Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is a fond memory, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. The Erie Playhouse presentation of “White Christmas” opens tonight, and what better way of getting into the mood than enjoying this classic show. The play marks the return of David Matthews to the director’s chair. We have been coerced by a sweet young lady into operating one of the spotlights for the show. Hopefully, we will perform as perfectly as the talented folks on the stage and in the orchestra pit. You will be in awe of the talent we have here in our own home town. This awesome lady is the beautiful and talented Karen Brennen.
Did you check out the new feature on ErieBlogs? A new page dedicated to promoting local artists, galleries, and encouraging shoppers to consider unique gifts not to be found at the big box stores. Click on ‘Local Gift Ideas‘ at the top of the page to view the list we have so far. Entrepreneurs are invited to add their own names by filling out the contact form.
Dreaming of a White Christmas may be more than a dream. Local weather wizards are predicting some of the cold, white, slippery stuff for the next few days. Temperatures will also head down. Not ready. Really.
Millcreek Township received an early gift in the form of nearly half a million dollars in stimulous funding. It will be used to improve energy savings for the township operations.
The unemployment rate in Erie has now reached 10%. To combat those losses and keep jobs in Erie while attracting new businesses here and keeping taxes low, Erie City Council has voted unanimously to approve a cell phone driving ban. Nevermind the state may pass a law making this local ordinate moot. Let’s all do this: raise your hand, open it and press your face into your palm.
Controversial Pastor Jeremiah Wright will be speaking in Erie in mid-December. His views proved too radical even for Barack Obama, who cut ties with his former pastor.
Gannon University has obtained a zoning change that will allow them to construct at least one new dormitory in the area of 5th and Sassafrass. Several neighborhood residents argued against the change, concerned that housing more students in that area will make the existing parking situation even worse. Council was not concerned.
Sports
The Gannon women’s basketball team moved up two spots and is ranked ninth in the latest USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll released Wednesday afternoon.
The Penn State Behrend men’s basketball team rebounded from their first loss of the season with a victory over the Allegheny Gators on Wednesday, December 2 at the Junker Center. The score for the contest was 77 to 70.
Events
Don’t forget the Erie Playhouse presentation of the classic ‘White Christmas’ opens tonight, and continues until New Years weekend. Show times are Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Call the Playhouse box office for more information and tickets.
You can wear your snowshoes and take part in the Gallery Walk on Friday evening. If the weather outside is frightful, the shuttle service will be delightful.
