News

from December 7 Issue of the Merciad

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Lake City Police Dept. Facebook

Lake City Police Department posted this picture on Facebook to show how many items have been donated this Christmas season so far.

Erie toy drives spread Christmas joy

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Christmas time comes with gift giving, but there are many kids who will unfortunately not receive Christmas presents due to domestic issues. Kids in low-income households may not have stuffed stockings or a plethora of presents under the tree.

Lake City police want to make sure that every kid in the area feels Christmas joy through the power of a simple gift.

Six years ago, David Wierzchowski started the Toy Drive in the Lake City area, a borough in Erie County.

It all started with a Facebook post asking citizens to donate enough toys to fill one police cruiser. This program has grown in recent years by assisting hundreds of families in the Lake City area.

Last year, three police cruisers were filled with toys, making Chief Wierzchowski’s dream a reality. He is optimistic that this year the tradition will grow even more.

This year, donations can be dropped off at a few separate locations. According to the Lake City Borough Police Department’s Facebook page, drop off locations are the Lake City Borough Building, Vision Associates in Girard, Tim Horton’s in Girard, Yellowjacket Café in Lake City, Dollar General in Lake City, Dollar General in Girard, Girard Family Chiropractic, and Lake City Lanes/Penny’s Pub.

The unique part of this year’s drive is that Chief Wierzchowski is calling on people to try and donate winter gear such as winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc.

This sets the toy drive apart, because it is a practical way to help low-income families who might not have enough money to even consider presents due to a lack of necessities.

The Lake City police send the donations to Love Inc., an organization that will wrap presents and will handle the distribution to families.

Any leftover toys will be donated to the Northwestern school district for a similar program run by the district.

Other ares in Pennsylvania are also contributing to the cause.

Pennsylvania State Police Troop E has teamed up with the Marine Corps Reserve in Erie since 2016 to collect donations for the Toys for Tots program.

In Summit Township, a ‘Stuff the Cruiser’ event was held in a Walmart parking lot that turned out to be a remarkable success. 18 donation boxes were stuffed, all of which will be distributed in the coming weeks.

In addition to the donation boxes, nearly 1,600 dollars in donations were also collected.

Christmas time typically brings out the philanthropic side of people, but it is important to remember that the needy don’t go away after the Christmas season.

Consider volunteering at local food pantries, or even providing some donations occasionally during the year.

The cold weather makes homeless people’s quality of life drastically decrease, especially in Erie where it seems like winter is never going to end.

Coming together as a community to help the less fortunate is what makes the Christmas season so special, and it is initiatives like the toy drive and Toys for Tots that make this clear.

This initiative is also important in today’s political climate where many people view police officers as threats. Choosing to make a kid’s Christmas is a hands-on, helpful and approachable way for police to get more involved with their communities.

The work of these officers helps truly makes a positive difference in the community.

Erie News Now

Chief Dave Wierzchowski (right) and Patrolman Braden DeFranco (left).

Prayers for the University of Idaho

By Eva Mihelich News editor

When a tragedy happens in the nation, those in similar circumstances or environments cannot help but to feel connected in some way to the victims.

Four students living off-campus at the University of Idaho were murdered in their own home, with the killer not yet found.

Not much is known at this time, but the entire community is mourning their death while also living in fear due to the uncertain nature of the crime.

Roommates Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle and Kernodle’s boyfriend Ethan Chapin were discovered dead on Nov. 13, with two roommates surviving the devastating attack.

The surviving roommates presumably slept through the attacks since they were on the first floor, while the four deceased roommates were on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

They have recently spoken out about this great loss in their lives. Their names have not been put in many published pieces about the attacks due to the sensitive nature of the situation.

“They all lit up any room they walked into and were gifts to this world. I wish every day that I could give them all one last hug and say how much I loved them,” said one roommate in a statement read by a pastor at a memorial service in town.

Many colleges around the nation have spoken out about this tragic incident and have shown their solidarity with the University of Idaho.

Memorial services have been happening across the nation, which shows a great sense of unity despite the great distance between many universities.

Senseless violence in this nation is one of the greatest issues faced much too often. However, when it happens on a college campus, it hits too close to home for those students currently on any campus.

At a place where students are supposed to feel comfortable and at home, their lives were stolen from them much too soon.

Although there is not much information out right now due to ongoing investigations, stay in the loop with the situation as our nation mourns the loss of four promising students with bright futures.

Acts of violence seem like something that would never happen in your community, until something so poignant and raw like this happens.

As the investigations take place and police search for the killer in this situation, keep your thoughts and prayer with the University of Idaho community.

Police encourage anyone with any possible information about any of the victims or the situation call the Moscow Police Department, because even the smallest detail or thought can be a puzzle piece that puts things together.

Our Mercy heritage calls us to support those experiencing hardship and tragedy. Please keep the University of Idaho and all those affected in your prayers during this troubling time.

World’s oldest dog’s owner offers advice and warning for longevity

By Hailey Steidle Staff writer

Have you ever thought about owning a dog during your years at college? If you answered yes, then you are in a large majority of people who have either considered it an option or have actually done it.

Many college students have thought about adopting a dog but not all have looked into what it would entail.

Adopting a dog is a full-time commitment for the rest of that animal’s life and, although that time period may not seem like a long time now, you might think differently when you are graduating and adjusting to a post-college life.

A recent article published by the Today Show featured the Guinness World Record holder for the longest living dog.

Alex Wolf and his roommates adopted a 2-year-old dog from their local animal shelter when they were sophomores in college.

For the past 20 years his dog has seen him live through major life changes like moving into his first apartment, starting a career as a realtor and buying a house.

He said his best advice for anyone who may be looking into adopting a pet is to fully commit to the care they will need for their entire lives.

Before adopting a dog, there are many things that you and your roommates, as college students, may want to think about.

Are all roommates sure that they want a dog and are ready for that commitment? Is everyone involved ready to make the dog a priority? Where will the dogs go on breaks and after graduation?

Can you afford a dog and everything they may need, and are all roommates splitting these costs?

This often includes dog food, treats, collar, leash, tags, flea and tick treatments, grooming services, vet checkups and emergency vet visits that may arise.

These are all incredibly important topics to decide on before even looking for dogs.

Without a basic understanding of these topics, issues may arise regarding relationships and whether or not you can even continue owning the dog.

Although adopting a dog may seem like a smart idea, it is important to investigate all that comes with them. They will likely be with you for longer than you may have bargained for.

If you have decided that adopting or fostering a dog is the right fit for you and your roommates a good place to begin is at the Erie Humane Society. It is an independent nonprofit local animal shelter that operates under a nokill standard.

They specialize in helping orphaned, injured and abused pets find new loving homes through rehabilitation, rescuing and re-homing.

The application form can be filled out either online or in person at the shelter.

If you are still undecided on whether owning a dog right now is the right fit for you but you still want to try it, the option of fostering a dog may be right for you as instead.

If you are considering getting a dog while living at Mercyhurst, keep in mind that the dog must be registered as an Emotional Support Animal. Otherwise, you could get fined and get housing points taken off of your student account.

Contact Susan Reddinger, Mercyhurst’s ADA coordinator, if you need more information about how to register your animal as an ESA.

If you think this is something for you, then consider also looking into where you can take your dog in the Erie community so that it is not cooped up all day.

There is a dog park at the Erie Humane Society, where any dogs can go and play. This is a great way for dogs to socialize and get energy out.

In addition to the dog park, there are many beautiful trails to take long walks on in the community, such as the Evergreen Grove Trail that is very dog friendly.

Getting a dog while in college may seem like a good idea, and it is for many people, but remember that you run the risk of potentially beating Wolf’s record of having a dog for 22 years. That is not a short amount of time, so a lot of thought, consideration and preparation goes into this decision.

Additionally, students must think about the time commitment of owning a dog. You have to stop back periodically throughout your day to let the dog outside and to play with it.

Getting a dog is not just about having something around to pet or cuddle with. It has a beating heart and a body to take care of, which you will be utterly responsible for.

However, all responsibilities and concerns aside, dogs are proven to decrease stress which could be greatly beneficial for students who are facing a great deal of academic, social and environmental stress.

Contributed Photo

Alex Wolf’s dog, Gino, rides in a car in Southern California at the ripe age of 22 years old.

Save lives at upcoming blood drive

By Bella Lee

Staff writer

Mercyhurst prides itself on advocating for good health. Whether its flu shot clinics or COVID-19 vaccine clinics, the school always makes sure that students prioritize their health.

They also support students advocating for the health of others, as shown in the upcoming blood drive.

The blood drive usually happens on campus about once a semester, with the one for this semester scheduled to take place on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room.

Posters are posted around campus with a QR code where students can sign up, but walkins are welcome as well.

“The importance of blood drives is significant especially from a Public Health perspective,” said Anne Machowski, junior Public Health major and president of the Public Health Club, which is helping to organize the event.

“Our department found after teaming up with The Red Cross that their main goal is to turn compassion into action,” Machowski said. “The physical act of donating blood ensures all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive proper medical care.”

If the blood donation is not needed immediately, it allows the organization to prepare and be ready for a disaster if it were to strike in the future.

This helps the world be better prepared for the next blood shortage that may occur. An important note is it allows everyone in our country to have access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products.

“From a public health standpoint, this is an extremely important intervention to ensure all communities regardless of education, socioeconomic or social status are able to obtain safe and accessible health care necessities,” said Machowski.

For those who are squeamish about needles, volunteer options are available, and there are other ways that you can help.

“While current volunteer positions are full, we still need plenty of help spreading the word,” Machowski said. Telling family, friends, professors, coaches, teammates or even acquaintances about the blood drive would be a tremendous help.”

There are a variety of reasons that it is important to donate blood.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. However, only about 10% of the population that are eligible to donate blood actually do so.

Additionally, about 1-in-4 United States residents will require a blood transfusion in their lifetimes.

This is especially important amongst cancer patients, where platelets and bone marrow are crucial in helping them through treatment and, if they are in remission, to help so that the cancer doesn’t return.

If you want to contribute to a good cause, sign up for the blood drive this week. You could be saving lives by doing so!

It only takes a little bit of effort to make a drastic difference in someone’s life, so consider taking part in this opportunity.

Be sure to check out the requirements and qualifications one must follow when donating blood before you sign up to donate.

There will be a screening when you first arrive to donate to ensure that you are healthy enough to go through with donating blood.

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Finals Week Advice

Finals week causes many students an unhealthy amount of stress, so don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Make sure you are eating enough food - your brain needs power to study!

Try your best to get as much sleep as possible, and take some time each day to do something you enjoy.

In the long run, your mental health is worth more.

Free flu shots

Flu season is among us. Take action now and prevent future sickness.

Flu shots are available at the Cohen Student Health Center by appointment only.

Call 814-824-2431 to schedule an appointment.

Plans for Break

Students must fill out the form on Self Service to inform residence life of their plans for Christmas Break.

If leaving for break, make sure your apartment/dorm room is clean of any trash that could attract pests, and that fridges are cleaned out so that nothing goes rotten.

Residence life needs to know what day you plan on leaving, and what day you plan on returning.

Any students not returning next semester still are expected to fill out this form found on the housing section of Self Service.

Hurst alumnus needs our help

Moe Diakhaby, Hurst alumnus, was a victim of a hit and run by a drunk driver.

He has been paralyzed from the waist down and is facing many medical bills alone.

Consider donating to his Gofundme and keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.

Link to the Gofundme can be found in hurstmbball’s Instagram bio.

Erie gets in the Christmas spirit

By Eva Mihelich News editor

Students looking for something fun to do off campus that will get them in the holiday spirit are in luck. Erie is decked out for the holiday season, and the city has plenty going on to get involved with. Erie is known for its cold weather and endless winters, so it only makes sense that the city would provide seasonal fun during this cold time. Down by Presque Isle, there are Christmas lights set up that you can drive through. Visitors follow a full 13-mile loop that highlights Presque Isle State Park’s natural beauty enhanced with the glow from the lights. In downtown Perry Square, there are several scenic spots decked out with Christmas lights. Take a stroll downtown and walk around to the various cafes or restaurants while appreciating the decorations. In Asbury Woods, there is a Winter Wonderland set up along the boardwalk. Bundle up - it gets quite windy out there. Take a cozy trip to Port Farms for their ‘Christmas in the Country’ celebration. You can get a private-drawn horse sleigh or carriage ride, food from the farm’s kitchen, and sit by a cozy campfire. Pre-cut trees are also available for purchase at Port Farms. It can seem difficult to get into the holiday spirit with finals approaching us faster than a sled, but it is important to take advantage of the joy this season has to offer, even through the forms of various Christmas light displays. Take some time out of your day to travel to one or more sites in Erie. It can help to relieve stress before finals and before students return home. Returning home can cause a great deal of worry for some students who consider Mercyhurst their home now, so soaking in as much time in Erie as possible is a great way to reflect on this past semester before it ends.