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Erie PA News and Events for Thursday September 27, 2007

Erie Shipbuilding held a christening ceremony yesterday for the first ships built in Erie in 34 years. The ships are the 245 ft dump scow WITTE 4003 and the 166 ft deck barge SUE B. Jeff at Erie Shipping News was there and has an excellent post on the event.

The Erie County Office of Children and Youth employees rejected by a 2-1 vote the contract offer that was on the table. The mission of the office is to help children. I haven’t heard them mention the children. The employees just say they are overworked and underpaid. I understand that the employees are frustrated but so is the rest of Erie County. The county and the union MUST fix the situation. This crap has been going on for years. It makes Iraq look like a smooth running operation.

A Gannon alumnus and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, Mr Robert H Morosky, has agreed to donate a major gift to Gannon to name the University’s latest building acquisition located at 150 West Tenth Street, formerly known as the Verizon building. The Robert H Morosky Academic Center will house a new College at Gannon that will be named in honor of Mr Morosky and will primarily include the health professions programs. Born and raised in Erie’s lower eastside, Mr Morosky worked full-time for the City of Erie while enrolled as a student at Gannon. Mr Morosky graduated from Gannon in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. This new donation is Mr Morosky’s second major gift to Gannon in the last two years. In July of 2005, Mr Morosky and his wife, Dianne, who also grew up in Erie and was one of the first women to take classes at Gannon in the sixties, donated $1 million dollars to the University to create the Robert H and Dianne Morosky Endowed Scholarship Fund. After graduating from Gannon, Mr Morosky earned his MBA with honors in 1964 from the University of Cincinnati and then began work as a CPA and consultant specializing in the retail industry for the Arthur Andersen Company. In 1972, Mr Morosky left Arthur Andersen to accept the position of Vice-Chairman of The Limited Clothing store in Columbus, Ohio. From 1972-1987, Mr Morosky built The Limited from 8 to 4,000 stores with more than $4 billion in sales. Mr Morosky retired from The Limited in 1987, and shortly thereafter, became the Chairman of Allied/Federated Department Stores in New York City, the world’s largest department store chain. Mr Morosky successfully merged Bloomingdales, Jordan Marsh, Bon Marche, Lazarus, Burdines and other stores under Allied/Federated leadership. Mr Morosky then left Allied/Federated and returned to Columbus to form his own private investment company.

Erie native Mike McCoy spoke yesterday at Priceville High School in Priceville, AL as part of the schools homecoming week activities. McCoy wore his Number 76 Green Bay Packers jersey. Mike has been an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has spoken to students across the country about the importance of making the right choices. Mike McCoy was an All-State lineman at Erie Cathedral Prep, All-American defensive tackle at Notre Dame, Associated Press College Player of the Year in 1969 and finished sixth in Heisman voting. He was the second pick in the 1970 draft behind Terry Bradshaw. He played 11 years in the NFL from 1970 to 1980 for the Green Bay Packers where he was All-Pro, Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and Detroit Lions.

Saint Vincent Health Center has introduced a free e-mail newsletter that provides expectant and new parents with a customized informational resource to guide them through pregnancy and the first two years of their baby’s life. The Saint Vincent weekly newsletter, The Parent Review, includes support, tips, advice, week-by-week developmental milestones, and the latest research and news, all approved by a panel of physicians. New and expectant parents, as well as their friends and family members, can sign up for the service online at www.saintvincenthealth.com/babies or by calling 814/866-4802.

According to The Patient Poll, conducted by the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Institute for Good Medicine, 45 percent of Pennsylvania adults participating in the summer 2007 poll indicated that they have talked to their doctor about a specific drug and/or procedure that they saw advertised on television or in a magazine. “Most physicians are divided about whether or not pharmaceutical advertisements directed towards patients are good,” said Dr Peter Lund, founder of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Institute for Good Medicine. “Some say it’s good to have patients informed, while others say it’s bad because of induced demand and incorrect self-diagnosing. Our advice to Pennsylvania physicians is to be alert to what’s being advertised and be prepared to answer questions since there’s a good chance they’ll be asked.” Dr Lund is a urologist in Erie, PA and incoming president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Penn State Behrend will host its annual Scholarship Luncheon this Saturday as part of this year’s Welcome Weekend, which combines the college’s Parents and Families Weekend and Alumni Reunion. Themed “The Power of Philanthropy to Change Lives,” the luncheon is an opportunity for students to meet the benefactors of their private scholarships and offer a personal “thank you.” Penn State Behrend alumnus Robert Mehalso ‘64 is the luncheon’s guest speaker. In 2006-07, Penn State Behrend hit the $1 million mark for total scholarship money awarded in a single academic year. More than 600 students received funding from approximately 120 scholarships. The $1 million total comprises a range of Penn State Behrend-specific scholarships, such as Trustee Matching Scholarships, endowments and annual gifts; the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program; study abroad monies; and a host of academic-, merit-, leadership-, and need-based scholarships.

Allison Bressler recently began work as the new assistant director of student involvement for Greek Life at Ohio Wesleyan. Bressler has a bachelors and a masters form Edinboro University and interned at Gannon University.

Nick Palmieri is back with the Erie Otters after spending the better part of September with the New Jersey Devils. The Otters return to action Friday night in Guelph against the Storm. The Otters 2007-08 Home Opener takes place this Saturday (September 29) at the Tullio Arena when the Sudbury Wolves visit for a 7:30 p.m. start presented by Taco Bell and JET-TV. Don’t miss the pre-game party being held from 5-7 pm on 8th Street featuring fun for the kids, food, beverages and a free concert by the M-80’s. Tickets for the game are available at all Erie-area Ticketmaster locations, the Erie Civic Center Box Office, on-line on their web site or by calling (814) 452-4857.

The Penn State Behrend women’s volleyball team (11-5) was looking to remain undefeated in AMCC play as they took on the Hilbert College Hawks. The blue and white came out hard from the start. Behrend started out winning game one 30-15. In game two, the Hawks seemed to gain momentum in the beginning, but the women fought right back, winning game two 30-17. The women continued to dominate into game three and came out victorious 30-9. Behrend’s Danielle Woods (Pittsburgh/Baldwin) had an impressive game with seven kills, seven digs and five aces. Other top players for Behrend included Jenna Benzenhoefer with eight kills and three blocks and Shelia Ogden (Grove City/Grove City) with ten kills. The 3-0 sweep against Hilbert moves Behrend to 2-0 in the AMCC Conference.

The Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team was picked third in the Atlantic Hockey Association’s annual preseason poll, announced on Wednesday at the league’s Media Day in Rochester, NY.

Penn State Behrend’s Jenny Bailey (Corry/Corry) was named the AMCC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week.

Joe Thomas, a former professional pitcher with seven years of minor league experience, has been named the pitching coach at Temple University. Thomas was an assistant at Mercyhurst for two years (2005-6) where he earned a Masters of Education.

The Great Lakes Independent Film Festival starts today, Thursday September 27 and runs through Sunday September 30 at The Roadhouse Theatre, 145 West 11th Street Erie PA 16501, next to McDonalds Sassafrass and 11th Street. Please visit the website for film information and schedules. Tickets and Day passes will be available throughout the festival, you may purchase them online or at the box office day of the show. Opening night they will end the evening with music from Sam Hyman, Sudden Impulse, and The Earthquakers. Friday Night we welcome you to join us for a night of horror. Bring your kids Saturday morning for the Animation Program, doors open at 9:30 am. Come out Saturday evening for their Midnight Madness Fist of the Vampire and Dizzy Reed. End the night jammin’ with Guns n’ Roses’ Dizzy Reed and Hammerd as they play the great GNR songs you love. Dizzy will be available to sign autographs and take pictures with you all night. Sunday kick back for some amazing experimental films, doors open at 9:30 am, followed by spiritual/religious films. Everyday they will feature Narrative Shorts, Narrative Features, and Documentaries.

Thoroughly Modern Millie will be performed at the Erie Playhouse through October 7. Curtain times are Wed - Sat at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.

Last year, Mercyhurst College became home to a life-size specimen of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull, thanks to the donation of a museum-quality natural history collection of casts and fossils. This year, Mercyhurst will go one better when it unveils a set of shark jaws so enormous that people can lock arms and walk through together. Mercyhurst College’s second annual natural history exhibit runs Sept 27 to Oct 17 at Cummings Gallery in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. An opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held Thursday, Sept 27, from 5 to 7 pm. Because of the anticipated public appeal, normal gallery hours are being extended for the exhibit’s duration. They are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 2 to 7 pm, except Thursdays, 2 to 9 pm; also Sundays from 2 to 5 pm. Special tours for school students are available by contacting the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute at 824-2545.

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.

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

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.

In conjunction with Alumni Reunion 2007, Penn State Behrend Finance graduates are invited back to campus for a Finance Alumni Reception hosted by Sam and Irene Black School of Business faculty. Greg Filbeck, the Finance program chair, and Finance faculty Brian Boscaljon, Jessica Zhou, and Kay Johnson have planned an informal reception for Finance alumni and their guests from 10:00 until 11:30 am on Saturday, September 29. The reception is part of the college’s Alumni Reunion and concurrent Parents & Families Weekend, and will be held in the cafe of the Research and Economic Development Center (REDC). Attendance reservations should be made by Saturday, September 15.

Alec Chien, professor of music and artist in residence at Allegheny College, will present a concert of Beethoven piano sonatas at 7 pm on Saturday, Sept 29 in the college’s Shafer Auditorium. The concert, the sixth in a seven-concert series in which Chien is performing all 32 of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, is FREE and open to the public.

The Erie City Mission Annual Banquet and Silent Auction will be held October 4 at the Ambassador Conference Center. Volunteers have been working all year to create one of a kind packages to be awarded to the highest bidder. These packages include beautifully unique furnishings, decorative touches, holiday decorations and sports packages too. Look for 100 opportunities to take home a treasure. That includes the chance to win beautiful jewelry and even a money tree. For more information on the banquet, and how you can get in on the fun, call Sue McChesney at (814) 452-4421 or e-mail her at susan.mcchesney@eriecitymission.org.

Barbara Hurd will be the next author to read from her works in the Creative Writer’s Speaker Series at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. She will appear on campus on Thursday, Oct 4. Hurd’s reading will begin at 6 pm in the worship space of the Larry and Kathryn Smith Chapel. A 4:30 pm reception in the chapel living room will precede the reading; both are free and open to the public.

Asbury Woods will hold a tree leaf identification event on Saturday, October 6 from 10 am - Noon. Adults and Children 8 years and up accompanied by an adult. Fee: Members $10, Nonmembers $12/Parent/Child pair pay only one fee (includes Tree ID book and Tree Key) This class is for anyone who wants to know how to identify trees, or those who are doing a leaf project for school. You will learn how to identify trees by using a tree key, by leaf shape, and even by the bark. Pre-Registration and Payment Required. Please call (814) 835-5356.

What do you want Erie to look like in 20 years? Offer your response at the next SAM and ED meeting October 11, 4 to 6 pm, at the Plymouth Tavern. Facilitator - Ms Renee Lamis of PA Futures. Cost Free admission; cash bar. RSVP Appreciated, but not mandatory, lisa@lisaaustinpa.com. SAM and ED facilitates innovation, partnerships and education in Science,
Art, Manufacturing, and Engineering and Design. Founded in 2005,
SAM and ED is a voluntary, unincorporated collaborative that serves
as a catalyst for interdisciplinary initiatives and economic development. Those with a stake in Greater Erie are invited to participate in SAM and ED.

Become a Ham Radio Operator. Amateur Radio Classes will be
starting soon. A new Technician Class will begin Thursday, Oct 11 with classes Mondays and Thursdays, Oct 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 and Nov 1, 5, 8, and 12 with Exams Monday, Nov 19. All classes will take place at the Greater Erie County Red Cross Chapter, 4961 Pittsburgh Ave, Erie, PA 16509. Technician and Extra Study Manuals are $24.95 each. Please contact Dan Miller (K3UFG) if you’d like to attend - dmiller@erieredcross.org, (814) 796-4603 (H), (814) 434-0798 (Nextel), (814) 464-3664 (C), (814) 823-8250 (Pager).

The 19th annual Erie Zoo Boo runs 6-9 pm, October 12-30. Admission is $4.50 for adults (ages 12 and up), $3.50 for children 2-11, and children under 2 will be admitted free.

The Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC) will be holding a concert fundraiser on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Mercyhurst D’Angelo Performing Arts Center featuring grammy-nominated jazz-funk group from Chicago, Liquid Soul. Tickets are $25.00 each and can be purchased by contacting LERC at 814-824-2407. LERC is also seeking 10 sponsors at a $1,000.00 level in an attempt to make this event a sell-out. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact Tom Fuhrman, President, at 814-824-2407 or email him at lerc@mercyhurst.edu.

The 6th Annual Walk To Make A Great Park Better will take place on Sunday, October 14 at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park. All those interested in participating in the 5K Walk will meet at the Rotary Pavilion across from Beach 7. Proceeds from the Walk To Make A Great Park Better support Presque Isle as well as provide scholarships to high school seniors who exemplify the community involvement demonstrated by David Hanlon - educator and inspirational community leader. All Walk participants who raise a minimum of $25 in pledges will receive an attractive Walk T-shirt. This beautiful fall Walk affords participants the opportunity to enjoy the diverse colors that Presque Isle affords visitors in October. All Walk participants are treated to a picnic at the Rotary Pavilion at the conclusion of the Walk. If you are interested in participating in the 2007 Walk To Make A Great Park Better , plan to arrive at Presque Isle by 12:15 to register. To qualify for consideration of the Presque Isle Scholarship, you must be in grades 10-12, participate in the Walk and raise a minimum of $25 in pledges. Also you must register for the scholarship the day of the Walk at the Scholarship Registration table.

Romanian Gypsy melodies, punk frenzy, salty tangos, hard-rocking klezmer, haunting Balkan harmony, and hip-hop beats will be eaten and spit out by an eclectic ensemble of violin, resophonic guitar, bullhorn harmonica and bass when Luminescent Orchestrii appears at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Tuesday, Oct 16. Luminescent Orchestrii’s performance, part of the college’s Rhythms of Life cultural series, is free and open to the public. It begins at noon in Bruno’s Cafe, located on the second floor of the college’s Reed Union Building; a full menu of hot and cold lunch items will be available for purchase.

Gannon University’s Nash Library, 619 Sassafras Street, will host a book sale Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct 23-24. The sale will run from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Thousands of books will be available in categories like fiction, children’s, history, engineering, business, psychology, science, education, and medicine. On the first day, hardcover books, videos, and audiobooks will be $2.50, paperbacks $1, and pocket paperbacks 50 cents. On the second day, all items will be sold at half price. Patrons should enter through the library’s back door by the West Seventh Street parking lot. Cash sales only. All proceeds will benefit the library’s book budget.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Student Scholarship Auction Committee has announced that the College will hold the 14th Annual Student Scholarship Fund Auction at the new Erie Bayfront Convention Center on Friday, November 16. 2007. Each year, the College conducts fund raisers only for the purpose of providing scholarships to their students. The program opens at 6 pm with a silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 pm and a live auction at 8 pm. For reservations contact the LECOM Communications Office (814) 866-8125 or (814) 860-5125. You may also send a request for ticket information by Email: communications@lecom.edu. RSVP by November 2.

Dennis Weed

Posted by Dennis at September 27, 2007 7:08 AM

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