Werner Books Flower Garden Funds Donation to Aging With Pride

Peter Genco, 2026 Chair for Aging With Pride, receiving check from Werner Books employee Anna Lindvay at July 26 meeting

Members of Aging with Pride received a pleasant surprise on the first of June when Werner Books and Coffee in the Liberty Plaza announced the proceeds from the flower garden this year would be donated to Aging with Pride. Customers could purchase a flower for $5, then write any positive message on it. These were then displayed around the coffee counter. At their planning meeting on July 26, Anna Lindvay from Werner Books and Coffee presented a check for $500, the money collected from customers and matching funds from Werner's, to Aging with Pride. Funds will be used to support AWP educational and social activities for senior members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

About the Author

Pete Pete G (he/him) volunteers with Erie Gay News as a way to give back to the community. Now retired, he enjoys having more time to devote to local LGBTQ+ organizations and events. Pete serves as the 2026 chair of Aging With Pride Erie and is active on several of the organization's committees. He also organizes Bears Do Dinner, a monthly dinner group that has been bringing people together since 2013. Pete studied at SUNY Buffalo and the Universität Würzburg, earning BAs in German and Linguistics as well as a master's degree in Library and Information Science. He speaks German, enjoys cooking, and sells Pampered Chef products.