WICU reported that the Erie County Employee Picnic has been canceled due “to too much scrutiny.” The food was going to come from DiVecchio’s Catering, the business owned by Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio. This is one the numerous reasons Erie County Controller Sue Weber is planning an Ethics Workshop on July 1.

The blood shortage that started late last week has widened with A Positive at critical levels and O Positive levels dropping fast. Between the two types they make up 70 percent of the blood supply. The Summer of Giving is a series of fun promotions the Community Blood Bank has planned to ensure a safe blood supply for every week this summer. First up is: Fill your stomach as you fill our shelves. The first 50 donors today, Tuesday June 3, get a coupon for a Sub from Pizza Pasta and they’ll be providing food for the donors from 12-2 pm. To get ready for the beach; donors all week can enter to win a 6 month membership to Nautilus Fitness and Racquet Club. “We hope to have a good week,” Said Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing and Community Relations at the blood bank; “We don’t want to have this shortage run all summer long, endangering local patients like has happened in some previous summers. Donate now and get it out of the way for the summer!” 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 7:30 pm Tuesday night and Saturday 9 am – 12:30 pm. Photo ID required.

Attorney General Tom Corbett announced the recent arrest in Florida of two Erie County fugitives accused of operating a large scale meth manufacturing organization in Erie County. Corbett identified the defendants as Ronald A Frey, 43, 13333 Tracy Road, Albion, and his wife, Patricia E Frey, 42, of the same address. The Frey’s were among 29 Erie County and Ohio residents charged by the Attorney General’s Office in March 2008, following an investigation into meth production known as “Operation Family Cookout.” Corbett said the defendants were taken into custody on Saturday, May 31, by authorities in Ocala, Florida. The arrests came several hours after Pennsylvania State Police at the Girard barracks in Erie County received a telephone call from a concerned citizen in Ocala, Florida, who provided information about two individuals who were overheard discussing their efforts to elude authorities in Pennsylvania. Corbett said that immediately following the anonymous tip call, State Troopers contacted the Marion County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, providing photographs and information about the possible location of Ronald and Patricia Frey. Based on that information, sheriff’s deputies in Florida took the Frey’s into custody at approximately 3 am on May 31. Both of the defendants have waived extradition to Pennsylvania. They are currently being held without bail at the Marion County Prison, until arrangements can be made to transport them from Florida to Erie. Corbett noted that with the arrest of Ronald and Patricia Frey, all of the defendants who were charged in connection with “Operation Family Cookout” are now in custody. Ronald and Patricia Frey will be preliminarily arraigned before East Springfield Magisterial District Judge Christopher Mackendrick upon their return to Erie County.

Older fuel pumps in Pennsylvania may display half gallon prices in coming weeks. Although most retail motor fuel dispensers (gas pumps) in use in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are capable of displaying per-gallon prices over $4.00 and calculating and displaying total prices based on that per-gallon price, some mechanical retail motor fuel dispensers (typically, older dispensers) have restraints on unit price displays and computing of the total price, such that they will not compute prices exceeding $3.999 per gallon. Given the recent and rapid increase in motor fuel prices in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has elected to implement – on a temporary basis – an enforcement policy that will allow for the sale of gasoline in half-gallon units, under limited circumstances described below, and only from retail motor fuel dispensers that cannot compute prices exceeding $3.999 per gallon. Fewer than 500 fuel dispensers are estimated to be affected by half gallon pricing, which is approximately 0.4 percent of gas pumps in Pennsylvania. In 2007, there were more than 108,000 retail fuel dispensers in Pennsylvania. Gas stations must register with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Weights and Measures to be eligible for the half-gallon pricing. Visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on “Fuel Pump Half Gallon Request Form,” or call 1-877-TEST-007 for more information.

Nix, Patterson and Roach LLP announced that it has reached a $160 million settlement on behalf of the class and its client, the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System, in the Brocade Securities Litigation, a securities fraud class action regarding the backdating of stock options. This settlement is the largest to date in an options backdating class action. It is also believed to be one of the largest settlements in a securities fraud case in terms of the ratio of settlement amount to actual investor damages. The Erie County (PA) Employees Retirement System was a member of the class. Sean Handler, a partner at Pennsylvania-based Shiffrin, Barroway, Topaz and Kessler, acted as counsel for the Erie County (PA) Employees Retirement System.

The commonwealth’s six veterans’ homes will celebrate the 17th annual State Veterans’ Homes Week, June 8-14. “During State Veterans’ Home Week, we encourage our community members and neighbors to visit our homes, meet some of America’s honored veterans and explore the many volunteer programs available,” said Brig Gen Scott Wagner, the state’s deputy adjutant general for veterans’ affairs. “We also use this week to highlight the outstanding efforts of the staff and volunteers who provide exceptional care for our veterans throughout the year.” Pennsylvania’s veterans’ homes are operated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Special activities throughout the week will include ceremonies, special musical entertainment, golf and fishing tournaments, carnivals and picnics. The six homes serve 1,632 eligible veterans and their spouses and include the Pa Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie, the Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia, the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in Hollidaysburg, the Southeastern Veterans Center in Spring City and the Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh. For more information about veteran’s home eligibility, volunteer opportunities or employment at a veteran’s home, visit www.paveterans.state.pa.us.
The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie has been in operation for more than a century. It was dedicated and opened on February 22, 1886, although the actual construction began nearly two decades earlier. Work began in 1867 when it was conceived as a Marine hospital to be used by the federal government as part of its system of homes for disabled volunteer soldiers. The home is currently a 175-bed facility offering medical, clinical and nursing services; drug and nutritional therapy; rehabilitative service such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and recreational therapy; dental services; social services; and laundry, transportation, housekeeping, maintenance, security, fiscal management and other related services. Located on the grounds is a veterans cemetery, established in 1896. It is the resting place for 1,100 veterans who served the United States in wars dating back to the early 19th century. There is also landmark Civil War cannon on the building grounds, one of only 12 Napoleon field pieces brought back to Pennsylvania by Union troops.

For the week of May 26 to June 1, Presque Isle Downs and Casino reported wagers of $46,142,442 with payouts of $41,875,628.

Kristen Comstock has been named assistant director of alumni relations for Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. In her new role within the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Comstock is one of the primary contacts for Penn State Behrend’s 25,000 alumni. She is responsible for developing, planning and implementing alumni programs and activities both on- and off-campus as part of the college’s alumni relations initiatives. Comstock also serves as a liaison for Penn State Behrend with the Behrend Alumni Society and the Penn State Alumni Association. Prior to this position, she served as a web production editor for VertMarkets. Comstock, an Erie native and Harbor Creek High School graduate, holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from Penn State Behrend.

The Gannon University women’s lacrosse team remained seventh and Mercyhurst College eighth in the final Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II Top 10 poll released Monday afternoon.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Kevin Cooke has announced the signing of 11 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to begin competing in the 2008-2009 season. The Scots will welcome to campus Teresa Fiori, Tara Smeak, Abbey MacKessy, Rachel Elam, Lauren Davis, Lauren Kincaid, Erin Baldersac, Erin Lighton, Julie McAvoy, Maureen McAvoy, and Jolene Quinta. These recruits are joined by Brittany Havrilla (Newark, NY), Jennifer Manaco (Newark, NY), Megan Bova (Pittsburgh, PA), Brittany Bova (Pittsburgh, PA), Jillian Splawski (Jamestown, NY), Heather Comer (Harborcreek, PA), Erica Zimmerman (Punxsutawney, PA), and Brianne Carnes (Erie, PA).

Erie PA native Hai Nguyen beat Chris Sturtevant 6-1, 6-3, in the men’s 4.5 singles division Monday at the Centennial Tennis Courts in the Quarterfinal Round of the Wells Fargo Cancer Tennis Tournament. Nguyen owns the Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Fort Collins, CO. His is a grad of Erie Tech Memorial High School.

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. Advanced registration is required.

The Gannon University Small Business Development Center June Breakfast Series – What you need to know will be held Wednesday’s from 8 am – 10 am in the AJ Palumbo Building, 824 Peach Street, Room 7. Cost: $35 or $100 for all four programs (includes materials, parking and refreshments). Register here. June 4: It’s all about your Customers! De-mystify the dynamic process of why your customers buy. Would you like your customers to buy more? Buy more often? Bring their friends in to buy? Learn the customer behavior behind buying and using your products and services. June 11: Customer Service 101 – Learn the basics of customer service. Identify trends of impacting service. It is all in the first few words – how we say it matters. June 18: The Fundamentals of QuickBooks – Whether you have recently purchased it or would like to become more proficient in it, this seminar is the one. Learn what it can do for your small business such as payroll, inventory, tracking expenses costs and more. Brief overview of point of sale. June 25: It’s all about the Cash! Do you want to learn how to efficiently turn inventory into cash? Know what to charge and why? Learn and understand the power of proficient recordkeeping? This seminar will teach you the importance of cash flow.

The Erie Farmers Market will be held 9 am to 3 pm each Wednesday beginning June 4 in Perry Square in downtown Erie. Vendor permits at $100 for each day are available by calling the city at (814) 870-1200.

The Erie Art Museum has the answer to the mid-week work week blahs – take a Mid-Day Art Break at the Erie Art Museum each Wednesday beginning Wednesday, June 4 through Wednesday, Aug 27. On Wednesdays, visitors to the Erie Art Museum are extended FREE admission, guided gallery tours and live music on the Erie Art Museum’s steps; the Museum’s staff will offer guided tours of the galleries at 12 and 12:30 or visitors can enjoy the galleries on their own. Visitors can pick-up a quick lunch and shop at the Erie Farmers’ Market in nearby Perry before or after their stop at the Museum. Galleries are open for FREE to the public every Wednesday 11 am to 5 pm. Mid-Day Art Break is supported by Classy 100, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hamot and Erie Insurance Group.

The Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania will host the first of its three-part “Presidential Luncheon Series – The Race for ’08″ starting at 11:30 am Friday, June 6, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. With the 2008 presidential election shaping up to be one for the history books, the Manufacturers’ Association Government Affairs department will host a series of three luncheon meetings with a group of highly acclaimed political analysts to cut through the rhetoric and get to the heart of the issues facing America. The first luncheon, “The Road to the White House,” will feature Erie native Steve Scully, C-SPAN’s senior executive producer and political editor in Washington. He will focus on the impact of early primary dates as well as the long-term impact of what some analysts are calling the longest campaign in history. To register for this luncheon, click here or contact Tracy Shepard at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660. Cost is $35 for each presentation and includes lunch.

The Erie Playhouse production of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure runs June 6-22. The world’s greatest detective takes on one last case in this spirited, fast-moving, theatrical adaptation complete with all the elements that fans of his exploits have come to expect: danger, intrigue, wit, humor and surprise. Performances at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinee shows at 2 pm.

Erie Chamber Orchestra presents “A Tribute to Victor Herbert” on Friday June 6 at St Patrick’s Church, 130 East 4th St in Erie. A tin-pan alley composer, Herbert played the cello and wrote many light operas. Some of these works include “The Wizard of the Nile,” “The Fortune Teller,” and “Babes in Toyland.” The concert is FREE and open to the public. Show time is 7:30 pm.

The 2008 Erie Admirals Flagship Cup will once again be held at the host venues of Family First Sports Park and Edinboro University. Over 200 U9-U19 soccer teams are expected which takes place June 7-8. Pedro Argaez and Ed Shearman are the tournament directors.

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.

Help support Read To Rebound and have a blast doing it. On June 7, many of the downtown Erie Bars will be hosting a pool tournament. No prior experience necessary – slop counts. A $20 donation to Read To Rebound gets you a scorecard, a T-shirt, and a chance to win all kinds of prizes. Just download a registration form for details and rules. Read to Rebound is a non-profit organization committed to making sure that no child has to face the challenges of life on their own. Through a series of books, an interactive website, and community resources, Read to Rebound will share the true stories of people who have faced, and overcome, adversity in their lives. By sharing these stories, Read to Rebound hopes to provide a compass for children navigating the difficult roadmap of life.

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.

Reducing the costs of your compressed air system and an overview of energy tax incentives are two topics the Energy Roundtable will tackle during their next quarterly meeting. 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. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 301 Peninsula Drive in Erie. Registration is at 8:45 am, with the program running from 9 am to noon. The agenda for the meeting includes: Reducing the Costs of Your Compressed Air System and Energy Tax Incentives. “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 and participation has increased with each subsequent meeting.” To register, call (814) 456-6299, fax (814) 459-6058 or e-mail jmiller@nwirc.org. There is no charge for the event.

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 84th annual Lake City Fire Company Carnival will be held June 12-14 in Lake City, PA.

Gallery Night, which is organized by the Erie Art Museum, features FREE public touring of 12 local galleries and gallery activities, on Friday June 13, 2008 from 7 to 10 pm. Galleries that will be participating are Accents By The Bay, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Artworks Gallery and Clayspace Studio, Bayfront Gallery, Geary’s Studio 7, Glass Growers Gallery, Kada Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, Ralph Miller Jewelers and Gallery, Relish Inc. Studio and Gallery, Urraro Gallery and the galleries at the Erie Art Museum. EMTA’s Bayliner will be providing FREE shuttle transportation from 7 to 10:30 pm. Trolley maps and schedules are available at each gallery or by calling the Erie Art Museum at (814) 459-5477. Participating galleries will be offering visitors a chance to win a $50 gift certificate as an incentive to attract patrons into touring their galleries.

The 2008 Brianlee Crosby Memorial Learn to Swim Program, sponsored by the City of Erie Summer Recreation Program and operated by the American Red Cross, Greater Erie County Chapter, will be held June 16 to August 8. Qualifications: All boys and girls enrolled in the first through sixth grades may participate in the program. PROOF of grade level must be presented at the time of registration. The program is FREE to City of Erie School District students. A parent or legal guardian must accompany each child to complete the registration form at the appropriate pool on the first day of each two week instructional period. Parents or guardians are also responsible for their child’s attendance and transportation needs. Appropriate swimming attire and cleanliness will be required at all pools in operation. Pre-registration: Pre-registration will begin at 10 am on the morning of the first day of each session (June 16, June 30, July 14, July 28) at the Strong Vincent High School pool and the Central Tech High School pool. Children should come prepared to take their water skills tests in order to determine the appropriate level of instruction for them. Certification: All boys and girls enrolled will receive progress reports and an appropriate Red Cross certificate for satisfactory completion of their course. Observation days will be held on the last day of each session for all parents who wish to see the progress that their children have made in the course. Session Dates (Monday – Friday): Session I June 16 – June 27, Session II June 30 – July 11 (Closed July 4th), Session III July 14 – July 25, Session IV July 28 – Aug 8. Sessions begin at: 10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, Open Swim (For students enrolled in lessons; NOT open to public) from 2:30-3:30 pm. Open Swim: Open swim will be available at the Roger Young Pool Monday through Saturday from 12-5 pm. (June 16 – August 8) (Closed July 4th). For more information on training courses offered by your American Red Cross, call the Greater Erie County Chapter at 833-0942 ext 243.

It is no secret that Marketing and IT professionals come from very different backgrounds and work in very different ways. However, in today’s fast paced world of digital marketing and increasingly important online customer experiences, it is imperative that these two groups come together. They need to collaborate in order to rise above the competition and reach the maximum potential of the organization’s online presence. The eMarketing Special Interest Group and the eMarketing Learning Center are offering Aligning Marketing and IT for Online Success on Wednesday, June 18 at Knowledge Park in Erie. Register Now.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) will hold a Summer On Campus Day, 1 pm – 4:30 pm on Friday, June 20 to provide opportunities for prospective students to tour the campus facilities and learn about the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy Program and the Health Sciences Post Baccalaureate Program. Please confirm your attendance for the event with Maggie Crosswhite or Camille Jennings.

Gannon University Writers’ Workshops 2008 are for students Grades 4-12. Develop your writing process and produce a book of your writing under the direction of Dr Sally LeVan and the teachers of the NWPA Writing Project. Each session will be limited to 25 students per session. Dates are June 23-27, July 7-11 and July 21-25. Workshops will be held 9 am to 12 pm in Room 3200 of the Palumbo Center, 8th and Peach Streets. Registration includes T-shirt, snacks and book. $125 per one-week session/$200 for two-weeks. For information contact Dr Sally LeVan, (814) 871-7506. Registration.

The Saint Vincent Auxiliary presents “A Night at the Races” on Wednesday, June 25 at Presque Isle Downs Clubhouse and Lounge. The event is from 4:30 pm – 9 pm. Each attendee will receive $10 in gaming tokens, a four-course meal in the Clubhouse, and a chance to gamble the night away while learning more about the Children’s Miracle Network. For questions and/or RSVP, please contact Stephanie Flanagan at (814) 452-5302.

The Erie Summer Festival of the Arts will be held June 27-29 at Liberty Park.

Erie’s gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community will come together the weekend of June 28-29 to celebrate Pride 2008 with a picnic, march/rally, and social opportunities. Festivities get underway Saturday, June 28, with the Pride Erie Picnic at Rotary Pavilion, Beach 7 at Presque Isle State Park. The Pride Picnic runs from 1-6 pm with food being served from 2-4 pm. The Pride March will step off from The Zone Dance Club at 1 pm. Sunday, June 29, with the Pride Rally beginning in Perry Square at 2 pm. Information about the Erie area Pride March/Rally is available at www.ErieGayPride.org, by email at eriegaypride@gmail.com, or by calling 866-229-1974 (toll free).

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.

The 2008 City of Erie Junior Golf Program is open to boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 17. Entry fee is $7 per person. The number of entrants will determine the number of divisions. Registration will take place at J C Martin Golf Course from June 1 through July 19. Please call J C Martin Golf Course at 864-1821 with any questions. Tournament 1 is at J C Martin Golf Course, West 38th St and Shunpike Rd (next to Erie Zoo), on Wednesday, July 23 at 8 am. Tournament 2 will be held at Downing Golf Course, 1351 Troupe Rd, 899-5827, on Wednesday, July 30 at 8:30 am. Tournament 2 will be immediately followed by a picnic and an awards presentation.

The Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm 2008 Native American Festival is July 26-27 at the farm in Edinboro. Hours are 11-6 daily. Admission is $3 per person, 3 and under are FREE.

The Gannon University ShakeXperience Theater Camp will be held Monday, July 28 through Saturday, August 2. This one-week resident high school (through graduation) theater camp is taught by members of Gannon’s theater program and qualified professionals. Classes are conducted in Shakespeare, text analysis, stage movement, rehearsal and performance. Workshops are offered in stage combat, period dance, and music. Includes a public matinee performance of CYMBELINE as part of the Shakespeare SummerNights outdoor threatre festival. Cost: $99 (includes room, board, and instruction fee). For more information, contact Fr Shawn Clerkin, (814) 871-7493.

The 2008 City of Erie Recreation Tennis Tournaments will be held once again at
Frontier Park. Junior: June 24-27, Adult: August 13-17. Applications are available at: PennBriar Health and Tennis Club, Westwood Racquet Club, Lake Shore Country Club, Kahkwa Club and Erie Sport Store’s downtown location. For more information contact Richard Beck at 835-5452.