ErieBlogs.com: Erie PA News and Events for Friday August 24, 2007

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Erie PA News and Events for Friday August 24, 2007

Posted by Dennis on August 24, 2007

Philadelphia Governor Rendell joined hundreds of area officials and residents to formally dedicate the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. “I’m pleased the commonwealth was able to help make this project a reality,” Governor Rendell. “As one of the largest development projects in Erie’s history, this complex serves as a terrific example of what can be accomplished when local and state officials work together. The nearly $50 million in revenue that will be generated annually by the convention center is fantastic news not only for Erie, but for the entire state. “This project is representative of the progress we’re seeing in communities all across Pennsylvania. Our investments are helping to invigorate our economy and put people to work. Here in Erie, the county’s unemployment rate has experienced a significant drop from 6.7 percent in January 2003 to 4.4 percent in June and 5,000 more people have jobs.” A critical component of Erie’s ongoing redevelopment, the $44 million convention center is part of the estimated $100 million waterfront redevelopment project that also includes the nearby Sheraton hotel, parking facilities and landscaping. The 11 story hotel and 330 space parking lot are scheduled to be completed by April 2008. The convention center and hotel are expected to create 405 total jobs.

Philadelphia Governor Edward Rendell said Pennsylvania will be better positioned to attract new economic development projects in rapidly growing industries because of a stronger commitment to clean and renewable energy under House Bill 1203. The Governor ceremoniously signed the bill while visiting an Erie County middle school that is adding a 30 kilowatt photovoltaic system as part of its renovation. The solar panels were funded with a $250,000 grant through the state’s Energy Harvest program. “When we invest in Pennsylvania, we get results,” said Governor Rendell during a news conference at the JS Wilson Middle School in Erie.

Cheaper Cleaner Water made a big slash yesterday. Excellent. From the site -
There are two water rates and grades of water for Millcreek residences and businesses, depending on where they are located in Millcreek. The Millcreek Water Authority buys water from Erie Water Works, blends it with well water in certain areas, then sells it at rates that are up to 70 percent higher than the rates paid by Millcreek residences and businesses who are direct Erie Water Works customers. There are approximately 16,000 Millcreek residences and businesses that consume water - 6,000 pay the higher Millcreek Township Water Authority rate ($4.83 per 1000 gallons), and 10,000 pay the lower rate ($2.77 per 1000 gallons).
I wish the site would include the comparable rates for Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix is in the desert and the water is cheaper there 8 months of the year than in Erie and we’re on a f’n lake. Phoenix residents pay $2.634 per 1000 gallons Apr, May, Oct, Nov, $2.206 in Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, and $3.34 in Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

The Erie County Health Department received a $227,797.49 in a sewage facilities enforcement grant that will help them enforce on-lot sewage system requirements. The grant reimburses them for costs associated with permitting these systems and thereby ensuring safe drinking water.

Would you, or someone you know, like to join a band? The Gem City Concert Band of Erie, PA, is seeking new members for the Fall 2007 season. The concert band, currently consisting of 45 members, is very versatile, playing music such as old overtures, show tunes, traditional concert band pieces, movie scores, and marches. The band presents a spring and fall concert at St. John’s Lutheran Church, as well as numerous other retirement homes and community performances throughout the year. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:30 pm in the lower-level meeting room of St John’s Lutheran Church at 23rd and Peach Streets. Fall 2007 rehearsals begin September 11th. Interested musicians should contact the director, Betty McKinney, at 814-602-9247 for more information or visit on-line at www.GemCityBands.org. All instruments are welcomed. Membership is free!

Missouri Gov Matt Blunt named Paul Anthony Martin the state’s eminent domain ombudsman. Blunt has a bachelor’s degree from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania and a juris doctorate from Washington University. He recently completed a master’s of business administration from the University of Memphis.

Ryan Stephan of Valencia, PA who is attending Penn State Erie, The Behrend College in Erie, Pennsylvania received a $5000 scholarship awarded by the II-VI Incorporated Foundation. The II-VI Incorporated Foundation commenced operation on May 1, 2007 and has been initially funded through gifts from Dr Carl and Margot Johnson for the purpose of encouraging and enabling students to pursue careers in engineering and science. To contact the Foundation write to: Richard Purnell, Executive Director, Post Office Box 271, Saxonburg, PA 16056 or email: rick.purnell@gmail.com.

The Erie SeaWolves held off a late charge by the Bowie Baysox en route to a 4-2 win on Thursday night at Prince George’s Stadium. The win keeps the ‘Wolves atop the Southern Division at 2.5 games ahead of second place Akron and it puts the Baysox at six games back. Closer Alan Mills picked up the save, his 22nd and he is a perfect 22 for 22 in save opportunities. Why isn’t Mills back in the majors? The SeaWolves and Baysox meet in the second game of a four game set at Prince George’s Stadium on Friday night…7:05 First Pitch. RHP Dallas Trahern (11-6, 3.79 ERA) takes the mound for the ‘Wolves.

College Fall sports are here. In college soccer today, 25th ranked Mercyhurst faces Southern Indiana at 4 pm in Erie and Gannon is home against Kentucky Wesleyan with a 7 pm start.

The Erie Downtown Improvement District “Buggin State Street” classic car show takes place along State Street today from 6-10 pm. State between 4th and 12th will be closed 2-10 pm for the event.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 2220 Reed Street in Erie will host the Zabawa Polish Summer Festival August 24-26. Polish foods, polka music, and traditional dancing. Hours are: Friday, 5 to 10 pm; Saturday, 2 to 10 pm; Sunday, noon to 6 pm. For more information, call 814-456-0671.

The Fuller Hose Company of North East will sponsor the annual North East National Rib Festival at Gravel Pit Park August 24-26. Automobile shows, crafters, petting zoo, live entertainment, and plenty of food. For more details, call (814) 725-9211.

The Director’s Circle Theater is presenting “Drama Queens” beginning this Thursday, Aug 9. The show will run Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights for 3 weeks ending August 25. Tickets can be reserved by calling: 451-1153.

“Miss Saigon” is being performed at the Erie Playhouse this evening and Aug 25-26.

Come enjoy beautiful Presque Isle State Park and join your friends in bringing the summer to an end with this one of a kind kayak and canoe fundraising event called Paddle Erie to benefit the March of Dimes. On August 25, 2007 participants will launch their canoes/kayaks from Lagoon Boat Launch and paddle either an advanced course or a beginner course. The 10 mile advanced course begins at 8 am and is approximately four hours. The 4 mile beginner course is approximately two hours and starts at 10 am. Paddlers must pre-register and raise a minimum of $50. Special incentives are available based on the amount a participant raises. The top three fundraisers will receive additional prizes. Children 12 and under are free to participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. ALL paddlers MUST wear a personal flotation device. For more information or to receive your sponsor form, please contact Emily by phone at 1-800-433-5210 or e-mail efritz@marchofdimes.com.

The ‘Weird PI: Guided Bike Excursion’ takes place on Sunday August 26 from 10:30 am to 1 pm. Did you know there are old gravestones on the peninsula? A caviar factory once operated here? A plant on the park can cause temporary blindness if mishandled? Discover these and more weird stories of Presque Isle State Park during this family-friendly bike around the park. Bring your own bike or rent from the Yellow Bike Concession. Rental fee only, no registration fee, it’s FREE. Meet at the Yellow Bike Concession.

Winds on the Lake, a professional wind and percussion ensemble, will present a FREE outdoor concert titled “Salute to America” at 3 pm on Sunday, Aug 26. Fittingly, the performance will take place in the gazebo of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, which is located on Erie’s bayfront at 560 E Third St. In the event of rain, the concert will be held inside the facility. Winds on the Lake performs under the direction of Gary Viebranz, director of instrumental ensembles at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and Matthew Inkster, director of bands at West Virginia’s West Liberty State College. In addition to patriotic favorites, “Salute to America” will include a performance of Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and a special tribute to the armed forces.

The 2007 Erie County Fair will be held August 26 to September 2.

The 11th annual Erie German Heritage Festival will be held at the Shriner Club, 38th and Zuck, September 1-2.

Family First Sports Park is hosting the Challenge Cup soccer tournament September 1-2. The National Premier High School Challenge Cup will feature some of the top high school boys and girls teams in the nation. Every hotel room within 50 miles of Erie is booked that weekend.

The 7th annual triathlon on Presque Isle State Park will take place Saturday, September 8, 2007, the first Saturday after Labor Day. All segments of the triathlon…the swim, the bike and the run…will start, transition and finish at Beach 6. PI TRI 07 is open to individuals and 2-3 person relay teams.

The 9th annual Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park Festival of family fun and environmental learning will be held September 8, 10 am - 3 pm. From the children’s tree climb to horticulture presentations, there will be something for all to enjoy. The day includes children’s games and crafts; hands-on demonstrations; musical performances; an animal petting zoo; food and more. FREE admission.

The 2007 Erie Heritage Festival - “The Last Blast of Summer” - returns again as the Lake Erie Region’s popular community enrichment event. Erie’s Heritage Festival is a day-long performance venue of Americana and World music performed by musicians from the Erie and Southern Ontario regions. The event concludes with a summer Pops performance by the Erie Philharmonic. The finale of the Pops concert is a dramatic presentation of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever - complete with cannon fire, church bells, and fireworks. The event takes place September 8 at Liberty Park on the Erie Bayfront.

Where economic freedom rings, political freedom is sure to follow, says an economist who will speak next month at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The Sam and Irene Black School of Business will host Robert Lawson PhD, co-author of the annual Economic Freedom of the World report, for a lecture and question and answer session on Monday, Sept 10. Lawson’s presentation will take place at 5 pm in the lecture hall of the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). It is free and open to the public.

The PA Department of General Services (DGS) is hosting a “Doing Business with the Commonwealth” workshop in Erie PA on September 12. Please contact Gayle Nuppnau at 412-442-5872 or gnuppnau@state.pa.us for details.

Indigenous Aztec dance and music is on the menu for the first performance in the 2007-08 Rhythms of Life cultural series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac ensemble will perform between noon and 1:45 pm on Wednesday, Sept 12, in Bruno’s Café, located on the second floor of the college’s Reed Union Building. The performance is free and open to the public, and a full menu of hot and cold lunch items will be available for purchase.

The Northwest Regional Planning and Development Commission is sponsoring meetings with18 overseas trade representatives September 12-13 in Erie. One-on-one appointments on September 13 will run from 8 am - 11:30 am and 12:30 pm - 3 pm. The following overseas trade representatives will be available: Australia / New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China-Beijing, China-Shanghai, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore/ASEAN, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Click here for the registration form.

The Scions of Britain (the SOB’s), The British Motoring Group of Northwestern Pennsylvania, proudly presents the 15th annual All British Car Gathering, Sunday September 16, 2007 at the Waterford Square, Waterford, PA. 12 Noon to 4 PM. For more information contact Tom Lee - (814) 725-5992 or rthomaslee@aol.com.

The famed Cavani String Quartet returns to Erie in September to open the 18th season of Music at Noon: The Logan Series. Cavani String Quartet will present its free Logan Series public performance at noon on Wednesday, Sept 19, in the McGarvey Commons of the college’s Reed Union Building.

The Erie Art Museum’s Contemporary Music Series will present violinist Diane Monroe in concert on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 at 8 pm at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 423 State Street. Admission is free; a $10 donation is suggested.

Mercyhurst Men’s Basketball Alumni are organizing an Alumni Basketball game for charity. The event is scheduled for September 29, 2007 at 7pm at the MAC. Come See some of your favorite Mercyhurst players from the past and some of the Mercyhurst stars of the future compete in 3-point contests and a dunk contest. All proceeds from the gate will benefit the Alheimer’s Association of Erie. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Players include Brent Swain, Keith Nies, Matt Thielker, Gerry Battle, and Dion Brown, Jason Ioppolo, and Jody Crymes.

The 2007 Wine Country Harvest Festival will be held in North East, PA September 28, 29 and 30.

Dennis Weed