Good morning, Erie.

Mercyhurst University will host a daylong mini-conference on immigration on April 5 in Ryan Hall—registration has been extended to March 28 and the free event offers sessions, ACT 48 credits, breakfast, lunch, and a downtown ethnic market tour.

The conference will feature a film presentation and various breakout sessions to discuss new American issues in Erie.

Erie ice cream stands are opening on different schedules.

Some are already open and most will open on April 1—new details will be shared as hours are confirmed.

Variety, the children's charity at AHN Saint Vincent, presented 13 adaptive bikes to Erie children on Tuesday to help them get outside and be active.

A parade let the children try their new rides—chief executive Tom Baker said they will now enjoy riding with family and neighbors.

Carla Smith-Georgal moved her fabric shop Village Smithy Emporium from Fairview to Liberty Plaza in early March—she renovated Unit 24 to offer fabrics and sewing supplies while inviting customers to share photos of their creations online.

Mercyhurst Student Government’s MUber program has given students discounted Uber rides since its launch three years ago and offered $7 off per ride during St. Patrick’s Day weekend—when 183 rides were recorded—in addition to the usual $5 off daily rides.

MSG data from Fall 2024 showed the program saved $14,731 compared to bus charges—demonstrating its impact on student transportation.

Mercyhurst University’s annual Sister Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture will feature distinguished alumna Camille Licate ’96 as she presents Sustainability Through the Eyes of a Child on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Walker Recital Hall.

Licate, founder of Kids for Positive Change (a program that teaches kids about the environment) will share strategies to inspire youth environmental action (with Act 48 credit available for educators) during the free event.

The Pennsylvania House Game & Fisheries Committee approved House Bill 159 on Monday, which would raise penalties for releasing exotic animals such as alligators and mink from a third-degree to a first-degree misdemeanor after local incidents and has been sent to the full House & is intended to protect public safety and local wildlife.

Starting Monday, March 31, Erie residents who cannot use their Social Security online account to apply for or update benefits will need to verify their identity in person at the office at 717 State St., Suite 500—this new step is meant to help stop fraud.

District 10 high schools in northwestern Pa now show spring sports scores for baseball, softball, track & field, boys tennis, boys volleyball & lacrosse.

Fans may check updated schedules, box scores, standings & statistical leaders on GoErie.com, which is sponsored by AHN Sports Medicine.

Goodwill Donation Drive

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mission Empower — Donations welcomed — Contribute gently used items to support local community initiatives.

Lou Gramm Concert

7-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience the classic sounds of Lou Gramm live in Erie.

Video Editing Certificate Course

Various times — Erie Institute of Technology — Check website for details — Gain expert-level skills in digital video editing and motion graphics with experienced instructors.

Room 33 Showcase

6-7:30 p.m. — Room 33 Speakeasy — Check event site for cost — Enjoy a night of laughter with comics from across the nation at the Flagship City Comedy Festival kickoff.

Seed Starting Workshop by Steph's Sprouts

6 p.m. — 814 Vintage Marketplace — Free entry — Learn the essentials of starting seeds for your garden in this hands-on workshop.