Second ‘Culture Class’ offers taste of Italy
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The First Lutheran Church at East Street and Third Avenue in Warren will host its second "Culture Class" on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Their pastor, Jeff Ewing, was awarded a 2026 Pastoral Renewal Grant from the Lilly Foundation. One of his family's activities has included travel to learn about different cultures. Among the grant requirements is that his home congregation sponsor activities that mirror his while he is on sabbatical. As part of the cultural component, Josie Gerardi will present on "Living on the West Side and Italian Culture." All are welcome to attend these free events.
Gerardi is a retired local educator who taught Home Ec/Family Consumer Science for 30 years at Youngsville High School, where she also served as Curriculum Coordinator for Practical Arts. Upon retirement, she became a Penn State Master Gardener and presented many programs throughout the area. She has a love for antiques, calling herself a "collector of collections."
She served as a manager for the Warren Farmers' Market, as well as a vendor. She is known for her biscotti, canned salsa, jams, jellies and relishes. One year, she canned more than 900 jars in one summer.
Gerardi also served 20 years on Warren's Street Landscape Committee which combined into Parks, Recreation and Landscape Commission. One of her favorite projects was her involvement with the Healing Garden at the foot of Crescent Park. She has remarked "I can't remember not" gardening.
Her grandparents came to America more than 100 years ago, with the hopes of making a good life for their family. Many immigrant Italians settled on Warren's West End, partly because of the cheap land that still boasts rich, fertile soil (due to flooding before the Kinzua Dam was built in the 1960s).
She and her brother and cousin still grow the heirloom pole beans and garlic toes that her ancestors had harvested from their garden in Italy. Her home is built where her father's garden once took shape, and includes an old shed built by her grandfather Joe over 100 years ago. In 2001, she entered a Schultz Garden Products contest and won first place, a trip for two to England for the Chelsea Garden Tour.
The community is encouraged to attend as Gerardi shares stories of Warren's Italian heritage. For more information, contact First Lutheran Church, 814-723-6450.