Dubik to discuss Ukraine crisis during Erie appearance Wednesday

Erie native Gen. James Dubik returns to the Jefferson Educational Society on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The highly-decorated Dubik, who had operational experience in nine countries during his more than three decades in the U.S. Army, will undoubtedly have a lot to say about the war.

Now 72, Dubik served as commanding general for the Multi-National Security Transition Forces in Iraq. Since retiring from the Army in 2008, he taught at the U.S. Military Academy and other top universities, and currently serves as the senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War. His most recent book is “Just War Reconsidered: Strategy, Ethics and Theory.”

Dubik, who has never lost his affection for his hometown, returns here often. A graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School and Gannon University, he went on to get multiple masters degrees and also earned a Ph.D. in philosophy at Johns Hopkins University.

He brought a lot of pride to his parents, Sam and Sally Dubik, and has been a popular lecturer at the Jefferson during previous appearances. Dubik is an Erie original who has more than earned the respect of his longtime friends and family.

• Even though Erie went through what seemed like a lengthy and chilly spring, the flowers and trees look especially impressive this year. Many people have been putting in gardens in recent weeks, including the urban residents who live near 60 vacant lots owned by the Bayfront Eastside Task Force.

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BEST built four community vegetable gardens which the residents tend, and they keep everything they grow. Seems like a good system.

• We’re heading into what I like to think of as Erie’s greatest season. Summertime in this region is hard to beat, with good weather, a beautiful waterfront, plenty of concerts and other outdoor activities. We’re about to make up for all of the cold and dreary days we’ve already endured.

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• The May 20 death of New Yorker editor Roger Angell, who wrote many excellent books on baseball, saddened his longtime fans. Angell lived a long, full life and was just a few months shy of 100 when he died, but he wrote simply and lovingly as a true fan of baseball, which his readers appreciated.

When I first started covering the World Series in 1984, I spotted Angell seated by himself. I went over, introduced myself and told him how much I loved his writing. In the years that followed, Angell would always come by to say hello and ask about what was happening in Erie.

New York Times columnist George Vescey, upon observing one of these exchanges, said I was wise to approach Angell. Vescey said Angell normally kept to himself, but if you could get him to talk, you’d see what a brilliant man he was.

If you like the way Angell wrote, check out the essay he wrote about his step-father, E.B. White, another towering literary figure.

More: Roger Angell, baseball writer and editor at The New Yorker, dies at 101

• Erie Catholic Bishop Lawrence Persico was looking forward to the ordination Friday of three new priests, Benjamin Daghir, Nicholas Fratus, and Christopher Wheeler. Renovations at St. Peter Cathedral moved the ordination ceremony to St. Patrick Church.

• Maria Sansone, who recently returned to Erie for a visit, went back to Boston to learn that her popular podcast, “Mom2Mom,” won an Edward R. Murrow Award for best podcast.

• Joe Prischak, the plastics pioneer and business titan, was also a great sportsman. When he died May 21 at 91, Prischak left his mark on local industry and on Erie’s sports scene. Joe loved boxing and he established a training facility here for some of the nation’s top fighters.

In memoriam:Erie plastics pioneer Joe Prischak, founder of Plastek Group, dies at 91

It was routine to be driving at the peninsula and pass by Ron Lyle, Roberto Duran and other famous boxers out doing roadwork. Twenty years ago, Prischak brought Joe Frazier to Penn State Behrend, who turned out to be a colorful and interesting figure. Frazier brought along many artifacts from his career to be auctioned off for charity, and I think Prischak bought almost everything.

Obituary: Joseph J. Prischak

Joe also established Lake Erie Speedway in 2002, which has provided so many hours of pleasure to area racing fans. He was a good guy who gave a lot back to the city he loved.

• Bob Will, one of Erie’s most popular citizens, will be honored June 16 as the 2022 Shillelagh Man of the Year at the annual golf tournament hosted by the Barber National Institute. Bob was one of the late Dr. Gertrude Barber’s most trusted and valued employees. He worked there for more than 45 years, rising to top leadership positions and helping to provide services for children and adults with disabilities. It’s a well-deserved honor for Will.

• Erie SeaWolves fans appreciate the improved amenities at UPMC Park, especially for youngsters who like to take a break from watching the game to play a bit. Not only is the ballpark looking its best, the food and service is also first rate.

On the diamond:Erie SeaWolves' starting pitchers continue to thrive and other things to know

• Recent photos of golfer John Daly, with his long white beard and big belly, made me think of his victory at the Greater Erie Charity Golf Classic in 1991.

A couple of weeks later, he won the PGA Championship. Daly might be a sight these days, but he still has that glorious golf swing.

Kevin Cuneo can be reached at kevin.cuneo1844@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Dubik to discuss Ukraine crisis during Erie appearance Wednesday