Good morning, Erie.

Local community members dedicated a street to honor the late Tom Hoffman—who served with the Bay and Harbor Home Community Association and West Erie Neighborhood Watch Group—in a ceremony that recalled his decades of service and support for those seeking sobriety.

His family and local leaders like Chuck Nelson and Candace Battles attended the event to celebrate his lasting impact in Erie.

On Sunday, April 20, the Fairfield Hose Company VFD announced that former Fire Police Captain Richard Pekelnicky, who served as the department's Relief Association treasurer and a former board member, passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness+ funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

Erie's Polish community celebrated Dyngus Day with local events that honored long-standing traditions.

Organizers reported a strong turnout — a sign of enduring pride in Polish heritage.

EHCA residents held an adult prom where they danced and socialized in a community event that brought neighbors together.

The Millcreek Fire Department responded to a fatal residential fire in the 4400 block of South Park Lane today at 1:50 p.m.—30 firefighters and volunteer crews worked to limit the blaze, resulting in one death and one firefighter with minor burns while investigators, including the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, continue to determine the cause.

On Monday morning, the former Grasshopper building was demolished by crews after a historic survey found it had no special value — the township is inviting developers to pitch ideas for the West 8th Street properties — as part of its ongoing work in Millcreek’s Presque Isle Gateway District.

In March, Erie County homes had a median listing price of $248,839—up 3.7% from February yet down 6.1% from last March—and the homes averaged 1,638 square feet at $148 per square foot with a median of 55 days on the market.

Data also shows that 148 new listings appeared, a 7.5% decline from March last year, which points to shifts in the local housing market.

The 2024-25 Northwestern Pennsylvania High School Sports Awards, presented by Sports Medicine at AHN Saint Vincent, will honor winter sports nominees during a live show on June 23 (at Warner Theatre in Erie) while also recognizing nominees and winners from the fall and spring seasons. The event is produced with support from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (and a celebrity guest will be announced soon).

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.

Black Monk Comedy Showcase

5-7 p.m. — Black Monk Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughter at this entertaining comedy showcase sponsored by the brewery.

Windowsill Herb Garden Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — $35 — Grow your own indoor herb garden and elevate your cooking with fresh flavors.

The D'Angelo Concerto

4-7 p.m. — Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center — Tickets from $85 — Experience a captivating performance by the Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra.

Festival of the Birds

Various times — Presque Isle State Park — Ticket required — Experience the wonders of spring migration with workshops, field trips, and expert-led birding activities.

Attorneys & Kids Together 5K Run/Walk

1:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Erie County — Charitable donations encouraged — Support Erie County students experiencing homelessness through a community-focused 5K event.

Grants Specialist

The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) seeks a dedicated and meticulous Grants Specialist to lead and expand our grant funding efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Grants Specialist will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, writing grant proposals and reports, and maintaining grant contract compliance. This position will work closely with fundraising, accounting and program staff and should enjoy working in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and demonstrate the ability to embrace SSJNN’s mission to empower richly diverse and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This is a full-time, on-site position. Compensation of at least $25.00/hour, with a generous benefits package.