Lake Erie Lifestyle Education Edition

LAKE

ERIE

10 ANNIVE

LifeStyle

RSARY

year

Degrees of

opportunity When higher education doesn't take four years

PLUS:

Lure of the Lake

Living at water's edge has its perks

Escape

Heading to Boston for its famous marathon

APRIL 2017

LAKE

ERIE

10 ANNIVE

LifeStyle

RSARY

year

Degrees of

opportunity When higher education doesn't take four years

PLUS:

Lure of the Lake

Living at water's edge has its perks

Escape

Heading to Boston for its famous marathon

APRIL 2017

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APRIL 2017 // LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE |3

Contents

APRIL ’17

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 6

Life on the water 14 BOATING WITHOUT THE BOAT Start small, think big

18 FOCUS ON FERNCLIFF Bayfront community has lengthy history

22 BAY BUSINESS How local companies stay afloat

In every issue 10

MEMORIES Look back at our first music issue.

69

ON SCENE Check out golfers in winter — fore a good cause LAKE

On the cover

Your Health 50

Mercyhurst North East reduces time to get a degree.

INTERVENTION When you know it’s time

Bon Appétit 52

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yle APRIL

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Living of the La ke has its at water perks 's edge

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Head ing famou to Bosto s ma ratho n for its n

PAGE 26

LEMON TIME Lemon meringue pie hits the spot

Escapes 54

MARATHON VACATION

Education

The Boston Marathon — fun for the family

Home & Garden 62

28

Splash color around the room

32 64

Sports & Adventure 70

NERF BLASTERS

KIDS GROW FOOD Meet students planting gardens

VERTICAL GARDENS Grow up with plants indoors

MINDS FOR MATH Students excel in local program

KIDS’ ROOMS

36

DRINK IT IN Classes help you make beer and wine at home

42

Get in on the fun at local venues

4| LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE // www.goerie.com/lifestyle/lake-erie-lifestyle

ARTIST IN EDUCATION Teaching more than the arts to young students

APRIL 2017 // LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE |5

From the editor

April ’17

Lake Erie beckons My husband and I walk around Presque Isle as often as we can, regardless of the weather. This year, we have been teased with some pretty nice weather — in the 70s in February. We enjoyed the warm breezes every chance we could on those balmy days, and April brings some really good news for lake lovers. Sara’s will be opening soon with its soft-serve ice cream and its Smith’s hot dogs, and I am just itching to get there. Everything tastes better at Sara’s. Pam Parker reads “I Am Not Going To Get Up In this issue, we celebrate living on Today” to preschoolers at the Barber National Lake Erie with all the joys of waterfront Institute in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. activities. We also have some education [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MARY CUNEO] features that are pretty inspiring. Sue Scholz tells us how kids are establishing gardens at area schools, and they take those skills home with them.

And I had a bit of education in early March when I was invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by reading “I Am Not Going To Get Up Today” at the Barber National Institute.

You can see from the picture that it was Wild Hair Day. These students (and their parents) went all out. Meeting these kids and their teachers was the highlight of my week.

April is a great month to live on Lake Erie. Enjoy this issue’s salute to our Great Lake.

LAKE

ERIE

LifeStyle APRIL 2017

NICHE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Brenda Martin brenda.martin@timesnews.com EDITOR Pam Parker pam.parker@timesnews.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER/WEB DESIGN Magazine design by Center for News & Design Web design by Ben Smith, Dave Super and Paul Szymczuk PHOTOGRAPHERS Jack Hanrahan, Christopher Millette, Greg Wohlford ADVERTISING Lynn Dietz, multi-media sales supervisor lynn.dietz@timesnews.com 814-870-1664 CONTACT US 205 W. 12th St., Erie, PA 16534 www.goerie.com/lifestyle/ lake-erie-lifestyle ALL CONTENT, INCLUDING THE DESIGN, ART, PHOTOS AND EDITORIAL CONTENT © 2017, ERIE TIMES-

Pam Parker editor

NEWS. NO PORTION OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE COPIED OR REPRINTED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.

6| LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE // www.goerie.com/lifestyle/lake-erie-lifestyle

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APRIL 2017 // LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE |7

Contributors

April ’17

‘In one drop of water are found all the secrets of the oceans.’

- KHALIL GIBRAN

Heather Cass shares what it takes to buy a boat, starting with a kayak. She also tells us how to enjoy the city of Boston during the Boston Marathon, which her husband qualified for again this year. Cass is the publications manager at Behrend College. pages 14, 54 John Chacona visits with folks who live at Ferncliff, a small, historic community on the bayfront. He is a media, marketing and communications writer at Gannon University. page 18 Marie Feltz gives readers some ideas on how to add color to kids’ rooms. She is the owner of Decorating Den and has served clients all over Pennsylvania for more than 20 years. page 62 Jennie Geisler, the resident foodie at the Erie Times-News, shares a favorite recipe this month and every month going forward. For April, learn how to make her lemon meringue pie. Geisler has written about her adventures a home cook every Wednesday in Loaves & Dishes for 15 years. page 52 JoLayne Green interviews business owners who depend on life on the water for their own livelihoods. She also interviews the experts at White Deer Run, who share how to know when it’s time to have an intervention for a friend or loved one. Green is a freelance writer living in Meadville with her family. pages 22, 50

Coming in May: It’s home and garden month.

8| LAKE ERIE LIFESTYLE // www.goerie.com/lifestyle/lake-erie-lifestyle

Marissa Orbanek meets students who improved their lagging math skills, thanks to a local program. She also checks out a fun group of Nerf blasters — a growing trend in recreation.

Orbanek is the public relations manager at the General McLane School District and the girls lacrosse coach at McDowell High School. pages 28, 70 Steve Orbanek gets the story behind learning how to make your own brews and wines. Orbanek is a marketing communications specialist in the office of strategic communications at Penn State Behrend. page 36 Pam Parker looks back at the first April issue of Lake Erie LifeStyle.

Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News. page 10 Sue Scholz acquaints readers with all the gardening programs that students are participating in throughout the Erie area and the vertical gardens at the Juice Jar. Scholz, a master gardener, is the Buds & Blooms columnist for the House to Home section published ever Saturday in the Erie Times-News. page 32 Brian R. Sheridan meets 73-year-old award-winning artist Ron Bayuzick who teaches young people about art and much more. Sheridan is a lecturer and chairman of the communications department at Mercyhurst University. page 42

Memories

brought to you by Painted Finch Gallery

We tuned into music in 2008

I

n 2008, the first April issue of Lake Erie LifeStyle tuned into music. All kinds. All generations.

David Frew shared a historical story about how Rudy Vallee was in Erie in 1930 and performed at Waldameer's Rainbow Gardens. Valee and his band then headed across Lake Erie by boat to another gig in Port Dover, Ontario, and they performed onboard their boat to the delight of other boaters.

Local folks shared their love of music with harps, fiddles and more, and Chef William Cornelius of television fame shared a recipe for food and success.

The WQLN story shared an interview with the now-retired Wally Faas of "Classics with Wally Faas" on WQLN-FM. And some garden goodies featured some edible weeds and recipes that savored the flavors. LEL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: -A story about Rudy Vallee’s visit to Erie in 1930 was among the features in the 2008 April issue. [FILE PHOTOS] -The first April issue of Lake Erie LifeStyle in 2008 was all about music.

-Chef Cornelius shared some wonderful recipes and his own story in the 2008 April issue.

10 | L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E / / w w w . g o e r i e . c o m / l i f e s t y l e / l a k e - e r i e - l i f e s t y l e

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A P R I L 2 0 1 7 / / L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E | 11

Life on the water

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12 | L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E / / w w w . g o e r i e . c o m / l i f e s t y l e / l a k e - e r i e - l i f e s t y l e

[FILE PHOTO CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

A P R I L 2 0 1 7 / / L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E | 13

Life on the water

The sun sets over the Bay Harbor Marina and the Commodore Perry Yacht Club in Erie. [FILE PHOTO]

Ditch the boat. Still enjoy the water.

Think the only way to enjoy summers on the water is to own an expensive sailboat or motorboat? There are other ways to enjoy Lake Erie and other area waterways.

Story by Heather Cass

I

’ve always thought it a shame to live on the Great Lakes and not own a boat. Yet, the expense and hassle of boat ownership never seemed worth the few hours I knew my family and I would actually be able to spend on the water.

But I learned that you don’t have to spend a small fortune or go “all in” to get on the water. Here are four ways you can take advantage of all the freshwater in the Erie area without renting a slip and smashing a bottle of bubbly on your own 36-footer.

Kayaking Two years ago, I dipped my toe into boating when I bought a kayak from a neighbor. I enjoyed it so much that my husband and I bought three more kayaks so we could go as a family.

Cost to get set up: $650 or less: $500 or

14 | L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E / / w w w . g o e r i e . c o m / l i f e s t y l e / l a k e - e r i e - l i f e s t y l e

less for entry-level kayak, $50 paddle, $50 life jacket, $20 launch permit.

How to pick the right kayak: This is complicated because there are many factors to consider, but you can find a great breakdown at www.rei.com/learn/expertadvice/kayak.html. We chose mid-sized recreational kayaks because they suited the small lakes and rivers/creeks we wanted to paddle, they are inexpensive, and they are easier to transport than touring kayaks.

Why you should try it: The cost of entry-level kayaks have come down to a price that has made boat ownership possible for the average weekend water warrior.

Serious kayakers and outfitters will tell you that the mass-produced, entry-level kayaks sold at large sporting goods stores are sub-par vessels. But, if you’re just getting into the sport and looking to paddle around the water for a few hours here and

Life on the water there, they are fine. If you fall in love with ‘yaking, you can always upgrade at an outfitter and sell your sporting-goods-store kayak to another newbie.

What you need: A kayak, a paddle, a life jacket, launch permit for your kayak (unless you rent one), the ability to swim.

What you should also probably have: A waterproof case for your cellphone, water shoes, a good sun hat, a bilge pump, paddle leashes, a safety whistle and a batteryoperated light that suctions to your boat (for low-light boating).

Getting started: While kayaking is fairly intuitive, it helps to take a lesson or, at the very least, watch some YouTube videos that include info about kayaking safety. Definitely try your kayak out in a small and/or shallow body of water first. Read or watch a video about what to do if your kayak overturns. It can and does happen faster than you might think. Be prepared.

Where to kayak: If you’re a beginner, stick to small lakes that don’t allow motorboats.

Once you’re comfortable, the lake is your limit.

Must-do: In late August, paddle out to watch the Purple Martins roost in the islands near Vista 1 at Presque Isle State Park. It is amazing to sit between the reeds as thousands of birds fly overhead. Note: You’ll need a light and bug spray as you’ll be coming back in the dark!

People paddle through the Presque Isle State Park interior lagoons.

[FILE PHOTO]

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) Cost: $300-$400 for an entry-level model, more than $1,000-$1,500 for top-of-the-line boards.

How to pick the right SUP: According to REI.com, board volume and weight capacity matter most because if a board doesn’t displace the correct amount of water for your weight, you won’t be supported. Again, you can find a great buying guide at www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ how-to-choose-a-stand-up-paddleboard.

Why you should try it: Paddle boarding is much easier than it looks. You would be surprised at how steady you feel on them. I took a lesson from a now-defunct board shop a few years ago and I went there prepared to go swimming, but I never once fell in. The only time I felt unsteady was when a boat sent

Stand-up paddle boarding has become a popular sport.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

some rolling waves our way.

What you need: A SUP, a paddle, a life jacket. Also: good balance, decent core strength and the ability to swim.

What you should also probably have: A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a safety whistle.

Getting started: With SUP, it is very helpful to take a class so that you can learn proper

stance, paddling technique, and how to stand and get on and off the board safely. When I took a lesson, we started on our knees to get a feel for the board and paddling before moving to a standing position.

Where to SUP: Like kayaking, if you’re a beginner, stick to small bodies of water that don’t allow motorboats. Once you’re comfortable on your board, the lake is your limit.

A P R I L 2 0 1 7 / / L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E | 15

Life on the water

Buddy up to a sailboat owner Here’s a little-known fact: Sailboat skippers are often looking for crew members to help them sail.

Cost: Free.

Why you should try it: “It can be exciting, invigorating, soothing, relaxing, peaceful, and just enjoyable depending on the day and the conditions you’re sailing in,” said Bradley Enterline, past commodore at the Erie Yacht Club. “For me, sailing gives me a sense of peace and calm that eliminates the stresses and concerns of everyday life.”

How to meet a sailor: “The best way is to simply locate and engage a sailor in conversation,” said Enterline, who has been sailing for 50 years and owns a 35-foot sailboat called Peacemaker. “The typical sailor loves to discuss their passion and will likely invite you to join them.” If you don’t know a sailor, Enterline says you can meet one at www.erieyachtclub.org, which has a page where people can sign up to crew. “Although it asks for a sailing resume, don’t be afraid to say you have little or no experience,” Enterline said. “Many skippers are willing to train those less experienced.”

What you need: Shoes with a good grip/tread (no smooth soles), life jacket (the boat owner may provide this), good balance, no fear of water, ability to swim and listen to instructions.

Getting started: The boat captain will give you a rundown of sailing basics, including commonly used terms and an introduction to the lines (ropes) and sheets (sails).

Crew members are usually assigned certain lines or sheets to take care of with verbal instructions from the captain. How physically demanding crewing is depends on the boat.

You will also need to be comfortable walking around the deck of the boat

while you are sailing, which requires balance and a little bravado if the wind is strong.

Sailing school: “The Erie Yacht Club’s Rayburn Sailing School has been teaching children and adults how to sail for 67 years,” Enterline said. “The children really have a blast in the summer and have opportunities to swim and cool off in the water, too. Adults classes are offered in the evenings in the summer and all classes are open to members and nonmembers alike.” Learn more at www.erieyachtclub.org/sailingschool. The Bayfront Maritime Center also offers sailing lessons through its Del Caryl Sailing School.

More info at www.bayfrontcenter. org/education.

Rent a vessel You can rent nearly any watercraft you want to try — kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, Jet Skis, kayaks, aqua trikes, pontoons and motorboats — in or around the Erie area.

Cost (estimated): $15 to $20 an hour for kayaks/canoes/aqua cycle trikes, $90 an hour for Jet Skis, $100+ for motorboats and pontoons.

Be aware that most places require a safety deposit, but a credit card will usually do.

Why you should try it: Renting allows you to try before you buy and/or a way to spend a few fun hours on the water with no commitment or investment.

What you need: Nothing but a method of payment. Rental facilities provide life jackets, paddles and any other necessary equipment for the watercraft they rent. If you’re going to be on the water a while, you’ll probably want sunscreen, a sun hat and a bottle of water.

ID Required: Most (if not all) rental facilities have age requirements, especially for motorboat and Jet Ski rental.

16 | L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E / / w w w . g o e r i e . c o m / l i f e s t y l e / l a k e - e r i e - l i f e s t y l e

WHERE TO RENT: Lake Erie Outfitters 421 Peninsula Drive, www.lakerieoutfitters.com, 860-1144 What you can rent: Paddleboards and kayaks, including double, triple and fishing kayaks.

Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery Presque Isle State Park, Boat Livery (just past Perry Monument), www. presqueisleboatrental.com, 838-3938 What you can rent: Canoes, kayaks (one- and two-person), peddle boats, paddleboards, rowboats and motorized boats, including pontoon boats. (You can even rent fishing gear, too.)

Port Erie Sports 402 W. Bayfront Parkway, www.porteriesports.com, 452-2628 What you can rent: Jet Skis, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, motorized boats

The Yellow Bike Rental Company Presque Isle State Park — Waterworks area, www.presqueisletouringcompany. com, 835-8900 What you can rent: Aqua trikes to peddle in the ponds at Waterworks.

(Also non-water craft like bikes, surreys and more.)

NEARBY ERIE Allegheny Outfitters 2101 Pennsylvania Ave E., Warren, www. alleghenyoutfitters.com, (814) 723-1203 What you can rent: Canoes and kayaks.

Where you’ll paddle: The Allegheny River. AO offers several day and overnight trips that include portage, which means they load up all the boats and drive you up river. You put your boats in and paddle back to the livery.

Evergreen Outfitters 61 Water Street, Mayville, N.Y., www. evergreen-outfitters.com, (716) 763-2266 What you can rent there: Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards.

Where you’ll paddle: Lake Chautauqua, though in the summer, Evergreen does offer several group paddles and events and some are in Erie. LEL

Life on the water Get time on a sailboat by offering to serve on a crew.

[FILE PHOTO] WATER CLASSES Most of the facilities that rent watercraft offer classes, seminars, workshops or group paddle opportunities. Here are some direct links to check when spring arrives and classes are posted: Kayaking/Paddle boarding: www.lakeerieoutfitters.com/bookings/ classes www.presqueisleboatrental.com/# www.evergreen-outfitters.com/rentalslessons-outings.html www.alleghenyoutfitters.com/ courses-workshops Sailing: www.erieyachtclub.org/sailing-school http://bayfrontcenter.org/education/ del-caryl-sailing-school/ BEYOND LAKE ERIE Other good places to get on the water: Eaton Reservoir/Bull’s Dam Edinboro Lake Findley Lake (Findley Lake, New York) French Creek Lake LeBoeuf and LeBoeuf Creek Lake Pleasant Allegheny River (Warren) Chautauqua Lake (Mayville, New York)

A P R I L 2 0 1 7 / / L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E | 17

Life on the water

Fabulous Ferncliff Row of homes knit its residents together over the course of a century Story by John Chacona

S

ailors and fishermen make great storytellers.

So it stands to reason that Ferncliff Beach, the compact cottage community on the starboard side of the Erie Yacht Club, inspires so many stories. Maybe you’ve seen these houses — 21 of them, huddled close together like so many boats rafting off one another — if you’ re on the bay or even the south side of the neck of Presque Isle.

And you’ve probably wondered who lives there. There are owners of local businesses, retired teachers, weekenders from places as far away as Texas and New England. Some live there year-round, like Gib Loesel.

Loesel, a retired insurance man whose spry manner and full head of hair belies the fact that he is approaching 80, has deep roots in the sandy soil of Ferncliff. His grandfather Charles Loesel was one of the original residents about 115 years ago. At that time, the western boundary of the City of Erie was Greengarden Boulevard. Ferncliff was in Millcreek Township and the shacks that were built there — or maybe it would be more accurate to say they accreted on the beach — grew up around docks. “My father told me that people brought rowboats to fish,” Loesel said. “Then they built docks. Then boathouses.

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Life on the water

This Erie Times-News ďŹ le photo shows a few of the residences at Ferncliff. [FILE PHOTO]

A P R I L 2 0 1 7 / / L A K E E R I E L I F E S T Y L E | 19

Life on the water Then they added kitchens. My grandfather was a tinner, and his house is made of corrugated metal.” Residents today have the benefit of an access road that bends right at the entrance to the Erie Yacht Club, but in Charles Loesel’s day, there was no road.

There was no Yacht Club, either, at least, not in its current location (it moved from the Erie Water Works facility at the foot of Chestnut Street in 1917). Anything that reached the structures at Ferncliff — supplies, people, even the materials from which the buildings were constructed, did so by boat or by stairs that descended the bluff at the foot of Lincoln Avenue.

You had to be a particular kind of person to endure the hardships of life at Ferncliff, a place that was forever at the mercy of nature. Carol Courtney is such a person. She lived at Ferncliff for almost two decades before coming ashore at the turn of the millennium, but she still longs for the singular experience that only a shore bird can have. “I remember a morning early in the spring before the vegetation came out. It was a stormy, dark day at maybe 6 a.m., and there was a narrow break in the clouds behind Ferncliff that the sun shone through illuminating only the line of trees on the peninsula. It was a beam of silver in the darkness, and I called my friend Otto Imig who lived next door. When he answered, he said, ‘Will you please quit waking me up to show me things that are so spectacular?’”

Not everything was spectacular at the water’s edge. Courtney recalls the mid 1980s, when the water level of the Great Lakes was at a historic high. “The water was up to the top step of my house,” she remembered. “We had a dinghy that we’d take out to the boat, and we could ride that dinghy up to the doorstep.”

Like Courtney, many residents at Ferncliff had boats. Some were simple rowboats, some were motorboats and others were sailing vessels. This made perfect sense since some of the earliest residents at Ferncliff were fishermen.

TOP: Summer comes to Ferncliff, a residential enclave on Presque Isle Bay. BOTTOM:This winter scene shows Ferncliff beneath the homes on the bluff above.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS]

Some were still there when Loesel and his wife Susie arrived in 1991. “There was an old fisherman named Figuereido and a woodcarver who had been there for a long time.”

The land on which the structures at Ferncliff were built passed from Millcreek Township to the City of Erie and eventually to the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. Tenants were on one-year leases. Nature made life at

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Ferncliff a contingent business, but so did the nature of real estate. That changed in May 2000 when residents were given the opportunity to purchase the tiny lots on which they had been living. The security of owning their own property made possible a series of improvements, such as the installation of water and sewer service.

Slowly, the nature of life at Ferncliff began to change, becoming perhaps more civilized. But waterfront dwellers will

Life on the water

forever be at the mercy of nature. It’ s a proposition that brings both uncertainty and camaraderie.

“Living on the water that close had its pluses and minuses,” Courtney said. “And when the minuses come, everybody had to chip in. When a boat broke loose from its moorings or when you had to get the ice off the dock, you needed everybody's help. The sense of community is what I miss.”

Loesel, who lives at Ferncliff year-round, is immersed in that community. “Living on the end, everybody has to go by your house,” he said. “Of course, in the winter the dock has to be shoveled, and the parking lot plowed. So we shovel. Everybody does. Everybody pitches in.”

Erie’ s climate is famously petulant and unpredictable. Enduring it is not for the fainthearted, and anyone who has lived here is inevitably shaped by the rigors of the weather, the residents of Ferncliff more than most. But from hardship, beauty is born. “One of the best New Year's Eves I ever had was in a snowstorm at Ferncliff,” Courtney says. “You couldn’ t see your nose. There were six of us who grabbed some bottles and played Trivial Pursuit until 3 a.m. These were six people that you never would have thought would get together and socialize. But at Ferncliff you always knew someone had your back and was willing to take care of you. You can’ t live that close to a neighbor and not feel that they are more than just a neighbor. LEL

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: This 1960s view of Ferncliff shows colorful homes. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO] Charles F. Loesel aboard his “yacht” the Agnes. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO] Loesel family members gather at Ferncliff Beach in 1905. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Life on the water

The Victorian Princess cruises through Presque Isle Bay as guests dine on the patio of the Sheraton Bayfront Grille in 2016. [FILE PHOTO/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

Bay business booms, rain or shine Story by JoLayne Green

T

he famous song tells about sitting on the dock wasting time while watching the tide roll away.

For people who make their living on or by the water, though, business on the bay is more about making the most of a short amount of time and hoping the customers roll in. What once was an area for industry has transitioned into a place for tourism and entrepreneurship.

Visitors to Erie’s bayfront are bound to encounter one of Tim Sedney’s businesses. He is either owner or partner in Rum Runners, the Cove restaurant, Presque Isle

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Boat Tours, Inc., Scallywags pirate cruises, Bruster’s real ice cream, and Woody’s Backwater BARge and Grill, which is set to open this spring.

“I absolutely love the water. I grew up on the water,” Sedney says. His parents owned a marina beginning in 1976, which became the birthplace of Rum Runners.

“Rum Runners is a staple in this town. It’s been around a long, long time,” Sedney says. “It might be a hole in the wall, but it’s a lot of people’s hole in the wall.”

Rum Runners may be a local favorite, but his other businesses also draw in the tourists.

“The pirate ship has been a huge

Life on the water

The Sloppy Duck is the signature re drink at Jr’s On The Bay. [FILE LE PHOTO/ERIE TIMES-NEWS] S]

success,” he says of Scallywags, estimating that the piratethemed boat ride that makes its home near the Bayfront Sheraton served 12,000 people last season.

He is adding a smaller boat called the Canadian Sailor.

His other boat, the Lady Kate, has been hosting pleasure cruises around Presque Isle for about a decade, and had between 10,000 and 12,000 people aboard in 2016. He said about 75 percent of the people riding the Lady Kate were from out of town.

Sedney and partners also are involved in rehabilitating the area of east Dobbins Landing, and adding Woody’s, which he calls a “quirky” floating barge with a tiki bar. Sedney sees the key to the bayfront area as being able to draw the locals, and hopes his investments will attract other investors in the area. “I would love to see more of a destination point,” he says Business on the water is different from others, though.

Weather is key. “If the sun’s out, our businesses blossom,” he says.

People only want so many hamburgers, ice cream cones and boat rides. “We do a year’s worth of business in four months. Last season we started out fantastic.

Then the too-hot August killed me,” he says.

Steve and Stephanie Wood of the Bayfront Gallery, operating seasonally at East Dobbins Landing, also have been fixtures on Erie’s waterfront for more than two decades. “We’re fortunate to have locked up a large number of high-quality artists,” Steve Wood says. “It’s allowed us to be quite unique and diverse. The majority of what you will see there represents the region.”

Wood says the gallery hooks into the culture and history of Erie and brings art to an area that might otherwise be solely for recreation or night life. While a rainy day can actually be an advantage for the gallery business, drawing people indoors, again business depends somewhat on the weather. “It’s a real struggle, particularly early on when we weren’t established. We

Tim Sedney is building a bar and grill on a floating barge (behind him) and is renovating a structure to be leased for business and office space (background, upper right). [FILE PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE]

depended on foot traffic, and foot traffic depends on the weather,” Wood says.

The gallery has grown and developed a reputation. “The proudest achievement we’ve made is when people bring family members down to see it and it’s a destination,” he says. Festivals such as last summer’s Tall

Ships certainly help, as well as the establishment of local hotels.

“On a beautiful summer day between the restaurants and the water, ducks and families walking around, it’s a very pleasant atmosphere,” Wood says.

Dan Litz Jr. is better known as Junior of Jr.’s Last Laugh and The Sloppy Duck. Open seasonally,

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Life on the water

The Sloppy Duck along Presque Isle Bay is almost entirely dependent on weather, he says. “We hope for an early spring and we hope for a real long summer,” Litz says.

Litz called last season spectacular for his and other businesses. “We are kind of like squirrels. We save all our nuts,” he says.

Not even a celebrity chef could overcome weather difficulties. “I always say you could have Emeril cooking, but nobody’s coming in February.” An advantage to owning two establishments is that Litz can use employees in both places. By the time the summer season ends, Sloppy Duck employees are ready to move over to Jr’s Last Laugh, located in the downtown. The Sloppy Duck appeals to a variety of clientele with the business lunch crowd, dinner customers and night life, or as he calls it, “adult day care.”

Litz is enthusiastic about the growth along the bayfront and new neighbors. With beautiful views and the boating crowd, work on the bay isn’t all work. “You pick up a bunch of friends every summer,” he says. A lot of those new friends stay at waterfront hotels, one of which is the Sheraton Erie Bayfront, which opened in 2008. General Manager Daniel Pora says the hotel has met or exceeded goals the past three years. Its location is a definite benefit, Pora says, as well as the meeting spaces with views of the lake, award-winning restaurant with waterfront dining, and what he calls a “fantastic” staff.

The hotel has more business in the summer months, but it doesn’t see the drastic shifts due to weather. Pora sees only good things for the hotel’s future and expects another strong season showcasing its restaurant with the goal of drawing more leisure travelers to Erie. “We will be renovating our meeting space for the hotel in April this year, too,” Pora says.

Other local entrepreneurs make their money not on the water directly but also by helping others get on the water. American Cruising Sails owners Kim Yamma and A.J. Miceli came TOP: The Bayfront Gallery sits right on the waterfront east of Smuggler’s Wharf.

BOTTOM: Patrons hang out in the Tiki Bar at the Sloppy Duck Saloon. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS]

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Life on the water

The Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel by Marriott is shown just before sunrise. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

up with their sail-making business while sitting on the back of a sailboat with a glass of wine. Founded in 2014, American Cruising Sails has now grown with customers outside of the state and even international.

“Every year gets better, that’s for sure. Now, two of us are here full time,” Miceli says. “It’s a big change. We’re hoping for another banner year for us.” There definitely is a seasonality to their business locally, but the company enjoys year-round business from areas with warmer climates.

“We’re not quite as weather-dependent, but there is a rhythm to our business,” Miceli says. Unlike other businesses on the bay, bad

weather can mean greater business for them, in terms of repairs to and replacements of sails.

“Bad weather and lots of wind is our friend, unlike a lot of businesses,” Yamma says. “The next morning after a storm there will be one or two sails in here,” says Miceli. American Cruising Sails has a second aspect, making bags out of recycled sails. “We have them in a couple of stores in town,” Yamma says. “There are a lot of people who like nautical life.” The company’s plan is to keep growing, developing here and expanding its national reach. We are Erie boosters here. We love the lake. We love the area, and we hope to create jobs,” Miceli says. “We’d be proud if that happens.” LEL Kim Yamma, a sail maker at American Cruising Sails, repairs a sail at the Erie business.

[FILE PHOTO JACK HANRAHAN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

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SP ONSOR E D CONTE NT

Students Ryan Cammidge and Sherri Johnson work in one of many labs at Mercyhurst North East. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Associate degrees give students different options It’s no secret that a college degree is a valuable asset on the job market.

But for many recent high school graduates and adults thinking of returning to school, the thought of jumping into a four-year bachelor’s degree program can be daunting.

Enter the two-year associate degree.

Similar to a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree greatly improves a person’s earning potential — by as much as 21 percent across a working life, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to 56 percent for a bachelor’s degree — and offers a quick, convenient starting path to a career or a four-year degree.

“An associate degree is a wonderful, transformative option for many students,” said David Hyland, Ph.D., chief academic officer at Mercyhurst North East, which opened its doors in 1991 as an opportunity and career college that exemplifies the belief of the founding Sisters of Mercy that a college education should be available to all who aspire to it. “In as little as two years, students who never thought college was a realistic option are finding success and moving on to careers or bachelor’s programs.”

Two-year education is an increasingly viable option in today’s higher education

marketplace, Hyland said. Schools like Mercyhurst North East offer a rich array of academic programs and access to many of the same learning experiences and technology as four-year institutions, often at a fraction of the price.

“Many of our students cite similar reasons as to why a two-year associate program is attractive to them,” Hyland said.

Among them are:

Quick start to a career “With an associate degree, you’re entering the workforce two years earlier, often with a degree geared toward career preparation,” Hyland said.

Certain health care and medical programs — such as those for medical laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists or occupational therapy assistants — lead to some of the most in-demand careers today.

Transfer options If a four-year degree is your goal, twoyear schools give you the chance to build a strong college transcript. Credits from accredited institutions will transfer and count toward a bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

Flexibility Full- and part-time options allow you to learn at your own pace, or take classes around family or work obligations.

Personalized attention College is possible, even for those who struggled in high school, Hyland said. “Two-year schools like Mercyhurst North East have the faculty and academic support resources in place to help you along.

With encouragement, care and opportunity, college is an achievable goal for anyone.”

Affordability Lower base tuition, federal and state financial aid and employer partnership grants, as well as special programs such as Trade Adjustment Assistance for individuals who lost their jobs because of foreign trade, help make two-year education more affordable than four-year institutions.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY Mercyhurst North East 16 W. Division St. North East, PA 16428 814-725-6144 northeast.mercyhurst.edu

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Education

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS EXCEL Program targeting certain students helps them learn to succeed in the classroom

Story by Marissa Orbanek

M

any first-generation or low-income students have difficulty finding answers to basic questions about higher education as they apply for college. First-generation students are the first in their families to seek a degree at a four-year institution.

Studies show these students are often academically unprepared for the rigors of higher education and struggle to graduate from college.

Both Seneca High School graduate Paul Levan and Strong Vincent graduate Madeline Pelc are breaking down the barriers and beating the odds, thanks to some extra help.

The Upward Bound Math and Science Program serves 52 low-income or first-generation

college-bound students who come from Central Tech, Corry, East, Iroquois, Seneca, Strong Vincent and Union City high schools.

“I would definitely have been in a worse situation if I hadn’t been part of the Upward Bound Program. This program gave me the tools to come into college prepared and the opportunity to succeed,” says Levan, who will graduate from Gannon University this May with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Upon graduation, he will enter a Ph.D. program for mathematics.

Pelc, who was a valedictorian at Strong Vincent, agrees.

“It’s been a great experience for me, and I truthfully don’t know where my life would be if I didn’t get a chance to be in the program. I am thankful that I did,” says Pelc, who will graduate from Gannon University in May with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

This Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit program addresses the unique needs of low-income or first-generation students in higher education through bimonthly workshops, tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, college access activities and multiple Saturday day trips to math

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Education

TOP: Paul Levan, a graduate of Seneca High School, will graduate from Gannon University in May and work toward a Ph.D. in mathematics, but he didn’t excel in math until he attended the Upward Bound Program in Erie.

BOTTOM: Eileen Olsen, left, academic specialist, and Maddie Pelc celebrate Maddie’s success. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS]

and science venues.

These high school students gain exposure to college life, course work and lab projects by spending six weeks of the summer in an oncampus residential academic institute. They also interact with college faculty members and students and can take dual enrollment courses free of charge.

“When you see students in the program say, ‘I don’t know if I want to go to college because I don’t think I can do it.’ Or, ‘we can’t afford it,’ and then they go on and do it, it’s mind blowing,” says Upward Bound Math and Science Program Academic Specialist Eileen Olsen. “For Paul and Maddie specifically, what they are doing is even more rare.”

Although the Upward Bound Math and Science Program has existed for 10 years, upon graduating, Levan will be among the first students from the program to get his Ph.D., and Pelc will be among a handful of students from the program to obtain a master’s degree.

“It makes us feel proud that these students are able to move on and earn these achievements,” Olsen says. “It’s inspiring to see these students be successful and break down the barriers.”

Both Levan and Pelc found inspiration from witnessing their mothers earn college degrees when they were teenagers. Because neither of their fathers have degrees beyond high school, Levan and Pelc say their mothers’ journeys were even more special.

Levan says his mother was selling gutters when she decided to change careers. She went on to earn an associate’s degree and become an LPN. “It was inspiring to see her push through it even though she didn’t think she would,” Levan says. “ She told me that ‘If I did this, you can do just as well, if not better.’ Whenever I questioned what I was doing, she was always there to help me succeed.” He said that

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Education

played a big part in helping him get to the point he’s at.

Pelc says her mother earned a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania while she worked full-time in the university’s food services department.

“I saw her struggle, but she always pushed through and persevered through her difficulties. She really was a role model to me,” Pelc says.

“I learned early on that not everything is easy and no matter what, you push through and try your hardest.”

Although college experience was fairly new to them and their families, Levan and Pelc say their families helped inspire them to go to college.

“It was never, ‘If you go to college,’ it was always, ‘When you go to college,’” Pelc says. “Even though money was an issue, my parents always made it a big statement that if you work hard enough, you will be able to get scholarships and funding even if it’s not everything you need.”

Despite being a first-generation student, Levan says his mom always pushed him harder to succeed.

“My mother has definitely wanted us, my sister and I, to be able to go through our lives starting off better than where she was able to,” Levan says.

The Upward Bound Math and Science Program played a vital role in helping them overcome some of the financial and emotional obstacles.

“Normally, I think I would have felt unprepared or confused, but this gave me the opportunity to actually know what I was doing. Filling out FAFSA (financial aid forms), my family wouldn’t have known what to do, as well as they did, if it weren’t for that program,” Levan says.

Outside of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Pelc agrees that one of the biggest barriers for her and her family was funding. Through this program, she says she learned about

“

I saw her struggle, but she always pushed through and persevered through her difficulties.

She really was a role model to me.”

- MADELINE PELC

the available resources, which would have been much more difficult to accomplish.

Giving the students a chance to attend the summer component of the program, which was held at Gannon University, is another initiative of the program that gives its students early exposure of college life.

“This was a huge help for me, personally. It gave me the tools to live on campus and understand how some things are supposed to work and figure things out on the fly,” Levan says.

“This helped position me for success.”

After their experiences, both Levan and Pelc returned to serve as camp counselors for the program. Pelc also served as lead counselor and now serves as associate director to the summer part of the program.

“It’s quite an amazing feeling to not only be part of the program but to become a counselor and associate director for the program because it gives me the ability to help some of the kids that are in the same situations I was in,” Pelc says. “It’s empowering to see campers succeed in areas that may have been difficult for them prior to being part of this program.”

“It means a lot that I’ve been helped throughout my whole life and given opportunities to apply myself and try and succeed,” Levan says. “Now that I am here and looking into the future, I am excited and really thankful to everyone who has helped me to this point. To be able to give this back to campers now, is a rewarding experience.” LEL

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First-generation student stats locally First-generation students are individuals who are the first in their families to seek degrees at four-year institutions, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Gannon University: 27.4 percent of the undergraduate population has identified as first-generation students, comparable to the past numbers.

Penn State Behrend: 30.8 percent, declining 1 percent each year.

Mercyhurst University: 14.5 %* Mercyhurst North East (MNE): 39.5%* Edinboro University of Pennsylvania: Not available Allegheny College: Not available *Reported from FAFSA information and does not include internationals students

Upward Bound Math and Science Program For high school students from Central Tech, Corry, East, Iroquois, Seneca, Strong Vincent and Union City high schools.

Contact Sheri Welsh at 814-6367374 or email info@iu5.org.

Penn State’s Pathways to Success: Summer Start (PaSSS) New program coming this summer aimed at removing barriers for first-generation college students.

Goals: To provide financial and educational support to help students graduate in four years by easing the transition from high school to college. http:// summerstart.psu.edu.

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Education

Dirty lessons C

hildren love to garden. They enjoy digging in the dirt; finding worms and insects; planting seeds, vegetables and flowers, and seeing the plants grow. Several schools in Erie County have gardens, and the schools and their students are benefiting from the experience. Educators say students who have a garden have a better attitude about vegetables, eat more fruits and veggies, get more exercise, learn about nature and have fun along the way.

Six schools in the city of Erie already have gardens: Jefferson Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Perry Elementary School, JoAnna Connell School, Pfeiffer-Burleigh School and Wilson Middle School. Three more schools, Harding School, Edison Elementary School and Wayne School, will have gardens this year. Some schools in other districts also either have gardens or are planning gardens.

Schools, organizations lead children to gardens Story by Sue Scholz

JoAnna Connell School, 1820 E. 38th St., Erie Laurie Hogan, a fifth-grade teacher at JoAnna Connell School, is the project manager of the school’s various gardens. “We have a large 60-by60-foot vegetable garden with a shed and two compost bins. We also have a butterfly garden and a rain garden,” she said. “The kids filled the beds with soil and did all the plantings. We grew tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers, dill and strawberries. It was great and they learned a lot. The students had no idea that Brussels sprouts grew on a big, long stalk. Some were astounded that cucumbers grew on vines.”

For the summer the school has a sign-up sheet, and the students and their families volunteer to water and weed. In fall, the school harvests the vegetables and they are put in the school’s salad bar at lunch.

“The kids do a lot — they lay mulch, do fall cleanup

The Girl Scouts planted swamp milkweed and nectar plants like Joe Pye Weed and purple coneflower at their butterfly garden at Avonia Beach.

Monarch butterflies have already visited the garden and laid eggs on the milkweed. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS]

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Education

and plant trees. It’s all about stewardship — taking care of the earth,” Hogan said. “It’s going wonderfully. We’re going to put up bird and bat houses, too. We are trying to restore the wetlands on the property and create outdoor classrooms. We adopted a park across the street. We do a lot of garden-related lessons.

“Kids need to get outside and get a taste of nature,” she said. “We’re working on curing the nature deficit disorder. The kids love all of it and we do a lot of teaching. We’re doing our part to green up the east side.”

Wilson Middle School, 718 E. 28th St., Erie Wilson Middle School has a courtyard garden area of 16 raised beds, a greenhouse and a compost bin. The garden had been idle for several years until STEM lab teacher Lindsey Dahl decided to get the garden growing again last year. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math — all of which can be used in gardening.

“Teaching gardening is an amazing way to teach students to be healthy,” Dahl said.

“Gardening is also a very helpful tool to give students a feeling of connection with their school community.”

The students worked hard to get the garden going again. “Last spring the students cleared the area around the beds and mulched it to keep the weeds out. They shoveled compost onto the beds,” she said. “The students decided what to grow — they chose tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, corn, carrots, onions, butternut squash and eggplant. They used the Square Foot Garden method to plant the seeds and seedlings.

“The students and staff maintained the flourishing garden all summer long and the harvesting of the crops began,” she said.

“Last fall, I started a garden club and the students worked to continue harvesting the vegetables. This year the students are excited to make a salsa garden and to plant some of their favorites like potatoes, green beans and pumpkins.”

Northwestern Elementary School, John Williams Avenue, Albion Northwestern Elementary School in Albion is excited about putting in a garden this spring. Life Skills teacher Sandy Greenlee is in

charge of the garden.

“We have a courtyard in the center of the school where the garden will go,” Greenlee said. “The teachers and students are really excited about it. It will be four raised beds of different heights so kids that are in wheelchairs can reach them. The high school agriculture students will build the beds and start seedlings for us.”

“The students will grow vegetables that they like to eat like tomatoes and cucumbers.

We will grow the Native Americans’ three sisters garden of corn, beans and squash and some vegetables that grow underground like potatoes and carrots,” Greenlee said. “We’re thinking of growing pumpkins so we could make pumpkin pies from scratch. The middle and high school life skills kids will join us in working on the garden.”

“We’re utilizing ProjectMAx, which is a program where special education kids are incorporated with regular kids. Our goal is to have the whole school involved with the garden,” Greenlee said. “Another teacher wants to start composting to enrich the soil for next year. We already started pumpkins from seeds from a pumpkin we had last fall.

We planted the seeds in milk cartons, so we are also teaching about recycling.

“We’re a National Blue Ribbon School. To celebrate our award we collected over 100 milk cartons and the students painted them blue, added glitter and planted blue forgetme-not seeds in them,” Greenlee said. “The students placed them into a blue ribbon shape. The kids will plant them outside the school and give some away.

Belle Valley Elementary School, 5300 Henderson Road, Millcreek School nurse Debra Gerlach is in charge of the gardens at Belle Valley. “We have 10 raised beds and a pond, shed and gazebo.

Each grade has its own garden bed,” she said.

“The kindergarten kids grew potatoes, the first grade grew beans and the fifth grade did onions. We grew over 30 pounds for the Second Harvest Food Bank.”

Every two weeks in the summer, people gather to weed. “I started the ‘Read and Weed’ program to entice kids to come weed in the summer,” she said. “Each teacher takes a turn. The kids come and weed for 45 minutes, we have a snack and the teacher reads them a

TOP TO BOTTOM: - Students at JoAnna Connell School work on their garden in 2016.

- Wilson Middle School students planted heirloom carrots and Brandywine tomato seedlings in their greenhouse.

- The butterfly garden at JoAnna Connell School displays the work of fifth-grade students.

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Education

ABOVE: Troop 30822 from Fairview Middle School designed and planted a monarch butterfly waystation garden at Avonia Beach. From left: Girl Scouts Maggy Soddy, Katy Soddy, Merrikate Jensen, Julia Johnson, Brenna Cronin and Sophia Kuvshinikov.

RIGHT: Students Yashoda Rai, Saviaugn Willis, Lisa Pham and Jacqueline Reyes work on the raised garden beds in the courtyard at Wilson Middle School.

story in the gazebo.”

Gerlach said the students love gardening.

“They love the pond because there are frogs jumping everywhere when we work in the garden,” she said. “We have some autistic kids and we were happy that they especially enjoyed gardening and digging in the dirt.

“Last year the students donated strawberry plants and we’re looking forward to eating strawberries this spring,” Gerlach said. “It’s very good for students to see where food comes from. We’ve gotten away from that.

The garden is an amazing place to learn.”

Girl Scouts Local Girl Scouts improved the Avonia Beach area in Fairview by creating a butterfly garden. Parent Amy Soddy is the leader of Girl Scout Troop 30822 from Fairview Middle

School, 4967 Avonia Road, Fairview. “The girls decided to help the monarch butterfly population by creating a Monarch Waystation from Monarch Watch,” Soddy said. “They cleared land by the pond and planted swamp milkweed and butterfly nectar plants like Joe Pye weed and purple coneflower. Within a month, they discovered more than 30 Monarch Butterfly caterpillars on their swamp milkweed. They nurtured the caterpillars through their life cycle and then tagged the butterflies.”

Last spring, the milkweed had multiplied exponentially and the girls potted and gave more than 50 plants to young gardeners at Pollinator Week at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

“I think one of the nicest aspects of the garden is that it is now a source of pride,”

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Soddy said. “The girls go to Avonia Beach for their meetings and everybody compliments them on how nice it looks. We have garden and beach cleanups. It inspires the other troops to take advantage of the garden and the beach.”

After the butterfly garden project, one of the Scouts, Merrikate Jensen, started another project last year to recreate the garden at the famous Battles’ house in Girard. The troop, neighbors and grandparents all worked to bring it back to life. The whole service unit came out in October to do fall cleanup. Jensen received her Silver Award for the Battles’ garden.

“In this digital age, anything to engage the kids outdoors is essential, especially here in Erie, where it’s cold so many months. You have to take advantage of being outside.” LEL

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Education

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Education

Home-brewed skill Local businesses offer help if you want to make your own beer or wine

By Steven Orbanek

I

nside Bierhaus International Inc. sit two books on home brewing.

They have an almost identical title and were both written by Charlie Papazian, but that’s where the similarities end.

One, published in 1976, is made out of a flimsy material, no heavier than children’s construction paper.

The other, published in 2014, has a bright, glossy cover and looks to have come straight from a Barnes and Noble new releases rack.

Home brewing has come a long way in recent decades, according to Dave Skonieczka, owner of Bierhaus International, 3723 W. 12th St. “That first book (“The Joy of Brewing”) came out when I was living in Colorado. It’s changed so much.”

Skonieczka knows the growth well. He brewed his first home batch of beer in 1981 and has been helping others pursue the hobby

since 1998 when he purchased Bierhaus International.

“What I really like about home brewing is that you get freedom. Your only limitation is your imagination. If you want to do a jalapeno beer, you can do a jalapeno beer,” Skonieczka says.

According to Skonieczka, there’s often a misconception about what it takes to make high-quality beer. Many folks choose to pursue a brewing or biology degree, but he does not believe that’s necessary.

“The biggest problem I have with our industry is that you have people who are fanatical and make it more than it is,” Skonieczka says.

“If you can boil water, you can make good beer.”

A prime example of that is Jason Lavery.

He started as a home brewer, and actually got his supplies from Skonieczka at Bierhaus International.

SEE BREW PAGE 40

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Education BIERHAUS INTERNATIONAL COURSES Beermaking class When: Saturday, April 1 Time: 11 a.m.

Cost: $10 Call 814-833-7747 to reserve your spot.

Winemaking class When: Saturday, April 8 Time: 9 a.m.

Cost: $10 Call 814-833-7747 to reserve your spot.

Books are available in Erie on brewing beer.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

BREW FROM PAGE 37

Lavery went on to create Lavery Brewing Company in Erie, which has become one of the region’s most well known and successful craft breweries. Its beer has even won awards at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival.

“Jason is the hardest-working person I know,” Skonieczka says. “He was the first person I would trust to teach home brew classes for me.”

Bierhaus International continues to host regular beer and winemaking classes throughout the year and will hold sessions for both beer and wine in early April.

It is unlikely that class participants will immediately be able to walk out of the class with the ability to open their own craft brewery or winery, but there are other take-aways.

“To me, there’s no better feeling than sitting down and sharing a bottle of beer or a glass of wine that you’ve made with friends and family,” Skonieczka says.

‘It’s really pretty easy to do.’

When it comes to making wine locally, no one has been at it longer than Presque Isle Wine Cellars. The business opened in 1964 as a winemaking equipment supplier and then in 1969 became one of the first two Pennsylvania wineries to open since Prohibition.

Since then, the winery has helped pave the way for other wineries to open and continues to promote winemaking as a lifelong hobby.

“It’s really pretty easy to do. It can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it,” says says Dan Wolfe, associate winemaker at the winery, 9440 West Main Road, North

BEER AND WINE EVENTS FOR APRIL Paintology Class Saturday, April 8 Presque Isle Wine Cellars, North East Enjoy an evening of painting your very own “Perfect Pour” wine glass. Cost is $25 per person. Reservations are needed as space is limited. Call 814-725-1314 x215 to reserve a spot.

Adult Easter egg hunt April 12-15 Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Shops at the Colony What better way to celebrate the holiday than with an adult Easter egg hunt?

From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, guests are invited to visit the Colony Plaza store and search for colored eggs. Each egg includes a special discount on wine or merchandise. Limit one egg per family.

Wine & Cheese Weekend April 21-23 Lake Erie Wine Country Lake Erie Wine County invites guests to enjoy a weekend of food and wine pairings across the trailing. Tickets for all three days cost $38, or a ticket for Friday or Sunday can be purchased for $28.

Each ticket includes: • A food and wine sample pairing at each winery • Additional wine tasting at each winery • A booklet containing the recipes of the foods sampled • A Lake Erie Wine Country wineglass • A $5 voucher to use at any winery or at designated restaurants Visit www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/ events for more information or to purchase tickets.

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Taste of the Trail April 22-23 and 29-30 Niagara Wine Trail Sometimes one weekend of wine tasting is not enough. That’s why the Niagara Wine Trail’s Taste of the Trail is a two-weekend affair. Each weekend, different wineries across the trail will offer food and wine pairings. Singleweekend tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 in advance while a ticket for both weekends costs $40.

Each ticket includes a tasting of three wines and one food sample at three of that weekend’s participating wineries.

Attendees also receive a commemorative wineglass from their first winery. To purchase tickets and see a full listing of each weekend’s participating wineries, visit www.niagarawinetrail.org/ taste-trail.

Science on Tap Thursday, April 20 Voodoo Brewery, Meadville Voodoo Brewery’s “Science on Tap” series returns Thursday, April 20, at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to visit the brewery, enjoy some craft beers and enjoy a discussion led by regional scientists. Topic is to be determined.

Admission is free.

Patio Opening Friday, April 28 Lavery Brewing Company Lavery celebrates the seasonal opening of its beer garden with a special outdoor concert from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 28. Local artist Tyler Smilo will perform live music on the patio.

Admission is free.

Beats at the Brix Saturday, April 29 21 Brix Winery If you happen to miss Tyler Smilo Friday at Lavery’s, no worries. The acoustic artist will bring his Americana influenced folk songs to 21 Brix Winery for the winery’s monthly Beats at the Brix series. Acoustic Jukebox is an acoustic duo who play a variety of tunes from the '70s to today. Admission to the concert, which begins at 7 p.m., is free, but a wine purchase is required. For more information, call the winery at 716-792-2749.

Education East. “Fifty percent is science and 50 percent is art.”

For those who want to get started, the easiest way is to begin with using juice that has already been pressed, which can be purchased both at Presque Isle Wine Cellars and Bierhaus International.

Presque Isle Wine Cellars also invites people who are interested in exploring winemaking to contact them at info@piwine.com or call 814-725-1314. Anyone is also always welcome to stop at the winery with questions.

“Everyone is passionate and knowledgeable about this,” Wolfe says. “We answer questions for customers every day, whether it’s a home winemaker or commercial winemaker.”

The winery also has a valuable resource at its disposal in its executive winemaker Robert Green, who has been a longtime instructor in Mercyhurst North East’s business administration-viticulture concentration associate degree program. He also runs an online program in oenology and viticulture technology through Harrisburg Area Community College.

“This field is continuing to grow, and vineyard owners are always experimenting and trying new grapes,” Wolfe says. “I think it’s great. You can make wine out of just about anything you want. I made a Skittles wine. If you like Skittles, it was wonderful.” LEL

TOP: Jason Lavery, left, of Erie, conducts a class for 17 homebrewing enthusiasts at Bierhaus International in Millcreek Township. Lavery also runs Erie-based Lavery Brewing Company and teaches such classes once or twice a year. Bierhaus International is run by Dave Skonieczka, of Erie. [FILE PHOTO] BOTTOM: Wine bottles are filled with a chardonnay at Presque Isle Wine Cellars in North East Township. [FILE PHOTO/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

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Education

Those who can do, teach, too At 73, award-winning artist Ron Bayuzick teaches young people more than art. They learn about spontaneity, attitude and presence.

Ron Bayuzick is dwarfed by one of his sculptures at the Erie Art Museum. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

Story by Brian R. Sheridan

R

on Bayuzick, 73, is a multitalented artist who works in paint, wood and metal. Erie Arts & Culture chose him as a Teaching Artist, which means he spends time in Erie classrooms passing on his years of artistic expertise and passion.

Bayuzick, a Pittsburgh native, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and earned a master’s of fine art degree in painting and

sculpture from Kent State University. He taught art for 30 years in Ohio high schools before returning to the Erie area. Recently, the Erie Art Museum held an exhibition of his work. He also won the 2016 Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year Award from Erie Arts & Culture. Bayuzick, a Cambridge Springs resident, divides his weekdays teaching at the Erie Day School and the Bayfront Alternative Education Program for at-risk students, where Lake Erie LifeStyle spoke with him.

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Education

Ron Bayuzickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Three Blue Dots is a compilation of graphite and acrylic on paper.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

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Education

LEFT TO RIGHT: Tel Star is a sculpture Ron Bayuzick created in 2002. [FILE PHOTO], Vega is a welded steel sculpture in Ron Bayuzick’s exhibit in Mood Swing Review at the Erie Art Museum. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

LEL: On your website, you write that the attitude and mood of your art is “dependent upon the attitude of where I am at the moment.” Do you mean that physically or existentially?

RB: Both! You never know what’s going to happen when you try to get something going creatively. When there’s material around — maybe even scrap — I utilize what’s in front of me. At home, I usually have paint available real quickly, and in my garage I have tons of different things to work with. That’s what I mean when I talk about creating in the moment. I never know what I will create. I am not a planner. Sometimes I think, ‘I’ll go down and do this’ but it never works out that way. I usually just take it as it comes. The project usually starts talking back to you — I hate to say it that way — it will start telling me what needs to be done.

LEL: Do you hope the students you teach get that? It must be a difficult idea to teach young people.

RB: Well, it’s almost impossible. When you are in a teaching situation, which is pretty stable, your presence generates that moment.

(In a) classroom situation, you never know if the kids will try something different. They may not. At the Erie Day School, we have programmed those kids over there to progress.

We are doing Kids as Curators. They are actually building sculptures with what they have curated, what they have collected. There’s very little spontaneity there. They bring the stuff in and we stick it on the wall.

LEL: In your own life, do you apply that idea of spontaneity when working on your art?

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RB: Oh, every day. I had a friend who told me that I was like a butterfly in the morning.

I just fly from one flower to another until I settle on one. I don’t know what’s going to happen right away in the morning. Don’t get me wrong, I have long-term projects, but I don’t know when I’m going to get to them.

LEL: Were you that way before you became an artist?

RB: I can’t remember that far back, but I was always interested in art. When I was in high school in Pittsburgh, we had an art teacher who was also a ballet dancer. He really generated an interest in art that was different from the usual rote art lessons. He allowed us to be creative, and that’s when it bloomed. The big thrust came in graduate school at Kent State. That’s when I really

Education

ABOVE: Snail is a welded steel sculpture in Ron Bayuzick’s exhibit in Mood Swing Review at the Erie Art Museum.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

became immersed in the art lifestyle. It was important to me.

LEL: What made it important?

RB: I was doing an MFA (master of fine arts) project. I was learning about art history. Everything was happening at once at a university level. It was much different from the college level. It was more universal and more international. I had to make a decision in 1970 to either quit my day job and go to New York City or stay with the steady work as a high school art teacher, and try to bloom from that. Unfortunately, as I look back now, I wish I had gone to New York City because I’d probably be more famous than I am. That time was still ripe for young artists. Now you wouldn’t dare do that. It is just different now.

LEL: Besides teaching, you are well-known for painting, as well as sculpting with wood and metal. Is that an unusual combination of talents?

RB: I think it is. I think I’m fairly unique because I not only carve (wood) but also weld (metal). I can teach. I can paint. I collect antiques. I am very versatile. I’m really good at a lot of things. I’m maybe not superior in everything but I’m good at things. One thing I can’t do real well is extreme realism. I’ve avoided trying to become a realist. Some people say you have a high cognitive level if you are not a realist but I’m not so sure about that. I’m more abstract, although some of the stuff I’m doing now is a little more realistic.

LEL: Where does that mix come from?

RB: The only thing I can think of is that my father was a chemist at US Steel in Pittsburgh, but he was also a printer. And my mother was an artist. She would draw and paint. We grew up with the idea of doing multiple things at one time. That might have been the beginning of it. They pushed art on my brother and me.

We went to Carnegie Museum every Saturday for art lessons. For us — this was the ‘50s and ‘60s — we had music and art lesson as well as free reign at home. I think it bloomed from all of that.

LEL: Do you think children today don’t get enough exposure to art?

RB: They don’t and I don’t know what’s taking its place. What replaces art right now?

I don’t know. Anything replaces it — in a minute. It happens that quick. It’s the culture

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Education

Boss Cuts is Ron Bayuzickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation using acrylic paint, string, nails, T-Shirt, paint, palette and brush on paper mounted to board. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

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Education

Ron Bayuzick peeks out from behind one of his creations at the Erie Art Museum. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JILL KAMBS]

... parents “didn’t want their kids wasting their time doing this art stuff.” They want them to be lawyers, technicians, engineers; they didn’t want them to waste an hour a day on art.

LEL: What’s your argument to that?

RB: My argument is you’ll be a better engineer with some art education. Art in any area makes it better. Whatever you want to do, you will be better at it with some art behind it. It seems art is being replaced with money — ways to make money to survive. You don’t need art to survive although it makes life better.

LEL: You have long been involved in public art and most recently worked with Thomas Ferraro and Ed Grout on their West 12th Street industrial art project. Why do you think that type of art is important in a community?

RB: The more sculptures and murals there are, the more people will be aware that there are artists in Erie doing art.

Some people here are deprived of art. It bothers me. They deserve to see art like anyone else even though it is not in their nature. Erie Arts and Culture is also an important thing in Erie. Those folks are doing their best to put art into every area — industry, education, local art, whatever it takes to get art immersed into the culture.

LEL: You work has garnered praise and awards. What’s your reaction to winning awards like the Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year?

RB: I was flattered by the award. But my real award was being chosen (in 2012) for juried shows down at the Carnegie Museum of Art. When I was kid, I used to walk through those galleries every Saturday morning and 50 years later, here is my work hanging in the gallery. To me, that was more than an award.

I loved looking at my work in the museum. A year later, I had another piece accepted into a show. I sold it to a brain surgeon on opening night of the exhibition. When someone tells you “you could have sold that painting for three times” that — to me — is the better award.

Or another award would be him (pointing to a nearby student) making a piece of art that he was happy about. That would be a nice award too. It’s flattering to get the other ones. But there are different kinds of awards.

LEL: So what do you want to be remembered for?

RB: I want to be remembered as a caring art teacher and artist.

Sometimes I don’t like people taking credit for what I did — I want to be remembered for the good stuff and not the bad stuff I did. I’d be happy just to be remembered as an art person in Erie that cared about Erie. LEL

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SP ONSOR E D CONTE NT

THINKSTOCK.COM

When is it time to intervene?

Story by JoLayne Green

Someone knows a loved one has an addiction, but that loved one doesn't. What should they do?

Experts say at some point an intervention may be necessary. The question becomes, how do you know if that point has arrived?

“When a person's life has totally become unmanageable to the point they begin losing things — job, house, kids, family relationships are beginning to be destroyed,” that's the time to step in, says therapist Lisa Horton, regional service coordinator at White Deer Run treatment center, 1921 W. 8th St., Erie.

A life out of control is the biggest sign a person needs help. An unmistakable decline in health is yet another indication an intervention may be in order, especially if someone has had more than one overdose, Horton says.

While it may seem that having an addiction already is a decline in health, a person might be coping and hiding their problems. After a first overdose, an individual might not be receptive to an intervention but instead have the feeling they can still control their issue taking the attitude of “as long as I don't ever do that again,” they will be fine. Horton says.

Sadly, an individual might not accept help even if to the outside world they seem to be at rock bottom.

“A near-death experience, that truly does not mean anything to the actively using addict,” Horton says.

Legal troubles are another indication.

“A lot of times when it comes to legal troubles, that is an intervention,” Horton says, especially when a person is jailed, asked to seek help, or legally required to do something about their problem.

Most often, a family member is the one identifying the need for an intervention. Usually, a family member reaches the conclusion an intervention is the next step when the addiction affects them directly.

Sometimes, one person in the family sees the time has come while others might be in their own denial. One parent might be trying to help but be enabling instead while the other wants to move forward with an intervention. Family members differing in their approach might also be a red flag that intervention is necessary.

“It really depends on the family,” Horton says.

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However a family arrives at the conclusion intervention is needed, it is important not to jump in blindly.

“When you think that it is time for an intervention, just make sure you reach out to someone and have a plan in place,” Horton says.

She suggests not letting the person with the addiction know and urges people to practice what they will say and their tone.

A center such as White Deer Run has contacts they can share with people looking for help. In addition, Pennsylvania has put in place licensing for certified professional interventionists, and more and more people are seeking that certification.

Seeking treatment is one thing, but someone might need help to getting to that next step. The good news is, help is available to the family, Horton says.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY White Deer Run treatment center 1921 W. 8th St., Erie

Bon appétit

Sunshine in a pie pan

makes me happy

By Jennie Geisler

I will never forget the process that went into getting this right in 2014. I must have made three or four pies before I finally hit on a combination that worked. I'm not saying it wasn't fun, but I am saying I went off lemon desserts for at least a week after I was done.

It wasn't too hard, but it required concentration and I would not suggest making it at the same time as an entire meal. In fact, just skip the meal and eat the pie.

It would make a delightful end to an Easter dinner, or spring soiree or April lunch. LEL

MILE-HIGH LEMON MERINGUE PIE 1 9-inch pie crust 1 large egg yolk 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 cup plus one tablespoon sugar 2/3 cup cold water ½ cup cornstarch ¾ cup lemon juice 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (almost 2 lemons) 4 large egg yolks Pinch kosher salt 1¼ cups boiling water 7 large egg whites ¾ cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt Heat oven to 400 F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch, and use to line a 9-inch pie tin. Crimp the edges decoratively. Chill until firm.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and cream to make a glaze. Prick the bottom of the chilled pie crust with a fork, brush the top edges with the glaze and line with parchment paper. Weight the shell with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until the edges begin to brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove paper and weights; continue baking until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes more. Let cool.

In a medium heavy-bottom sauce pan, combine sugar, cold water, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks and salt. Whisk until starch has dissolved and the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Whisk in the boiling water and then place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring gently with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for up to one minute and no longer, continuing to stir gently.

Immediately pour the filling into your prepared pie crust.

To make the meringue, combine egg whites, sugar and salt in a heatproof bowl. Set over a pan of simmering water; beat until warm and sugar is dissolved. Remove bowl from heat; whip into stiff peaks.

Spread the meringue over pie so that it touches crust all around. Broil until brown, about 2 minutes, watching constantly. Serve at room temperature.

[FILE PHOTO JACK HANRAHAN/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

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— www.marthastewart.com — http://notsohumblepie.blogspot Per serving: 331 calories, 7.6 grams fat, 0.3 gram fiber, 5.4 grams protein, 62 grams carbohydrate, 231 milligrams sodium, 93 milligrams cholesterol Values are approximate.

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Escapes

Dan Cass, wearing a green shirt, crosses the finish line at the Boston Marathon in 2015. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

101

Boston Marathon Making it there is a thrill for any runner. Here’s your primer on how to get there, where to stay and how to navigate on race day.

By Heather Cass

I

went to the Boston Marathon two years ago. No, I didn’t run it; I’m not fast enough to qualify. I flew into Beantown on the coattails of my much speedier husband, Dan Cass, who qualified for Boston at the 2014 Erie Marathon by running a 3:13.33.

That is an average pace of 7:32minute miles for 26.2 miles. (I know, right?)

Boston is limited to 35,000 runners. Available spots are filled in each age group with the fastest runners first. At 44 years old, Dan needed a 3:15 to qualify. With a more than 90-second cushion, we were fairly confident he would get in.

We quickly reserved a hotel room

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because we had heard they were hard to come by once the registration confirmation emails went out.

Sure enough, Dan got a confirmation email the following week and $200 in race registration fees were added to our Visa bill, followed quickly by $900 in hotel fees and $300 in flights. Lesson No. 1: Boston is no cheap date.

That was just one of several lessons we learned that will be helpful when we return this April for Dan’s second running of the world’s oldest marathon. In the interest of saving you from learning things the hard way, here are my best tips, advice and observations about the greatest marathon in the country:

Escapes

The famous swan boats in the Boston Public Gardens offer a unique view of the region. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Escapes

1. The Boston Marathon is always held on Patriot’s Day, which is the third Monday in April. The holiday commemorates the start of the Revolutionary War and is recognized only in Massachusetts and Maine. This year’s race, on April 17, happens to coincide with Easter weekend.

2. Boston on marathon weekend is a runner’s paradise. Everywhere you go in Boston that weekend — the airport, the bars, the restaurants, the streets — you’ll see runners. They’re easily identified by their sinewy bodies, thick runner’s calves, and Boston Marathon windbreakers.

3. Boston residents really love this race. I was truly surprised by how welcome we felt.

I expected the people who live in Boston to be annoyed by the crush of tourists and roll their eyes at all the annoying runners who invade their city, but we were treated like honored special guests. From the cabbie to the tour bus driver to restaurant waiters and baristas, the area residents seemed sincerely excited about the race and always offered Dan their wishes for a great run. They made runners feel very special, which was pretty awesome.

4. It’s easy to get around on foot if you stay in downtown Boston. Everyone kept telling us to buy a Charlie card to ride the Boston subway (T line) to get around. It wasn’t long before we realized it was easier to walk a mile or half mile than wait for trains (and often transfer trains) to get to our destinations.

5. Transport from the airport to downtown hotels is free. Boston’s mass transit system offers free bus rides from the airport to downtown Boston hotels. It’s not free on the way back, however, and the airport bus line doesn’t run before 5:30 a.m., so plan accordingly.

In the Public Garden in Boston, the equestrian George Washington statue was created

by American sculptor Thomas Ball in 1867.

[THINKSTOCK.COM]

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Escapes

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Escapes

At Sam Adams Brewery in Boston, Dan Cass celebrates the Boston Marathon with two other runners from the Erie area, Ange Eberlein and Frank Combopiano. The brewery makes a special 26.2 brew for marathon weekend.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

6. Boston is driveable, but flying is fairly cheap, too. Dan and I are taking our daughters with us this year, so we’ll be driving. But when we went last time, we found inexpensive flights on JetBlue out of Buffalo. JetBlue is the official airline of the race and they offer special rates for Boston Marathoners (check the race website for more info).

7. Hotels in the city are expensive. You can

expect to pay no less than $250 a night and most hotels are more than $300 and require at least a two-night stay. A few other options we learned about later: Airbnb (or similar sites) and staying outside of the city at a place close to the T-line, which allows for quick and easy travel to downtown Boston. We’re trying that later this year. We booked a hotel in Farmington, Massachusetts, for three nights that cost less than one night at the hotel we stayed at in Boston.

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8. Plan to spend a few hours at the Expo.

The Boston Marathon expo is impressive, with hundreds of vendors, many of whom are giving away free goodies. Definitely leave yourself time to explore. And, word to the wise, if you want to purchase the official 2017 Boston jacket, do it online and avoid standing in very long lines to buy one at the expo.

9. The Boston Marathon’s free pre-race

There’s plenty to see and experience while you’re in Boston, which is rich with American history.

Here are some of the places to put on your Beantown to-do list: Boston Public Garden and Boston Commons. These adjacent city parks, which are near the marathon finish line, offer plenty of green space, gardens, sculptures, buskers, and the iconic Boston “swan boats,” which you can ride for just a few bucks.

Old Town Trolley Tour or Just Ducky Tours. There’s no better way to get an overall view and history of the city in a few hours than a professional guided tour. Both the Old Town Trolley Tour — a lowkey, hop-on-hop-off affair — and the Just Ducky — land-and-water — tours will teach you about Boston while they tote you around town.

“Cheers!” Bar. The iconic ‘80s sitcom was not actually filmed at the Boston bar, but the exterior of the bar at 84 Beacon Street was used in the television show. You can eat there, but you can also just walk through and take a few photos or visit the gift shop, if you want.

Freedom Trail. This is a 2.5-mile long path through downtown Boston that passes by 16 significant historical locations, including graveyards, notable churches and the Old State House. The National Park Service operates a visitor’s center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where you can get a free map of the self-guided trail.

Faneuil Hall, also known as Quincy Market. Three historic market buildings and a promenade make up this cute shopping center where you can also find a bite to eat.

Fenway Park. Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park remains much like it did the day it opened on April 20, 1912, and that’s how Bostonians like it, thank you very much.

The waterfront. Boston’s Harborwalk includes almost 40 miles of pedestrian-friendly public access at the water’s edge. You’ll find restaurants, bars, naval museums, and more.

Newbury Street in Back Bay. This upscale shopping plaza is nestled in a pretty neighborhood in Boston famous for its rows of Victorian brownstones. Here you’ll find trendy designers (Kate Spade, Valentino, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, etc.), swanky shops, and unique boutiques, as well as a few places to grab a meal.

Boston Tea Party ships and museum. The reviews on this “multisensory” historical museum are good. We didn’t make it there in 2015, but may consider going with our kids this year.

Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium. Two great options if you’re traveling with kids or just love science and/or aquatic life.

Museum of Fine Arts. Boston’s art museum is the fourth largest in the country and contains more than 450,000 works of arts, including the largest Monet collection outside of Paris.

Did you know?

The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the United States?

When it began in 1897, eighteen people ran it. Last year, 35,000 did.

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Escapes pasta dinner is … meh. First of all, it’s outside. There are some seats indoors, but most are outside and it’s cold in Boston in April.

Also, the lines to get into the dinner are long and also outdoors. And the food was so-so.

Plan accordingly.

10. Four words: Samuel Adams Brewery Tour. Definitely put this on your to-do list.

It’s free and marathoners who bring their Boston Marathon passport (they give it to you when you pick up your bib and bag at the expo) get a special glass. Call ahead and make reservations. It’s unlikely that you’ll get in if you wait until marathon weekend to call or just try to go.

Boston residents and business owners welcome runners. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

11. Throw-away clothes are essential for runners. Boston is a point-to-point race and runners are bused to the start, where they wait in tents (but still outdoors) for at least a couple hours. A layer of throw-away clothes is vital unless it’s very warm.

12. The Wellsley “scream tunnel” is for real.

You’ll have to take my husband’s word on this since I didn’t take the train to see it for myself. He said he heard a roar at least a half mile ahead of Wellsley College and, as the father of two teenage daughters familiar with the collective decibel level of young women, he knew it must be the coeds.

13. Spectators line the entire route. Dan said the entire 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon was equivalent to the finish line (packed with screaming spectators) at any other race.

14. You can see your runner at several spots along the course. I did not do this for fear of getting lost and then not seeing Dan finish, but you can hop on the T-line and travel to certain points in the course to cheer your runner on. For me, it seemed like an unnecessary hassle and the trains are packed on race day, so I just watched the race on TV (it’s broadcast live), then went to the finish line.

15. Security is tight at the finish line. As you might expect, security at Boston is extensive and thorough. You will need to put anything you’re taking to the finish line — and I’d suggest you pack light — in the clear plastic bags they will provide at the expo. A couple things to put in that bag: Warm clothes for your runner to put on when they are done, a bit of

cash, and at least one portable charger (if not two) for your cell phone.

16. Download the Boston Marathon app and track your runner(s). This is invaluable if you’re hoping to see your runner finish because you can track him or her in real time.

This is why you need the portable chargers for your cell phone; the app eats up battery life (and data).

17. It will be hard to get near the finish line, so get there early. In 2015, the weather was horrid. It was cold and raining sideways, which is probably the only reason I was able to secure a spot in front. I lucked out when I ended up standing behind a family whose runner came in just before mine. When they walked away, I moved right up and was able to see Dan finish.

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18. Pick a post-race meeting spot. There are 35,000 people at this race and most don’t come alone, so you can imagine the sheer number of people at the finish line. Sometime before race day, walk to the finish line (great photo op!) and pick a specific spot in one of the nearby parks to meet your runner after the race.

Overall impression: I’ve been to more than 50 different marathons and half-marathons in cities all over the United States, but I’ve never experienced anything like Boston. Runners really feel the love in that city, and it’s exciting and thrilling to be a part of it. It was also very inspiring. I teared up more than a few times because, as a runner and as the wife of a Boston runner, I have a full appreciation of the sacrifices and hard work it takes to get there. LEL

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Home & garden

Crayola-themed bedding, draperies and accents add fun to any bedroom.

[CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

Make your kid’s room more inviting

By Marie Feltz

Personalizing and making kids furniture more fun is getting renewed attention from home furnishings designers.

While some of these ideas are not new, they’re fun and trendy. A bed — a model of a hot car — was on prominent display at the most recent Las Vegas Home Furnishings Market.

Another popular display in Las Vegas was a colorful bedding line based on Crayola crayons. It includes many prints and solid colored fabrics, quilted comforter sets, duvet covers, decorative pillows, bolster pillows, drapery panels and sheet sets.

“Children’s and youth furniture is more than a small niche,” says David Haseley,

vice president of merchandising and marketing for Decorating Den Interiors, North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design franchise company. “It is a growing category that enables parents and their children to have much more fun in decorating and enjoying their spaces.”

The furniture can also be functional so that practical parents of the youngest of the young need not worry about having to change out furniture every couple of years as their child grows.

There are cribs that can be converted to toddler beds and then to youth beds.

Changing tables can be converted to storage shelves. High chairs can convert to

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chairs.

Bunk beds now come in all sorts of configurations. Today, it’s about more than saving space. It’s about adding even more functionality. One example is a unit in which the lower bed folds up into a sofatype seating area.

Like with adult furniture, children and youth furnishings are more frequently equipped with electrical outlets for plugging in tablets and other devices for charging — another aspect of usefulness.

Like furnishing and decorating any other space in your home, it’s all about customizing so it fits the personality and lifestyle of those who will use that space. LEL

Home & garden

TOP TO BOTTOM: Crayola colors decorate a bunk bed that includes a storage stairway to the top bunk. [CONBunk beds add extra space to this bedroom. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO], A bunk bed with a lower bed that converts to sofa-style seating offers furniture ï¬&#x201A;exibility. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO], Cool beds for car-lovers were on display at the Las Vegas Home Furnishings Market. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ROSS FELTZ] TRIBUTED PHOTO],

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Home & garden

Nutritional Juice Jar grows some of its own veggies and fruits right on location at the Colony

squeeze

By Sue Scholz

M

ost stores have interesting items in their windows to attract customers. The Juice Jar has something unique — a growing tower of green leafy vegetables.

“It’s called a Tower Garden from a company called Juice Plus,” explained owner Heidi Lutz. “It’s a hydroponics growing system. Many people stop to look at it.”

The Juice Jar, which is located in The Shops at the Colony, specializes in made-to-order juices and smoothies as well as soups, sandwiches and salads. “Right now the tower has lettuce, spinach, kale, oregano and basil growing in it,” said Lutz. “I’ve grown all sorts of things — I’ve done strawberries and then a whole tower of herbs like thyme, parsley, cilantro and mint. I tried tomatoes but they didn’t work because they needed bees to pollinate the blossoms.”

The lettuce and kale will soon go into the salads that are sold in Mason jars. The basil will be used in the kitchen, and the oregano will go into the wellness shots. “The lettuce grows well. Once I took a whole head of buttercrunch lettuce and cut it off for a lady to put under her chicken salad. She loved it,” Lutz said.

The vertical growing system, which looks like it would be at home on the set of Star Trek, has four florescent grow lights and 32 growing pockets in the tower. “I fill the fiber pots with vermiculite and add whatever seeds I want and then I place the pots in the tower, and in three to four weeks I have vegetables to harvest for the store.”

The watering is automatic. “The tower garden is on a timer.

There is a large water reservoir on the bottom,” said Lutz. “I put water in it and add the plant nutrients from a bottle. Every half-hour the water goes up to the top and rains down the inside of the tower, giving all the plants’ roots a drink.”

Heidi Lutz waters her Tower Garden by filling the bottom reservoir. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Home & garden

IF YOU GO The Juice Jar is located at The Shops at the Colony, 2620 W. Eighth St., Erie, Pa 16505.

• 814-450-0074 • Visit ErieJuiceJar.com • Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

It is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Juice Jar opened in February 2016. “It all happened because of my Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic bowel disease that causes severe inflammation of your digestive tract. When I got diagnosed in 2008 I was put on steroids and several other pills.

I saw the 2010 documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead about juicing and was motivated to try it. I started juicing and eventually stopped all my medications. I wanted to be totally healthy and changed my cleaning products to natural ones. Eliminating the chemicals and drinking juices helped me

Kale takes from three to four weeks to reach harvest size in the vertical garden at the Juice Jar. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

heal,” Lutz said.

“In March 2015, when I turned 45, I wanted to do something to help the Erie community and to share my story,” she said. “I got the idea for starting a juice bar. I didn’t want just juices and smoothies but incredible, fresh, made-from-scratch food and gluten-free and vegan desserts.”

It was a challenge getting funding for the store. “I was a single mom with no money — I have a son, Sam. I did a Kickstarter campaign, and got the community involved. I had good credit so I took out small business loans,”

Lutz said. “I worked with the Small Business Development Center at Gannon and Innovation Collaborative in Erie. They help small businesses get started. I like Colony Plaza because it’s a popular, locally-owned plaza. It made sense to start here.”

Lutz has eight employees, and the juicer machine gets a workout during lunchtime.

“We have two full-time chefs. The juices range from the beginner juice called Sugar Rush, which is pineapple, mango and orange; all the way to the most nutrient-dense juice called Salaminjaro, which is basically a salad

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Home & garden

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Home & garden in a jar. Ideally you want to be drinking juices that are 80 percent veggies and 20 percent fruit, but we will accommodate anyone’s juicing journey. The benefits of juicing are you get the nutrients you need without making your digestive system work so hard; allowing the inflammation to go down. We also make and sell healthy bone broth that’s made from all organic bones. Don’t be afraid of things that are healthy — we have things that you wouldn’t even think are healthy like our black bean brownies and our gluten-free lemon bars.”

The store is inviting and decorated with flea market chic style. Mason jar lamps hang from the ceiling and tchotchkes like old watering cans and garden tools decorate the shelves. “I want to educate people on the sustainability

of body and planet. We’re all about reuse and recycle,” Lutz said. “Hardly anything in the store is new. We wanted to show people that you can create something inviting with something that already exists.” There are three secondhand tables with mismatched chairs and a lounging area near a cozy fireplace with board games within easy reach.

Last summer she took over two parking places right in front of the store and turned them into an outdoor seating area with tables made from old doors, with colorful umbrellas and an antique washtub full of flowers. “The ice plant last year was phenomenal — it grew and grew and was covered with hot pink flowers. In the spring I put in pansies and in the fall, mums.”

Lutz is already thinking about future

LEFT TO RIGHT FROM FACING PAGE: Heidi Lutz used two parking spaces to create patio dining outside the Juice Jar during warmer months. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO] The Tower Garden at the Juice Jar is a conversation piece at The Shops at Colony. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS]

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Home & garden expansion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My end goal is to have numerous locations with educational centers. The education center would have a cafe and educational garden classrooms to educate the kids that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a healthier way to eat and live,â&#x20AC;? said Lutz. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my dream to have the kids pick produce from the gardens and immediately put them through the juicer. In the store I encourage the kids to pick and eat the greens in the tower.â&#x20AC;?

The store already has regulars that Lutz knows by name. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Juice Jar is not just a place to receive nutritional healing; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a meeting place to connect in person where we can discover the lost art of human interaction.â&#x20AC;? She has delighted in seeing a father and son playing checkers, three college students playing Jenga, and a group of women sitting on the couch knitting, with one lady sitting cross-legged and barefoot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told her that she made me so happy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that that was why I started the store,â&#x20AC;? Lutz said. LEL Heidi Lutz grows leafy vegetables on her tower garden and uses them for salads she sells in returnable Mason jars at the Juice Jar. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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On scene

Golfers play it fore-ward Golfers played a few rounds outside and inside recently to raise funds for local nonprofits.

During the 19th annual Barstool Open, more than 400 teams participated in the golf tournament that raises funds for Meca Inc. by playing a hole of golf at bars and clubs throughout the Erie region.

Meca serves local children and adults with disabilities.

At Presque Isle State Park Beach 1, another 60 golfers played in the 7th annual Frostbite Open, which benefits the Presque Isle Partnership.

At Presque Isle State Park, Eric Wilkosz, 38, hits his ball toward the first hole during the 7th annual Frostbite Open near Erie. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

During the 19th annual Barstool Open, Misty Mommas team member Megan Farina, 22, picks up her ball after putting at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club in Erie. [GREG WOHLFORD/ ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

Josh McCaslin watches his putt at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club during the 19th annual Barstool Open. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

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Sports & entertainment

Nerf combat

AT TA C K S E R I E

I

By Marissa Orbanek

t wasn’t too long ago when Nerf blasters seemed to occupy almost every child’s playroom.

Now, the iconic toy from the 1990s is making its way back, and the Nerf blaster’s appeal is to a wider audience.

The Erie Foam Dart League is revamping the Nerf battle community by offering foam dart battles to Erie and the surrounding area.

Launched in September, the league hosts several “open play” battles a week and offers a new type of experience for birthday parties, team events, Scouts, corporate groups and adult parties.

Gannon University student-athletes and roommates Alex Hutchings, of Rochester, New York, and Logan Clarke, of Mercer, started and operate the league.

Hutchings’ father, John, who lives in Rochester, travels to help with the league.

“My brother-in-law started the league in Rochester, and before going to one of those events, I hadn’t seen a Nerf blaster since I was 8, so I thought I’d give it a try, ” says Alex Hutchings. “Once I played, I realized it’s a really good workout and a lot more fun that you think.”

When Hutchings moved to Gannon, he thought it would be a good way to earn some extra money and keep kids active. For Clarke, his experience with Nerf blasters was limited to the one or two times he’d played as a child. The concept of

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Sports & entertainment

Kids at a recent birthday party had fun with Nerf blasters during an Erie Foam Dart League event. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

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Sports & entertainment

using them for a recreational league was new.

“When John and Alex introduced me to it, I became attached really quickly. It’s cool to see kids and parents coming together and interacting in an environment,” Clarke says.

“You have kids who wouldn’t hang out or interact in any other situation coming together. It’s a great equalizer for all ages, people and personalities.”

So what exactly is it? These one-hour long games are similar to paintball, only it’s much more affordable and doesn’t hurt since the darts used are foam. Although there are a variety of games with different objectives, the general idea is to eliminate players by hitting them with a Nerf dart. The type of games include capture the flag, freeze tag and zombie survival, Alex Hutchings says.

The league runs on Monday nights from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Family First and Friday nights from 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Erie Premier Sports. The cost to play is $10, which includes use of safety goggles, a Nerf blaster and foam darts. Players are also welcome to bring their own blasters.

Similar to paintball, the fields utilize eight inflatable barriers that players can use to hide behind and strategize, Alex Hutchings said.

“With paintball, it takes a certain type of person to play. There are Nerf blasters with power, but it still doesn’t hurt as much since they are foam darts,” says Alex Hutchings. “And there’s a significant price difference. With this (Foam Dart League), you can get a similar experience without the added paintball equipment.”

Another added bonus is its flexibility. The league can be played anywhere, including churches, indoor rental spaces and outdoor areas. Everything is stored in Alex Hutchings’ 2004 Subaru Outback,

so it’s easy to transport equipment directly to those who want to play.

Alex Hutchings and Clarke, who are both members of the Gannon football program, officiate the league.

Clarke is also a member of ROTC, which helps him give the players extra advice on strategy.

“Since he’s a cadet in the ROTC program, one of the things we like having Logan involved with is talking to the kids about strategy. You don’t want to attack right away, instead, you want to play defense. There is a lot of critical thinking, analyzing a situation and quick decision making involved in playing and this is something that Logan can help to shape their learning,” says John Hutchings.

Another benefit of the league, John Hutchings says, is to keep people active. A one-hour game, he says, is estimated to be about 2-3 miles of moving.

“The Foam Dart League is addressing a fitness problem within our youth. There is an obesity problem because kids aren’t moving enough and this is giving them an outlet on our end,” John Hutchings says.

Outside of fitness, the league also helps address positive behaviors among kids. One of the ways the league communicates is through a personal Facebook Page of a fictional character, Billy Foam Darts.

“We wanted to create something for our youth audience to identify with. Whether they are active or hate going to the gym or playing sports, this is a character anyone can relate to,” says John Huthings, who adds that they plan to utilize the character for anti-bullying campaigns.

Although the Erie league has more kids than adults, the league is meant for all ages. Erie Foam Dart League is currently working on adding more programming within the Erie community, so be sure to visit them on Facebook for their most up-to-date information. LEL

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More Info ALL-AGE SESSIONS Family First: Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m.

8155 Oliver Road 866-5425 Erie Premier Sports: Fridays from 8 to 9 p.m.

4504 West Ridge Road 833-0950 Special Events at 3:23 Athletics 10251 Cross Station Ext. Girard www.323athletics.com Call for more information Emma Jones 434-3350 Scott Jones 434-4131

RATES WITH FAMILY FIRST, ERIE PREMIER SPORTS AND 3:23 ATHLETICS Payment by cash, check or credit card at the door Cost: $10/night, $50/6 plays; $100 13/plays Group Fees: $150 for 20 kids More information: Contact John (585) 766-7760; Alex (585) 880-1614; Logan Clark (724) 815-8131 or visit the Erie Foam Dart League’s Facebook Page.

For Entertainment: There’s a whole Nerf subculture. Check out YouTube users Coop772 and LordDraconical for reviews, modifications and skits on foam toys.

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