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Erie PA News and Events for Wednesday January 9, 2008

Erie broke a record high yesterday when it reached 67 degrees. Then the cold front went through. Winds gusts reaching 65 mph have knocked down branches and trees everywhere. Penelec crews are working at restoring power. The Fort LeBoeuf School District is closed today and others such as General McLane are on delays because of power outages.

On January 1, the Erie County property tax went up 1/4 mill which will take in an estimated $3.1 million. Erie County Council spent $3 million of that last night. Erie County built a $3.5 million pre-release center on East 16th which freed up space in the Erie County Courthouse. Yesterday, Erie County Council OK’d the spending of $3 million to renovate the space vacated by the pre-release center on the 5th floor. The sorry excuse for spending $3 million was that some offices had outgrown their current space. The population of Erie County has only grown an estimated 4,239 people in the past 16 years from 275,572 people from the 1990 census to an estimated 279,811 in 2006. There is no reason to grow county government offices with that small of a population increase.

The small earthquake measured at magnitude 3.1 occurred about 8:34 pm Tuesday evening was centered just offshore of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio. Two other small quakes also hit New York in recent days. A magnitude 2.0 quake at 7:07 pm on Monday was centered 15 miles N of Albion, NY and a magnitude 1.8 quake was located 2 miles WNW of Warsaw, NY at around 1:13 am on Sunday morning.

Erie based Spectrum Control (Nasdaq: SPEC), a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic control products and systems, today reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 30, 2007. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company reported net income of $3.2 million or 24 cents per share (23 cents diluted) on sales of $34.7 million, compared to net income of $2.0 million or 15 cents per share on sales of $35.0 million for the same period last year. For the fiscal year 2007, the Company had net income of $11.1 million or 83 cents per share (81 cents diluted) on sales of $136.5 million. In fiscal year 2006, the Company had net income of $5.9 million or 45 cents per share (44 cents diluted) on sales of $125.7 million. The whisper numbers were for earnings of 25 cents a share, on revenue of $36.5 million. Shares fell more than 16 percent.

For the week of Dec 31, 2007 through Jan 6, 2008, Presque Isle Downs and Casino reported wagers of $33,922,119 with payouts of $30,904,215.

Keith M Visconti became Executive Vice President at Commercial Bank and Trust of PA effective January 8. Visconti is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA where he earned a degree in economics.

In late November West Liberty handed Edinboro one of its worst losses under long-time head coach Stan Swank. The two teams squared off Tuesday night at McComb Fieldhouse, and while the Lady Hilltoppers came away with another win over the Fighting Scots, it was hardly easy. West Liberty prevailed 57-49 thanks to a large advantage on the glass. The loss left under Edinboro with a 7-4 record and snapped a four-game winning streak. West Liberty improved to 7-2.

As you might have heard, the Pittsburgh RiverRats are relocating to Erie. The team will retain its nickname and be known as the Erie RiverRats (note the logo), the lack of a river notwithstanding. The Erie RiverRats will be led on the field by Shawn Liotta, entering his second season as the team’s Head Coach and Director of Football Operations. The tentative roster for the 2008 Erie RiverRats includes several players who will be well-known to Erie and AIFA football fans. Quarterback David Dinkins returns for his second season leading the RiverRats offense. Dinkins, who starred with the Erie Freeze in 2005-06, is generally recognized as one of the most electrifying players in the AIFA. Two of his wide receiver targets joined Dinkins as AIFA All-Star selections last season, including Marko Thomas and Quenteen Robinson, one of the most accomplished receivers in indoor football during his five professional seasons. The RiverRats offense will be bolstered with the recent additions of WR/QB Darmel Whitfield and PK J.R. Cipra, both former standouts with the Freeze. The RiverRats defense includes four AIFA All-Star selections, including LB Roosevelt Benjamin, LB T.J. Carden, DT Phil Tillman, and DB Chris Blackshear. Benjamin and Blackshear both came to prominence in Erie, and the RiverRats defensive backfield will have a decidedly Erie feel with Blackshear along with former Erie Freeze standouts Eugene Padgett, Reggie Blanchard, and Sam Reynolds

The Gannon University men’s basketball team has cracked the Top 25 for the first time since 2001-02. The Golden Knights are listed 18th in latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) / Division II Coaches Poll released Tuesday afternoon. The latest national rankings add even more anticipation to Thursday’s (January 10) GLIAC battle between the University of Findlay and Gannon at the Hammermill Center. Findlay is tabbed 9th in the latest poll. The two teams bring a combined record of 24-3 into the match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Although idle since December 16, Mercyhurst continued to inch its way up the ladder in the latest USCHO.com and USA Today Division I Women’s Hockey Polls released this week. Mercyhurst, 14-4-2 overall, moved to No 4 in both to begin the New Year.

Erie SeaWolves FANdemoniom is Sunday, August 31. Why do you need to know that now? Well, the Erie SeaWolves need YOUR HELP! Because the fans mean so much to the SeaWolves players, staff, and organization, they want to thank you for all your support and loyalty. They figured - what better way to thank their fans than to give them what they want!? The SeaWolves are going to have a “Fans Choice Giveaway” on August 31 and we want to know what item YOU would want! Is it a baseball? Waterbottle? Umbrella? Bookbag? Let them know by submitting your choice. Click here!

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced that Denny Creehan has been named the team’s new defensive coordinator. Creehan has over three decades of coaching experience and has spent the previous four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders as their defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Creehan became the Edinboro Fighting Scots head coach in 1979, serving for six seasons and posting a 39-20-1 record.

Every Wednesday is free admission to all four Erie Art Museum galleries from 11 am to 5 pm.

Join The Ophelia Project for an evening of fun at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club and Restaurant on Thursday, January 10 at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $11 Advance ticket sale proceeds benefit The Ophelia Project, but you MUST mention Ophelia when you order tickets. For reservations, call Jr’s direct at (814) 461-0911. 5:30 Dinner available/6:00 pick up ticket/6:30 show *Must be 21 to attend* 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. Visit www.OpheliaProject.org or call 888-256-KIDS (5437) to learn more.

Enjoy great food and friendship at the annual Radio Association of Erie Holiday Party which will be held on Friday January 11 at the Zem Zem Shrine Club at W 38th and Zuck Roads. Social Hour will start at 6 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm. The cost for the buffet dinner is $15 per person. The menu will consist of: Sausage with peppers and onions, Rigatoni with meat, Breaded Chicken, Garden Salad, Relish Tray, Green Beans, Scalloped Potato, Rolls and Butter, Cake and Coffee and Tea. For reservations contact Neil Shea (N3ZNP), (814) 474-2346.

Erie native Joe Zentis is having a signing at The Erie Book Store, 137 E 13th St, from 2-4 pm for his first book, “Lives of Quiet Inspiration: Volume 1” on Saturday Jan 12. Zentis, a Cathedral Prep grad, was born in Erie and lived in McKean.

Join instructors from The Bead Shoppe on Sat Jan 12 beginning at 10:30 am at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle for a fun day of jewelry making. You will be guided in using tools for beach glass drilling and complete a necklace and earrings at the end of class. Cost is $55.00 (includes all supplies and lunch). Please register by calling (814) 833-7424.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) White Coat Ceremony will be held at the Warner Theatre on Sat Jan 12. The School of Pharmacy Class of 2010 ceremony starts at 10:30 am and the medical student Class of 2011 ceremony begins at 2 pm.

The Erie Playhouse Youtheatre presents “Narnia” Fri Jan 11 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 12 at 2 pm and 7 pm, Sun Jan 13 at 2 pm, Fri Jan 18 at 7 pm, Sat Jan 19 at 2 pm and 7 pm and Sun Jan 20 at 2 pm. From the excitement of the opening song to the soaring finale, the unique enchanted world of Narnia comes alive in an astonishing production filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable.

Gannon University will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Wednesday, January 16. The workshop will cover the entire financial aid process as well as a step-by-step review of the questions on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The workshop also will cover definitions of terms that parents and students should know and the various aid programs available. The workshop is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 pm in room 1200 of the university’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach Street. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668).

Mercyhurst North East is holding two orientation sessions for individuals interested in The Municipal Police Training Academy on Wednesday, Jan 16, from 2-4 pm, and Thursday, Jan 17, from 6-8 pm, both at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building on the campus of Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East, PA. MNE’s Police Training Academy, which begins March 3, is one of only sixteen certified academies in the state where individuals can earn Act 120 certification, required for many law enforcement jobs, including municipal police work.

As part of its series of Pink Ribbon Educational Events for breast cancer survivors and to promote breast cancer awareness, Saint Vincent will present a program on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the McGarvey Learning Center at Saint Vincent Health Center, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, Pa. The event will feature music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a brief talk on “Fact vs Fiction: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” presented by Sandra Luthringer, RD, owner of Super Suppers. The event is supported by a grant from The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure. Komen awarded a $75,000 grant to Saint Vincent Health Center to support a program offering restorative health services, education, support and specialized products for breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot afford it. Cost is $6. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 866-4817.

The Erie Chamber Orchestra In residence at Gannon University will perform their annual ‘Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’ on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth Street in Erie. It will will feature the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and Evangelist D M Jamerson, minister of music. The concert is FREE and open to the public.

There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception to welcome the new artists featured at the Nature Shop and Gallery in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday Jan 18, 6-8 pm. Ed Bernik will be signing copies of his book “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest” and there will be signed copies of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” by Ellen Anon.

The 25th annual McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie PA on Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 18, 2008 at the Gannon University Hammermill Center. St Edward of Lakewood Ohio, Rice High School of NYC, Saint Patrick of Elizabeth NJ and Erie Cathedral Prep are in the powerful field. Adult General Admission tickets are $7 and Student General Admission are tickets are $5. Reserved tickets are $12.50.

The Mercyhurst College chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi education honor society will host the Third Annual Teaching and Learning Expo on Saturday, Jan 19, from 9 am to 1:30 pm in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. About 100 area education students and teachers are expected to attend the event, at which they’ll be able to choose three workshops from 17 offerings. The cost of the program is $5, including a catered lunch. Act 48 credits are available for the morning workshops. For more information, email Dr Ruth Auld or call (814) 824-3370.

Daniel S Mead, president of Verizon Services Corp, will discuss how creation of a centralized business services unit saved the telecommunications giant $562 million in one year during an upcoming presentation for the Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Mead, a Warren native and member of the college’s Council of Fellows, will speak at 6 pm on Tuesday, January 22, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to his talk is free and open to the public.

The Cleveland Indians Caravan will be rolling into Erie January 23, 2008 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute, 136 East Avenue. Doors open at 5 pm with a trivia contest and plenty of food and beverage. Cleveland Indians’ players, coaches and media staff will arrive at 6:30 pm to entertain Erie’s Tribe faithful, to answer fan’s questions and present a highlight film from last year’s baseball season. A donation of $8 per ticket will benefit programs at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Tickets are available now through January 23rd at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or at Hector’s Cafe, W 18th and Liberty Streets. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of January 23, if available.

The 2008 Erie RV, Camping and Powersport Expo will be held January 23-27 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Wed 4-9 pm, Thurs Noon-9 pm, Fri 10 an to 8 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission and free parking.

Glass Growers Gallery at 10 East Fifth St in Erie will be hosting an exhibit called ‘Spirital Thresholds’ by Annoel Krider. Color and design blend with tradition and balance in the southwestern inspired weavings of this fiber artist who also creates mixes-media objects and sculptures to further refine her vision. There will be an artists reception on Friday Jan 25 from 6-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display Jan 25 to March 11.

Your Day In Court: An Internet Security Workshop features William Shore of the Pittsburgh FBI office. The workshop will be held Noon-3 pm on Thursday, Jan 31 at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center; 7792 Peach Street in Erie. After a security breach, it is often too late to back track, recreate and document the environment in which the security breach occurred. From a strategic management viewpoint, this pitfall is often fatal. In court proceedings, the lack of defendable evidence can impact the success of litigation and create liability issues for your organization. This workshop is specifically designed to explain what steps should be taken following a security breach. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by: Software Technology Concepts, eBizITPA, the FBI and the Technology Council of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 14th annual Sarah Backstrom Memorial Women’s and Girl’s Hockey Tournament will be held in Erie February 8-10, 2008. Admission is FREE to all games. About 1,000 young ladies plus family and friends will be in town for the weekend. Hotel rooms will be hard to come by and expect delays at restaurants. Who was Sarah Backstrom? She was a feisty red headed defensewoman who gave all off her love of the game and passion to play it to the Erie Lady Lions. Sarah fought every battle to the end, with passion and determination. The Erie Lady Lions lost Sarah to Leukemia but have never lost her spirit.

The Association of Program Members (APM) of General Electric Transportation in Erie PA announced that it will be sponsoring the 13th Annual Winter Wishes Benefit Gala for the Foundation of Western Pennsylvania on February 16, 2008. Each year, the members of APM reach out to the community to collect donations for the silent auctions, live auctions and raffles that are held at the event. They also solicit “table sponsors” from local businesses. As a table sponsor, the business’ name appears on the centerpiece showing their support for this wonderful event as well as in any promotional materials that they put together for the function. The money raised with the auctioned items donated by local businesses will help provide funding for Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Community support of this event is recognition of the importance of this cause are greatly appreciated. Along with your assistance, GE will be able to make an impact on the day-to-day life of children whose lives are threatened.

The 2008 Erie Home and Garden Expo will be held February 21-24 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8:30 pm and Sun 11 am to 5 pm.

The 10th annual MECA Bar Stool Open will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 in downtown Erie, PA. Entry fee is $100 per team of 4 golfers, $25 per person. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Click here to for the registration form.

The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held February 29 - March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Noon-9 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.

The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.

Posted by Dennis at January 9, 2008 7:07 AM

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