Anne Ryan, a Sophomore at Penn, died in September of meningococcal meningitis. Ryan was a graduate of Erie Mercyhurst Prep. The family filed suit yesterday accusing the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania of ignoring signs when it failed to admit her after an ER visit on Sept 6. The suit also claims that an unnecessary spinal tap contributed to her death.

VisitErie announced that 12 groups with an estimated attendance of 21,060 (chart) have selected Erie as their destination city for their upcoming 2008 conventions and events. Although there are other groups coming to the Erie area, these conferences are a direct result of VisitErie marketing efforts and responses to RFP’s

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine medical and pharmacy students will mark the transition from classroom study to clinical education at the Warner Theater today, Saturday, Jan 12, as students receive their white coats – symbols of trust between doctor and patient, of compassion, and of the purity of a medical professionals purpose. At 10:30 am, approximately 130 students in the School of Pharmacy class of 2010 will pledge to uphold professionalism and competence in the presence of their families, professors and peers. LECOM Erie offers a three-year, doctor of pharmacy degree and the class entering in 2007 graduates in 2010. At 2 pm, approximately 270 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s class of 2011 will participate in their own ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony initiates aspiring health care professionals into a commitment to the highest principles related to the practice of medicine and pharmacy. Roger Brumagin, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at LECOM and a 2005 LECOM graduate, is the keynote speaker for the pharmacy ceremony. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Gannon University, and was a research chemist with Hammermill and International Paper for 23 years prior to starting his second career as a pharmacist. His current practice site is at Millcreek Community Hospital, where he is a clinical pharmacist on the internal medicine service.

There will be a Rust Belt Bloggers Summit on July 11-12 in Erie. People from Youngstown, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other area cities will be attendance to discuss economic development issues in the region.

There were 582 members of the Greater Erie Board of Realtors in 2007. A total of 74 Realtors decided not to renew their licenses for 2008 and pay their membership dues that were due at the end of December. A few of those not renewing were most likely retirements but I’d bet the majority were from people getting out of the business.

Gem City Bands, a non-profit all-volunteer community band of Erie, has begun the search for a new Music Director. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit online at Gem City Band Director Vacancy Announcement to view the details of the position and submission requirements. Submission deadline is February 5, 2008, or until the position is filled.

Army hockey players Chase Podsiad and Bill Leahy spoke with members of the Junior ROTC Program at Erie Cathedral Preparatory School Friday afternoon. Podsiad, a senior from Wyandotte, Mich, and Leahy, a junior from Gilmer, Texas, along with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dan Jollota, the team’s Officer Representative, participated in the event in front of a classroom full of students from all four grades.Each of the players introduced themselves, spoke about why they chose West Point and provided some background before opening the floor to a 30 minute question-and-answer session. Podsiad talked about not knowing of West Point until being recruited to play hockey after a stellar junior hockey career. Leahy touched on his father being a former Navy football player and his desire to attend a military academy and how he jumped at the chance to play hockey at West Point. The players answered questions regarding life at West Point, the challenges presented to cadets, life as an athlete, post-graduation opportunities, the strong support systems in place and how much they have enjoyed the experiences and are looking forward to the future. Members of the Erie Cathedral Prep Junior ROTC program provided the Color Guard prior to Friday’s Army vs Mercyhurst contest.

Mercyhurst junior goaltender Matt Lundin stopped 29 Army shots for his first shutout in a Mercyhurst uniform, fourth in his career, as the Lakers scored three times in the third period to defeat the Black Knights, 3-0, Friday evening at the MIC. With the win, Mercyhurst and Army are tied with 14 conference points apiece and snapped Army’s three-game winning streak against the ‘Hurst. The Lakers improved to 6-15-2 overall (6-5-2 Atlantic Hockey), while Army dropped its third-consecutive contest and fell to 6-10-3 and 6-5-2, respectively. The teams will conclude the weekend series tonight at 7:05 pm in Erie.

Ryan McDonough scored two third-period goals to carry the Saginaw Spirit to a 3-1 win over the Erie Otters in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night at the Wendler Arena. Erie dropped their second straight to sink to 9-29-2-1 on the season. The Otters complete a three-game road trip tonight when they travel to Plymouth to face off against the Whalers in a 7:05 p.m. start. The game can be heard live on FOX Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN and on-line.

Junior Rachel Stuck (Erie, Pa/Fairview) took 9th in the Floor Exercise with a 9.725 and 16th in the Vault with a 9.250 as Kent State went 1-1 in a tri-meet with Penn State and Pitt.

Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, Penn State Behrend and Allegheny College are participating in the 2008 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association “Think Pink” initiative. The WBCA’s “Think Pink” initiative is a global, unified effort for the WBCA’s nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The week set aside for this year’s initiative is February 8 – 17, however many schools are participating outside of that window due to scheduling conflicts.

Junior guard Mashea Williams (Erie Mercyhurst Prep) was selected as the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after averaging 15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals in two Lady Lion wins last week.

Quinnipiac junior guard Erin Kerner (Erie Mercyhurst Prep) is the Choice Hotels NEC Player of the Week for the second time this season following a scintillating performance that power the Bobcats past defending NEC champion Robert Morris. Kerner poured in a career-high 33 points on 12-of-24 field goal attempts, including a 4-of-7 clip from beyond the arc.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents “Narnia” Fri Jan 11 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 12 at 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun Jan 13 at 2 pm, Fri Jan 18 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 19 at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sun Jan 20 at 2 pm. From the excitement of the opening song to the soaring finale, the unique enchanted world of Narnia comes alive in an astonishing production filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable.

Join instructors from The Bead Shoppe on Sat Jan 12 beginning at 10:30 am at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle for a fun day of jewelry making. You will be guided in using tools for beach glass drilling and complete a necklace and earrings at the end of class. Cost is $55.00 (includes all supplies and lunch). Please register by calling (814) 833-7424.

Ever wish you could travel the world? Now you can! Join the expERIEnce Erie Children’s Museum, GE volunteers and Erie APAF (Asian Pacific American Forum) volunteers for a day filled with cultural learning and hands on fun today, Sat Jan 12 11 am – 3 pm. Visitors will be treated to traditional dances, attire and crafts from each of the countries listed below as well as how to write hello and their name in each language. Children can experience the world abroad without even leaving Erie!

Erie native Joe Zentis is having a signing at The Erie Book Store, 137 E 13th St, from 2-4 pm for his first book, “Lives of Quiet Inspiration: Volume 1″ on Saturday Jan 12. Zentis, a Cathedral Prep grad, was born in Erie and lived in McKean.

Gannon University will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Wednesday, January 16. The workshop will cover the entire financial aid process as well as a step-by-step review of the questions on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The workshop also will cover definitions of terms that parents and students should know and the various aid programs available. The workshop is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 pm in room 1200 of the university’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach Street. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668).

Mercyhurst North East is holding two orientation sessions for individuals interested in The Municipal Police Training Academy on Wednesday, Jan 16, from 2-4 pm, and Thursday, Jan 17, from 6-8 pm, both at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building on the campus of Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East, PA. MNE’s Police Training Academy, which begins March 3, is one of only sixteen certified academies in the state where individuals can earn Act 120 certification, required for many law enforcement jobs, including municipal police work.

As part of its series of Pink Ribbon Educational Events for breast cancer survivors and to promote breast cancer awareness, Saint Vincent will present a program on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the McGarvey Learning Center at Saint Vincent Health Center, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, Pa. The event will feature music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a brief talk on “Fact vs Fiction: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” presented by Sandra Luthringer, RD, owner of Super Suppers. The event is supported by a grant from The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure. Komen awarded a $75,000 grant to Saint Vincent Health Center to support a program offering restorative health services, education, support and specialized products for breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot afford it. Cost is $6. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 866-4817.

The Erie Chamber Orchestra In residence at Gannon University will perform their annual ‘Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’ on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth Street in Erie. It will will feature the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and Evangelist D M Jamerson, minister of music. The concert is FREE and open to the public.

There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception to welcome the new artists featured at the Nature Shop and Gallery in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday Jan 18, 6-8 pm. Ed Bernik will be signing copies of his book “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest” and there will be signed copies of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” by Ellen Anon.

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 Roadhouse Theatre production of “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” is two weekends only, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, January 18-19 and January 25-26. General seating $8 with no reservation required and tickets will be available at the door. VIP seating $12, Lounge VIP seating $15. All VIP seating must be pre-paid reservation only. Phone (814) 459-8215. Come early and enjoy the newly renovated coffeehouse. BYOB with proper ID.

The Mercyhurst College chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi education honor society will host the Third Annual Teaching and Learning Expo on Saturday, Jan 19, from 9 am to 1:30 pm in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. About 100 area education students and teachers are expected to attend the event, at which they’ll be able to choose three workshops from 17 offerings. The cost of the program is $5, including a catered lunch. Act 48 credits are available for the morning workshops. For more information, email Dr Ruth Auld or call (814) 824-3370.

The 25th annual Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Quad Games 5-mile Cross-Country Ski Race or 2.5-mile Snowshoe is now scheduled to take place Jan 20, 2008, at 1 pm at the Peek n’ Peak Upper Golf Course, in Clymer, NY.

Daniel S Mead, president of Verizon Services Corp, will discuss how creation of a centralized business services unit saved the telecommunications giant $562 million in one year during an upcoming presentation for the Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Mead, a Warren native and member of the college’s Council of Fellows, will speak at 6 pm on Tuesday, January 22, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to his talk is free and open to the public.

The Cleveland Indians Caravan will be rolling into Erie January 23, 2008 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute, 136 East Avenue. Doors open at 5 pm with a trivia contest and plenty of food and beverage. Cleveland Indians’ players, coaches and media staff will arrive at 6:30 pm to entertain Erie’s Tribe faithful, to answer fan’s questions and present a highlight film from last year’s baseball season. A donation of $8 per ticket will benefit programs at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Tickets are available now through January 23rd at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm) or at Hector’s Cafe, W 18th and Liberty Streets. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of January 23, if available.

The 2008 Erie RV, Camping and Powersport Expo will be held January 23-27 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Wed 4-9 pm, Thurs Noon-9 pm, Fri 10 an to 8 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission and free parking.

The Mercyhurst Preparatory School Performing Arts Department presents Our Town Thursday Jan 24 at 8 pm, Friday Jan 25 at 8 pm, Saturday Jan 26 at 8 pm and Sunday Jan 27 at 3 pm.

Glass Growers Gallery at 10 East Fifth St in Erie will be hosting an exhibit called ‘Spirital Thresholds’ by Annoel Krider. Color and design blend with tradition and balance in the southwestern inspired weavings of this fiber artist who also creates mixes-media objects and sculptures to further refine her vision. There will be an artists reception on Friday Jan 25 from 6-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display Jan 25 to March 11.

Your Day In Court: An Internet Security Workshop features William Shore of the Pittsburgh FBI office. The workshop will be held Noon-3 pm on Thursday, Jan 31 at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center; 7792 Peach Street in Erie. After a security breach, it is often too late to back track, recreate and document the environment in which the security breach occurred. From a strategic management viewpoint, this pitfall is often fatal. In court proceedings, the lack of defendable evidence can impact the success of litigation and create liability issues for your organization. This workshop is specifically designed to explain what steps should be taken following a security breach. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by: Software Technology Concepts, eBizITPA, the FBI and the Technology Council of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Young Erie Professionals (yep!) Professional Leadership Development committee will host an Etiquette Dinner on Thursday, January 31 from 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm at the Colony Banquet and Catering facility, 3014 West 12th Street. Cathy Mester, senior lecturer in speech communication at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will discuss dinner etiquette and appropriate conversation. A three-course meal will be provided by the Colony Pub and Grille. Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Apricot Chicken, and Broiled Sole. The dress code is business casual. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The charge for the presentation, meal, and gratuity is $25 for yep! members and $35 for non-members, payable by credit card, cash, or check made payable to Young Erie Professionals. Contact Phil Gallagher for additional information or to make a reservation.

The 14th annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Women’s and Girl’s Hockey Tournament will be held in Erie February 8-10, 2008. Admission is FREE to all games. About 1,000 young ladies plus family and friends will be in town for the weekend. Hotel rooms will be hard to come by and expect delays at restaurants. Who was Sarah Backstrom? She was a feisty red headed defensewoman who gave all off her love of the game and passion to play it to the Erie Lady Lions. Sarah fought every battle to the end, with passion and determination. The Erie Lady Lions lost Sarah to Leukemia but have never lost her spirit.

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.

The 2008 Erie Home and Garden Expo will be held February 21-24 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Sat 10 am – 8:30 pm and Sun 11 am to 5 pm.

The 10th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held February 29 – March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Noon-9 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.

The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.