Weeklong Event Schedule Celebrates Earth Day

Edward

Although protests and rallies have been canceled, activists for climate change have a new digital presence. Beginning Wednesday morning, there will be events planned for the rest of the week with some local favorites to spread the word about the world.

Despite having only weeks to turn scheduled events into a digital form, community leaders remain hopeful.

Janine Fenell, the chairperson for Erie's Climate Reality Project (CRP) chapter, said they started planning events in August of 2018, but everything came to a screeching halt when COVID-19 caused closures and lockdown.

"Getting the general public to show up at an event is really hard," Fenell commented. "I'm actually feeling better about this approach now because people are more apt to click on it and ask 'is this something I want to learn about?'"

The CRP will be updating its website, www.erieearthday.com throughout the week with poems, opinion pieces, and declarations of green living, in addition to added links to stream the events sponsored by www.earthday.org.

The Green New Deal Coalition will also be hosting a plethora of events throughout the week, along with social media challenges.

John Vanco, former Erie Art Museum director, helped organize the week. Vanco said the timing couldn't be much worse, but they're back on their feet and have made a valiant effort to make all the events accessible online. He emphasized that even though it's not what people may be used to, we can all learn from the coronavirus outbreak how to better anticipate future crises.

"I hope everyone tunes in and realizes the importance of Earth Day," Vanco said. "I'm hoping there's a lesson to learn in this for all of us."

The Green New Deal Coalition's schedule includes events with local artists, politicians, musicians, and self-care activities to engage their audience the whole week.

Wednesday, April 22

Declaration of a Climate Emergency by Meadville Residents

Noon – 1 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Green New Deal Coalition Introductions

Including a video from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Speaker Amina about getting involved, Speaker Joel about the Sunrise Movement, and Speaker Lynn about proper item disposal.

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Kylie Wirebach & SEA with Trashion Show

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Sebastian McRae & Sustainable Design Team

3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Earth Film with Panel- Film Under Quarantine

The Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania features Film Under Quarantine, a virtual theater. The film will be available for rent and after watching, join via Zoom for a discussion featuring panelists John Vanco, Sarah Bennet, Matthew Ferrence, and Tiffany Onywieu.

8 p.m. // $12 // facebook.com/events // vimeo.com/ondemand/earthnwpa

Live Painting with Jess Scutella

Jess Scutella, tattooist and writer will be live stream painting to raise money for Earth Day coalitions.

8 p.m. // www.Twitch.tv/mrscutella

Thursday, April 23

Report on Allegheny Divestment

The discussion about fossil fuel divestment commences with a team of Allegheny College students who researched whether or not the college should divest.

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Regional Water and Climate Impacts Discussion

Join Sarah Bennet, Erie Pennfuture organizer to discuss climate issues and collaborative opportunities between Pennfuture and the Green New Deal.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Local Artists Talk

Featuring The Meadville Council on the Arts, Allegheny Art Gallery, and Lexi Robarts.

3 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Friday, April 24

Zoom Meeting with George Ackerman

A meeting about voter registration.

1 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Elected Officials Session

Featuring Kathy Dahlkemper, Michael Kays, and Gary Lee from Erie, and Autumn and Larry from Meadville.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Performances by Local Artists and Musicians

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Candidates Session

Discussion including candidates Kristy Gnibus, Matthew Ferrence, Andre Horton, and Julie Slomski.

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Musical Performance

Young Skola performs his climate strike song.

4:30 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Saturday, April 25

Sustainable Business Saturday Artist Day

Join the Green New Deal Coalition for sustainable business features and music from local artists. Erie features include Glass Growers Gallery, Like My Thai, Tipsy Bean, the Co-op, Oasis Market, and Artlore Studios. There will be virtual performances by Yeshuwa, FRESCO, and Jordy the Traveler.

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Sunday, April 26

Guided Meditation

Interfaith prayer and meditation with Rev. Alex Holt.

11:30 a.m. – Noon // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

ECO People Digital Dump

Noon – 12:10 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition

Inspirational Speaker Dominick Dodds

12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. // facebook.com/PAGNDCoalition