The Erie County United Way kicked off its 2009 fundraising campaign today. The agency hopes to match last year’s contributions of 5.7 Million dollars, but the sagging economy may constitute a problem. The fund drive runs through November. 33 agencies and 100,000 people were served last year.
On Tuesday, employees with the Mental Health Association of North West Pennsylvania, and the YMCA, gathered in front of State Senator Jane Earle’s office to protest the lack of funding due to the budget impasse in Harrisburg. Many necessary programs are in real danger of closing their doors for good. The rally was organized by Diana Ames.
We hate to allude to the changing season so early, but Millcreek Township has secured its winter supply of salt, so there should be no shortages for the township this year. They were able to get a better price by adding their order to that of PennDot.
Two area individuals have been appointed to educational positions in the Erie area. Edinboro University Graduate Harold Shield, currently Chair of the Edinboro University Council of Trustees, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.
Gannon Professor Berwyne Moore has been selected as this year’s Erie County Poet Laureate.
Budget problems at the state level could slash as much as $500,000 from the funding for Presque Isle State Park. TheTom Ridge Enviromental Center could be forced to close for 10 weeks during the winter.
Luxury suites slated for the renovated Tullio Arena don’t seem to be a very hot item. A survey conducted by the Erie Times-News indicated that there is a very low demand, due to the poor economy.
On the happier side of the news, Gannon students and staff amassed more than 77,000 hours of service and volunteer efforts during the 2008-2009 school year. Wonder when they did their homework? Nice !!!!
Thank you to Ridge and McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law, for being sponsoring the website this past week. Please contact them with your legal needs at (814) 454-1010.
Gannon University’s bachelor’s degree program in software engineering recently was accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET accreditation demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing its students with a high-quality education. With the accreditation, retroactive to May 2009, Gannon becomes only the third college or university in Pennsylvania to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree program in software engineering. In addition, Gannon University is one of 19 such accredited programs nationwide.
Sports
Edinboro University’s football team is hoping to rebound from last week’s upset to Shippensburg, when they play C.W.Post at Sox Harrison Stadium.
The Fighting Scots women’s soccer team fought to a 1-1 tie with Slippery Rock in double overtime on Tuesday evening. Slippery Rock is ranked at #25.
Allegheny Men’s soccer is ranked 5th in the Great Lakes Region.
Monica Schaffer, Women’s Soccer, and D.J. Egan, Men’s soccer have been honored as Athletes of the Week at Allegheny. 
Gannon University women’s volleyball team snapped a brief losing streak with a 3-0 sweep of future GLIAC member Lake Erie. Courtney Cook had a season-high 13 kills for Gannon.
Brittany Zaborowski and Greg Naranjo were named Athletes of the Week at Gannon.
Villa Maria girls soccer opened the season with a 6-0 shutout over Fairview.
Events
Good ole down home country fun will continue until Saturday evening at the Waterford Fair, just south of Waterford on Rt. 19. Rides, food, animals, and all kinds of fun await you. The gates open at 5:00.
Inside sources tell me that the latest Erie Playhouse production, “Chicago” which opens tonight, will blow the roof off the building. Great acting, singing, dancing, and honest-to-goodness LIVE musicians guarantee an evening to remember. I understand the first two weekends are sold out, so you better hurry and order your tickets.
The 9-12 Project and Brewerie will host a rally and forum on Saturday, September 12, at noon, at Union Station. Highlights will be a panel forum to discuss the current health care in the US, and then the panel will be open to questions, suggestions, and discussion. Former U.S. Congressman Phil English will be on the panel.
