The Erie Housing Authority held a public meeting yesterday on the proposed spending of $1,045,000 to install central air conditioning in over 1,300 public housing units. The authority will vote on their $3.7 million 2008 spending plan at their December 26 meeting. You can view their entire draft plan here.
Their excuse for spending $1,045,000 on air conditioning is “to keep the Authority units competitive with those on the open rental market” – a subsidy so they can better compete with private businesses.

The State Correctional Institution at Albion will hold a news conference today on the escape of Malcolm Kysor. Kysor, who was serving a life sentence for murder, is still on the loose after a Nov 25 escape.

Jeff reported that the Clipper Tobago left the Port of Erie with 5,000 metric tons of biodiesel from Lake Erie Biofuels, bound for Europe. This was the first shipment of biodiesel by ship.

The 2008 Nationwide Tour schedule was released Wednesday and the Peek’n Peak Classic wasn’t on the schedule. No reason was given. The tournament raises tons of money for charities throughout the region which are now screwed out of much needed funds.

Erie PA sign manufacturer Signal-Tech recently designed and constructed the largest LED sign in its history for the Triborough Bridges and Tunnels Authority in New York State. The sign’s 16″ characters read “CAUTION ONE LANE AHEAD,” and alert motorists that traffic must merge into one lane on the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, a vertical lift bridge that crosses Jamaica Bay, connecting Queens with Brooklyn, NY. “Their main requirement was that the sign be readable from 1,000 feet away, keeping in mind that the sign will sit 17 feet above the roadway on a dual mast arm, about a mile before the bridge,” said Signal-Tech salesman Brian Veshecco. Nearly eight feet tall and 11 feet wide, the sign weighs close to 1,000 lbs, and is comprised of more than 5,000 30 degree high-brightness amber LEDs. It is scheduled to be installed at the end of this month. “What is unique about this project is that we came up with our own ‘Lite Brite-inspired’ design,” said Signal-Tech’s head engineer, Phil Glass. “We initially ordered clusters that did not work – so we came up with our own system using 3D CAD software to prototype and test the design prior to fabrication.”

GMD Films announced that they’ve entered into a Distribution Agreement with Seattle, Washington based Film Distributor IndieFlix.com for the World Wide Distribution of the GMD Films Dramatic Comedy “Virgin Pockets”. IndieFlix.com plans to release “Virgin Pockets” on DVD Tuesday January 1. IndieFlix Specializes in Next Generation Delivery of Independent Films using their own ‘On Demand’ DVD Duplication Process. In addition, IndieFlix.com will release “Virgin Pockets” in 2008 in Digital ‘Video On Demand’ Format that will allow anyone in the world to watch “Virgin Pockets” instantly from the comfort of their own homes for about the cost of a movie ticket. “I believe the future of film distribution is ‘Direct To The Consumer’ via these newer, cutting edge technologies,” says GMD Films owner Paul Gorman. “The development costs for many of these technologies is out of reach for a studio of our size, so we’re proud to be partnered with a company that has such a proven track record in these new Distribution methods.” GMD Films is a truly Independent Film Studio based in Erie, Pennsylvania specializing in all forms of lower budget feature films with stories set in Erie County.

Gannon University is sponsoring a computer programming contest open to area high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The contest is designed for students interested in programming in Visual Basic, C++, Java, or other high-level programming languages. Entries can be written in any programming language that is executable on a PC running a LINUX or Windows operating system. All students who enter must have a sponsoring teacher from their respective high school. Entries must be accompanied by the teacher’s contact information as well as clear documentation of the problem the program is intended to solve, the capabilities of the program, and its correct operation. Students can make submissions individually or as a group. There is no cost to enter. Interested students can register online for the contest beginning Jan 7, 2008. The deadline for project submissions is March 3, 2008.

First Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania Tom Ridge of Erie has signed a deal with Thomas Dunne Books for Need to Know: Beyond Chaos and Fear, A Secure Path for America. Ridge’s first book promises a glimpse into the early and challenging years of homeland security, as he looks back at events presently unknown to the public. Ridge will also assess present policies in the US and abroad, and explain what he thinks must be accomplished if America and its allies are to prevail against international terrorism. Lary Bloom will co-write. Projected publication date is spring/summer 2009.

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare released the names of the people serving on the Governor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. Three of the 58 member committee are from Erie – Charles J Giambrone, Kathy A Hertzog and Judith E Jobes.

The 18th Annual Erie Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival will take place May 28-31, 2008. Eight national touring rib cooking teams will converge at Perry Square in downtown Erie offering the very best in BBQ cuisine. Other attractions include delicious festival foods, ongoing entertainment with local and regional bands, a KidZONE with a fun filled Ride-A-Ribba-Ramma scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, arts and crafts, educational and informational booths, specialty merchandise vendors, contests and drawings. This four day event attracted over 50,000 visitors in 2007. Admission is FREE.

The Edinboro men’s basketball team rallied from a ten-point first half deficit to capture an 87-84 win at Kutztown on Wednesday night. Edinboro improves to 6-3.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team had just enough to win their second PSAC crossover game in two nights in a defensive struggle, 48-46, at Kutztown.

The Edinboro University wrestling team remained in 14th place in the latest USA Today/NWCA/InterMat Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll.

Joe Tarasovitch resigned as coach of the McDowell High School football coach to accept the position of assistant principal at Walnut Creek Middle School. Heard McDowell was talking to Mike Mischler about the coaching position.

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.

Enjoy a meal and support the Erie United Methodist Alliance at the same time. Eat at Chick-Fil-A at the Summit Towne Centre on Saturday, Dec 22 from 7-10 am and 20 percent of the proceeds benefit EUMA (when coupons are presented). Download and print your coupons here.

Designed especially for 3-5 year olds and an accompanying adult, Outside the Window: Nature for you and your little one will be held Friday, December 21 and each Friday at 10 am. These interactive programs get kids in touch with all of the nature of Presque Isle State Park. Meet at the Stull Interpretive Center. $2 donation, registration required beginning Monday prior to program. Call (814) 835-4550.

While you are finishing your last minute shopping at the Millcreek Mall on Saturday, December 22, stop by the Center Stage located by Burlington Coat Factory between noon and 1:30 pm. The 20-member Gem City Jazz Ensemble will be filling the halls with Christmas carols and other jazz selections. Join the band for the entire show or just a couple songs to keep you in the holiday spirit!

After a two-year hiatus, Vienna in Erie returns to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, January 1 at 3 pm. Once again, Maestro Frank Collura will conduct a 65 member Pennsylvania Chamber Symphony in an elegant program of Viennese waltzes, gallops and polkas that have delighted audiences for years. Make this grand and lively concert part of your family tradition. And, of course, enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at intermission. To order tickets, call the box office at (814) 824-3000.

Cross-Country Skiing 101 will be held Saturday, January 5 at 10 am at Presque Isle State Park. Weather permitting, meet at the cross-country ski concession to check out cross-country skiing. Get basic technique and skills for this exhilarating sport. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE. Rental fee only. Registration appreciated, (814) 833-7424.

For beginners and more experienced skiers wanting to know more about the winter world around them, enjoy Guided Cross-Country Skiing on Saturday, January 5 at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park. If there is no sufficient snow, a hike will take place instead. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE, rental fee only. Meet at the cross-country ski concession.

There will be a Snowshoe Building Workshop on Saturday, January 5 at 9 am to 3 pm at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle. Build your own snowshoes – great to use, hang on the wall, or pass along for generations. $155 fee, registration required, call (814) 833-7424.

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.

The Association of Program Members (APM) of General Electric Transportation in Erie PA announced that it will be sponsoring the 13th Annual Winter Wishes Benefit Gala for the Foundation of Western Pennsylvania on February 16, 2008. Each year, the members of APM reach out to the community to collect donations for the silent auctions, live auctions and raffles that are held at the event. They also solicit “table sponsors” from local businesses. As a table sponsor, the business’ name appears on the centerpiece showing their support for this wonderful event as well as in any promotional materials that they put together for the function. The money raised with the auctioned items donated by local businesses will help provide funding for Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Community support of this event is recognition of the importance of this cause are greatly appreciated. Along with your assistance, GE will be able to make an impact on the day-to-day life of children whose lives are threatened.