Eye test suggests troubled health for many of Erie County's trees

Driving around Erie County these days, it’s sad to see so many once stately trees are either dying or dead. Many maples, once in abundance in local neighborhoods, are falling victim to disease.

Even pine trees, which used to rank with the healthiest of trees in Erie, seem to be losing a battle against emerald ash borer, spongy moths (which used to be known as gypsy moths) and other diseases.

Erie homeowners complain that trees in their yards that seemed perfectly healthy only a year ago are suddenly dying. Trees add so much to the landscape that, when one is threatened, property values can be negatively affected.

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● A large crowd at Pauline Stevens’ handsome home in Fairview turned out Wednesday to honor Monsignor Henry Kriegel, who retired in November after 13 years as pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The party was hosted by Morgan and Kathy Jacox, who worked with Stevens and spared no expense on the classy gathering on a beautiful summer night.

Jacox proudly announced at the party that City Council recently voted to rename East Fourth Street in the area around St. Pat’s Monsignor Henry Kriegel Way.

Kriegel made brief but heartfelt remarks, but his friends are concerned that he’s still battling a pesky case of pneumonia that was first diagnosed more than two months ago.

Kriegel, who was ordained 52 years ago, made many friends during his decades as an Erie pastor, and he will be honored again at a July 29 reception at the Warner Theatre. St. Patrick parishioners and longtime friends plan to make it a special night for the 80-year-old.

● Blossom McBrier, who died July 10 at the age of 99, did it all during her amazing life. A gifted artist, gardener and athlete, she was known for so many accomplishments. Blossom once gave me a tour of the amazing rhododendrons she raised at her Fairview home, and I never met a more gracious host.

She was also an excellent golfer who regularly competed in local tournaments. McBrier was a leader in more than a dozen organizations throughout the community and her ready smile will be missed.

● Sammy Stone, one of Erie’s most popular radio hosts, is leaving Happi 92.7 for a new job in Olean, New York. She’s been active throughout the community and made many friends here.

● Joe and Sue Dipre traveled from their South Carolina home last week to visit old friends. Joe, an excellent running back for Cathedral Prep in the early 1970s, later became an all-star runner for the University of Kentucky. The Dipres were back in town for Joe’s 50th class reunion.

● Sorry to learn of the death of former Erie Times-News advertising director John Anderson, who died earlier this month in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 88. John was a native Chicagoan who spent more than a decade in Erie.

● Chautauqua Institution is receiving quite a bit of coverage after its decision to trim its opera program. A big story in the Buffalo News said the institution is finding that there’s not as much interest in opera as there once was.

● Speaking of Chautauqua County, it’s sad to see the historic Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point, New York, which dates to the 19th century, all boarded up. A couple from Pittsburgh, Bill and Jill Curry, updated the village board earlier this year on their plans to purchase and remodel the hotel.

But the hotel remains closed, and it’s sad that those iconic rocking chairs are missing from the front porch. The late Fran Fry once touted the food served in Lenhart’s cafeteria, but when our family stopped there to eat, all they had was ham loaf.

When I complained to Fry, he said, “But wasn’t it the most delicious ham loaf you ever ate?”

● Ted Marnen, who put in 30 years as a City of Erie policeman and retired as a lieutenant, died July 16 at 75. After he left the force, Ted became head of security at Gannon University. Marnen was a leader for years in the Fraternal Order of Police.

● Former North East High School and Mercyhurst University football star Garrett Owens is getting quite a reputation as a singer and songwriter. Owens, who still plays in the XFL, will perform at Peek’n Peak on Aug. 28.

● Forget Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Karen Mancuso will swear that her son, Sam Mancuso, who recently fired a hole-in-one at Whispering Woods Golf Club, is the world’s greatest golfer.

● Area horse racing fans are wondering when the lights in the main tote board at Presque Isle Downs & Casino will come back on. They’ve been out all season.

● Coyotes were spotted Wednesday night in Millcreek Township near Peach Street, a block west of the LECOM buildings. Pet owners should be aware that small dogs and cats might be at risk when they go outside unattended.

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

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Trees around Erie PA seem afflicted by disease, invasive species