Friday, June 16, 2006
Thursday, June 15th
Washington, DC
Another busy day in DC. I started out the day with meetings at SPS until about noon. There are lots of details to go over and semantics to work out. The people I work with are incredibly professional and knowledgeable; it makes my job quite easy. After the initial business of the day one of my coworkers and I went on a public transportation tour. We had to pick up a couple of maps for the program and there is this great map store right off of Farragutt Square. We took the N series bus from Albans to the store and made our purchase. The square was buzzing with activity. Business district workers were having make shift urban picnics while a free outdoor concert was going on. Some listened, some ate, and a handful even napped the lunch breaks away.
We then took the Crosstown Circulator bus. The Circulator has been around not even a whole year. I actually took it last year on its first day of operation. The circulator is a quick and cheap way to get across the heart of mall area of DC. Washington has a wonderful public transportation system. It is efficient, clean, and cheap. The only kink in the system is the lack of a Metro (DC’s Subway) stop in Georgetown. This is an often debated topic in DC. Long time Georgetown residents welcome the areas lack of accessibility by the public transportation clientele, while the rest of the city complains about the difficulty of accessing this popular shopping, dining, and drinking hotspot.
We then took the 30 series bus back to the Albans area. We had to stop at Max’s for some ice cream. You will probably see me write that latter phrase quite often.
I then went with Bill and Amanda down to the National Mall to play some softball. The Mall is filled with no less than about 20 different games this night and most Thursday's. Amada, Bill, and Norm all play for a team called, the “Ugly Mugs” that plays every Thursday evening either at the mall or in the fields in area of town called Anacostia. They are sponsored by a tavern by the same name (Link). The team has been around nine years is made up of primarily of friends and friends of friends who are Air Force Academy graduates. The team has branched out over the years so the make up of the team is hardly exclusive to former and current pilots. The team graciously allows me to play with them while I’m here. I played about 4 or 5 games with them last year and had a great time. The Mugs combined timely hitting and excellent defense to overcome their opponent 17 to 13. Yours truly, “Z 96”, the jersey I borrowed, or later named “Drive Time” went 2 for 3. I came on in relief of starting pitcher, Norm, and middle reliever, Sank, and was able to pick up save by throwing 3 innings of scoreless relief. The Mugs debriefed our game over some beers, pizza rolls, and mini burgers. It was a great time. As a visitor/temp employee in a new city it is always nice to have groups of people and various activities to plug into. I thank Bill, Amanda, Norm, and the rest of the “Ugly Mugs” for letting me join in their fun.
Washington, DC
Another busy day in DC. I started out the day with meetings at SPS until about noon. There are lots of details to go over and semantics to work out. The people I work with are incredibly professional and knowledgeable; it makes my job quite easy. After the initial business of the day one of my coworkers and I went on a public transportation tour. We had to pick up a couple of maps for the program and there is this great map store right off of Farragutt Square. We took the N series bus from Albans to the store and made our purchase. The square was buzzing with activity. Business district workers were having make shift urban picnics while a free outdoor concert was going on. Some listened, some ate, and a handful even napped the lunch breaks away.
We then took the Crosstown Circulator bus. The Circulator has been around not even a whole year. I actually took it last year on its first day of operation. The circulator is a quick and cheap way to get across the heart of mall area of DC. Washington has a wonderful public transportation system. It is efficient, clean, and cheap. The only kink in the system is the lack of a Metro (DC’s Subway) stop in Georgetown. This is an often debated topic in DC. Long time Georgetown residents welcome the areas lack of accessibility by the public transportation clientele, while the rest of the city complains about the difficulty of accessing this popular shopping, dining, and drinking hotspot.
We then took the 30 series bus back to the Albans area. We had to stop at Max’s for some ice cream. You will probably see me write that latter phrase quite often.
I then went with Bill and Amanda down to the National Mall to play some softball. The Mall is filled with no less than about 20 different games this night and most Thursday's. Amada, Bill, and Norm all play for a team called, the “Ugly Mugs” that plays every Thursday evening either at the mall or in the fields in area of town called Anacostia. They are sponsored by a tavern by the same name (Link). The team has been around nine years is made up of primarily of friends and friends of friends who are Air Force Academy graduates. The team has branched out over the years so the make up of the team is hardly exclusive to former and current pilots. The team graciously allows me to play with them while I’m here. I played about 4 or 5 games with them last year and had a great time. The Mugs combined timely hitting and excellent defense to overcome their opponent 17 to 13. Yours truly, “Z 96”, the jersey I borrowed, or later named “Drive Time” went 2 for 3. I came on in relief of starting pitcher, Norm, and middle reliever, Sank, and was able to pick up save by throwing 3 innings of scoreless relief. The Mugs debriefed our game over some beers, pizza rolls, and mini burgers. It was a great time. As a visitor/temp employee in a new city it is always nice to have groups of people and various activities to plug into. I thank Bill, Amanda, Norm, and the rest of the “Ugly Mugs” for letting me join in their fun.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Wednesday, June 14
Washington DC
Game on! Had the first official meeting of the summer for the School of Public Service (SPS). I guess I should explain what SPS is and what I’m doing in DC to begin with. SPS is a summer program sponsored by the St. Albans School for Boys. It is the boy’s school that occupies the grounds with Washington’s National Cathedral (History) and the National Cathedral School, St. Alban’s girl’s school counterpart. Both schools boast an impressive list of alumni and attendees. Many of the city politicos send their children to these schools, hence the numerous contacts that the program boasts.
How did Pete BigBear end up here? Good question, Two years ago when the SPS was recruiting students they spoke to the history faculty. Shockingly, I started up a conversation with the director of the program. As a result I participated as “Visiting Faculty”, the title they gave me, last summer. You can translate “Visiting Faculty”, to hanger on and volunteer for free. As a result of my efforts they offered me an official post for the summer, “Resident Faculty”. I help in the dorms and with case studies that the students are working on through the four weeks. SPS brings about 30 uberachieving rising senior from all around the coutnry to engage in a month long crash course in government and public policy. They study everyting from media to the branches of government to foreign and domestic policy. The students are particularly sharp. If at the end of the program they think they are twice as smart as I am as opposed to four times I will have done a good job. I have included some pictures of the grounds, school, building, etc.
After meetings I met Norm for some Washington Nationals baseball. The “Nats” got thrashed 14 to 8 but the game was fun to watch. We went with his girlfriend, her sister, and her sister’s three kids. It is always fun to watch baseball with little kids. They get excited, don’t care who really wins, and get all hyped up on cotton candy, caramel corn, and the likes. Actually that is a lot like me, only add a couple beers to the previous description.
After the game Norm and I went to 930 Club in the Shaw district of DC to see Cat Power perform. The venue was sold out and great for music. Those in attendance were respectful and listened to the music. You did not her phrases like, “O M G she was like…, and he was like.., Whatever! I’m so drunk!” Cat was quite good. The best thing about the show besides the music was her mannerisms. Imagine looking at a girl who looks like a college girl who quit her sorority because she got sick of the petty bullsh*t of a big northern state school frat scene. But then imagine the sultry voice of Norah Jones right after a bitter break up with a long time boyfriend with the stage mannerisms of Joe Cocker in the last throws of Parkinson’s Disease. I imagine Cat is the type of girl who touches doorknobs three times before she opens the door. Either that or she organizes her cigarettes in packs of only prime number groupings before she smoke them for the day. Suffice to say. Her friends should take a long look at the DSM-IV .
In the end the music was fantastic and the show was awesome. I recommend her music to anyone.
I’ve included some pictures of the campus, game, and show.
Later…,
Washington DC
Game on! Had the first official meeting of the summer for the School of Public Service (SPS). I guess I should explain what SPS is and what I’m doing in DC to begin with. SPS is a summer program sponsored by the St. Albans School for Boys. It is the boy’s school that occupies the grounds with Washington’s National Cathedral (History) and the National Cathedral School, St. Alban’s girl’s school counterpart. Both schools boast an impressive list of alumni and attendees. Many of the city politicos send their children to these schools, hence the numerous contacts that the program boasts.
How did Pete BigBear end up here? Good question, Two years ago when the SPS was recruiting students they spoke to the history faculty. Shockingly, I started up a conversation with the director of the program. As a result I participated as “Visiting Faculty”, the title they gave me, last summer. You can translate “Visiting Faculty”, to hanger on and volunteer for free. As a result of my efforts they offered me an official post for the summer, “Resident Faculty”. I help in the dorms and with case studies that the students are working on through the four weeks. SPS brings about 30 uberachieving rising senior from all around the coutnry to engage in a month long crash course in government and public policy. They study everyting from media to the branches of government to foreign and domestic policy. The students are particularly sharp. If at the end of the program they think they are twice as smart as I am as opposed to four times I will have done a good job. I have included some pictures of the grounds, school, building, etc.
After meetings I met Norm for some Washington Nationals baseball. The “Nats” got thrashed 14 to 8 but the game was fun to watch. We went with his girlfriend, her sister, and her sister’s three kids. It is always fun to watch baseball with little kids. They get excited, don’t care who really wins, and get all hyped up on cotton candy, caramel corn, and the likes. Actually that is a lot like me, only add a couple beers to the previous description.
After the game Norm and I went to 930 Club in the Shaw district of DC to see Cat Power perform. The venue was sold out and great for music. Those in attendance were respectful and listened to the music. You did not her phrases like, “O M G she was like…, and he was like.., Whatever! I’m so drunk!” Cat was quite good. The best thing about the show besides the music was her mannerisms. Imagine looking at a girl who looks like a college girl who quit her sorority because she got sick of the petty bullsh*t of a big northern state school frat scene. But then imagine the sultry voice of Norah Jones right after a bitter break up with a long time boyfriend with the stage mannerisms of Joe Cocker in the last throws of Parkinson’s Disease. I imagine Cat is the type of girl who touches doorknobs three times before she opens the door. Either that or she organizes her cigarettes in packs of only prime number groupings before she smoke them for the day. Suffice to say. Her friends should take a long look at the DSM-IV .
In the end the music was fantastic and the show was awesome. I recommend her music to anyone.
I’ve included some pictures of the campus, game, and show.
Later…,
Tuesday, June 13th
First full day in DC. As much as I enjoyed my life on the road it is great to know that I won’t be driving anywhere anytime soon. Staying with Bill and Amanda. Bill has been a friend of mine since our first days at Prep. After high school he went to the Air Force Academy and flew C-21 and C-5. He has been out of the Air Force about three years now and just finished law school at George Washington. His wife Amanda is originally from Wapakoneta, OH. Where is that you ask? It is about 15 minutes from my Mom’s home town. The irony is that Bill met Amanda through one of my college friends from DC. Here is the story, in brief.
1. Bill, high school friend, lives in DC.
2. Norm, college friend, moves to DC.
3. Norm only knows girls; there are worse problems to have, but a slight problem none the less.
4. Within the first weeks of Norm’s move to DC I visit both.
5. Norm meets Bill and his group and everyone makes friends.
6. Norm later that summer introduces Bill to his friend Amanda.
7. First comes love, then comes marriage, next come Bill and …, not yet anyway.
8. Greatest irony, when my father was teaching in Lima, Amanda’s mom was at his school. Amanda’s mom even knew my mom.
9. Proving the rule, all roads lead through Erie, Pa.
Enough of that. Mostly ran errands today. Stopped by St. Albans to get started on process of filling out forms for the program. The “paper chase” is so much fun. I had to give them all my addresses for the last 10 years. Wow do I move around in Memphis. The final count was six places, that’s ridiculous. For all those who are writing my addresses on paper, I apologize for the tater area near my name.
Bill and I went for a jog around Georgetown and then grabbed some dinner, at a place called Bourbon and some ice cream at Max’s Best Ice Cream, both on Wisconsin Ave right Bill and Amanda’s house.
There is just an undeniable buzz when you are in DC.
I have included a picture of Norm outside the DC club 930.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Monday, June 12th
Harrisburg, PA to State College, PA to Washington, DC
Last night one of my dear friends from B.I.E. (Back in Erie) put me up in Harrisburg. Harrisburg is a much underrated city. It is the capital of Pennsylvania. The downtown along the Susquehanna River was quite scenic. There were lots of restaurants and bars, two things that I love. We went out to dinner at a place that overlooks the river. It was quite nice. Had a good visit with Holly and made plans for her sister’s wedding in October.
When I got up this morning I went to the Harrisburg downtown YMCA. It was a super nice Y. It had old classic charm with all the modern amenities. It lacked that sketchy vibe of my downtown Memphis YMCA. The Harrisburg Y makes the 5th different Y that I have been to along this journey. They have been useful to help stave off the gluttonous northern indulgences.
Then I was on my way to State College, PA for my cousin Matt’s baseball game. State College is where Penn State’s main campus is. It is a typical college town. I can’t explain it but there is nothing like a college town. There is a certain sense of vitality when you walk around a college campus. Whether it is a school like Penn State with its 40,000 students or a small college of 1,500 you always sense a youthful hope in the future and the promise of things to come. I watched the US get killed by the Czech 3 to nil in World Cup action at a bar. The bar was packed which made for a great atmosphere despite the poor showing by the US squad.
Prep lost to Manheim Township 9 to 7. Although making it to the semi finals of the state in the largest division is quite an accomplishment it was still a disappointing loss. After giving up two runs in the top of the first, Prep responded by putting 6 runs in the bottom of the inning. Matt put the Ramblers up by a run when he rocketed a line drive to center scoring two runs. Alas, the six runs were the only runs scored until the bottom of the seventh (high school only plays 7 innings). Prep’s defense kicked the ball around the entire game and around half of Manheim’s runs were unearned. It will great to be able watch Matt play at CBU.
Then back in the car for our Nation’s capital. It wasn’t a bad ride, about 3 hours in all. It was great to get back to DC, I’m really looking forward to seeing friends and working the program.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Sunday, June 11th
Latrobe, Pa to Harrisburg, PA
Great times in Latrobe. The biggest story in town was the sale of Rolling Rock to Anheuser-Busch. I truly believed that if you ordered a Budweiser product in town you would get your tail kicked, western Pa does not kid about this stuff. Here a story from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Latrobe lamenting loss of icon
Saturday, May 20, 2006
By Cindi Lash, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As residents and business owners in Latrobe, Kevin and Joyce Stern understood the hometown pride that prompted friends who'd relocated to Southern states to beg for shipments or suitcase stashes of Rolling Rock beer.
The Sterns, who own a computer business in the Westmoreland County city, laughed yesterday at the memory of sending cases of Rolling Rock to friends who balked at paying $14 for a six-pack after the green-bottled brew became trendy in their towns.
But their laughter faded as they and their customers mused over the uncertain future facing so many friends and acquaintances now that new Rolling Rock brands owner Anheuser-Busch plans to shift production to its plant in New Jersey.
The historic Latrobe Brewing Co. plant, where Rolling Rock was produced and generations of Latrobe families worked since 1939, is now for sale.
"It's an icon. It's the identity of this town,'' Joyce Stern said. "[News of the sale] has been the talk of the town all day long.''
Like so many other towns in Western Pennsylvania, Latrobe has experienced its share of businesses and factories that shrank or disappeared, of job losses that forced relatives to move away, of empty storefronts and residential streets that sprouted "For Sale'' signs.
But many residents said Rolling Rock's pending departure is particularly stunning because they didn't see it coming and because they share a common belief that Latrobe is famous for being home to the Steelers training camp, Fred Rogers, Arnold Palmer and Rolling Rock.
"Oh, my God, [community ties to Rolling Rock] are strong. There's so much tied up in it here,'' said Roy Burk, who with his wife, Kathleen, runs the Mozart House restaurant on Main Street. "Rolling Rock was the city.''
Mr. Burk learned of the sale of the brands and brewery shortly after the morning meeting in which plant workers were notified. The sprawling plant on 33rd Street -- named for the mysterious "33" painted on Rolling Rock bottles -- shut down for the day while heartsick workers spread the news to families and friends.
"There were rumors for a few days,'' Mr. Burk said. "But as soon as the meeting was over, the news was all over town. [People] are really upset because it was the biggest employer in town and the biggest-paying job.''
Through the day, workers, retirees and residents streamed in and out of the Mozart House to sip coffee and swap guesses about what would happen next. Ditto for Frank's Lounge at Main and Ligonier streets, where a neon "Rolling Rock'' sign glows in the first window and a "Rolling Rock'' stencil graces the mirror behind the bar.
Some said they believed the $14.5 million spent in 2002 to upgrade the plant's packaging line would make it attractive to other beer makers or bottling firms. Others said they were heartened by Mayor Tom Marflak's pledge to offer tax breaks to a new owner.
But still, they worried about what could happen to their friends and their city of about 8,900 if a buyer does not emerge right away -- or at all.
They grumbled that so many townspeople already must drive long distances each day because they can't find jobs close to home. They stewed over potential lost taxes and shrinking water bills and the city's ability to pay for police and street maintenance.
And some vowed to change the habits of a lifetime.
"A customer who drinks nothing but Rolling Rock came in and switched today to Coors Light,'' said Crissie Eagle, manager of Frank's Lounge. "I think Coors sales will go up now because everybody's so [ticked].''
Latrobe, Pa to Harrisburg, PA
Great times in Latrobe. The biggest story in town was the sale of Rolling Rock to Anheuser-Busch. I truly believed that if you ordered a Budweiser product in town you would get your tail kicked, western Pa does not kid about this stuff. Here a story from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Latrobe lamenting loss of icon
Saturday, May 20, 2006
By Cindi Lash, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
As residents and business owners in Latrobe, Kevin and Joyce Stern understood the hometown pride that prompted friends who'd relocated to Southern states to beg for shipments or suitcase stashes of Rolling Rock beer.
The Sterns, who own a computer business in the Westmoreland County city, laughed yesterday at the memory of sending cases of Rolling Rock to friends who balked at paying $14 for a six-pack after the green-bottled brew became trendy in their towns.
But their laughter faded as they and their customers mused over the uncertain future facing so many friends and acquaintances now that new Rolling Rock brands owner Anheuser-Busch plans to shift production to its plant in New Jersey.
The historic Latrobe Brewing Co. plant, where Rolling Rock was produced and generations of Latrobe families worked since 1939, is now for sale.
"It's an icon. It's the identity of this town,'' Joyce Stern said. "[News of the sale] has been the talk of the town all day long.''
Like so many other towns in Western Pennsylvania, Latrobe has experienced its share of businesses and factories that shrank or disappeared, of job losses that forced relatives to move away, of empty storefronts and residential streets that sprouted "For Sale'' signs.
But many residents said Rolling Rock's pending departure is particularly stunning because they didn't see it coming and because they share a common belief that Latrobe is famous for being home to the Steelers training camp, Fred Rogers, Arnold Palmer and Rolling Rock.
"Oh, my God, [community ties to Rolling Rock] are strong. There's so much tied up in it here,'' said Roy Burk, who with his wife, Kathleen, runs the Mozart House restaurant on Main Street. "Rolling Rock was the city.''
Mr. Burk learned of the sale of the brands and brewery shortly after the morning meeting in which plant workers were notified. The sprawling plant on 33rd Street -- named for the mysterious "33" painted on Rolling Rock bottles -- shut down for the day while heartsick workers spread the news to families and friends.
"There were rumors for a few days,'' Mr. Burk said. "But as soon as the meeting was over, the news was all over town. [People] are really upset because it was the biggest employer in town and the biggest-paying job.''
Through the day, workers, retirees and residents streamed in and out of the Mozart House to sip coffee and swap guesses about what would happen next. Ditto for Frank's Lounge at Main and Ligonier streets, where a neon "Rolling Rock'' sign glows in the first window and a "Rolling Rock'' stencil graces the mirror behind the bar.
Some said they believed the $14.5 million spent in 2002 to upgrade the plant's packaging line would make it attractive to other beer makers or bottling firms. Others said they were heartened by Mayor Tom Marflak's pledge to offer tax breaks to a new owner.
But still, they worried about what could happen to their friends and their city of about 8,900 if a buyer does not emerge right away -- or at all.
They grumbled that so many townspeople already must drive long distances each day because they can't find jobs close to home. They stewed over potential lost taxes and shrinking water bills and the city's ability to pay for police and street maintenance.
And some vowed to change the habits of a lifetime.
"A customer who drinks nothing but Rolling Rock came in and switched today to Coors Light,'' said Crissie Eagle, manager of Frank's Lounge. "I think Coors sales will go up now because everybody's so [ticked].''
Saturday, June 10th
Latrobe, Pa
The last couple of days have been very relaxing and nice. It is great to see my Dad get honored at St. Vincent. Some of the people who are here are friends of my Dad’s from his old neighborhood. Bob McDonald is one of them. He and my Dad went to grade school, high school, and college together. That is truly something. It is great to see old friends reconnecting. They truly loved the time they spent at this school. Another one of my Dad’s close friends is Douglas “Bob’ Nowicki, or now Archabbot Douglas Nowicki. He runs the Benedictine Abbey at Saint. Vincent College (History). He is even rumored to be the next Bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese. My Dad was in the seminary, catholic priest training, at Saint Vincent. Although finishing school here, he did not enter the next stage of seminary training and as result I am here. I have included some pictures of my Dad and his friends.
Friday, June 9th
Pittsburgh, Pa to Latrobe, PA
I went into downtown to meet my cousin Andy for lunch. We went to Primanti Brothers for a sandwich. These sandwiches are famous in Western Pa. They Brothers have franchised in the immediate area in the last few years but the Oakland (downtown Pittsburgh) location is the original and only in my mind. Andy works for Pitt and will be probably starting grad school this fall.
On to Latrobe. When any respectable beer drinking hears Latrobe they think Rolling Rock and I also the Pittsburgh Steelers. The beer is brewed in Latrobe, more on this later, and the Steelers summer camp is at St. Vincent College. This is where my Dad went Prep school from 59’ to 63’. I am going to Latrobe for my Dad’s prep school reunion because he is being inducted the Hall of Fame. It is great honor and I am looking forward to meeting his old friends and classmates.
Thursday, June 8th
Erie, Pa to Slippery Rock, Pa to Pittsburgh, Pa
Went to see Matt’s game. Prep beet Mt. Lebanon. They will advance to play Manheim Township in State College. I then went to visit Steiner. John has been a friend since grade school. We were neighbors and had many of the same classes at Prep. He is now a lawyer in Pittsburgh. He is married and has an adorable daughter, Gracie. When the two of get together…, let’s just say that we were up till 2:30am “catching up”. Erin is very patient when I come to town. It is always good to catch up with old friends.
I've also included a couple of pictures of my old homes in Erie. The homein the middle picture is our first home in Erie where we lived until I was in the 1st grade. The the home in the top picture is where I lived until my family moved to Memphis.
Wednesday, June 7th
Erie, Pa
Today was a day to take in the culinary delights that represent Erie. Lunch at the Oakwood Cafe. This great tavern in my old neighborhood has been part of me growing up, and now out. Many of our little league baseball and middle school football banquets were hoasted here. A very large draft of Yuengling Lager goes for a pricey $2. During happy hour it’s like $1.50. The delight however is the Reuben Sandwich. It is only $4.50 and its so big I have trouble finishing it. Yes, me. The perch sandwich is also renowned but that’s if you go there twice in an Erie visit. I often do.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Tuesday, June 6th
Erie, Pa
Relaxed and visited with family and friends around town. I took my Dad to get his hair cut at his old barber. My dad has been getting his hair cut their since he was a little kid. It on the East side of Erie, near the old Hammermill Paper Co. This paper company was Erie’s largest employer for many years. In fact over four generations of my family have worked for the company in capacity or another. It shut down about 4 years ago. Like many manufacturing businesses in the region, the plant is a thing of the past. Hammermill Paper Company ran the pulp and paper mill from 1898-1986, when International Paper (IP) bought it and produced brands Beckett, Hammermill, Springhill and Strathmore at the site. In May 2002, IP shut down the plant, citing a soft market and the chance to save more than $36 million a year.
This closing is devastating to the city. A lot of blue collar families were able to work there make a good wage and send their kids to college. My grandpa Steph worked there for about 50 years. It was his first and last job when he left Findlay College. This happens rarely in America anymore. It employed my great-grandpa, both of my uncles, my dad, and even my sister, although hers was only technically because she sold the Hammermill Brand for IP when she lived in Memphis. In a very substantial way I owe my present life to Hammermill. When IP bought the company it made me aware of Rhodes where I eventually ended up in college. My Dad is in his 27th year there. I’m rambling; Erie and my family have been greatly affected by Hammermill/IP.
Dad and I went on an unofficial Pub crawl. We went to the Sports Page, Hectors, and finally Joe Roots for dinner with family friends. The Page is owned by one of my
Dad’s old college friends and is an Erie staple. It has been featured on the NBC’s game day coverage for the Browns vs. Steelers games. Happy hour price, 75 cent drafts. Hectors is a classic Italian tavern, great food and drinks, and pictures of famous Italians on the wall who have visited. It is another landmark. I have included some pictures of Hectors and a sign from a beer distributor, maybe some of the non Erie folks are starting to understand why I am the way I am.
Monday, June 5th
Erie, Pa
Just plain hanging out. Went to my cousin Matt’s baseball game. He is a DH for my old high school. He is having a great year and has signed to play college baseball for Christian Brothers University. Matt has decided to major in chemical engineering, better man than I. Prep beat Norwin High School, southeast of Pittsburgh 3 to 2. They will advance to play Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The great part of the game was that my 89 year old grandmother came to the game (See photo). She really enjoyed herself and has a great deal of gusto to her. She even went with us to the Plymouth Tavern, a famous Erie watering hole for generations. It was a Stephany crew; so many pitchers of beer were enjoyed. Folks, it what my family does.
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