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Erie PA News and Events for Wednesday October 31, 2007

Way to go Phil! Ensuring public dollars support American families not an addiction is the goal of legislation recently introduced by U S Rep Phil English (R-Pa). HR 3656 would require states to administer drug tests for welfare recipients if the state has substantial evidence that an individual welfare beneficiary is abusing controlled substances. “My legislation asks a simple question. Shouldn’t the taxpayers be able to insist that welfare beneficiaries be clean and sober?” English said. If substance abuse is found, the welfare beneficiary’s cash assistance would be suspended, the individual would have to enroll in a drug treatment program and undergo additional drug tests every 30 to 60 days. If the beneficiary tests positive for substance abuse at least three consecutive times, their welfare benefits would be revoked.

In you’re in Harborcreek, cruise up Victory Drive. There is a family there that goes all out for Halloween. There are hundreds of carved pumpkins in the yard. Hundreds.

Wayne Jones, DO, has been named Medical Director of the Saint Vincent Emergency Department. Dr Jones joined the Saint Vincent medical staff in 1992 and most recently served as interim medical director of the Saint Vincent Emergency Department. He is the current medical director of the Saint Vincent medical command facility; EmergyCare Ground, Air and Education; and the Erie Bureau of Police, Special Weapons and Tactics Medical Support Team. Dr Jones chaired the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physician’s EMS Committee and is currently a board examiner for the organization. He is also a Greater Erie Area American Red Cross board member and serves on the adjunct faculty at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr Jones is a recent recipient of the esteemed Robert D Aranosian, DO, FACOEP Excellence in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) award for his significant contribution to the field.

Phylis M Mansfield and Mary Beth Pinto, associate professors of marketing at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, have published their latest study, “Marketing Credit Cards to College Students: Will Legislation Protect Them from Excessive Debt?” in the Spring 2007 issue of Marketing Management Journal. The research explored whether lawmakers are addressing the issue of credit card debt effectively by concentrating on reducing credit card solicitation on college campuses. During the last decade, numerous states have proposed regulating the solicitation of cards for those younger than 21 years of age, mostly through on-campus restrictions. However, Mansfield and Pinto found that only 4.8 percent of students obtained their cards from on-campus sources; the majority obtained their credit cards from direct mail solicitations. Yet, those students who attended schools that allow on-campus marketing owned more credit cards and carried higher balances than those at schools where on-campus solicitation was banned. “At schools permitting solicitation, the average number of credit cards per student was 2.21 and the average outstanding balance was $611 total, compared to 1.99 cards and a $462 outstanding balance for students at schools where solicitation was not permitted,” said Pinto, who also serves as director of Penn State Behrend’s Center for Credit and Consumer Research (CCCR). Nationwide, between 70 percent and 80 percent of all college students have at least one credit card and carry an average outstanding monthly balance of $2,169. “The legal action of banning on-campus solicitation by credit card marketers may not be a sufficient public policy action to fully address the problems students are experiencing,” Mansfield added. Currently, there is a proposal in the U S Congress to restrict credit to college students in other ways. The College Student Credit Card Protection Act addresses limits on credit to a percentage of a student’s gross income, which may prove to be a more effective way for public policy to impact this issue.

The Erie Art Museum’s First Thursdays program for preschool kids ages 3 to 6 continues this fall with three programs designed for kids to learn from teaching artists and make lots of art. Every first Thursday of the month (November and December) from 10-11 am the Erie Art Museum offers a special program for 3-6 year olds and their families. Led by Museum staff, children and adults explore the art right in the galleries with storytelling, art-making and music. Cost is $5 per child. The program takes place at the Erie Art Museum Annex, 423 State Street. Space is limited. Reservations are required, (814) 459-5477. The Erie Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is FREE for members, FREE on Wednesdays, $4 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students and $2 for children under 12.

Sunburst Electronics, a contract manufacturer of electronic controls in Erie, Pa, has hired Sandy Barretta as Sales Manager. Sandy’s responsibilities encompass maintaining and growing Sunburst’s sales base, coordinating and presenting quotations for new sales opportunities, participating in new product development for both prospective and current customers, as well as providing ongoing service to Sunburst’s existing customer base. Formerly, Sandy was employed as Regional Sales Manager for Clifford Metal, where she managed sales efforts and serviced customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York territories.

The Edinboro Fighting Scots women’s soccer team won their first ever PSAC West Playoff game, 3-1 over Indiana (Pa). Edinboro will continue on to the semifinals on Friday, November 2 at Slippery Rock.

The third-ranked Mercyhurst women’s hockey team led 4-1 after the first period and never looked back as the Lakers defeated CHA foe Robert Morris Tuesday night before 400 fans at the MIC. Mercyhurst improved to 7-1-1. Hayley McMeekin, pictured, scored two goals and had two assists. Meghan Agosta had two goals.

Clarion University senior Erin Richard (Erie McDowell) added to her
impressive resume by winning the PSAC women’s cross country
championship at Kutztown. Richard, a 3 time All-American in track and field, is the first Clarion women’s runner to win a PSAC Title.

The Gannon men’s soccer team (14-2-1) remained fourth in the latest NCAA Division II Great Lakes regional rankings released Tuesday afternoon. The ranking makes this weekend’s Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Final Four extremely important to the Golden Knights for their post-season hopes. The top four teams will be invited to participate in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional. Gannon will host the inaugural GLIAC Final Four this weekend at Gannon University Field. The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, November 1. Tickets for Thursday’s semifinals cost $5 for adults and $2 for students and senior citizens.

Mercyhurst freshman goaltender Ryan Zapolski (Erie Cathedral Prep) was named to the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) Honor Roll late yesterday for his performance against Holy Cross at the Ice Center last weekend. Zapolski, an Erie, Pa native, stopped a combined 58 of 64 shots (.906) against the Crusaders.

The Mercyhurst College women’s tennis team had four players named to one of the All-GLIAC Women’s Tennis Teams released this week. Freshman Kim Ezzo (pictured) was named first-team all-conference, while senior Jennifer Daly and junior Jaclyn McLean were named second-team. Sophomore Meghan Raynor received honorable mention recognition.

Clarion University announced it will add women’s golf as a varsity intercollegiate sport for the fall 2008 season. Assistant cross country and track coach Marie Gritzer has been named women’s golf coach, effective immediately. Currently there are three women’s golf programs in the conference. Mercyhurst and Gannon also have women’s golf programs and will be entering the PSAC in fall 2008.

Gannon soccer fans will have every opportunity to see or hear all the action at this weekend’s Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Men’s Soccer Final Four hosted by Gannon University Field. 90.5 WERG has announced plans to broadcast all matches involving Gannon live. The feed will also be available via the Internet at WERGfm.com.

Trick-or-treating hours are 6-8 pm nearly everywhere in the Erie area. The exception being Oil City which held their’s on Saturday during the day as they have since the 1992 murder of 11 year old Shauna Howe.

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 Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm huge cornfield maze which they call “Corn Stalking USA” is now open and runs through the end of November. Hours are Friday through Monday 10am - 10pm. Cost is $8 with kids age 6-12 getting in for $6 and 5 and under entering for free. For details call (814) 734-2833.

The Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department Valley Of The Ghouls - Haunted House will be held October 25-27 and 29. Admission is just $5. Ghouling begins at 7:30 and lasts until 11 pm.

The Erie Playhouse production of Frankenstein opens Friday Oct 26 and runs through Nov 11.

Due to heavy interest from the Erie community, Jeff Corwin’s Thursday presentation at Penn State Behrend has been moved to the college’s Junker Center. Corwin will share his “Tales from the Field” beginning at 7:30 pm on Thursday Nov 1 in Junker Center, which seats approximately 2,000. Doors open at 6:30 pm and seating will be first come, first served. Admission is FREE and no ticket is required. Corwin is best known for hosting a herd of adventure-reality television programs on the Animal Planet cable network; his Penn State Behrend appearance is sponsored by the college’s annual Speaker Series. Corwin will handle live reptiles during his talk, and afterwards will sign copies of his book, Living on the Edge: Amazing Relationships in the Natural World. The book will be available for purchase that evening in Penn State Behrend’s bookstore.

Young Erie Professionals (Yep!) Invites local leaders to network while learning about a new doctoral program in Organizational Learning and Leadership offered at Gannon University. Please join them at the Marketplace Grille, 319 State St, November 1, at 6 pm to learn more about this program while networking with local yep! members. To ensure proper seating, visit the web site for more information on how to register or email Andrew Lincoln. Walk-ins are also welcome. Dr Barker will give an overview of the program, the first and only degree of its kind in northwestern Pennsylvania, answer your questions, and talk about the application and course requirements. Dr Tim Downs, Dean of the College of Humanities, Business and Education will also be on hand to answer questions about other graduate degree programs in leadership, the humanities, business and education.

The Radio Association of Erie meeting will be held on Thursday November 1 at 7 PM at the American Red Cross, 4961 Pittsburgh Avenue off of West Grandview Blvd.

The Venango Digital Film Association will be holding it first Film Festival November 2 and 3. The festival will feature films of all genres, but will focus on local filmmakers and films set within the region. Screenings will be held on November 2nd at the Barrow Civic Theatre in Franklin from 7pm until 9pm and on November 3rd at the Latonia in Oil City from 7pm until 9pm at a cost of five dollars for admittance. Workshops are also being held on Nov 3rd at the Latonia from 9am until 5pm, topics include: lighting, sound, editing, making family dvds and camcorders demystified. The cost is $10 each or $40 for all. Eligibility: Ages 14 to Adult (filmmakers under 18 must include letters of permission from a parent with their submissions) . Filmmaker must live in Western Pennsylvania, or the film must reflect a theme or subject of the region. Film Length and Format: 10 to 30 minutes. DVD submissions are preferred but VHS entries will also be accepted. We cannot accept entries on mini-DV tape, hard drives, 35mm film, or other formats. Entry Fee: $20 per submission, checks or money orders made payable to the Oil City Arts Council. Please note that submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope. Mailing Address: Venango Digital Film Association Film Festival, PO Box 1082, Franklin, PA 16323. Deadline: All entries must be received by Friday, 19 October. Contact: Michael Dittman at simpub@hotmail.com or visit http://www.joannwheelerfineart.com/vdfa/index.html for more details.

Gannon University on Sunday, Nov 4 will host its annual Fall Open House. Students and their parents can attend an optional mass at 11 am in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, 512 Peach Street. Registration will begin at 11:30 am in the lobby of the Waldron Campus Center, 124 West Seventh Street. Students can enter Scholarship Contests in eight academic disciplines: English, French, Spanish, German, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Education. Contest winners are eligible for annual scholarships up to $3,000 should they decide to enroll at Gannon. For more information on Fall Open House, contact the Gannon University Office of Admissions at (814) 871-7240, or 1-800-GANNON-U.

The Erie Area Film Makers present the First “Films For Food” Drive to benefit The Second Harvest Food Bank of Erie, Pa. The event, being held November 9-10 at the Historical Roadhouse Theater in Erie, PA, features 24 Continuous Hours of films produced by Erie Area Film Makers. Admission to the Theater is simply a Donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank in the form of cash or a non-perishable food item. Films to be featured include “Fist Of The Vampire” by Len Kabasinksi, “Chasing Darkness” by Jason Hull, “Virgin Pockets” by Paul Gorman as well as the World Premiere of “Aspiring Psychopath” by Ryan Cavalline plus films by local favorites Dustin Austin, Monster Mark, Matt Detisch, Lisa Seelinger and many more. Many of the Film Makers will be on hand with members of their cast and crew to accept donations at the Theater. Todd Humes (“Chasing Darkness”), Marie Madison (“Virgin Pockets”) and Shannon Solo (“Wolf At The Door”) will be among the many local Actors and Actresses on hand to accept donations. This event is designed to put focus on the local issues of poverty, homelessness and hunger during the Thanksgiving Holiday when far too many families in our community go without enough food. And absolutely no one will be turned away. The event’s organizer and local Film Maker Paul Gorman explains. “Poverty is one of the issues we’re dealing with locally. If there’s anyone in the community who couldn’t afford to attend a local film during the year, now is a great opportunity to do so. Even with the relatively low cost of ticket prices here in town, many families are still unable to afford tickets to our shows. This is one of the ways the film makers here are offering a remedy. Anyone with a donation of any kind will be let into the screenings. And if someone comes down who just can’t afford a donation, well, they’ll be let in too. Keep in mind that films like Len Kabasinki’s “Swamp Zombies” and Jason Hull’s “Chasing Darkness” sold out during their initial releases here in Erie so here’s another opportunity to see these great films and make a much needed contribution to our community.” The first screening begins at 7:30 pm on Friday November 9th and will continue through 8 pm Saturday night when our last film is screened. After, The Great Lakes Film Association is hosting a Wine and Cheese Reception for the Erie Area Film Makers that’s open to the public, so anyone interested can come meet the Film Makers and learn a bit more about the growing, vibrant film community in Erie, PA. For a complete schedule of films, please visit Films For Food at www.myspace.com/filmsforfood. For more information on the event, or to make a contribution, you may contact Paul Gorman at gmdfilms@verizon.net or by phone at (814) 572-1461. This event is made possible by generous contributions from The Roadhouse Theater, Hagen Business Machines, The Great Lakes Film Association as well as the Film Makers, Casts, Crews and Technicians in the Erie Area Film Community.

The Hot Club of San Francisco, an ensemble of accomplished and versatile musicians celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Hot Club of France, will perform at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Thursday, November 15. Hot Club of San Francisco is brought to Erie by Music at Noon: The Logan Series. The lunchtime performance is FREE and open to the public, and takes place at noon in the McGarvey Commons of the college’s Reed Union Building.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be shown at the Roadhouse Theatre, 145 West 11th St, on Thursday Nov 15 at 8 pm. Proceeds benefit the Great Lake Film Association.

Do you want to know how to expand your sales to the European markets? Learn about product regulatory aspects for goods entering the EU. Understand the importance of Exhibitions in the EU and how trade shows weigh into the overall concept of doing business in the EU. The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is holding a workshop in Mercer on Nov 15. Cost is $35. To register please contact Lori Moore, or phone (814) 677-4800 Ext 104.

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 Nov 16 with 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 October 31, 2007 7:03 AM

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