Features

BUGS ON CAMPUS

By Ashley Barletta News Editor

Contributed photo

It was a Monday evening. I was returning from the Merciad office, exhausted and ready for bed. I walked into my apartment without paying much attention to anything, that is, until I got to my room.

“What the hell?”

I saw flies everywhere. Fruit flies were swarming the apartment, and there were too many to count.

There was a cup of apple cider vinegar in the kitchen that I had put there a month ago. It was covered in flies, as well as a second bowl of apple cider vinegar my roommates had put out.

I went into the bathroom, and there were flies all around the shower, the sink, anywhere there was moisture. I was thoroughly disgusted, but had no idea what to do except disinfect everything like a crazy person for the next hour.

Even going to bed was stressful because I truly did not want to be in my apartment at all.

The next morning, I had asked around to see if others in the building were having the same problem. They told me yes. Then they told me to use apple cider vinegar. By this point there were three bowls of it in the apartment.

I am still racking my brain trying to think of what could be causing this, but upperclassmen living in the building seemed to know about it and even expect it.

My sister, who had lived in the Briggs/Lewis apartments for three years, said that she didn’t really have a fly problem, but she did have an ant problem. On the third floor.

When the weather gets colder, you might find an abundance of bugs in your building. If you’re cold, they’re cold, right? Have a bowl of apple cider vinegar sitting out, and expect your entire apartment to stink like vinegar. If you have ants, find where they are entering and sprinkle down some baking soda there.

Other solutions to help with the fruit fly problem is to mix dish soap in with the apple cider vinegar to help the bugs stay stuck when they land. In addition to apple cider vinegar, students who are of age can use wine or any other sweet alcohol in a cup and cover with a piece of plastic wrap with pin holes in it. This attracts the bugs and gets them intoxicated and stuck under the plastic.

If you have spiders in your apartment, you can utilize a mixture of water and peppermint essential oil or extract and spray around doors and windows to prevent spiders from entering your apartment.

If there is an ant problem, you can spray them with white vinegar and also use that to repel them.

Good luck in your battles against bugs, Lakers!

Erie Community raises funds to help Brad McGarry

By Bella Lee Staff writer

The Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst was founded in 2008 by Brad McGarry. Since then, he has served diligently as the program’s director, seeing AIM grow from a mere seven students to 77 and from being the only staff member to being one of seven faculty members.

However, McGarry is going through a big fight, and the students and staff at Mercyhurst have rallied together to support him.

In mid-May, McGarry was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This is a condition that attacks nerve cells, reducing functionality in muscles and progressively weakening the body.

Those who have ALS lose the ability to use their body, rendering them unable to walk or write, and then they progressively get weaker, relying on technology to eat or even speak.

Sadly, this disease always leads to death. This incurable condition has seen those such as theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg fight through.

To help McGarry and his family be as comfortable as possible, AIM Student Support Coordinators Amanda Mulder and Liana Hicks teamed up to create a GoFundMe to go towards medical costs and other assistance.

“Brad has good days and bad days as he battles ALS,” said Hicks. “On good days, he can use his arms and walk some. On bad days he often needs to rest, and his body does not cooperate with what he wants to do. For example, there are times when he needs his head propped because his neck muscles do not want to hold up his head that day.”

McGarry has been going through his condition for several months now, but it has taken its toll. At the beginning of his diagnosis, he lost the ability to use one of his arms, but has since been rendered unable to use either of his arms, relying on talk-to-text technology to send texts or emails and assistive technology to help him eat. Additionally, he is losing strength and function in his legs. On better days, McGarry can do a shuffle-like walk with the assistance of a walking stick, but on bad days, he relies on a wheelchair to get around.

McGarry has had a profound impact on the Mercyhurst community and autism communities nationally and internationally. He has testified before Congress and has attended conferences all over the world to raise awareness for autism support. He has also raised awareness for Angelman syndrome, a condition that affects the nervous system.

“He has dedicated his life to helping others and continues to do so every day,” said Hicks.

“Personally, Brad inspires me every time I am around him. He has an amazing gift to reach others like no one else can. He uplifts the people around him and brings so much joy to everyone he knows and meets. Not to mention, he is so fun to be around. We want to see Brad enjoy the rest of his time he has on this earth because he truly deserves it,” said Hicks.

As of this writing, the GoFundMe fundraiser has raised over $20k out of a $100k goal. If you want to donate and/or share to help McGarry, you can scan the QR code to access the GoFundMe. McGarry has done so much for the Mercyhurst community, so it’s about time that we return the favor.

Contributed photo

The official QR code to donate to McGarry’s GoFundMe.

LAKER MOMENT

Mackenzie Zent Photo This week Parkhurst dining hosted a Halloween dinner and lunch at Grotto Commons and the 501 Grill. They had spooky Halloween decorations and even gave out candy. All of the food they served had fun Halloween names like “We Are Not Alone Calzones,” and “Radioactive Punch,” which was really cool. This was a great way to bring the Mercyhurst community together and get everyone into the Halloween spirit!

RSCO FEATURE

SIGMA TAU DELTA

Contributed photo Members of Sigma Tau Delta pose during their annual Halloween party.

By Nadine Fox Staff writer

Sigma Tau Delta is an International English Honor Society that was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University with a mission to confer distinction for high achievement in English language, literature, and writing; and to foster literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English. With over 850 chapters in colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad, Sigma Tau Delta is the most active honors organization in the English field and one of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Societies.

Here at Mercyhurst, English majors and minors who qualify are welcome to join the Mercyhurst chapter of Sigma Tau Delta.

In addition to the prestige of membership, there are many other benefits of affiliation. There are thousands of dollars in scholarship and award opportunities, regional and national conferences and internship and publication possibilities.

One especially noteworthy benefit of membership is that students are invited to submit papers for presentation at Sigma Tau Delta’s annual spring convention, which is held each year in one of the society’s six regions of the country.

Students are selected to present their work in this national venue and also have the opportunity to win convention writing awards and to attend presentations and workshops by nationally recognized authors such as Neil Gaiman, Ursula Le Guin, U.S. Poet Laureates Natasha Trethewey and Kay Ryan.

“Many of our past members have been accepted and presented, and several have won awards for their submissions to conventions in Portland, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. It is a thrill to have a student win an award because it is announced at the big dinner attended by hundreds of attendees. Our Mercyhurst table is so excited to hear the name of one of our own,” said Christina Rieger, Ph.D., who serves as Mercyhurst’s chapter advisor.

Mercyhurst’s local chapter is called the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta. “In past years, members attended the Sigma Tau Delta conference to present their literary criticism or creative writing. Representing Mercyhurst at this venue is an honor because the number of submissions make acceptance competitive,” said Rieger.

Alongside Rieger, officers organize the induction ceremony for the spring semester and plan Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day parties for the whole department. In the past, they have also organized bonding and fundraising events such as Zoom trivia, Literary Bingo, and book drives.

“During the height of the pandemic, our Sigma Tau Delta Officers sponsored Zoom trivia and movie nights, which were vital for keeping us connected,” said Rieger.

Sigma Tau Delta recently organized a department Halloween party on Oct. 28. This year’s officers include Emma Coppolo, Ashley Carr, Sarah Sebald and Victoria McGinty.

“[The department Halloween party] was a great time. We had Halloween music, take-away treat bags, spooky and department themed Kahoot games and the costume judging contest with prizes and games,” said Rieger.

With Halloween coming to an end, the officers are now turning their attention to next semester and are excited for what else is in store.

Laker Side Hustles: Erin’s Cricut Creations

By Elphena Elsar Staff writer

When boredom strikes, creativity kicks in.

Erin Sopher is a junior Human Relations major who owns and manages her small business called Erin’s Cricut Creations.

As owner, Sopher makes different and unique decals which include car decals, cup decals, shirts decals and much more.

Sopher explained that she even made shirts for her team for the Hurst Day Scavenger hunt.

When asked what is her favorite design(s) to date, Sopher replied that she does not have any favorite designs just yet because she is still in the early stage of the business foundation.

However, she fell in love with one of the early designs she made. Sopher explained that she made the design for her cup just to see how it turned out and the final look made her fall in love, encouraging her even more to continue what she does.

Like any business, one key responsibility is making sure that the orders are correct and delivered on time, which is what Sopher strives to do for her customers while also juggling school and life as she progresses.

When starting a small business, it can be difficult to measure success.

“How I measure success is after getting different orders, I make sure that I get them done correctly and at a reasonable time so [the customers] are not waiting a long time for [their orders].”

Most often, business owners will have a more financial focused response. Others will be more concerned with the reaction they receive from customers and the joy they experience while producing their product, but neither method is right or wrong.

Sopher discussed other ways in which she measures her business’ success.

“Knowing that people and my family will pass my name along to other people and being able to make [customers’ orders] is special,” said Sopher.

One thing that keeps Sopher going as an entrepreneur and as a student is knowing she has the opportunity to be creative and having a medium to channel her creativity into.

Sopher strives to get her orders done as soon as they are acquired, but every order that she receives is unique, which is why she focuses on time as a measure of success. Some prices she has charged in the past ranged from $3 for small sized decals, $5 for medium sized decals, and for larger and/ or car decals, $10. Shirt prices range from $20-$25 depending on the location of the decal, whether the decal is on the front or back of the shirt or both.

What makes Erin Cricut Creations unique? The decals are handcrafted with love, grace and patience.

What really makes Erin’s Cricut Creations stand out from the rest is that there are never two of the same orders.

“Seeing what people want their decals and designs to be and just being able to make it for them is just fun,” said Sopher.

Since she is in the beginning stages of running her small business, Sopher currently does not have any social media accounts or a website set up yet. However, she is currently in the process of making it happen. It is only a matter of time.

Students of Mercyhurst and those outside of the Mercyhurst community can communicate with her via email at esophe41@ lakers.mercyhurst.edu.

One piece of advice Sopher would like to give to all students and aspiring entrepreneurs is to start out small before going all out. This advice can be applied to every aspect of one’s life, especially academically. As a student, “start small before taking on too much.” Running a business while participating in academic classes can be a strain for students, but also rewarding if they budget their time and energy correctly.

If you have a small business or know a friend who has one and want to have it featured in The Merciad’s “Laker Side Hustle” section, email merciad@mercyhurst.edu or message @merciadmu on Instagram to have your business featured.

Alternatively, one can also email the current Features section editor, Victoria McGinty, at vmcgin82@lakers.mercyhurst.edu for the chance to be featured.

My Mercyhurst Minute videos return to feature student stories

By Bella Lee Staff writer

Have you ever wanted to be featured on the Mercyhurst social media? Are you interested in learning about different areas of campus including majors, sports, clubs and off-campus opportunities? You don’t have to worry, because My Mercyhurst Minute has returned!

“The purpose of the Mercyhurst Minute is to highlight the great experiences and opportunities our students have here at Mercyhurst and share them with the community, prospective students and alumni,” said Ben Friesen, Video Producer for the Department of Marketing and Brand Management at Mercyhurst.

My Mercyhurst Minute is open to all students and is shared on a variety of social media platforms.

Due to the pandemic messing up the normal routines that Mercyhurst University usually has, Mercyhurst Minute was unable to be shot last year, but this year it is back and better than ever.

“Any current students who would like to share a specific great experience or opportunity they’ve had during their time here at Mercyhurst could be featured,” said Friesen.

So far, students from all sorts of backgrounds have been able to share their experiences with the Mercyhurst community.

Danielle Tuomey, junior Dance major, gave students an opportunity to learn about school life in the Dance Department, as well as the upcoming performances of Swan Lake.

“Students can benefit from watching Mercyhurst Minute videos because they are given the opportunity to hear about students’ firsthand experiences on campus,” Tuomey said.

“These videos are perfect because they feature students of various backgrounds who discuss numerous topics related to their own unique interests, increasing the representation of all people on campus,” said Tuomey.

Most recently, My Mercyhurst Minute featured junior Public History Major Lily Smith. Smith is an incredibly involved student on campus and her highlight showcases that immensely.

“One of my favorite experiences here at Mercyhurst has been being able to take park in the Shared Heritage African-American trail. It was amazing getting to take part in this because it showed me what my future career might look like as a public historian,” said Smith in her interview.

Friesen has been busy filming students to feature this semester, but is always looking for more stories to tell.

“I’ve already shot enough to continue the series through the end of the semester, but I’ll definitely be looking for more to feature next semester,” said Friesen.

Students and faculty who want their department represented can email Friesen at bfriesen@mercyhurst.edu if they are interested in a My Mercyhurst Minute in the upcoming semester.

HURST CLASS CATALOG

WINE AND SPIRITS

By Eva Mihelich

Staff writer

In today’s world, the alcoholic beverage industry is growing at a rapid pace with all sorts of new seltzers and creative drinks taking the center stage. Our society has started teaching people to chug drinks rather than savor them, and to drink to drunkenness instead of drinking responsibly. This takes away from the artistic nature of drinking, in which one can taste each element of the beverage.

At Mercyhurst University, students have the opportunity to take the course titled “Wine and Spirit Management” where they learn the principles of modern beverage management, marketing and controls. Although required for hospitality majors, this course can help anyone to have a better appreciation and understanding of the role that alcohol plays in society.

As stated in the course description, “students will study the production and flavor of wine, spirits and beer in depth, and the role that these beverages play in the hospitality industry. Topics include liability, licensing, marketing and wine list creation. Visitations to regional wineries, distilleries, breweries and restaurants are scheduled based on availability; minimal travel fees may be required. Students will be certified through Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) training as part of the course.”

Taught by an experienced winemaker, Bob Green, this class has informed many students about the proper way to enjoy what you are drinking.

Kailey Pisani, junior Hospitality Management major, shared that this course has been extremely beneficial for her career path. “Alcohol is everywhere. It’s at every event you will attend, it’s a very common topic of conversation amongst adults and it’s a lucrative industry. I argue that having knowledge on the processes and varieties can be beneficial in many aspects of life, even if it is not an industry one chooses for a lifetime career,” said Pisani.

Pisani, along with two other students, Rhyan Santarelli and Kelly Lupton, said that a highlight of the course has been tasting the various drinks.

“My favorite part of this course is tasting the different kinds of wines and beers. In this class, we learn about the alcohol through notes and then through tasting it by holding it for a few seconds and then spitting it out. I have never been someone who likes alcohol; however, this class has helped me develop an appreciation for the many kinds of flavors that exist, and it’s so cool that we get to experience that,” said Lupton.

Tasting the alcohol being taught about is the only way to truly understand what is being taught in the class, which provides an immersive experience and fun handson activities.

This course is a refreshing teaching on the sophistication of wine and beer, which is highly beneficial for college students where alcohol might not be viewed in that way. It provides students with a sophisticated mindset going forward in the world which will be filled with wine, beer and spirits in social settings.

“If someone were debating taking this course, I would tell them that is a really great and valuable experience. This is information that you may not learn anywhere else, and you are provided with examples of everything you learn about at no cost,” said Santarelli.

Hurst Social Media Department hosts #SeizeTheScare contest

By Annie Markel Staff writer

On Oct. 29, Mercyhurst was crawling with costumes from the faculty and students. The university hosted a campus-wide costume contest via Instagram Stories.

If you are following the Mercyhurst Instagram, you would have seen all the costumes being re-posted on Mercyhurst’s Instagram Story on Halloween. There were Star Wars-themed costumes, pirates and many other creative costumes from friends here on campus.

This contest is a long-running tradition for the Mercyhurst family. This competition is a fun event that the whole campus looks forward to.

This year Halloween was on a Sunday, so the campus celebrated early on Friday to get in the spirit a little sooner,

Mercyhurst used the hashtag #SeizeTheScare which was incredibly fitting to put the university into the spirit of the holiday. Using this hashtag organized every post in one place so that the University could find them all easily. If someone wanted to post their group or single costumes, they could use this hashtag and be a part of the competition.

With many group costumes such as Star Wars, the different decades and Donna and the Dynamos there was a wide variety of entires.

The Dance Department ran with the Star Wars theme with their professor, Jennifer McNamara, as their fearless leader, Darth Vader.

The Marketing and Brand Management Department did the decades with Sean Cueno as Marty McFly, the rest of the group dressed as icons from the different 1900’s decades. There was the 70s hippie, a 50s Rosie the Riveter and a 90s velour tracksuit.

Another group costume was the cast of Scooby Doo starring students Willow Lapp as Daphne Blake, Kirk Morrison as Shaggy, Addie McCoy as Velma and Ethan Houk as Fred Jones.

There were also single costumes as well which were both fun and clever.

Lauren Giles, a professor in the science department dressed as the iconic late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She even had the black robe and white lace collar. Amanda Mulder, Student Support Coordinator, dressed up as Ursula from The Little Mermaid. She had an incredible dress with tentacles and a crown.

Finally, Joseph Johnson, Ph.D, from the Physics department disguised himself as Clark Kent the reporter for the Daily Planet. His costume was super.

On Nov. 1, the university officially announced the winner of the #SeizetheScare competition. The winning costume was a group from the Dance Department. The group sported Star Wars themed apparel, lightsabers and all. As a prize, the group of dancers won a gift card to the Cornerstone restaurant just off campus.

If one wants to see more creativity and spookiness from the Mercyhurst community, search #SeizetheScare on Instagram.

Many are incredibly excited to see what creativity will come with next Halloween.

Contributed photo

The winners of the 2021 Mercyhurst Costume Contest

Hurst prepares for prospective student season

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

It is that time of year again when high school students dive deep into their college searches and high school seniors are scrambling with the application and decision-making processes.

Taking a campus tour is a vital part of the decision-making process and often makes or breaks a student’s decision to confirm their enrollment at an institution.

Mercyhurst has a unique process since most of the tours given on campus are individual, meaning the only people on the tour are the prospective student, their family or guests and the student ambassador.

Although these tours occur during both the academic year and the summer, the end of the fall semester typically brings a larger number of guests to campus as students are thinking about their futures and submitting college applications.

Ambassador President and senior Music Therapy major Mikayla Tupek describes prospective student season as a time where “Mercyhurst is marketing itself and the opportunities we have here to interested students.”

Some of the biggest events for ambassadors are the Open Houses that Mercyhurst hosts throughout the year. These occur on the weekends and usually bring hundreds of guests to campus, and ambassadors are busy directing traffic and holding open doors in addition to leading group tours around campus, something that has not happened since the start of the pandemic.

“Giving tours in large groups and in person makes campus feel so much more vibrant and homey. Interacting with guests brings more personality to campus and gives prospective students a better idea of what life is like at Mercyhurst,” says senior Early Childhood and Special Education major and ambassador Anika Pearson.

There have also been several “day in” events recently including Day in Intelligence, Day in Cyber, and Day in Fashion. During these days, prospective students interested in these specific courses of study are able to sit in on classes, meet professors and faculty, hear from current students in that major and experience a day in the life in addition to receiving a campus tour.

Looking forward, the Admissions department will be hosting the second Open House of the academic year on Nov. 13 in addition to more “day in” events including Hospitality Management, Art and Applied Forensic Science.

More Open Houses and “day in” events will occur in the spring semester in addition to Accepted Student Day, which is the largest prospective student event that Mercyhurst hosts.

If you see an ambassador taking a student around campus, make sure to say hello and show them why Hurst is Home.

MSG teams up with Fitness Center to promote classes

By Libby Bullinger Copy editor

Across campus one of the newest pushes is collaboration between various departments. This can be seen through partnerships between academic programs, clubs combining forces to create joint events and collaboration between students and faculty.

One of these many collaborative initiatives is the partnership between the Mercyhurst Student Government, or MSG, and the fitness center on campus.

As many students may have noticed, the Recreation Center underwent a facelift before the start of the fall semester. After a long year of COVID restrictions and social distancing, the facilities are now back to full capacity and are welcoming students from all across campus.

However, in an attempt to increase student involvement even more, MSG has partnered with the fitness center to help advertise classes at the Recreation Center.

Most students come to the Recreation Center to utilize the different cardio and weights equipment or to shoot some hoops with friends.

In addition to these machines intended for self-led workouts, the Recreation Center also has classes taught by certified instructors that students can enroll in on a weekly basis free of charge. The initiative between MSG and the Recreation Center is currently centered around promotion of these classes.

Some students may remember the Vagaro application and website that Recreation Center users had to use to sign up for workout times during COVID protocol. Although this requirement has been removed for individual workouts, those wanting to take one of the scheduled fitness classes are still required to sign up on the app to keep track of data.

This semester the set class schedule is as follows: Self Defense with Dr. Johnson, ZUMBA with Amanda, Pilates with Jennifer, and Kickboxing with Dr. Johnson. These classes offer a wide variety of activities for students to engage in to get physically active and work on skills such as strength, speed and flexibility.

Jennifer McNamara, Assistant Professor of Dance, is a Pilates Master Instructor and teaches Pilates classes at the Recreation Center on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings.

McNamara instructs a Pilates course through the dance department each semester, but this year she is thrilled to bring her knowledge and expertise to a different area of campus.

McNamara said, “I love meeting new people from across campus and outside the dance department. I also enjoy working with a variety of students with various types of fitness goals in my classes.

MSG president Nick Brodfuehrer reached out to those in the Recreation and Fitness Center as part of a series of monthly meetings with different areas of campus that have a direct impact on student life. For MSG’s connection with the Recreation Center, they created polls about the center and are helping to promote these fitness classes.

With the pandemic keeping us inside, practicing fitness freely has become foreign or intensified for some. The university has an incredible fitness center and has been thrilled to see students returning this year.

These fitness classes are in place to provide new ways to workout and are making a comeback this year. The university and MSG are hopeful about this initiative.

Through this new partnership with MSG, more students are becoming aware about classes and are expressing interest in participating.

The Recreation Center’s mission statement discusses the importance of the mental, physical and spiritual health and wellbeing, and taking time to go to a fitness class can help improve in each of these areas.

To see a full list of classes and times and to sign up for a class, be sure to download the Vagaro app.

If you are certified to teach any type of fitness class, contact Recreation Center staff. They are always looking to add additional or new classes to the schedule.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

By Hannah Brooks Staff writer

Historical Event: Oct. 30, 1974

Muhammad Ali became the heavyweight champion of the world for the second time when he knocked out his opponent George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle”. On October 30, 1974, a total of 60,000 spectators had already gathered outside at 4:30 in the morning to ensure a seat to watch the fight.

Top 3 Songs This Week: According to Spotify’s Global Charts 1. Easy on Me: Adele 2. STAY: Justin Bieber, Kid LAROI 3. Industry Baby: Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow

On the Charts This Week 30 Years Ago: According to Billboards Charts 1. Emotions: Mariah Carey 2. Do Anything: Natural Selections 3. Romantic: Karyn White

Top Grossing Films: This week: Dune Twenty years ago: K-Pax

Top Artists Today vs. 50 Years Ago

Male: Lil Nas X vs. Paul McCartney

Female: Taylor Swift vs. Olivia Newton-John

Hurst sells wreaths for the Women’s Center

By Laren Reesman Staff writer

There are always opportunities, especially during the holidays, to donate time or money for a community cause.

With this spirit of giving in mind, Mercyhurst is taking orders for Christmas wreaths that are both environmentally positive and locally generous.

The 22-inch wreaths are priced at $30, and payments are due on the day of delivery. Orders are due Nov. 4 by 4:00 pm and the wreaths will be delivered the first week of December.

All proceeds go to the Mercy Center for Women, a non-profit in Erie that uses these funds to operate.

The wreaths themselves are handmade using Noble fir branches from Sherwood Forest Farms in Washington state. Pinecones also appear on the wreath along with a red ribbon tied at the top.

Sherwood Forest Farms uses ethical and sustainable tree harvesting practices and offers these wreaths as natural, somewhat nostalgic decorations.

This wreath sale began a few years back, and the supplier was chosen specifically to uphold the Sisters of Mercy value of being environmentally conscious.

The Mercy Center for Women is involved in several fundraising initiatives over the holidays aside from the wreath sales.

One initiative is the “Holiday Wish List” where community members can adopt a family or an individual at the Mercy Center to provide Christmas needs in the form of gifts. Contact information and a complete list of gift ideas can be found on the website.

Mercyhurst will be involved in more community initiatives like this as the holidays approach as well. Campus Ministry and other clubs allow students to actively participate in these community initiatives.

For example, the Education Department usually participates in the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

The Mercy Center for Women, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, was founded in 1994 to provide “long-term transitional housing and support services to homeless women with or without children.”

The Mercy Center combines Hope House and Grass Roots Opportunities for Women to offer a practical facility and outreach.

The center provides four core services for homeless women. They offer safe and supportive housing, OVR and/or GED education, life skills like parenting, and meaningful network connections with other agencies and volunteers.

The institution is a second chance for many women struggling with single motherhood, poverty, or addiction.

The center accommodates anywhere from 27 to 34 residents at any point with 17 bedrooms.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from initiatives like the Mercy Center for Women and fundraisers such as this wreath sale is the sense of community and charity that does not go unnoticed by these women and families who rely on the center for some assistance during difficult times.

With Mercyhurst’s close ties to the Sisters of Mercy, this is the perfect fundraiser and charitable start to the holiday season while enjoying a festive handmade wreath.

The Mercyhurst Mission calls for us to serve others, and these wreaths are one of the best ways to do so this holiday season.

These wreaths would make great ornamentation for dormitory or apartment doors, or for anyone in your life who loves the Christmas Spirit.

They are a perfect opportunity for roommates to pitch in and buy a meaningful holiday decoration for a good cause.

Contributed photo

The Erie Women’s Center Seasonal logo