Tilting at windmills, Erie City Council passed a resolution calling for the City Solicitor Greg Karle to write up an ordinance calling for continuous monitoring at the proposed tires to energy plant. Karle has already told council that any effort to make emissions laws tougher than the current state or federal laws wouldn’t survive a court challenge.
The far left liberal group called the Campaign to Defend America is using the Erie TV market as a test for their anti-John McCain ad. The ad has been running for the past couple of weeks. The Campaign to Defend America, which is backed financially by the Fund for America, announced Wednesday that its ad buy will exceed $1 million.
VX Corporation, specializing in CAD/CAM for consumer products and molds, announced the addition of Erie, PA based Great Lakes 3D CAD/CAM as its newest US reseller. Great Lakes 3D will build on the strong relationships developed by its founder and owner, Randy Biebel, who owned and operated a mold & die shop in the area for many years and has helped many businesses get started with VX CAD/CAM during his tenure as a VX sales engineer in the mid-eastern region. Great Lakes 3D will work closely with the Erie Institute of Technology in Erie, Pennsylvania to establish a regional VX CAD/CAM training center. The Erie Institute of Technology has recently added six new manufacturing programs and a new 50,000 square foot training center with computer labs running VX. “Having the Erie Institute of Technology in our reseller’s backyard is a real advantage to our customers,” said Bob Fischer, VX VP of Sales and Marketing. “With access to the level of training Erie Institute will be providing, local manufacturers will really be able to speed their adoption of the advanced mold design and machining capabilities of VX.”
Mercyhurst College announced that Dr James M Adovasio has been named to the newly created position of provost, effective immediately. Adovasio will assume the new position in addition to his existing roles as senior counselor to the president, dean of the Zurn School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute.
The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania will host an economic development forum featuring members of Erie’s lead economic development team during the monthly Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 am on Wednesday, March 19 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Guests will include: Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; Rick Novotny, Erie County Redevelopment Authority; Monica Brower, Economic Development Corporation of Erie County; Bob Spaulding, Erie County; and Kim Green, City of Erie. These leaders will discuss how the economic development system works, the importance of teamwork, review success stories, highlight special programs and need for collaboration. “Economic development is clearly a vital part of our future,” said Manufacturers’ Association President Ralph Pontillo. “This forum will provide our members with an opportunity to learn about the programs and resources available in Erie County.” To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.
Gordon Lightfoot will perform at the Warner Theatre on June 22. Info on ticket sales haven’t been announced.
Fred Biletnikoff will speak at his alma mater, Erie Central Tech, on Friday afternoon.
Nick Palmieri scored twice and Kelly Geoffrey collected three assists as the Erie Otters out scored the Niagara IceDogs 7-5 in an Ontario Hockey League game played last night in front of 2,236 at the Tullio Arena. Justin Hodgman added a goal and two assists in the victory while Shawn Szydlowski registered a goal and an assist. Luke Gazdic, Doug Clarkson and Sean Jones rounded out the Otters scoring as Erie improved to 16-43-2-2 on the season. The Otters return to action with games Friday and Saturday at the Tullio Arena. Friday the first 2,500 fans into the game receive a free taco courtesy of Taco Bell as the Otters face the London Knights at 7:30 pm. Saturday the Otters meet the Plymouth Whalers at 7:30 pm. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Career Concepts and Arlington Lawn Care with the first 500 fans into the game receiving a free Otters Calendar. Plus, wear pink and receive $2 off your ticket as we attempt to “Pink Out” the Tullio.
The Gannon women’s lacrosse team (3-0) used a strong second-half performance Wednesday afternoon to conclude its Spring Trip with an impressive 15-11 victory over Belmont Abbey in a battle of nationally-ranked teams at Marion Diehl Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Lady Knights are ranked 6th in Division II while the Crusaders are 10th.
The Gannon softball team (7-3) used a pair of 2-1 victories Wednesday afternoon to remain perfect in six contests at the Rebel Games in Orlando, Florida. In the process, the Lady Knights extended their winning streak to seven games.
The Penn State Behrend swimming and diving teams sent 15 men and women to compete at the ECAC Championships February 29-March 2 at the University of Pittsburgh. The ECAC Championships came after Behrend Lions swimmers and divers captured their second straight AMCC title at the AMCC Championships. Penn State Behrend swimmers and divers competed against top talent from Division I and Division II schools in the three-day event to finish off the 2007-2008 season. Overall the women’s team finished tied for 23rd place out of 28 teams. The men finished 23rd out of 26 teams.
The Mercyhurst women’s lacrosse team jumped Queens and Belmont Abbey to move to No 8 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II poll Wednesday.
Dan Chivari of Erie, PA is serving as the Chief Mechanic for the Number 41 Polaroid Dodge driven by Brian Clauson in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Mercyhurst sophomore forward Meghan Agosta and junior forward Valerie Chouinard were named to the Canadian Nation Team. They are among seventeen players from last year’s Canadian team who will try for gold again at the 2008 Women’s World Hockey Championships in Harbin, China. Canada won the gold last year.
One week after a puzzling drop of two spots in the NCAA Division II East Region rankings, the Edinboro University men’s basketball team moved up four spots to second in the final poll. Gannon University is 5th in the Great Lakes Region despite being ranked 7th in the nation.
The eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA is debuting a new training opportunity, The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Email Marketing, on March 6, 2008 from 8:30 am to 4 pm. The full-day course, to be held at the Center for eBusiness and Advanced IT (eBizITPA) Training Center, 5340 Fryling Road, Suite 201, Erie, Pa, is committed to establishing a comprehensive understanding of e-mail marketing and providing easy steps to implement these skills as part of an overall marketing strategy. E-mail marketing is an efficient way to communicate, interact and build relationships with customers. According to the Direct Marketing Association, the ROI on e-mail marketing in 2008 is expected to hit $45.65 per dollar, more than double the ROI of other mediums. Ninety percent of Internet users check their e-mail multiple times daily. When this opportunity for exposure is combined with a high ROI, it is easy to see the benefits of e-mail marketing. “Especially in a time of slow economic growth, e-mail marketing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to stretch your marketing dollar,” says instructor Cathy von Birgelen. Von Birgelen is a certified e-mail marketing professional and tech-savvy strategic marketing consultant with more than 12 years of experience in e-marketing and business development efforts. She has consulted with many regional and national clients including GE, Choice Hotels, Procter and Gamble, Holcombs, Howard Industries, Troyer Farms, Blair.com, Gannon University and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Von Birgelen is the program manager of the eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA. This course is being offered at an introductory rate of $299. Registration can be completed online at www.ebizitpa.org or by calling (814) 898-6500. The Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology (eBizITPA), headquartered in Erie, Pa., is a statewide Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Initiative, designed to help Pennsylvania enterprises understand and use information technology and e-business tools.
The costs and benefits of generating power onsite as well as financial incentives to reduce demand are two topics the Energy Roundtable will tackle during their next quarterly meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 6 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 301 Peninsula Drive in Erie. The agenda for the meeting includes: Financial Incentives to Reduce Demand; PJM Demand Response Programs and Basics of Onsite Power Generation. Registration is at 8:45 am, with the program running from 9 am to noon. The Energy Roundtable was formed in 2007 to help business, industry and other large energy users (such as schools and healthcare facilities) in northwest Pennsylvania reduce energy costs through improved energy management, energy efficiency and cutting edge technology. The group was initiated through a collaborative effort of the Manufacturers’ Association, the NW PA Industrial Resource Center, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, Penelec and the NW Rural Electric Cooperative.
“Energy issues continue to be on the front burner for most of our members,” said Manufacturers’ Association Director of Government Affairs Sheila Sterrett. “This roundtable has provided a forum for large energy users to gather and share information.” “Each subsequent roundtable meeting has seen an increase in participation and exchange of ideas,” said Geoff Bristow, regional manager for the PA DEP. “Access to affordable energy is vital to any business and we hope this roundtable will continue to be a opportunity to collaborate and formulate solutions.” To register, call (814) 456-6299, fax 814/459-6058 or e-mail jmiller@nwirc.org. There is no charge for the event.
The 2008 National Christian Invitational Basketball Tournament will be held at Family First Sports Park March 6-8. The preps and postgrads will play March 13-15.
The Aspen Ensemble, a mixed quintet of flute, piano and strings drawn from the famed Aspen Music Festival, will perform at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Thursday, March 6. Aspen Ensemble appears at the college as part of Music at Noon: The Logan Series. The performance will begin at noon in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building; admission is FREE and open to the public.
Melanie Rae Thon, once named a Best Young American Novelist by Granta magazine, will give a public reading from her works on Thursday, March 6, as part of the Creative Writer’s Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Thon will read at 6 pm in the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel; a reception for her will begin at 4:30 pm in the chapel’s ground-floor meeting room. Both events are free and open to the public.
Erie County Judge Michael Dunlavey will speak about international and Middle Eastern relations on Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 pm, in Mercyhurst North East’s Alex Theater, 16 W Division St, North East. Dunlavey is a retired two-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve and a Vietnam veteran with 30 years of military intelligence experience. He was put in charge of global anti-terrorism operations by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks, and oversaw interrogations at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay in Cuba from March to November 2002. The presentation is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.
The Erie Art Museum’s First Fridays program for preschool kids ages 3 to 6 is slated for Friday, March 7, 10-11 am at the Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street with activities inspired from the Museum’s Kids As Curators exhibit. First Fridays is a special program for 3-6 year olds and their families. Led by Museum staff, children and adults explore the art right in the galleries with storytelling, art-making and music. Cost is $5 per child and free for families with an Erie Art Museum family membership. Participants should meet at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 423 State Street. Space is limited. Please call ahead to reserve a place, (814) 459-5477.
Exhibition opening receptions and other gallery activities are planned for Gallery Night on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 7-10 pm at the Erie Art Museum, Glass Growers Gallery, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, Accents By The Bay, and Geary’s Studio 7 Gallery. EMTA will provide FREE Bayliner trolley transportation, courtesy of the galleries, from 7-10:30 pm. Service will be provided every 45-minutes; a route map is available in advance at all participating galleries. “We’ve been organizing a Gallery Night for one year now. And with each evening, we gain attendance – particularly from new patrons – and new galleries join us. This effort continues to be tremendously successful,” said John Vanco, director of the Erie Art Museum. Galleries will also offer $50 gift certificates as incentives for patrons visiting as many galleries as they can in the evening. Gallery Night is organized by the Erie Art Museum.
The Erie Philharmonic presents Sister Act on March 8. Christina and Michelle Naughton will perform Mozart’s Delightful Concerto for Two Pianos. They will also perform Mendelsson’s Third Symphony also known as the Scottish. The performance will be conducted by Daniel Meyer.
Get into the Irish spirit at the “Patti Sullivan and Friends Irish Concert,” Sunday, March 9, at 2 pm, in St Mary’s Chapel on the Mercyhurst North East campus, 16 W Division St., North East. Sullivan, MNE’s music director, will be joined by barbershop chorus Lake Erie Sound, the Rev Bill Sutherland, and Irish step dancers Rince Na Tiarna for an afternoon of entertainment. The performance is free and open to the public, and refreshments will follow. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.
When famed high school basketball coach Ken Carter literally locked his undefeated, state play-off bound team out of the gym at Richmond High School in California, and forced them to hit the books and stop counting on athletic potential as the only ticket out of a tough, inner-city life, he sent a powerful message. As the inspiration behind the 2005 film, “Coach Carter,” Carter will bring his message of accountability, integrity, teamwork and leadership to Mercyhurst College on Tuesday, March 10, at 8:15 pm in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC). His free, public lecture, “What you see is what you get: How to visualize and reach your goals,” is an offering of the Mercyhurst Student Government Speakers Series. Tickets to Carter’s talk are available free of charge at the PAC Box Office for Mercyhurst students (one each) and faculty, staff and administration (two each) beginning March 3. Tickets are available to the general public at two apiece on March 7, 8 and 10.
Learn how to create Old World Easter eggs at “Easter Eggstravaganza!” a hands-on workshop, on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 pm, in Miller Hall 116 on the Mercyhurst North East campus, 16 W Division St, North East. Larry Kozlowski, director of student life at MNE, will share his expertise and talent in this ancient, beautiful art form. The workshop is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.
Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center is presenting the first annual WILD Conference on Thursday, March 13 from 8 am to 2 pm. The Conference will be held at the Ambassador Conference Center located at 7792 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509. The Conference will involve “women presenting to women” and focus on the areas of: wellness, leadership and personal development. It is anticipated that 150-300 women from Northwestern Pennsylvania will attend this unique event. The nationally prominent Keynote speakers highlighting the day are: Soni Dimond, Publicist, Speaker, author of Life’s A PITCH! As well as CEO of Soni Dimond Media; Jean Gatz, author of Mama Said There’d be Days Like This: Stories and Strategies for Less Stressed Life. The First Annual WILD Conference Chairwoman is Leah Elizabeth Humphries, Owner and President of the following companies: Apple Creative Group, Leah Elizabeth Jewelry, and My Heart Ties. In addition, women businesses will exhibit their products and services throughout the day and there will be several opportunities to learn from seminars, panelists and individual speakers focusing on the knowledge, passion and energy of women helping women. Limited seating. Tickets $75 (includes breakfast, lunch and gift bag). Make your reservations now. Call (814) 871-SBDC (7232) or toll-free (877) 258-6648.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is sponsoring a FREE one and a half day workshop March 13-14 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. The workshop will provide an update and overview of current ballast water policy, legislation and research as it applies to the Great Lakes. Scientists, legal experts, legislators, industry personnel and agency staff will discuss the current state of ballast water policy, pending legislation, proposed ballast water treatment methods and evaluating the current risk of introduction and spread of AIS to Great Lakes ports by foreign and domestic ships. For Registration form email Karla Kaczmarek, or Marti Martz.
Under the direction of Ronald Stitt, Allegheny College’s student jazz band will perform a free concert on Thursday, March 13, at 3:15 pm in Shafer Auditorium. The 30-member ensemble will play from a repertoire of Big Band favorites including pieces by composers Stan Kenton, Sammy Nestico and Quincy Jones.
Dan Desrochers of the Community Blood Bank will be a guest bartender at Molly Brannigans in Erie from 6:30 to 7 pm on Thursday March 13 for a fund raiser for the Erie Hall of Fame. Tommy Fleming will be there to preview his performance at Mercyhurst’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Friday. Tommy will be joined by Erie’s Rince na Tiarna Irish Dancers – a wonderful grand start to the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend.
Under the direction of Bruce Morton Wright, the Erie Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Gannon University Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel with soloist Erik Mann on guitar at 7:30 pm on Friday March 14. The performance will begin at 7:30 pm.
The Gannon University Theater Department presents Jane Austen’s Love and Freindship March 14-15 at the Gannon Schuster Theatre. Adapted for the stage by Fr Shawn Clerkin, this collection of letters by Jane Austen will be performed at the Schuster Theatre in conjunction with the Alex Clemente Fund for Performing and Related Arts. With music by Andrew Rainbow, this world premier promises to be a charming theatrical event. Performances will begin at 8 pm both nights, and tickets are $15. For tickets, call the box office at (814) 871-7261. Proceeds will benefit the Clemente Fund for Performing and Related Arts at Gannon University.
The Presque Isle Parrothead Club will hold a St Patrick’s Day Bash on Saturday March 15 at the Cathedral Center, 160 West 11th Street. Free parking behind Cathedral Center on West 10th. Music 8-midnight by DJ Michael John. Doors open at 7 pm. Ticket price includes beer, pop and snacks. BYOB, if you don’t want beer. $10 advance ticket, $12 at door. Prize for best dressed St Patty’s Day Attire. Basket of Cheer, raffle for an iPod Touch, raffle – $5/chance, 50/50 and more. For tickets call Heidi
Grumblatt at 384-0741 or via email her at heidi_grum@yahoo.com.
CNN special correspondent Soledad O’Brien will speak “From the Special Investigations Unit” at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Tuesday, March 18. O’Brien appears as part of the college’s annual Speaker Series. Her presentation begins at 7:30 pm in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building; admission is FREE and open to the public.
The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania will host an economic development forum featuring members of Erie’s lead economic development team during the monthly Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 am on Wednesday, March 19 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Guests will include: Jake Rouch, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership; Rick Novotny, Erie County Redevelopment Authority; Monica Brower, Economic Development Corporation of Erie County; Bob Spaulding, Erie County; and Kim Green, City of Erie. These leaders will discuss how the economic development system works, the importance of teamwork, review success stories, highlight special programs and need for collaboration. “Economic development is clearly a vital part of our future,” said Manufacturers’ Association President Ralph Pontillo. “This forum will provide our members with an opportunity to learn about the programs and resources available in Erie County.” To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.
As the signature event for Young Erie Professionals (yep!), the Generation-E Leadership Awards recognize young professionals who are paving the way to the future of Erie, Pennsylvania. Yep! has honored 34 individuals over the past three years who not only have chosen to live, work, and play in the Erie area, but who have made a lasting impact on our region. The 2008 winners will be recognized the evening of Friday, March 28 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center.
The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents Around the World in 80 Days March 28-30, April 4-6. Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days, delightfully tells the story of Phileas Fogg’s and his servant, Passepartout’s, whistle-stop journey, as they try to satisfy a wager that they can circumnavigate the world in eighty days. Performances on March 28 and 29, as well as April 4 and 5 will begin at 7 pm. Performances on March 20 and April 6 will begin at 2 pm.
The Penn State Behrend Concert Band’s upcoming “Evening of Musical Tomfoolery” will be held, appropriately, on Tuesday, April 1. The fun begins at 8 pm in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building. Admission is FREE. The concert band will perform a selection of witty, whimsical pieces under the direction of Gary Viebranz, director of instrumental music at the college. On the program are works by Leopold Mozart, PDQ Bach (“the 21st of JS Bach’s 20 children”), film composers Danny Elfman and Luis Bonfa, and percussionist Lamar Burkhalter, who also holds the title of musical director for the NFL’s Houston Texans. “We’re presenting this concert in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, so we also have several surprises in store,” Viebranz promises.
Calling all artists and those who love art! A community art show, “Throughout The Spectrum: Exploring Autism Through Art,” will be sponsored by the Barber National Institute in commemoration of Autism Awareness Month. The show, which provides an exciting opportunity to come together to discover all aspects of autism through various forms of artistic expression, will be held April 4-9 at the Barber National Institute. Who can submit art work include: Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders who want to share their creative work; Family members or professionals whose lives are touched by autism; and Artists from the community who want to show their support for autism. Entries will be accepted on Friday, March 14 and Monday, March 17 from 9 am – 4 pm, and on Saturday, March 15 from 9 am – noon in the north lobby of the Barber National Institute. The art show will be open for public viewing in the north complex of the Barber National Institute on Friday, April 4, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7, 8, and 9, from 9 am – 4 pm, and on Sunday, April 6, from 1-4 pm. Admission is FREE – all are encouraged to attend! For more information about making a submission, including an entry form, please call (814) 878-5903, or click here.
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.
The charity bellydance event, “Shimmy for a Cure“, will be held May 31 at the Erie Playhouse in downtown Erie, PA. This event will benefit the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation.
Head Coach John T Reilly of Gannon University will conduct three sessions of basketball camp this summer. Sessions will be held June 9-13, June 23-27 and August 4-8. His coaching staff, area high school coaches and several of his players will serve as camp instructors. The sessions are designed as teaching camps that emphasize the fundamentals of the game of basketball. The camps are for students in Grades 3-10.
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.
