The big news out of Harrisburg is the proposed budget by Governor Rendell for 2009-2010.  The proposed budget is $29 billion dollars –  $26.6 billion plus another expected $2.4 billion in yet to be seen federal funds.  In total, it is a 2.5% increase over last years budget. In his speech before legislators yesterday, Rendell suggested that school districts across Pennsylvania consolidate from 501 to 100, and that an additional tax of .10 cents be imposed on cigarettes.  Here are some reactions to the proposed budget:

Budget Proposal Calls For Too Much Spending (PA House Republicans)

House Democratic leaders praise Governor Rendell’s 2009-2010 budget plan (PA House Democrats)

Rendell’s Pa. budget up, no big tax hikes and Rendell: Boost school funding, consolidate (Philly.com)

Rendell’s proposals assailed and Pa.’s 501 school districts could be cut to 100 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

But don’t take their word for it.  You can read Rendell’s speech as well as the text and highlights of the proposed budget at the website of the PA Office of the Budget.  We’re sure there will be more about the budget in the coming weeks.

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper joined President Barack Obama at the White House for the bill signing of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization, better known as SCHIP. The bill raises the tobacco tax by 61 cents a pack and closes a loophole in Medicare that allows physicians to profit from referring their patients to hospitals in which they have an ownership interest.

REthink Erie is reminding individuals and businesses in Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties that the REthink Erie/Workforce Development Survey closes tomorrow on Friday, February 6. The purpose of the study is to gather important workforce development information and regional perspectives regarding a prospective community college to serve northwest PA. The survey is available on the front page of the REthink Erie website at www.rethinkerie.com The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

We’ve added a few more local businesses and groups using Twitter to our Erie Twitter Guide. Check it out.

A reader pointed out this story from the University of Buffalo about new computer software being developed to help keep snow drifts off the roads. I think we can definitely use that here.

Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio formally announced today he will seek a second term. So far, Buzz Andrezeski has announced his intent to run on the Democratic ticket.

A congregation in Erie has become what is thought to be the nation’s first carbon-neutral synagogue, an achievement spurred on by an Allegheny College student’s senior project. Temple Anshe Hesed neutralized its carbon footprint — the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions for which it is responsible — by collaborating in a carbon-offset program with the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, located in the desert of southern Israel. The institute prepares future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the Middle East’s environmental challenges.

Gannon University President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., has named Jack H. Sims as Gannon’s Vice President for University Advancement, ending a national search to fill the position. Sims has more than 14 years’ experience in fundraising in higher education, as well as several years’ experience in fundraising for other types of non-profit organizations. Most recently, he spent nearly five years at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va., where he served as Vice President of College Advancement and led a comprehensive campaign that raised $40 million while also increasing substantially the college’s number of donors. Sims will succeed Susan Black-Keim, who retired in December after nine years at Gannon. His appointment is effective Feb. 12.

The Early Learning Center at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has retained its accreditation as a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Academy for Early Childhood Program—a standard the center has maintained since its initial accreditation in 2005.

Works are currently being accepted for the Erie Art Museum’s 86th Annual Spring Show, a regional juried exhibit, running April 18 through June 14, 2009 in the Erie Art Museum’s Main Gallery, 411 State Street. All artists residing within 250 miles of Erie are invited to enter works not previously exhibited in the Erie area. A total of $10,000 in awards is offered, including $2,000 in juror’s cash awards, the $500 Northwestern Pennsylvania Arts Association Award and at least $7,500 in guaranteed purchases. The cash awards will be divided among the juror’s selections of the best work in the show.

GE Transportation announced that it has been awarded a contract by Anglo Platinum to provide 26 emergency diesel generators for its mining operations in Africa. The widespread power outages in South Africa in early 2008 led to production stoppages, while ongoing capacity constraints have forced the national electricity utility to request industrial users to urgently reduce consumption.

Sports

Yesterday was the day many football players around the country signed their letters of intent to attend colleges in the fall. Among them was AJ Fenton will play next year at Wisconsin. Jon Root of Prep will play at the University of Akron. Jason Faipler will play for William and Mary. Corey Ratliff of East will play for Cheyney University. Deonte Flemings of Strong Vincent will play at Grambling State. His teammate Robert Joyce will head to Slippery Rock. Prep kicker Ray Blanks will head to Alabama A&M.

The Erie Otters play this Friday against the Sault St Marie Greyhounds.  On Saturday the Otters will turn back the clock at the Tullio Arena when the Saginaw Spirit visit for a 7 p.m. start. The Otters will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erie Golden Blades 1983-84 ACHL Championship with members of the championship team in attendance. Plus, the first 1,000 fans into the game receive a commemorative 1983-84 Golden Blades Championship photo courtesy of Arlington Lawn Care and all fans can get their fill of $1 Smith’s Hot Dogs! Get your tickets here.

The Erie BayHawks crushed the Idaho Stampede 111-85 last night before a thrilled home crowd.  The ‘Hawks will play another home game next Monday against the Utah Flash and won’t be back in Erie for over two weeks. Get your tickets here.

The Edinboro women’s basketball team suffered its fourth straight loss on Wednesday night, dropping a 67-52 decision to 13th-ranked Indiana(Pa.). It marks the first time since the 2001-02 season that the Fighting Scots have lost four games in a row. Edinboro fell to 11-9 overall and 2-5 in the PSAC West with the loss. IUP improved to a 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the PSAC West.

The Gannon men’s basketball team remained second for the second consecutive week in the latest NCAA Division II Atlantic regional rankings released Wednesday afternoon.

Sophomore Ryan Zapolski of the Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team has been named Atlantic Hockey Association Goaltender of the Month after leading the Lakers to a 5-1-1 record in the month of January.

Events

Upcoming Erie Concerts and Shows:

Feb. 13: The Temptations, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 19: Jerry Seinfeld, Warner Theatre (tickets)
Feb. 22: Rain (Beatles Cover Band), Warner Theatre (tickets)
March 7: Motley Crue w/ Hinder, Last Vegas, Theory of a Deadman, Tullio Arena (tickets)
March 22: New Kids on the Block, Tullio Arena (tickets on sale 1/24)
March 29: Comedian Lewis Black, Warner Theatre (tickets)

Explore the customs, traditions and folklore of St. Valentine’s Day, and create your own Valentine at a workshop, “St. Valentine’s Day Legends and Lore,” on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East. Led by MNE Director of Student Life Larry Kozlowski, the presentation will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Miller 103. It is free and open to the public. Call (814) 725-6277 for more information.

Traditional Guedra is an ecstatic folk dance practiced by women in North Africa. Drawing inspiration from overseas, the American Guedra has evolved into an experiential group dance ritual. Through clapping and chanting, a wall of sound is created, allowing the dancer to enter a trance-like state. Participants find this simple ritual gives them renewed joy and vigor. The workshop will begin with a lecture and discussion on this spiritually powerful collective experience, followed by a demonstration of the movements and chanting. Interested women can stay to participate in an actual Guedra. The movements are simple and absolutely no dance experience is needed. Students are not required to dance, they can simply watch and participate in the chanting and clapping. The majority of the dance is performed sitting on the floor, so please dress comfortably. It is also suggested to remove any jewelry, specifically rings and bracelets, prior to the Guedra. Water and light refreshements will be provided. The workshop will be held Saturday, February 7, at 7 p.m. $10 per person ($7 museum members) Pay at the door, call ahead to RSVP. More info here.

Individuals interested in careers in the health care field are invited to attend a Health Careers Night at Mercyhurst North East on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building, 16 West Division St., North East. Learn more about MNE’s degree programs in respiratory therapy, occupational therapy assistant, medical laboratory technician, nursing, physical therapist assistant and medical administration. Call (814) 725-6144 to RSVP.

The McDowell Center for Performing Arts will present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award winning play The Crucible on February 12-13-14, 2009 in the Little Theatre (3320 Caughey Road). The play, praised as “A Powerful Drama” by the New York Times, deals with the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem. Yet, the play is more then a story of witchcraft. It is really a statement of bigotry and deceit, which can cripple society and cause chaos among citizens. Directed by Ken Falkenhagen and assisted by Michael Malthaner, The Crucible stars Marie Glaser, Dominic Barbaro, Kristie Bauman, Ryley Nesbella, Alexandra Schwartz, Sean Weese, and Brett Niethamer. Tickets are just $5.00 and will be sold at the door prior to each performance.

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, Gannon University will host the third of four financial aid workshops.The workshop is designed to help high school students and their parents better navigate the sometimes complex financial aid process. It is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in room 1200 of the University’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach St. For more information, contact Gannon’s Financial Aid Office at 814-871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U, or visit www.gannon.edu/admiss/undergrad/finaid/default.asp.

Think you have what it takes to sing the National Anthem at a Double-A baseball game? Well here is your chance. The Erie SeaWolves announce today their National Anthem tryouts will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and tryouts begin at 12 p.m. Those interested in auditioning will perform the National Anthem for a panel of judges. Auditions must be performed a capella. For more information about the National Anthem tryouts, please contact Carol Trumbo at (814) 456-1300 or via email at ctrumbo@seawolves.com.

Terrence Cavanaugh, the recently appointed president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group (Erie), will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s February Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 24 at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue. To register for this briefing, contact Tracy Shepard at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Cost is $30 for members, $60 for nonmembers.

PFLAG Erie/Crawford County will meet March 9 (Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Erie, 7180 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA). It’s a support group for parents, friends and families of gay people. 7 PM – 8:30 PM. Contact: Mark H. Phone: (814) 454-1392 (John). Email: pflag.erie.crawford@gmail.com.

Allegheny College will host a special visit day for college-bound students and their families on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16. High school seniors may schedule an interview with an admissions counselor, take a tour of campus with a current student and stay for lunch or dinner in one of Allegheny’s dining halls. Interview appointments for high school seniors are available from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In addition, an information session followed by a campus tour for high school juniors and sophomores will begin at 11 a.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call toll free (800) 521-5293.

View this past Sunday’s comprehensive Erie events list to see what’s coming up for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.