Yesterday, believe it or not, was the first time the family and I have made it to Waldameer this summer. Shocking, I know. A few quick thoughts about the day, which blessed us with perfect weather.
The Ravine Flyer II is as awesome as last year. I think the trick is to try to get on as soon after the park opens to experience the shortest lines possible. I was on the ride about 5 minutes after getting in line. And the ride? Awesome.
Second, I’m not sure if its due to the new state laws, but kudos for you for being smoke-free throughout the park. With a child who is tall enough to only ride kiddie-rides, I feared he’d catch a stray cig in one of his eyes, but no more. With smoking now limited to just one area of the park near the L. Ruth train, the park is now filled with the smell of fried food, picnics, and charcoal grills. It very much adds to the atmosphere.
Finally, we love going to Waldameer and seeing all the new stuff like the Mega Vortex, which you could never pay me enough to ever ride. Well, I’d ride it if they were ready to hose off the ride. As we were walking around, we’d also tell the kids what used to be in certain places, like the bumper boats (now the Ravine Flyer III for kids), the ball pit, the moon walk, the Mill Run and the Bump. What else am I missing?
We hope you had a chance to check out the Greek festival. Gerry Weiss has a recap in the Erie Times-News.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino have announced that they are laying off 25 employees after their property tax bill tripled. The casino will appeal the appraisal. The cuts were mostly administrative supervisors and staff. Last week, people wagered $48.4 million at the casino and $44.1 million was returned. Of the remainder, $1.7 million went to the casino.
Speaking of gambling, if you missed Kevin Flowers’ story in yesterday’s Erie Times-News on gambling grants and revenues, check it out here. Great reporting.
Several girls on Friday night were fighting on E.23rd and Ash when things got stabby. Several people were slashed with knives and were taken to the hospital. When we were kids, when girls fought they just slapped and pulled each other’s hair. It was silly, but safer.
Sports
The SeaWolves, paced by Jonah Nickerson’s stellar starting performance, won their third straight game over the Akron Aeros on Sunday afternoon at Jerry Uht Park by a score of 3-2.
The Penn State Behrend Lions baseball program continues to gain attention after back-to-back championship seasons. The NCAA recognizes the most successful Division III baseball programs over the last decade based on winning percentage and total wins. In the most recent posting, the Behrend Lions have won 65.7% of their games and rank thirty-third. The blue and white have also racked up 275 wins, which is thirtieth on the charts. St. Scholastica (MN) leads the winning percentage at 81.9% and Wooster (OH) has registered the most wins with 372. Currently the NCAA Division III level has more than 320 baseball programs.
The U.S. Under 23 team remained perfect in Pool B play in the IWBF World Championships in Paris on Friday thanks to a 91-35 win over Brazil. The United States is now 4-0 under the direction of Edinboro wheelchair basketball coach Jim Glatch. The team also features a pair of Fighting Scots, Trey Jenifer and Tommie Gray. Jenifer contributed four points while playing 19:29. He made 2 of 3 field goals, adding seven rebounds, which ranked second on the team. Jenifer added three steals, a block and an assist. Gray played just over nine minutes, making 1 of 2 field goals and 1 of 2 free throws to finish with three points. He had two rebounds and a steal.
Events
Representatives from Gannon University, the Gannon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Erie Technology Incubator will be the guest speakers at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s July Eggs ’n’ Issues briefing, starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 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.
The Erie Art Museum will exhibit the works of Roger T. Hane (1939 – 1974), a highly regarded illustrator, in the Erie Art Museum Frame Shop Gallery, 423 State Street, beginning July 17 through October 3, 2009. A public opening reception will be held during Gallery Night, Friday, August 21, 2009 from 7-10 p.m. Author of Roger Hane – Art, Times and Tragedy and friend of Hane, Robert C. Hunsicker, will be available to sign books illustrating the art and life of Hane.
