Hello, Erie. You are awesome. We don’t really appreciate you until we’re not there. I’m in busy Boston full of traffic and busy people everywhere. It took 30 minutes today to go just a few miles to dinner. Compared to here, Erie’s a breeze to get around in, and you’re never more than 15 minutes away from one side of town.

Since today’s a travel day for us, we’ll be brief.

Tonight is the first Downtown Block Party for the year. The sponsors for the first party are Nelson’s, Papa Georges and the Urraro Gallery. Performers include Rodger Montgomery and Jake’s Blues.

Just when you thought the swine flu scare was slowing down, a case has been discovered in Crawford County.

Allegheny College recently honored Meadville resident Linda Palmiero, Allegheny class of 1966, with the Alumni Medal as part of the College’s Reunion Weekend festivities. The Alumni Medal, Allegheny’s oldest and most prestigious alumni award, honors those whose devotion and service to the College far exceed the norm.

Sports

The Seawolves beat Portland yesterday 3-0.

Starter Charlie Morton didn’t give the Pirates a good look, but Jeff Karstens came in with a strong relief effort in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Braves in Atlanta

Carl Pavano did not have it tonight, yielding nine runs on 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings against the Royals. The offense fared no better, getting shut out, 9-0, on just four hits.

Events