Over the weekend the Erie area received about 2 feet of snow. An estimated 25 percent of city side streets have yet to see a plow. City of Erie Bureau of Streets Chief Pete Petrianni has bungled the job. Petrianni has repeated over and over and over that the city has 40 plows and 350 miles of streets. Well there is no reason on Earth a plow can not travel 8.75 miles of streets in four days

Former President Bill Clinton will make a campaign appearance for his wife in Erie on Wednesday March 12 at 11:30 am. His public appearance will be held at Erie East High School, 1001 Atkins Street.
The Lewinsky scandal led to his impeachment in 1998 by the US House of Representatives. While in office, Clinton was also investigated for other scandals including Whitewater, Filegate, and Travelgate.

A serious blood shortage was created by the snow storm. The huge snowstorm has affected operations at the Community Blood Bank in several ways:
1. Heavy usage from local patients. Some weather related injuries have caused local patients to need more blood, and heavier than normal usage by other patients have reduced the supply drastically from last week’s levels.
2. Four blood drives have been cancelled due to the heavy snow. Very few donors came in Saturday (1/3 as many as the previous Saturday) and other blood drives have seen a much lighter than expected turnout of blood donors.
3. Delayed test results. A small sample of every donated pint is sent to Florida for West Nile virus testing. Samples were due to fly out of Cleveland and the flight was cancelled. The samples were driven to Pittsburgh on Sunday to fly out from there. The test results delays shipping of blood probably until Tuesday.
All donors are strongly encouraged to donate at the Community Blood Bank, 2646 Peach Street. Community Blood Bank is open from 9-6 Monday through Friday and until 7:30pm Tuesday night and Saturday 9am-12:30 pm. Photo ID required.

P&G Pulls Business from Erie Plastics: Who’s to Blame? is an insightful blog entry by Doug Smock in Design News. Erie Plastics recently laid-off about 190 workers at the plant in Corry.

Steven C Collins, director of government and community relations for San Diego State University, died Saturday, March 8. He was 54.Collins graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pa in 1975 with a degree in psychology. Afterward he worked as a counselor in Erie. In addition, his college radio experience led to on-air stints at several Erie radio stations: WRIE, WBLQ, WQLN-FM and WCCK-FM. Collins was recently selected a 2008 winner of the Union Bank and KPBS Black History Month Local Heroes award. He played a central role in securing support for SDSU’s Master Plan in 2005. He also was instrumental in winning support for California Senate Bill 724, landmark legislation allowing the California State University system to offer an independent doctoral degree in education. Collins was recognized for his community work with awards from many San Diego area organizations, including the Neighborhood House, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Police Citizens Review Board and the American Cancer Society. At SDSU he was named among the “President’s Top 25″ campus staff members for 2006.

Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies Chairman Jim Breckenridge and Assistant Professor Dave Grabelski recently returned from Kalutara, Sri Lanka, where they delivered counterterrorism training to Sri Lankan law enforcement, currently embroiled in battling a separatist insurgency against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. This was the first training session provided by Mercyhurst intelligence faculty under a new contract with the US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance.

Doug’s Properties, beneficial-owner of metal processor Peters’ Heating Treating, will receive a $449,600 PIDA loan for the acquisition and renovation of a building in McKean Township. The company’s new 20,000 square-foot facility will cost approximately $1.1 million. Upon completion, four new jobs will be created and all nine existing employees will be retained.

Vandella Brown, manager of the diversity program at the Illinois State Library, is being investigated by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, under which the library is managed, for claiming she has a PhD. Brown paid for her degree from the Erie, PA based University of Berkley, a diploma mill. University of Berkley has no campus, just an office, and no classes. People pay for their “degrees.” In Illinois, using a fake diploma is a misdemeanor crime.

The Gannon University men’s basketball team (26-4) was ranked 18th and Edinboro (24-6) was ranked 22nd in the final NABC/Division II Men’s Basketball Poll of the season. Both teams will be playing in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament this weekend.

Two Gannon and two Edinboro swimming and diving team student-athletes will be participating in the NCAA Division II National Championships March 12-15 at the University of Missouri. Paul Musille (Canton, Ohio/Glen Oak) and Megan Beresford (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area) will be representing Gannon. Musille will be swimming in the 50-freestyle, the 100-freestyle, and the 200-freestyle events. Beresford has qualified to participate in the NCAA Division II Diving Prequalifications on March 11. The top 16 will then move on to national finals. Brooke Heath and Marie Nedley will be representing Edinboro. Heath, a senior who is an eight-time All-American, has qualified in four events but will only compete in the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke and 200-yard IM. Nedley has qualified in the 1,000 and 1,650-yard freestyle after winning both events at the PSAC’s.

Most any athlete at the collegiate level would feel privileged to be named an All-American just once. For the 2008 Class of the Allegheny College Athletic Hall of Fame; Tony Bifulco, Tara Dickert, Jennifer Erdos, Jamie (Ruffennach) Gang, Rick Grimm and Dean Peterson; that honor came calling a remarkable 39 times between the six.

There will be a public meeting regarding the proposed Northwest Pennsylvania Community College on Tuesday March 11 at 11 am at the H O Hirt Auditorium in Blasco Library. Seating is limited, so please register if you wish to attend.

The next Erie Bloggers get together will be held Tuesday, March 11 at 7 pm at Papa Joe’s Pepperoni Cafe West, 3826 W 26th Street in Erie. Social gathering for those who blog, or those just interested in blogging. All are welcome. For more info, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com.
Dr David Pierce, consultant for the proposed Northwest Pennsylvania Community College, will be there to address any questions from the blogging community on the community college.

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.

Are you ready to take your company global? The web is your opportunity to expand your market reach without ever leaving your office. Discover the economic benefits of reaching and selling to international markets with the eBizITPA seminar Globalizing Your Web Site. On Thursday March 13 the seminar will be held at Penn State Dubois and on Thursday March 27 the seminar will be held at the Gannon SBDC in Erie.

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. The entire celebrity bartending night runs 5:30 to 8:30 pm. 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.

Arts and Drafts will be held March 27-29 at the Brewerie at Union Station. Over 30 artists will have their works exhibited, a number of local bands will perform in the 3 day arts celebration, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy excellent drafts from the Erie microbrewery. Admission is FREE. Hours are 12 noon to close each day.

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.

Michael Acri Boxing Promotions presents the 2008 debut of undefeated former IBF lightweight champion “The Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora. Returning to the ring for the first time in over a year, Spadafora (40-0-1), fighting in a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named shortly, headlines a six-bout card at The Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA (16 West 10th Street) on Sunday, April 6, beginning at 2 pm. Tickets, priced at $60 (Golden Ringside), $40 (Ringside), and $20 (General Admission), go on sale Monday March 10, and can be purchased at the Avalon Hotel, Dee’s Cigar Store, Pony Express (1903 W 8th St) and the Ringside Restaurant. The card will also feature Cincinnati super middleweight Stephan Pryor (10-3-1), Erie heavyweight Rocky Mullooly (2-1), Pittsburgh middleweight Chris Archer (9-2), and the pro debut of heavyweight Andres Taylor from Johnstown, PA.

The Erie Tool Show will be held April 15-16 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Participating machine tool dealers and tooling suppliers along with associated support industries from the tri-state area have come together to display the best selection of equipment to appear in Erie in years. This new emphasis is aimed at area businesses seeking the equipment they need to compete in today’s advanced manufacturing arena.

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.

The Manufacturers’ Association and Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority annual Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally will be held July 17-20, 2008. While downtown Erie serves as the hub of the rally, related events take place throughout the city and region. Most notably, two outdoor concerts featuring major artists will be held Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, at Liberty Park along Presque Isle Bay.