The Best Places to Work in PA winners were announced and 3 Erie companies made the 2007 list for large size companies. Saint Vincent Health System was 5th, Stairways Behavioral Health was 16th and Hamot Medical Center was 48th. No area companies made the list in the medium size category. Registration for the 2008 nominations begins in February.

The Center for Workforce Information and Analysis released the Pennsylvania Civilian Labor Force data. The October seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Erie County was 5.2 percent with an unadjusted rate of 4.5 percent. Although the unemployment rate rose from 5.1 in September, 300 more people were employed – and that’s 200 more people that were employed in October 2006.

The Erie School District announced that because their finalized budged for next year is $400,000 less than the current year, school property taxes will be cut .055 mills, an average decrease of $165 per home. This is the Erie School District in Erie, Illinois – not Erie, Pennsylvania.

Domino Effect, the Erie PA based company that specializes in consulting small to midsize manufacturing companies with new product development and strategic business planning, recently launched their new web site. The site assists companies who want to improve and grow their business and product lines. It offers new graphics, a sharper look, and advanced technology allowing for a more interactive experience. The homepage features a new audio clip, welcoming visitors to the site. In addition, several newly created audio clips are available on specific topics from “The Domino Effect: Dominate the Marketplace: New Product and Business Development,” a book written by Business Strategist, Author, and Speaker Stephen Rosen. The website features a downloadable pdf of Domino Effect’s Services Menu, along with pages explaining in detail their service offerings. The three main services of Domino Effect include high impact speaking engagements, strategic business consulting services, and Rosen’s business books. Domino Effect’s core values are laid out to help customers understand more about how the company is run. “Creativity leads to PRODUCTIVITY!” is one that Domino Effect works towards every day. Furthermore, the testimonial page brings a personal feel to the website.

Bliley Technologies, an Erie PA based leading provider of crystal-based frequency control solutions for over 75 years, introduced their new RoHS compliant, TV105A Temperature Compensated Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCVCXO). Designed primarily for cellular infrastructure, GPS and telecommunication system applications, Bliley’s 3 x 5 mm TV105A series offers a miniature package coupled with very good phase noise performance, as well as a wide range of options in temperature stability, operating frequency range and electronic frequency adjustment.

Family medicine students at Saint Vincent Health Center are learning the skill of observation through a unique family medicine and art museum partnership program sponsored by Saint Vincent Health Center and the Erie Art Museum. Often referred to as “the Art of Observation”, a best practices model adapted from other hospitals-museums from across the country, shows medical students how observing art can improve a doctor’s clinical skills and doctor-patient relationships. “In recent years, medical schools around the country have begun adding observation skills training to their curriculum,” said Bruce Gebhardt, MD family medicine physician from Saint Vincent Health Center. “In fact, several schools are now offering courses using visual arts to facilitate students learning the skill of observation.” For several months, 20 Family Medicine students from Saint Vincent Health Center have been working with Erie Art Museum education director Kelly Armor in discussion and interpretation of pieces from the Erie Art Museum’s permanent collection. The Erie Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free for members, free on Wednesdays, $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students and $2 for children under 12.

The Gannon men’s basketball team (4-0) put up gaudy numbers during its first three non-conference games of the season. On Thursday evening, the Golden Knights made their first statement of the campaign and had the league take notice with an 84-62 victory over Northern Michigan at the Hammermill Center. Gannon shot 56.9 percent (33-58) from the floor, including a 63.3-percent (19-30) clip in the second half. The Golden Knights shot 40 percent (6-15) from three-point range and 85.7 percent (12-14) from the free throw line.

Senior Terry Smith became the 15th player in Mercyhurst history to score 1,000 points, and the Lakers received a career night from senior Cory Tubo, but Michigan Tech, using clutch free throw shooting down the stretch, held off a late Laker charge and sent Mercyhurst to a 69-62 defeat at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center Thursday evening.

The Gannon women’s basketball team (4-1) held off an unbelievable second-half rally by visiting Northern Michigan and posted an 80-79 victory Thursday evening in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opener at the Hammermill Center.

The Mercyhurst Lakers women’s basketball team jumped out to an early lead but could not hold on as the team suffered a 71-59 loss to GLIAC opponent Michigan Tech Thursday night. Sophomore transfer Stevie Spetoskey scored a season high 22 points and went 5-for-7 from behind the arc. Mercyhurst drops to 1-5 this season and 0-1 in the GLIAC.

Trailing 9-0 after three matches, the Mercyhurst Lakers wrestling team stormed back against home-standing West Liberty, sweeping the final seven bouts in convincing fashion to give first-year head coach Mike Wehler a dual meet victory over his former program.

Barry Sanderson scored twice and added an assist to lead the Niagara IceDogs to a 6-3 win over the Erie Otters in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night at the Gatorade Garden City Complex. Justin Hodgman, Shayne Taylor and Nick Palmieri scored for the Otters. Erie is now winless in 14 games on the road (0-11-2-1). The Otters and IceDogs complete a home and home series today at 7:30 pm at the Tullio Arena in Erie.

Lake Erie Speedway officials announced that Branden Kaczay is being assigned to the General Manager position, effective immediately. Kaczay has been with Lake Erie Speedway since January of 2002 as the Director of Sales and Marketing Partnerships.

Mike Machuga of Erie finished 47th at the PBA Tour’s Great Lakes Classic at Wyoming, MI and cashed for $1,800.

Kristi Janoske of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Ohio signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic plays the PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinal game tonight against Erie Cathedral Prep at 7 pm at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium (map link).

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle is holding their 2nd annual Holiday Open House Fri Nov 30 through Sun Dec 2. The The Nature Shop and Gallery has free gift wrapping available with purchase. Free ornament with a $35 purchase. And remember to register to win a “Giant” Plush Bear. Drawing to be held Friday, Dec 21. “Breakfast with Santa” will be held at the Sunset Cafe on Sat, Dec1 from 10 am – 1 pm. The cost will be $6.95 per person. To make reservations call 833-5843. Plus there will be a special holiday movie showing on the Big Green Screen on Sun Dec 2.

The Erie Chamber Orchestra Sing-Along Christmas Concert will be held today, Friday Nov 30 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 130 E 4th St. The Episcopal Cathedral of St Paul Children’s Choir, directed by Sharon Harrington Downey, will also appear. It’s FREE and open to the public.

Join your friends at the Watson-Curtze Mansion for the 28th annual Victorian Holidays program Whimsical Wonderland. Included in this exhibit are professionally decorated evergreens, fireplace mantles, doorways, windows and other displays that will be open to the community. Whimsical Wonderland features more than ten different themed rooms; including a Seussical room decorated in all things Dr Seuss, a wintertime teddy bear picnic, a Victorian garden and much more. Participating decorators includes Traditions, the Carrie T Watson Garden Club and Melody Potratz of Potratz Garden Shop. Try you luck with the annual Chinese auction and win gift certificates from local eateries and specialty shops, or a holiday wreath. Victorian Holidays will run until December 30. Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm. Museum Admission: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $2 Children.

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre presents Fellini’s classic film “8 1/2″ as it is transformed into this marvelous Tony Award-winning musical. “Nine” looks at a 1950’s film director and actor who can’t seem to shed his impulsive, philandering ways, and the devoted, beautiful women who together help him “grow up.” Shows will be held November 30-December 2, December 6-8. All shows begin at 8 pm except for the December 2 show, which will begin at 3 pm. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. The number for the box office is (814) 871-7494.

Get the family together and take them to the Erie Playhouse for the heartwarming holiday musical “It’s a Wonderful Life“, through December 16. The lights will shine bright at the Erie Playhouse throughout the holiday season with the mounting of this classical seasonal tale. This new musical is a faithful adaptation of the 1946 film, which has entered into our national mythology, and has become as much a part of the Christmas holiday as the evergreen tree and fruitcake.

European and African tradition meet in the annual holiday performance by the Penn State Behrend Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. The concert takes place at 8 pm Friday, Nov 30, in the college’s Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for Penn State Behrend students, faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the Reed Union Building information desk and at the door.

Gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration on Friday, Nov 30 will host an informational event to help high school juniors and seniors decide if pursuing a degree in business is right for them. The event, Business Day, also will address the types of post-graduation opportunities available to students should they decide to major in business. Business Day is open to prospective students as well as their parents and will be held from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on the second floor of the Waldron Campus Center, 124 West Seventh Street. During the event, the attendees will be able to meet with graduates of Gannon’s Dahlkemper Business School and current business students. In addition, the high school students also can participate in workshops on different business majors. Parents can meet with representatives from financial aid to review procedures and ask questions. The event will conclude with a tour of the campus. Gannon’s Dahlkemper School of Business Administration offers a wide range of programs, including accounting, advertising communications, business administration, finance, international business, management, marketing, risk management/insurance, and sports management and marketing. For more information on the Dahlkemper School or Business Day call (814) 871-7566.

Celebrate the Christmas season by visiting Santa Claus himself at the Experience Erie Children’s Museum. Enjoy a picnic breakfast, singing, a puppet show, and time for the children to make gifts for their loved ones. Picnic Breakfast with Santa Giftmaking Workshop takes place Saturdays, 9-11 am, Dec 1, 8, 15 and 22. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is $8, $6 for members and free for kids under 2.

The Erie Opera Theater Orchestra will perform Amahl and the Night Visitors’, an opera in English in one act with libretto and music by Gian-Carlo Menotti, on Sat Dec 1 at 7 pm in the Erie Central Tech Auditorium, 3325 Cherry St. It’s FREE and open to the public.

Erie’s Sixth annual TubaChristmas Concert will take place on Saturday, December 1, in the McGarvey Commons at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The performance begins at 1:30 pm and is FREE and open to the public. As its name implies, Tuba Christmas Erie 2007 is songs of the season interpreted by a choir of Tuba, Euphonium and Baritone performers. All student, amateur, and professional musicians are invited to join the concert choir; registration is 8:30-9:30 am in the Reed Union Building, Wintergarden Area; rehearsal will be from 9:30 until 11:45 that morning. Performer’s fee is $8 and includes registration, commemorative button, and a barbecue lunch.

Family First Sports Park is holding a FREE Youth Football Clinic for kids 7-13 on Saturday, Dec 1 from 9 am – 12 noon. The clinic is hosted by the Mercyhurst College Football Program and Head Coach, Marty Schaetzle. Participants will learn fundamentals as well as individual positions of the game. Register online here. For more information, please contact Mat Carpinello by e-mail or at (814) 866-5425 ext. 247.

Erie is full of artists, arts enthusiasts, and everyday people with hidden talents, and the Arts Council of Erie wants to showcase you. They’re looking for art lovers and artists of all kinds to represent our community as the faces of the 2008 United Arts Fund Drive. Have a unique craft or a story on how the arts impact your life? Want to see yourself in their ads? Then come to their casting session: Saturday, December 1 9:30-11:30 am at the Erie Playhouse, 13 W 10th St. Come to the casting session and get a free t-shirt. If you can’t make it, you can also join in by downloading a Casting Form and mailing it along with a photo to: Arts Council of Erie, 3 E 4th Street, Suite 10, Erie PA 16507. *Photos will not be returned. For more information, call (814) 452-3427.

The Gannon University Social Work Club Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair will be held in the university’s Hammermill Center, Peach Street and South Park Row, on Sunday, Dec 2. The event is FREE and open to the public. Doors will open at 10 am, and meals will be served starting at 11:15 am. Santa will arrive at 12:15 pm to meet with the children on hand and pass out gifts. The Dinner and Wellness Fair provide a full turkey dinner, Christmas presents, and clothing. In addition, representatives from local agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide attendees information on housing and human services as well as important health screenings. Last year organizers served nearly 800 meals. The university’s Student Government Association (SGA) helps fund the event. In addition, the dinner has been well supported by the local community. Gifts for Kids and Erie Insurance are among the event’s many contributors. Again, the event is FREE and open to the public. For more information, contact the Gannon University Social Work program at (814) 871-7263.

The Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy will hold their annual Recruitment Open House on Sunday, December 2, 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Over 500 eighth graders apply for approximately 225 freshman openings making admission harder than many colleges. Admission requirements include a minimum grade point average of 3.0, national standardized test scores at the 75th percentile or above, and two teacher recommendations. Please visit the Applying section of their site to learn more about applying to NW PA Collegiate Academy.

The Gannon University Concert Band will present their annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday Dec 5 at 7:30 pm in the Gannon University Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, 512 Peach St. It’s FREE and open to the public.

Kirk Nesset, this year’s winner of the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Award for short fiction, will read and discuss his work at Mercyhurst College on Thursday, Dec 6, at 8 pm in Taylor Little Theatre. Nesset’s talk will unofficially kick off Mercyhurst’s annual Literary Festival. The 2008 edition, set for April, will bring to campus noted science fiction and fantasy writer Terry Bisson and Native American poet Joy Harjo and will culminate in the release of the student-produced Lumen literary magazine. A book-signing and reception will follow Nesset’s presentation. For information, contact Dr Kenneth Schiff, coordinator of the Mercyhurst Literary Festival, at (814) 824-2461.

On Friday, December 7, 2007, there will be a citizenship ceremony at the Erie Federal Courthouse at 10 am. All are welcome to attend.

Looking for an event to make this the most memorable holiday season ever? The Peppermint Ball is the area’s grandest event. The Peppermint Ball will be held Sat, Dec 8 from 7-10 pm. At the Peppermint Ball you will be treated like royalty and the elegance will make you feel as if you were a part of a fairy tale. Events of the evening include: Dancing, Competitions, and Fun for the whole family. Sponsored by the Erie Chapter of Demolay. Refreshments will be served. Family friendly environment – alcohol free. Music by Digital Thunder. Admission is $5 in advance or $6 at the door. Contact Ronald Cox at (814) 397-5859 for more info.

Family First Sports Park is in the process of making youth football more than just a seasonal sport. This year they are introducing a Winter Indoor Tackle Football League. The league will focus its emphasis on the basic fundamentals of football rather than the competitive nature of the sport. “We are very excited to start an instructional program during the off season, a place for youth to focus more attention to their individual skill,” said Mat Carpinello. The league is open to children ages 7-13 and will start on Dec 10. For more information, please contact Mat Carpinello by e-mail or call him at (814) 866-5425 ext. 247. You can register online here.

The Erie IT Network’s next Lunch’n Learn tackles the complexities of Blackberry Integration. It will be held on Thursday Dec 13, 11:30-1:00, at the Ambassador Banquet and Conferece Center, 7792 Peach Street in Erie. Data phones and PDAs are gaining prevelance in today’s workplace. More and more executives, sales agents and IT professionals are using hand held wireless devices to monitor servers, check emails and manage contacts. The speakers are with Research In Motion (RIM), the group that brought you the Blackberry. Join them for a technical seminar as they discuss the Blackberry Enterprise solution, including a look at the advanced security features inherent in the server software, as well as the framework used to deploy mobile applications. Register now, by clicking HERE. Or contact Karen at karen.kimet@technwpa.org or call (814) 451-1174.

The 25th annual McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie PA on Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 18, 2008 at the Gannon University Hammermill Center. St Edward of Lakewood Ohio, Rice High School of NYC, Saint Patrick of Elizabeth NJ and Erie Cathedral Prep are in the powerful field. Adult General Admission tickets are $7 and Student General Admission are tickets are $5. Reserved tickets are $12.50.