The Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World opened yesterday to a large crowd. Seats on the very first ride were auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. About $7,500 was raised. And all weeekend long, $3.50 of the $4.50 ride cost will go to Juvenile Diabetes research. Mike’s family and other Erie Bloggers are going to today to ride the new coaster. They’re meeting up at 1 pm. Email Mike with any questions.
Mercyhurst College will graduate a record 947 students from three campuses – including the first graduates of its new Mercyhurst West campus – during commencement this weekend. Graduation for 583 traditional-aged students takes place at the Louis J Tullio Arena, 809 French St, today, Sunday, May 18, at 2 pm. The ceremony is preceded by the Traditional March along State Street, now in its 18th year, which begins from Boston Store Place at 1:45 pm with students processing South on State to East Ninth Street to the Tullio Arena. Of the 583 eligible graduates, 529 will participate in the ceremony.
The building that housed the former Quality Markets at 3712 West 12th Street was been listed for sale at $2,950,000.
Papa George’s Country Bar, 1021-23 State Street, has been listed for sale at $695,000.
Inmates at the two state prisons in the Erie area, SCI-Albion and SCI-Cambridge Springs, can take courses through Northampton Community College through their distance learning Prison Program. Inmates can contact the Prison Program Coordinator, Jane Matsinger.
Beginning this fall, all Penn State University students will be required to take AlcoholEdu for College, an online course aimed at combating high-risk drinking. Over 500 colleges already use it including Allegheny College.
Along with the junk mail and bills, I received three FREE trial size products whichI got by signing up for the freebies at I’ll Get Your GrocEries. Along with freebies, the blog has info on grocery bargains, health matters and Erie area grocery news.
The Erie SeaWolves fell in their 11th straight in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday night at NYSEG Stadium, 2-0, to the Binghamton Mets. It marked the second consecutive shutout tossed against Erie and the ‘Wolves streak of consecutive scoreless innings is at 21. The last time Erie scored a run was on a Wilkin Ramirez solo home run on Wednesday in the fourth inning at Bowie. In game two, the SeaWolves fell behind early against Binghamton in game two and could not mount a comeback as they have now fallen in 12-straight ballgames, 7-5 the final. The SeaWolves and B-Mets wrap up their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium…1:05 First Pitch. LHP Danny Christensen (0-4, 4.50 ERA) takes the mound for the ‘Wolves against RHP Bobby Parnell (3-2, 5.27 ERA).
The Erie RiverRats beat the Huntington Heroes 52-31 in an Arena Indoor Football League game played on Saturday night in Huntington. WV. Unlike their previous two games won on their last possession, there was no drama this time for the Erie RiverRats of the AIFA as they forced four turnovers, opened up a quick 24 point lead, dominated the time of possession, and cruised to a victory on the road. With the win, Erie won its fifth consecutive game, and improved its season record to 8-2 to maintain its lead over Reading for first place in the Northern Division. The ‘Rats remain undefeated in five games with QB Rod Rutherford leading the offense. Rutherford completed 16 of 36 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, and added two rushing touchdowns. Six different Erie players recorded receptions, led by WR David Dinkins with 6 completions for 59 yards, and WR Darmel Whitfield with two touchdown completions. WR Brandon Jackson had the other touchdown catch, but broke his foot on the play, and will likely miss the rest of the season. The Erie RiverRats will complete its current road trip on Friday, May 23, when they visit the Florence Phantoms, and will return home to the Tullio Arena on Saturday, May 31, when they host the Canton Legends with kickoff scheduled for 7:05 PM.
The American Indoor Football Association has reached an agreement with Fox Sports Net-Pittsburgh to televise league games for the remainder of 2008, including the playoffs and championship game. FSN-Pittsburgh serves 2.3 million viewers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland. It consistently ranks in the top five regional sports networks in the country. FSN-Pittsburgh is also available nationally through Direct TV (channel 628) and The Dish Network (channel 428). “FSN is pleased to air AIFA games this season,” said FSN-Pittsburgh Director of Programming, Jim Huber. “We feel it is a great opportunity for viewers not only within the Canton Legends, Erie RiverRats, Huntington Heroes and the Harrisburg, Pa markets, but also all of our football-loving households. We are excited to be a part of the season.”
The musical “1776″, the first play in which members of the Erie Cathedral Prep Alumni have been invited back to perform, is scheduled for a four-day run in the Erie Cathedral Prep auditorium on this weekend through May 18. This production is the third and final performance for this year by the Prep Performing Arts Department, which is under the direction of Father Michael DeMartinis. The special guest director for the show is Almi Clerkin, the managing director of the Erie Playhouse. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Prep bookstore for $8 (adults) and $6 (children and seniors). The final performance will be Sunday’s show at 2 PM.
In celebration of International Museum Day, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) will offer a “buy one general admission, get one general admission free” deal on Sunday, May 18. In Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region, the offer applies to both the Erie Maritime Museum and US Brig Niagara and the Drake Well Museum.
The 16th annual Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival takes place through May 18 in Edinboro, PA. Sunday’s events will be held at venues around Edinboro. This year’s musical guests include the Chelsea House Orchestra, Melinda Crawford (2003 National Scottish Fiddle Champion), Maidens IV, and Bare Bones. Pipers and other musicians should check out the new Freestyle Piping competition. Come to the Edinboro Highland Games and “Take a cup’o kindness home!”
The Erie Playhouse presents “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” through May 18 as part of their Youtheatre Series. Show times are Sunday at 2 pm. All seats $10 (+tax).
The Awesome 80′s Prom is a brand new blast-from-the-past interactive show in the style of Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding set at Wanaget High’s Senior Prom…in 1989! The Erie Playhouse production will be held at the Masonic Temple, 8th and Peach. The Awesome 80′s Prom has a short run with the final today, Sun May 18. Show time at 7 pm. Tables of eight with ticket packages: General Admission – $20.60 per person. Prince/Princess Package – $31 per person includes: admission to the prom, prom photo, 1 free drink, favor, 80′s candy, after party. King/Queen Package – $52 per person includes: admission to the prom, prom photo, 2 hour open bar, favor, 80′s candy, after party.
All An Act Theatre Productions presents Ron Clark’s “A Bench in the Sun” through May 25. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. All An Act Theatre Productions is located in Columbus Square, 652 West 17 Street, Erie PA 16502. Tickets are $8 for Adults and $5 for Students and Seniors. $1 of each admission benefits Community Shelter Services, providing shelter, help and hope to Erie’s homeless.
With a focus on early childhood education, Pa Department of Public Welfare Secretary, Estelle Richman has a full day planned in Erie on Tuesday, May 20. She is scheduled to speak at the HO Hirt Auditorium Blasco Library Complex from 10:15 am to 12 noon when she will discuss the 2008-2009 Pennsylvania budget and early childhood education. Prior to Ms Richman’s presentation, Pathways PA will present “Aging in Place in Erie” at 10 am. Approximately 100 stakeholders will be in attendance including social services workers, childcare providers and elected officials, who have a great interest in how the Pennsylvania budget affects their interests. The Erie Community Foundation, United Way of Erie County along with Pathways PA are hosting the presentations. The public is welcome. Reservations are encouraged by calling (814) 454-0843. After her presentation, Ms Richman will visit Erie Family Center and Early Connections where she will engage in discussions about United Way Success by Six as well as other child development and family focused programs. A nationally recognized expert on issues of behavioral health and children’s services, Ms Richman has been honored for advocacy efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness; the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association, among others. She holds a master’s degree from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Theatre 145 will be holding open auditions for cast members of the musical “Remembering Janis.” This play a tribute to singer/songwriter Janis Joplin. “Remembering Janis” is set for a three week run starting on Friday, June 13, 2008. Cast members needed are: Speaker – This role is for a male or female, aged 30-50 years of age. The character is a 1960′s-70′s hippie type. There is no singing involved with his role. The speaker relates his/her memories of Joplin during her career between sets of “Janis’” songs. Be prepared with a 1 minute, in character, monologue. Auditions for the role of the speaker are scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 6 pm at Theatre 145, 145 West 11th St. For more information about the auditions please call Steve Opsanic at 814-873-5069
The Gannon University Small Business Development Center along with Paulsen Productions are sponsoring “From Service To Success“, a seminar for entrepreneurial veterans. It will be held May 20 at the Gannon Yehl Ballroom, 124 West 7th St in Erie. Cost is $15 and registration is required.
The Technology Council of Northwest PA brings you the 5th Annual Business Intelligence and Technology Summit (BITS) event that will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. This event presents an opportunity for IT managers, CEOs, and professionals to gather, discuss, and learn about the forces shaping our regions IT industry. This year’s BITS theme will focus on Emerging Technologies for Business. This one-day event will be host to a full day of seminars, workshops and product demonstrations. They will have 15 topic speakers, as well both a morning and luncheon keynote address. Morning keynote speaker is Nortel President and CEO Michael Zafivorski who is a graduate of Edinboro. Register online.
Alzheimer’s Association- Greater Pennsylvania Chapter presents “A Celebration of Caring, An Afternoon of Enlightenment and Recognition” on Thursday, May 22, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Luncheon at The Regency at South Shore, 322 Washington Place, Erie, PA 16505. Featuring: Melanie Titzel, MS, Co-Chair Greater Pennsylvania Board of Directors and the presentation of the “Caring Touch” Award honoring outstanding performance in dementia patient care. Join us for an afternoon of enlightenment and recognition as you hear the touching story of Melanie Titzel’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease on a personal and professional level. The Caring Touch Awards are reserved for the “the best of the best” and offer you an excellent way to salute a deserving caregiver and recognize employee accomplishments This event is open to all professionals and family caregivers, and the community. For questions, please email Kristen Bires or call her at (814) 456-9200.
KillerWolf Films is holding meetings/open auditions for their new feature film “Warriors of the Apocalypse” on Friday May 23 and Friday May 30. They will be held at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal space at 12th and Brandes Streets in Erie from 6-9 pm both days. Shooting commences Saturday July 19 and wraps Sunday July 27, with filming being in the Northwestern PA area and possibly a few dates on the NJ/PA/NY border. KillerWolf Films latest release, “Fist of the Vampire“, is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and is to be released worldwide July 8 from Maxim Media International/Brain Damage Films. KillerWolf Films is co-owned by Erieite Len Kabasinski and Meadville,PA native Lisa McQuiston.
The 11th annual Memorial Day Shootout soccer tournament will be held at Family First Sports Park in Erie PA, May 24-26. Over 250 teams U9-U19 are registered for the tourney. This is one of the top college recruiting tournaments in the country with dozens of colleges sending representatives. All area hotel rooms are booked and waits at area restaurants are expected.
Special events for are planned for Memorial Day weekend at the Erie Maritime Museum, Homeport of the US Brig Niagara. Climb aboard the reconstructed warship, the US Brig Niagara, which carried Oliver Hazard Perry to victory in the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept 10, 1813. The bayfront museum features hands-on exhibits, a one-of-a-kind “live fire” exhibit, a dockside amphitheater and spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay. The museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 24 with hands-on activities, living history demonstrations, and live music from 10 am – 4 pm. Holiday weekend hours: Monday and Saturday: 9 am – 5 p.m.; Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm.
The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania Eggs ‘n’ Issues topic on Wednesday, May 28 will be Keeping Pennsylvania Producing: A campaign to keep business from leaving Pennsylvania and the United States. The speaker will be David Bell, Coalition Member, The American Council for a Strong Economy. Price is $30 for members and $60 for non-members.
The Erie Capacity-Building Collaborative will be holding a FREE workshop on Fiscal Management 8:30-4 on Wednesday May 28. The workshop will be held at the GECAC Main Conference Room, 18 West 9th Street in Erie. It’s open to all community-based and faith-based grassroots organizations. Please RSVP at least one week in advance by contacting Lindsey Kimmy, 459-4581 Ext 448.
The 18th annual Erie Wild Rib Cook-off and Music Festival will be held May 28-31 at Perry Square in downtown Erie. Admission is FREE. This popular annual family event includes eight Professional National Award Winning Rib Cooking Teams offering the very best in BBQ cuisine. Added attractions include a selection of delicious festival foods, ongoing stage music, the “Kid ZONE” – a children’s fun area featuring scheduled Ride-A-Ribba-Rama packages, artist and crafts booths, educational and informational displays, specialty vendors and more. This festival has grown to attract over 50,000 visitors to Perry Square Park and the adjacent streets in Erie’s downtown district.
JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Night Event to benefit Because You Care will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 29. Comedian: Juston McKinney. Food and drinks are available before and during the show. Ticket price: $15.50 Juston McKinney is one of the hottest comedians in the country. Coming to us from New York City, he has headlined many of the clubs in NY such as Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Dangerfield’s, and Stand-up NY. He’s been featured at the Toyota Comedy Festival and on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and had his own show on Comedy Central. He is a US Comedy Arts Festival Award Winner, and delivers a funny, original, high energy performance, which has made him a huge hit all over the country. Call (814) 899-0061 to buy single tickets or blocks of tickets. Circle May 29 on your calendar today and plan to enjoy a great night of entertainment. Get your party together and share the night with friends and family! A big thank you to JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Club for sponsoring the 6th annual Comedy Night event. The money raised will help Because You Care pay for the spay and neuter of the many kittens taken in during April and May.
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.
The Saint Vincent Sports Medicine 2008 Edinboro Triathlon will be held May 31. You can register here.
Preview dresses owned and worn by nationally-recognized celebrities like Martina McBride, Beyonce, Amy Grant, Ann Curry, Raven Symone, Patti LaBelle and many others from 12:30-3 pm June 1 at Lake Shore Country Club. The Celebrity Dress Preview event will benefit My Father’s House of Erie, a nonprofit transitional program for homeless/abused women and their children. The organization operates the retail store Bella Designs, 4801 Peach Street, in which women in the program have the opportunity to learn vocational skills and work experience. “These dresses are telling of the personalities who owned them ,” said Connie Miller, My Father’s House Of Erie, special projects administrator, “and this event will be a casual Sunday afternoon here in Erie by the lake to see them before they travel to Los Angeles for our live on-line fashion show auction in the Fall,” she added. The event will also feature guest speaker, Pete McDaniel, Senior Writer, Golf Digest Magazine and “Training a Tiger” co-author with the late Earl Woods, will entertain the audience with his storytelling and will auction four original Tiger Woods autographed photos from the legendary golfer’s PGA 20007 victory. Sponsored by Fishtank creative, an Erie-based marketing advertising and communications agency, powered by the Velocity Network, the host committee is comprised of Melanie Johnson, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, Cynthia Phillips, Motivational Speaker, Alan and Angie Rossum, NFL San Francisco 49ers (formerly of the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers), Shaun and Shonda Smith, NFL Cleveland Browns, and Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Thomas, St Vincent Health Center. Tickets are $35 per person or $50 per couple and available at the following locations: Bella Designs, 4801 Peach Street; All GE Federal Credit Union branches; and National City Bank, 801 State Street. For more information, please call (814) 879-0880.
The Technology Council of Northwest Pennsylvania will hold a Breakfast Briefing, “Understanding Financial Ratios Your Banker Looks At”, Wednesday, June 4, 7:30 am to 9 am, at the Holiday Inn Express, 8101 Peach Street in Erie. Free to members, $40 non-members. RSVP by May 30. Advanced registration is required.
On Saturday, June 7, 2008 there will be a Nautical Flea Market from 10 am to 1 pm at the BCMS (Bayfront Center for Maritime Studies) 40 Holland Street, Erie, PA. The event is FREE and is held in conjunction with Erie Safe Boating Day. All boaters (power/sail) are welcome. Tables for selling nautical wares are available FREE of charge but table reservations MUST be made by calling Linda Dunbar before May 28th at (814) 456-9060. A bulletin board will also be available to post items too large to display.
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.
Penn State Behrend will host its second international conference on injection molding, “Injection Molding: Innovation and Emerging Technologies,” from June 10-12. The three-day conference will feature 24 technical presentations, offered concurrently in the mornings, and hands-on tutorials in the afternoons. Two keynote speakers will address attendees on Wednesday and Thursday – Rob Neilley, editor-in-chief of Injection Molding Magazine, and William Carteaux, president and CEO of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc, respectively. On Tuesday, all are invited to tour the local Rehrig Pacific Company plant, located at 1738 W 20th Street in Erie. Advance registration for the conference if required.
The first Erie Downtown Partnership Block Party of 2008 will be held Thursday June 12 on the 1300 block of State Street in front of Calamari’s Squid Row. The event is FREE. Food and beverages will be available for sale. One World Tribe will provide the music.
The eMarketing Learning Center at eBizITPA will hold a roundtable titled Aligning Marketing and IT for Success from 4 pm to 5:30 pm on June 18.
The Erie Summer Festival of the Arts will be held June 27-29 at Liberty Park.
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.
