Good morning, Erie.

Sister Marlene Bertke, who helped start our Good Friday Peace Pilgrimage and Take Back the Site vigils, died on March 21 at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Harborcreek Township at age 94.

Visitation is March 25-26 (6101 East Lake Road) with services scheduled on both days.

Jeff Hawryliw is a fourth-generation volunteer firefighter from Harborcreek who serves as assistant chief at Fairfield Hose Company at 4896 E.

Lake Road — managing training and financial duties — and he urges local residents to visit their firehouse to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Taste & See is set to reopen the Erie County Courthouse café in April if county council approves a two-year lease today (Tuesday, Mar.

24); owner Krystal Robinson said the fruit and veggie bar will provide smoothies, juices, salads, and soups to courthouse visitors during business hours.

Mercyhurst University will open Studio 26 to help students and community members in Erie develop ideas for new businesses and products.

The venture studio is expected to offer essential support for local entrepreneurs.

Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture will host Betty Buckley’s residency culminating in a public concert at Walker Recital Hall on Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Buckley, an award-winning actress and singer, conducts workshops with students from April 12 through 16.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said recess boosts student well-being as many Erie County schools already allow recess (though weather often determines if it’s held outdoors).

Presque Isle Partnership is urging locals to sign an online petition to restore federal funding for sand replenishment at Presque Isle State Park, where erosion has depleted essential shoreline sand.

The petition targets Congress & the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Walnut Creek Marina Fish Cleaning Station joined the Great Lakes 100% Fish Pledge on March 23, recycling fish waste into fertilizer, pet treats, and research materials; the station at 241 Manchester Road is set to model similar facilities in the region.

Erie voters can choose District 10's winter male athlete of the year in a poll from Mar.

23 at 5 p.m. to Mar. 25 at 5 p.m. The ballot, hosted by the Erie Times-News, Seaway Window and AHN Sports Medicine, features nominees in basketball, swimming and indoor track and field.

Erie High runner Rowen Wilcko won his age group at the New York City Half Marathon on March 15, finishing in 1:15:55 among more than 30,000 runners.

He will skip track season to focus on half marathons and aims to break the 1:10 mark at July’s Presque Isle Half Marathon.

Everlasting Blooms Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — $40 — Create stunning floral arrangements with beautiful sola wood flowers and faux greenery.

Easter Paint & Sip at Deer Creek Winery

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery at Millcreek Mall Complex — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with Easter-themed painting while enjoying fine wine.

49th Annual Erie Area Spring Conference

3 PM – 12 PM — Ambassador Center — Registration required — Attend the spring conference featuring various activities and networking opportunities.