 14. Prefix with nautical 59. What each of the starred 25. "To begin with …" 15. Bakery fixtures clues are "without" 26. [Avoid watching this in Answers to last puzzle 16. Environmentalist's subj. 62. Fake IRS call, e.g. front of the boss] 17. *Unspeakable siutation? 63. Blue eyes or hairy legs, 27. Jazzman Baker 19. Dock figure e.g. 28. Some batteries 20. Blue expanse 64. Where approximately 31. Works, as dough 21. Third-northernmost 60% of people live 32. Language from which national capital 65. Urges "reindeer" comes 22. Reduce by 50% 66. Tooth: Prefix 34. "____ arigato, Mr. Roboto" 23. *Magazine that put Linda 67. Fly catcher 35. "Whatcha ____?" Evangelista on its cover 36. Fraternal order with an holding a Cohiba panatella Down animal emblem 26. Final Four org. 1. Stand taken by a speaker? 38. Level 29. It's unlikely 2. Philosopher Descartes 40. One who's succeeding 30. *2013 disaster film that 3. "Free Willy" creature 43. Johnnie who said "If it spawned many sequels 4. Workplace for some veter- doesn't fit, you must acquit" 33. Rabbit relative inarians 45. Alleges 34. POTUS when Sputnik 5. Declaration on a Chinese 46. Go by walking was launched menu 48. Deep, musically 37. "All will be well" 6. Egglike 49. Waiting in the wings 39. Wharton, e.g., informally 7. It's lit eight nights in a row 50. Emasculate 41. Oz. and kg. 8. Singer DiFranco 51. "Chicago Hope" Em- 42. "Modern Family" actor 9. Mil. decoration since 1918 my-winner Christine Stonestreet 10. Enduring aspect of a 52. Underground find 44. *1885 operetta set in person's life 55. "Now, where ____?" Japan 11. Orbicularis ____ (eye- 56. Polish for publication 45. Words before "the blues" lid-closing muscle) 57. Dinghy or dory or "the Mondays" 12. Swedish automaker 59. 1-800-Flowers compet- 47. Charged particles 13. Titular host of NBC's itor 48. *Setting for "Mork & "Game of Games" 60. Suffix with script or text Mindy" 18. Miss Piggy's coy question 61. Zodiac animal

July 29, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35