ErieBlogs.com: Erie PA News and Events for Wednesday February 21, 2007

« Erie PA News and Events for Tuesday February 20, 2007 | Main | Erie PA News and Events for Thursday February 22, 2007 »

Erie PA News and Events for Wednesday February 21, 2007

Posted by Dennis on February 21, 2007

James Skindell has resigned as head of security as Presque Isle Downs. Cripe, he didn't even make it to opening day. No reason was given and I haven't even heard a rumor as to why he quit. Presque Isle Downs slots casino will open on February 28. Skindell retired as deputy chief of the City of Erie Bureau of Police last year.

A Walgreens pharmacy will be built at the site of the former Burger King at Buffalo and Nagle Roads in Harborcreek. Another Walgreens might be built at the corner of Peach and 38th Streets if legal issues on the property can be ironed out.

There is a nice review of Railbender Ale in today's Cleveland Plain Dealer. It's an old-style ale from the Erie Brewing Company.

Why hoist one: Sometimes billed as a Scotch ale, this is an unusual-tasting brew we've grown to like for its originality. There's a caramel sweetness in this reddish ale that's offset by a touch of hops. Strong but not overwhelming alcohol presence. Because it's drinkable, the 6.8 percent alcohol content can sneak up on you.

317 Software of Erie, Pennsylvania has released version 1.2 of its innovative FTP transfer system, iDropper. "This is a significant release, integrating secure FTP for the first time in our product," said Dave Scribner, company co-founder. "We have also re-written the core FTP engine to be compatible with the latest versions of OSX." 317 Software calls iDropper "The Electronic Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope". With the iDropper application an Administrator creates a "droplet" (a mini-application; the SASE), that contains within it all the FTP hostname, username and password information. The droplet also contains the destination settings for where the files should be placed on the server, and the settings for how the Administrator should be notified when files arrive. The droplet is then given to the customer who installs it on his desktop as an icon. When the customer has files to send, he simply drags and drops the files and folders onto the desktop icon and the files are delivered with no further action necessary. Customers require no knowledge of FTP protocols, do not need to install and configure an FTP client, and NEVER need to know FTP login and password information.

Nine Mercyhurst College undergrads are headed to Anthony, New Mexico, where they will put their vacation time, Feb 22-27, toward learning about the complexities of border life along the United States/Mexican border. Mercyhurst College has offered the Border Awareness Experience (BAE) to its students for the past four years, only this year the alternative spring break is being assimilated into an honors class on Contemporary Social Problems taught by Dr Peter Benekos, dean of the School of Social Sciences. As part of their itinerary, students will stay with host families, meet with Border Patrol, go to an immigrant detention center, visit a US company doing business in Mexico (maquiladora), learn about programs available to help immigrants assimilate into the United States, and meet with professors from local universities who teach border issues.

A recent study performed by The Ophelia Project research team illustrates the short term effectiveness of The Ophelia Project's CASS: Creating a Safe School program in reducing relationally aggressive behavior among middle school students. The study shows that, after a year of involvement in CASS: Creating a Safe School, relationally aggressive behavior that is used by aggressive students was reduced by 23 percent in girls and 10 percent in boys. The Ophelia Project is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Erie, Pa. Recognized as a leader in assessing social conditions and advocating healthy, safe relationships, the organization partners with educational, civic and community leaders to educate and empower kids and adults across North America.

Lake Erie Living magazine announced the launch of Loving Lake Erie, a celebration of personal moments on Lake Erie. Anyone with a story, big or small, on why they love Lake Erie is being asked to submit their thoughts to the editorial staff at Lake Erie Living magazine. The premiere issue, which will hit newsstands in April, will feature stories and comments surrounding the love of the lake.

Poet Nin Andrews' reading at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. Andrews' reading, part of the college's Creative Writer's Speaker Series, was originally planned for Thursday, March 15.

The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League announced that they have added Dan Pinkney to their roster for the remainder of the 2006-2007 season. Pinkney, an 18 year-old defenseman from Manilla, Ontario, was limited to only 13 games with Huntsville of the Ontario Provincial League during the 2006-2007 season. In eight regular season game the 6-1, 205-pound defender collected five goals and three assists and added another goal and assist in five post-season contests.

The United Way of Erie County Week of Thanks offers a variety of FREE and DISCOUNTED events to everyone. Today at the Plaza Cinema, you get a free small pizza with purchase of a movie ticket. The Big Green Screen at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center offers $2 off any regularly priced movie ticket through Friday, February 23. Coventina Day Spa, 10747 Route 19, offers 15 percent off any service booked through Friday.

The Erie Engineering Societies Council EXPO Erie continues through Thursday at the Erie Civic Center Tullio Arena. Admission is free.

The 9th Annual MECA United Cerebral Palsy Barstool Open is set to take place on Saturday, February 24, 2007. Last years event had 1200 participants and raised $30000. Yes, 1200 people out drinking in downtown Erie on a cold February afternoon. Teams of 4 will compete in golf at 9 bars in downtown Erie PA. The putting exhibition contest takes place on holes with wacky designs. This year there are 14 bars participating. Click here for a registration form. Mail the registration form and enclose your check for $100, $25 per person, made payable to: MECA United Cerebral Palsy, 3745 West 12th St, Erie, PA 16505.

The 5th annual Harry T Burleigh Heritage and Legacy Weekend will be held February 22-24. Performances celebrating the legacy of Harry T. Burleigh will be held in the Edinboro university Louis C Cole Auditorium and at Shiloh Baptist Church in Erie.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist's Washington-based economics editor, will speak at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Thursday, February 22. Minton Beddoes' address, "Fragile Prosperity: The Outlook for the US and World Economy," is part of the college's annual Speaker Series. It will be held at 7:30 pm in the Reed Union Building's McGarvey Commons and is free and open to the public.

Roger Knacke, professor of physics and astronomy and director of the School of Science at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will discuss "Astronomy of the Maya" at the college's next Open House Night in Astronomy. Knacke will speak at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 22, in 101 Otto Behrend Science Building. Admission to the open house is free and his non-technical lecture is suitable for ages 8 and older.

On February 24-25, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center will be the location of the 2007 Erie Winter Carnival, a fun-filled event weekend for all ages. Highlights include professional ice carvings, carved by some of the greatest ice carvers in the world! Watch the Speed Carving Competitions or check out delicate ice-art carvings created with chain saws and fine carving tools. Amazing pieces of art right created before your eyes! Take in one of the great featured films that weekend including Everest, Lewis and Clark, or the special weekend featured film, March of the Penguins. All on the BIG Green Screen. Children can also enjoy special activities including face painting, winter craft, storytelling and a magic show. Walk through the local artist Art Show and stop into the Nature Shop and Gallery for unique shopping options and great winter gifts. Check out all the great exhibits highlighting Presque Isle State Park. And remember to grab a bite to eat with specialty carnival-type foods and other great items from the Sunset Cafe.

On Feb 25, the Brewerie at Union Station in Erie hosts the Erie Illusion women's football team Beer Fest.

The 25th annual Erie Sport and Travel Expo will be held at Family First Sports Park in Erie, Pa March 2-4. The show features fishing and hunting lodges, guides, outfitters, fishing charters and sporting goods vendors and boat and recreational vehicle dealers. General Admission $6 with children under 10 free.

Music lovers are invited to follow Road to the Isles, and take in the sights and sounds of traditional Celtic folk music and dance along the way. Road to the Isles is a Pittsburgh-based quintet of pipe, guitar, fiddle, and two dancers that will perform at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Wednesday, March 7 at 12 pm. Their presentation of Scottish and Irish music and dance is part of college's Rhythms of Life cultural series and begins at noon in the Reed Union Building's Bruno's Cafe. It is free and open to the public.

The concert band and jazz ensemble at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will play favorites "From Stage and Screen" at their annual joint spring concert. The performance will be held at 8 pm on Thursday, March 8, in the McGarvey Commons of the Reed Union Building. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Northwest PA Maple Association 2007 Northwest PA Maple Taste and Tour Weekend will be held March 17-18, 10 am to 4 pm daily. Ten sugar houses in Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Warren and Venango counties open their doors during the height of maple sugaring time.

The Erie Micro Brew Festival presented by WQLN will be held April 21 at Union Station at 14th and French Streets. There will be 2 sampling sessions 1-4 pm and 5-8 pm. All proceeds support public broadcasting and all PLCB laws apply. Attendees must be 21. Tickets will be available soon at many Erie area locations. Scheduled to attend are: The BrewErie at Union Station, The Erie Brewing Company, Southern Tier Brewing, Pennsylvania Brewery, Voodoo Brewery, The Flying Bison, Ellicottville Brewing Company, North Country Brewing Company, Hereford and Hops, Sprague Farm and Brew Works, The Buffalo Brew Pub, Magic Hat Brewing and the East End Brewing Company.

Dennis Weed