JES begins 2025 programming with wine, health, global affairs, and day-long conference for aspiring women leaders
ERIE, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, Jan. 22) — The Jefferson Educational Society (JES) kicks off its Winter Term schedule of events. Full of pop culture, health and wellness, and political affairs, the Winter Term kicks off on the think tank’s campus, 3207 State St., Erie, PA 16508, on Feb. 5 with visiting guest Rod Phillips. Phillips — a college professor, wine writer, historian, and judge based in Canada – will present How the Wine Industry Started in North America.
The event follows the term kick-off reception from 6 to 7 p.m., with samples from Mazza Vineyards, which is free and open to the public with advanced registration.
The winter term is comprised of 36 programs with 21 presentations at the Jefferson Educational Society, 15 presentations at satellite locations, and two courses. Running until March 31, the term includes a deeper look into global and local affairs, mental health, pop culture, and healthy living.
“This slate of upcoming events offers something for any curious learner,” said Dr. Ferki Ferati, President of the Jefferson Educational Society. Ferati will present “The 21st Century: A Bad Time to be a Tyrant,” part of the Brock Institute for Mega Issues Education Lecture series, at 7 p.m. Monday, March 10 at the JES.
“Our team is eager to welcome back all JES members and Erie-area residents looking for a place to engage with excellent presenters with though-provoking topics ranging from history that took place hundreds of years ago to current events shaping our times today with much in between,” Ferati added.
There are several partnerships this term, including Phillips, who is presented in partnership with the Hagen History Center as part of its Doris Becker Lecture series. Others are:
- Guarding Your Heart: Good Heart Health and the Latest Advances in Cardiac Care by interventional cardiologist Matthew C. Becker, in partnership with LECOM Health, 7 p.m. Feb. 10.
- They Not Like Us: Kendrick Lamar, Drake & The Commodification of a Rap Beef, with Erie’s Black Wall Street., 7 p.m. Feb. 11.
- Resistance through Music: Florence Price (1887-1953), a concert with visiting guest pianist Michelle Cann to celebrate Black History Month in partnership with Gannon University and the Erie Philharmonic, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19.
- Common Vascular Problems and Treatments Available by vascular surgeon Carleen Cho, in partnership with LECOM Health, 7 p.m. Feb. 27.
- Common Foot Problems and Prevention Methods with podiatrist Dr. Anthony Colonna, with LECOM Health, 7 p.m. March 27.
There will be a special holiday lunch-and-learn with JES Scholar-in-Residence Andrew Roth on Feb. 14. Saints, Sex, Sentiment, and Chocolate: A Short History of Valentine’s Day will take place at noon.
New this term is a day-long, workshop-styled conference led by JES Raimy Fellow Alyson Eagle. Still We Rise: Overcoming the Barriers of Aspiring Female Leaders runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 19.
Other term highlights include lectures from JES Scholars-in-Residence Lena Surzhko-Harned, on global affairs; Parris Baker, on fatherhood, and religion in politics; Diane Chido, on politics and history; Baher Ghosheh, on global affairs; and David Frew, on fishing.
The Community Conversations series continues Fridays at noon beginning on Feb. 7 and ending with Responding and Helping: The Erie Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Unit — Exploring What It Is, and Why It Matters by Lt. Jamie Russo on March 21.
More than 80% of the programs are free. To find more information about programs, memberships, or to make reservations, call 814.459.8000 or visit JESErie.org.
Speakers and the JES staff are available before and after lectures, discussions, and conversations for interviews. Media coverage is welcome at all events.
For comments in advance, please contact:
Ben Speggen
Vice President
Jefferson Educational Society
814.459.8000
Speggen@JESerie.org
